John,

Listen to what we're hearing in this thread. For various reasons, people can't make it to Las Vegas. Either too far away or too expensive to attend.

I've been attending trade shows for decades, and one question has always lingered in my mind:

"Is our country's minority population involved in the awards and engraving business?"

If so, you wouldn't know it by attending the shows. The outward appearance is that of "The land of white bread and mayonaisse."

The overwhelming majority of show attendees are established award dealers.

It's great fun to drive, or fly, into a big city and hob-knob with friends, but that does absolutely nothing to advance our industry.

Trade shows bring revenue to cities. From what you're saying, Wichita could use a shot in the arm.

Not only would the city receive a small degree of much-needed financial relief, but the people of the area would be encouraged to find alternatives to their "one-company-economy."

Last year, for the very first time in my 51-year life, I flew from coast to coast. I was flying from big city, to big city.

As the well-traveled passengers fought boredom, by reading magazines and watching movies in thumbnail format, I sat next to a window and gazed across our land with the wide-eyed wonderment of a child.

I didn't have the benefit of seeing our state lines neatly-partitioned and labeled, as on a geographical map. Wide areas of seemingly unpopulated land would give way to a smattering of dirt roads and buildings, which in turn, would lead to wider, paved roads and the larger buildings of a nearby city. Then, the reverse would happen.

To this day, I have no idea which states, or which cities I was flying over.

That flight only served to heighten my curiosity. Which cities were I seeing? Who are the people? What drives their local economy?

The Engraving Etc. Live! event, in the Midwest, will, in a small way, answer those questions.

That's only one waystation. I'll want to visit many more.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

That's an excellent idea. Very nice!

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David

Wichita could use some help no doubt - yesterday Southern Illinois University
beat Wichita State for he Missouri Vallley Title. The 4th year in a row
that SIU has captured that position. Wichita would have held the title had
it not been for SIU. So yes Wichita is having a rough year.

All kidding aside - one thing that should be considered on where we
have this - ease of travel for all parties - by that I mean - the city we positon
this in should have good access by interstate and especially an airport
with good flight schedules - As a small example of this - I used fly from
St. Louis to Omaha Neb. for $100.00 round trip - From St. Louis to
DeMoines Iowa was $650.00 round trip - basicly same air miles, - just the fact
that Omaha offerd more options. Just something to be considered.

Joe,

Absolutely. Access to airports and thruways will be crucial.

Beyond that, short of putting myself in life-threatening situations, I'd like to take the message to more remote and distraught economies. Including other countries.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

I'm hearing different purposes.

1) Get together/educational for forum members. By reading the forum these people have at least some exposure, and a definite interest / need. Most have specific questions and should understand the answers.

2) Trying to introduce others, with no prior thought on the subject, to the industry. This would be more "selling the industry". You mention poorer areas, will they have the clientele? How many locals in a given area can enter the business, all be viable, and have good potential for future growth?

In my opinion #1 can be done now, #2 needs a little more time in the incubator.

(How long until laser engravers are another "color inkjet printer"? Digital cameras, color printers, and computers have changed the photography market; how long until engraving "goes home"?)

Ken,

I've definitely laid out a long-term plan. Obviously, it can only be accomplished by taking baby steps toward that end.

Selling the industry, is in the best interest of the industry. At present, trade shows, and associated literature, mostly cater to those already in the industry.

As to how many tradespeople one area can support, you only have to take a trip to a vantage point in your area. In my case, before I went on my own, that spot was Mt. Wilson, located in the Angeles Nat'l Forest, which overlooks a wide expanse of the greater Los Angeles area.

It won't take long, for you to see there are many more potential customers than any one shop could possibly handle. Furthermore, when you consider the ultimate versatility of our equipment, which even includes the lowly table-top manual pantograph, not everyone in the area will be interested in performing the same tasks.

Some will gravitate toward jewelry engraving. Others will seek inroads to light industrial work, and still others will pursue nameplates, badges and signage. The list could go on and on.

We're already seeing (as you suggest) some of our tools of the trade appearing in local malls etc. Please pardon the phrase, "It's not what you got, it's how you use it."

In this industry, that's a very appropriate statement.

Give identical equipment to ten people and you'll see output ranging from extreme works of art, to items which conjure a picture of Stevie Wonder engraving with his left hand. (assuming he's right-handed)

You get the idea.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

Long range planning...

Where are we now,
Where do we want to be,
How do we get from here to there.

I wish someone could explain the concept to a person I know...
Unfortunately they can't understand the "where do we want to be" part is possible. Only lives in the moment.

Ken,

The immediate plan is to see the MidWest event come to pass. From there, we'll assess it's rate of success and develop a continuing strategy.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

Sprinter,

How's that search for a "town hall" venue going?

David T. has supplied a range of prices for an Embassy Suites venue.

We'll compare those prices to what you come up with and see which concept makes more sense.

I appreciate your legwork.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

I am just a little over an hour down the highway from St. Joe MO and am very interested in attending this get together. If the show ends up being up there I have an Epilog Mini that I could bring up if we need more machines for warm bodies to gather around.

James

Basehor Awards & Trophies

P.S. There is another thread asking who will be watching the store while you all are in Vegas. What I am wondering is who will be helping all us newbies while you experts are living it up in Vegas? :-}

James,

Thank you for your generous offer. We appreciate it.

We're still arm-wrestling over what will be left in and out.

The second part of your question is much easier.

David Takes, our extremely capable co-moderator, and although a relative newbie himself (4th year as an awards professional) is highly capable of handling things in our absence.

Very much so.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

Starting my 5th year in two weeks. Call me a newbie if you want, that puts me in with a great group of folks.

David,

Didn't mean to offend. I'm just jealous that I hadn't learned so much in such a short period of time :-)

Sour grapes. That's all :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

It would be helpful but not completely necessary, However if we get into the discussion of "how to" the system would be needed.

Realistically about 10 without stepping on each other. A power point set-up could be used as well just a lot of work involved in doing it.

The one thing about the ULS system that is really nice is you can completely disassemble it and put it back together in 30 minutes. Theres not a lot to get into.

I am speaking about how I would do it. If you are going to use the local rep then you should discuss the situation with them directly. I don't see any real problem with getting / having a system there. However not all reps are created equal and there may be a let down for the readers of this forum.

I do kinda wish that more of our reps would chime in here I sometimes feel that I am the lonely voice for ULS.

Mike,

Thank you.

You may be the only voice for ULS on the forum, but you're coming through with very clear enunciation for the company.

Very impressive participation.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

Got it covered. I reservred 25 rooms at a hotel close to the airport, they are going to donate a large meeting room.

Also enlisted R.S. Owens as the main sponsor for a couple of grand.

Have contacted at least another dozen hardware and software companies that will pay $500 each to show their wares.

Also contacted several organiztions that represent unemployed minorities and the unemployed due to outsourcing etc for the job fair you are conducting.

Let me know if you need anything else.

P.S. you should be contacted soon to finalize the dates etc. It sure was easy....just had to use your name when talking to all the above people.

Sprinter,

Perfect! Response was immediate. I'm in contact with all parties and they assure me you'll be billed for the entire event.

Thank you so much :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

I'm thinking it's going to be hard to beat Kansas BBQ, KC has a good airport and it's on I-70. It's about a 4 hour flight in my little plane so I'll be there if you're keeping track.

Mike