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I enjoyed the show as I have in years past at the Armory, Cordage and Kingston. Kudos to the MSBA for their hardwork in pulling this off.
With that said, I think those who say this is primarily a social event need to look a little deeper. If what you are looking for is a social event, fine, but that doesn't help the vendors who need to make enough $$ to justify their effort. Vendors need customers to buy product to make it worth their while and many people are attracted to the show not for social ties, or for that matter an interest in the social gathering, but to buy stuff.
Having people come and talk is great, but if the vendors don't sell anything, why bring the goods? Just go to a club meeting and hang out...
The danger I see for this expo is a downward spiral.
It was very evident to me that this year was significantly down in terms of vendors. Last year appeared (to me) to be down compared to the year before. I am now questioning whether I will go next year as their is less to look at and shop for. With lower attendance, fewer vendors will show up. It is a death spiral.
Also, those who say RISSA should be moved because they have only been doing it for 4 years are missing something called competition. Last I checked the RI show has 4-5 times the vendors as the MSBA show. Newer yes, but much bigger. I only have time for one show and if I had not been away next weekend, it would have been RI not the MA show.
Competition is what it is.
That said, I'm thrilled with my new CMS rod and assortment of RonZ plastics. I enjoyed Flaps presentation as well.
I think there has been a lot of honest feedback on this board that MSBA should listen to. If a social gathering is desired, fantastic. But if an expo with vendors is desired, there may be some trouble ahead.
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