Less than three weeks to the SHOT show and wonderful times in LV
I bought a ton of gizmos for testing, but alas most of them were crap and failed miserably.
Look for more info in 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy new year
Less than three weeks to the SHOT show and wonderful times in LV
I bought a ton of gizmos for testing, but alas most of them were crap and failed miserably.
Look for more info in 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
Less than a month to SHOT
Pictures and review this weekend.
Stay warm
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
6 weeks out to SHOT 2010 show time
I will be back to writing more now that I kicked that nasty cough medicine habit, I have weened my self down to just two shots of NyQuil a day now.
Upcoming is the "Trade Show Boot Shootout" and yes, we have a winner!
I also want to talk about what are the best convention centers for a trade show.
More soon
Thursday, October 22, 2009
If you are running a flashlight with a Cree emitter, take care and watch out
I will update this when I have the reports back. I do not want to give the company name out until I hear back from them, hopefully this is a one time freak occurrence.
UPDATE 10/23/09 from older post
I received my light back last week. No note, no explanation or even a "kiss my butt" post it note in the envelope. I did contact the company by land line and was told that the battery I used ( I sent it with the light at their request) was a "cheap" battery and that I should only use "name" battery's. OK, I will admit that I threw in a CVS brand battery, that was made by Duracell I believe, but come on, the thing exploded, I mean it blew right the hell up.
Now I am fine with a company protecting itself from lawsuits, but to not even say "sorry it blew up guy, glad you didn't lose an eye" that is just sad, poor customer service in my thinking.
Maybe it's just me, but I would think if you sold something that had the potential to explode like a 22 short, you would give your consumers a little waring about it. I contacted a company that is working with cutting edge flashlight designs and was told by their owner that they had heard of no other explosions like this happening to anyone else.
So, I should start a company testing stuff for consumers, because it seem like if it's going to have a catastrophic failure, I will be the one it happens to.
I am using the replacement light now, but I make sure when it is on the shelve, the cap is loosened all the way.
Only in my world would this happen.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
NTOA 2009
http://bizarrocomic.blogspot.com/2009/10/death-by-entertainment.html
Well, what can you really say about a two day show in Tulsa. Everything seems to be subjective, it just depends on who you talk to.
The 1st day for us was busy for the 1st few hours, then it seemed to turn into a standard vendor fest in the afternoon.
The 2nd day started slow, with a burst around lunch time, then a mandatory meeting for the attendees drained the hall to nothing for an hour or so. Why this had to be scheduled during the show hours was beyond me.
We were blessed with having some great vendors in our area, neat items to look at and super people to talk to, I just wish we had not spent all that money to do it!
I spoke with some vendors that thought it was a total waste of time and money, and a couple that said it was a great show for them.
Everyone across the board complained that the dept money was drying up, we knew that was coming though.
I spoke with a dept that was even disbanding their SWAT team due to the lack of a tax base.
I heard from one east coast PD that they have to cut back all training due to funds, now they will only be shooting once a year and all other times training with red guns only, that is hard times.
Will we do NTOA next year? I think our money would be better spent at ILETTA, time will tell.
Talking with a lot of long term vendors brought out that many companies are going to be cutting back on their shows next year. Times seem to be tough all over, it just took a little longer to get to us.
On the personal side, Tulsa was not bad, had a great hotel, had a great meal on Monday night with some wonderful people and most of the other time off was spent shopping for crap we forgot to bring.
The 22 hour trip out brought only one surprise, I was driving through Ashville NC and my truck started to fill with a dense white cloud, that had a unique smell. Having only 14000 miles on the truck, I was shocked and dismayed that this was happening. Pulling over rather quickly I bailed out of what I thought was a burning deathtrap.
I then bravely ventured back into the vehicle to save what I could of my possessions. I then heard a dying hissing noise, I reached into the back seat and found a can of Right Guard that I had placed in my last minute luggage bag (walmart shopping sack) had shifted and dumped the entire contents into the cab! Needless to say I felt a huge amount of relief (and a huge amount of being a dumbass)
During the last day of the show, the promoter came with some local PD and took Sam away from the booth, no, not to put him in a new pair of bracelets, but to show him that a truck had hit a pole in the parking garage and sent it thru the back window of his Tahoe! He then spent 5 hours waiting for the glass company to come and replace the window for his trip back to the shop in TX. I got to work the booth alone for the rest of the day, then break it down,( I had the easy job, waiting with the truck would have killed me) I think we were the last ones to load out.
The trip home was long, boring and uneventful, as much of it as I can remember. I think I slept thru half of it, even though I was the only one in the truck. I don't think that I will be driving to many shows that are over 12 hours away alone anymore, although I still feel 16 ( ya, right) time has taken a toll on the old body. Then again, flying the friendly skies sucks also, we will see how it goes.
I think we are done now for the year, show wise. Next will be SHOT 2010 back in "wonderful" LV
I will have some reviews up soon on some items that I picked up that might help at the shows and an update on the search for the ultimate "show boot"
Stayed tuned
Monday, September 21, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
TREXPO East 2009 over, on to Tulsa and NTOA
The TREXPO show was, again, a very well done show. The morning of the 1st day was packed in the 400 aisle section right up until lunch time. After classes started it became more of a vendor to vendor love fest but still all in all the 1st day was good.The 2nd day went as it has for the past years, slow start with a brisk pick up around 11:30 and a die off at 1:00. In all a very good show, one of the few that really reaches the federal level, with out all the hassles that go along with a show in DC.
The show management will go over and above for the vendors, and the meet and greet after the 1st day is still something I look forward too all year. I also like the facility, flat, no loading dock to contend with, easy in and out for those who tote their own displays.
I could do without the food prices and quality, but those are the things you live with on the road.
The area abounds in good hotels and food choices for dinner and is somewhat easy to get around in, as long as they are not working on the roads. We made more U turns then average due to the fact that the exit ramp we needed was blocked.
Grade on this show 9 out of 10 for location and facility
10/10 on administration of show
8/10 attendance and interest of our product.
Now its on to NTOA next weekend, Anyone going from NC and wants a ride, just yell at me
The show management will go over and above for the vendors, and the meet and greet after the 1st day is still something I look forward too all year. I also like the facility, flat, no loading dock to contend with, easy in and out for those who tote their own displays.
I could do without the food prices and quality, but those are the things you live with on the road.
The area abounds in good hotels and food choices for dinner and is somewhat easy to get around in, as long as they are not working on the roads. We made more U turns then average due to the fact that the exit ramp we needed was blocked.
Grade on this show 9 out of 10 for location and facility
10/10 on administration of show
8/10 attendance and interest of our product.
Now its on to NTOA next weekend, Anyone going from NC and wants a ride, just yell at me
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
It happened to me, a cautionary tale about Cree lights
So, a few weeks ago I bought some very High tech teeny tiny flashlights that had just come out. they are a tad bit larger than the AAA battery that powers them and they put out 62 LM for 48 mins, same light as the 1st surefire 6P models, you also can have 18lms for 4 hours or 1.5 for 48 hours. Looked well built, nice pocket clip and great light output. Took them to the trade show, even sold a few to some of the flashlight guys and others that had never seen them before.
Now, last night, it is a week later to when I got back, I am in the office at the house, "She who will be obeyed" (My significant other) is in the dining room on her lap top , about 70' away from me. I hear what sounds like a 22 magnum pop off, very loud sharp crack. I jump up and head down the hall to meet her coming towards me asking "what the hell did you do" Both of us were perplexed as to what made the noise, then proceeded to search the house for the culprit.
After 45 mins I look at the table in the dining room and saw that it looked like the surface had been covered with glitter, I picked up the flashlight and noticed that the lens was missing and the "glitter" I saw was glass particles.
The light was in the off position, and I was using an alkaline battery, as per the instructions.
could have been worse I guess, but still not a good thing. The flashlight uses a Cree xp-e Q5. I contacted the maker and they have never heard of this happening, I also called a friend who is one of the top flashlight designers in the US and he has never heard of it either. very strange happenings.
I am sending the damaged light back to the company, and another one I have to be tested by another company to see why this happened.
If you are running a flashlight with a Cree emitter, take care and watch out
I will update this when I have the reports back. I do not want to give the company name out until I hear back from them, hopefully this is a one time freak occurrence.
UPDATE 10/23/09
I received my light back last week. No note, no explanation or even a "kiss my butt" post it note in the envelope. I did contact the company by land line and was told that the battery I used ( I sent it with the light at their request) was a "cheap" battery and that I should only use "name" battery's. OK, I will admit that I threw in a CVS brand battery, that was made by Duracell I believe, but come on, the thing exploded, I mean it blew right the hell up.
Now I am fine with a company protecting itself from lawsuits, but to not even say "sorry it blew up guy, glad you didn't lose an eye" that is just sad, poor customer service in my thinking.
Maybe it's just me, but I would think if you sold something that had the potential to explode like a 22 short, you would give your consumers a little waring about it. I contact a company that is working with cutting edge flashlight designs and was told by their owner that they had heard of no other explosions like this happening to anyone else.
So, I should start a company testing stuff for consumers, because it seem like if it's going to have a catastrophic failure, I will be the one it happens to.
I am using the replacement light now, but I make sure when it is on the shelve, the cap is loosened all the way.
Only in my world would this happen.
Now, last night, it is a week later to when I got back, I am in the office at the house, "She who will be obeyed" (My significant other) is in the dining room on her lap top , about 70' away from me. I hear what sounds like a 22 magnum pop off, very loud sharp crack. I jump up and head down the hall to meet her coming towards me asking "what the hell did you do" Both of us were perplexed as to what made the noise, then proceeded to search the house for the culprit.
After 45 mins I look at the table in the dining room and saw that it looked like the surface had been covered with glitter, I picked up the flashlight and noticed that the lens was missing and the "glitter" I saw was glass particles.
The light was in the off position, and I was using an alkaline battery, as per the instructions.
could have been worse I guess, but still not a good thing. The flashlight uses a Cree xp-e Q5. I contacted the maker and they have never heard of this happening, I also called a friend who is one of the top flashlight designers in the US and he has never heard of it either. very strange happenings.
I am sending the damaged light back to the company, and another one I have to be tested by another company to see why this happened.
If you are running a flashlight with a Cree emitter, take care and watch out
I will update this when I have the reports back. I do not want to give the company name out until I hear back from them, hopefully this is a one time freak occurrence.
UPDATE 10/23/09
I received my light back last week. No note, no explanation or even a "kiss my butt" post it note in the envelope. I did contact the company by land line and was told that the battery I used ( I sent it with the light at their request) was a "cheap" battery and that I should only use "name" battery's. OK, I will admit that I threw in a CVS brand battery, that was made by Duracell I believe, but come on, the thing exploded, I mean it blew right the hell up.
Now I am fine with a company protecting itself from lawsuits, but to not even say "sorry it blew up guy, glad you didn't lose an eye" that is just sad, poor customer service in my thinking.
Maybe it's just me, but I would think if you sold something that had the potential to explode like a 22 short, you would give your consumers a little waring about it. I contact a company that is working with cutting edge flashlight designs and was told by their owner that they had heard of no other explosions like this happening to anyone else.
So, I should start a company testing stuff for consumers, because it seem like if it's going to have a catastrophic failure, I will be the one it happens to.
I am using the replacement light now, but I make sure when it is on the shelve, the cap is loosened all the way.
Only in my world would this happen.
__________________
Never knock on Death's door. Ring the bell and run, he hates that.
I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it.
Never knock on Death's door. Ring the bell and run, he hates that.
I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Back from TREXPO
Great show, long week. Will file an after action report on the show after I get over the obligatory "after show sick days". Seems like it happens at least two shows a year, I get home and have a case of the flu/cold. Too much hand shaking I guess. Better it happens here than at the show though. I have had that happen twice in the past 5 years, it is never fun.
Friday, August 14, 2009
What ever can go wrong, will
Well, we are about 3 days out from leaving for TREXPO and very little is going right.
The search for grid wall for the booth has been a minor disaster, driving all over both Austin TX and Greensboro NC and being shafted at every point. Hope some can be found on Monday!
Numerous orders for parts and inventory for the show have come in with the wrong items, or have not come at all.
All an all, I would say that's it's just par for the course. If it all went like clockwork, I would be very scared!
The search for grid wall for the booth has been a minor disaster, driving all over both Austin TX and Greensboro NC and being shafted at every point. Hope some can be found on Monday!
Numerous orders for parts and inventory for the show have come in with the wrong items, or have not come at all.
All an all, I would say that's it's just par for the course. If it all went like clockwork, I would be very scared!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
This ever happen to you?
Law Enforcement Convention Theft
April 9, 2009When one of the vendors reported that some of its merchandise had gone missing, Tampa police were surprised. After all, who would steal t-shirts and jackets emblazoned with the conference logo from a location crawling with police? Apparently, the answer is one of their own.
The Tampa police department reviewed surveillance films taken overnight at the conference after the vendor reported the stolen items. What they found surprised them: images of Jim Spencer, 60, taking items from the vendor.
Spencer is a civilian reserve officer, who is reportedly well-liked and respected within the agency. He did not have a disciplinary record with the agency, but was relieved of his duties and is facing criminal charges in connection with the theft. Spencer's colleagues said that he typically volunteers about 12 hours each month in addition to his regular duties.
"It's just an enormous embarrassment and disappointment to the department, and not representative of the other men and women working here," Tampa police spokesperson Laura McElroy told reporters. The police chief personally apologized to the vendor for the problem. Additionally, Spencer has been contrite and immediately returned the stolen goods when confronted. "He was very apologetic," Elroy said of Spencer's demeanor after his police interview about the stolen goods.
Tampa police are continuing to review all segments of the film, because they believe that additional items were stolen by another culprit. Spencer took several items while working at the conference overnight, but it was not clear when the other merchandise disappeared.
I have lost some items over the years, the most expense being a camera, and the most worrisome being a handgun! I always put it down to the cleaning crew taking it, you just never know.
Do you lock down all your items at night? Up until now i have just thrown a cover over the table and took off, it being the end of a long day and all. I might change that thinking though.
Then again, I have lost over 3000.00 worth of stock and personal items due to flying into the shows, TSA or baggage, who knows, They were there when I packed them, just didn't make it in my luggage to the show.
What makes a "good" show?
That's a question that I am asked all the time, "was it a good show", " how was the show?"
It"s a hard question to answer sometimes. Some of the crappiest shows I have attended have brought forth fruit 3 months later when I was not even expecting it. Some of the "best" shows have fallen flat with nothing to show out of them.
How do you rate a show? If you write orders at the show it very easy to do, except for SHOT, I have never really done that much. Is it the number of cards you get? My last job graded my performance that way.
Some of the shows I had the most enjoyable time at were also the worst for sales, it's hell not to go back to those, but money talks as they say.
The shows that stand out as both well run and fun follow
Number one is the Mock Riot in WV, I always seem to get hurt somehow when I am there but it's always a good time and profitable for whomever I am representing.
Runners up in no particular order would be Trexpo East, Ileeta, Texas Tactical, AJA and NAAWS.
Shows that stand out as being a waste of time and money for the products I have sold in the past, IACP, National Sheriffs show, ACA and a few others that I wont even speak of!
The local, regional shows have also been fantastic, NC, SC and so others have been well worth the money spent. You can also do alright at the shows in Louisville, even if the show sucks you should still have a great time as that is one of the friendliest places I have been to, second only to Moundsville WV.
I have not made it west of the Mississippi too much, 5 or 6 out that way (besides Vegas, that is a place that should be on another planet) would love to hear some feedback on the "Left Coast" shows!
Trade show footwear
Has anyone found the ultimate footwear for the trade show vendor?
I started out back in the day when everyone wore "business wear" (suits) at the shows.
At that time, a nice pair of Florsheim's were you best choice.
As the years went on I started wearing a more relaxed style of "business tactical" wear.
A friend from the FBI academy showed me a pair of Royal Robbins rock climbing pants and after I bought my first pair I was sold forever. I paired it up with a set of the then popular GSG-9 boots and a embroidered polo and was good to go. Of course those wore out about every 6 months and were not inexpensive boots, but hey, I was cool!
For the past few years I have been ( like many of us) a walking 5.11 ad, so when I had to replace my last pair of my Rainer responders, a super boot by the way, I bought a mid 5.11 zipper boot.
Off to the Chiefs show in New Orleans I went, and proceed to walk more miles than I ever had, even at the last 10 SHOT shows. I was crippled from those boots for almost 3 weeks when I got back to NC. They had a very long break in time, but I have worn then up till a month ago and have only discarded then now because the scuff guards started cracking.
I now have 3 new sets to take up to VA, the Converse, a pair of knock off Converse's and a pair of Oakleys.
Only a two day show, but I have some follow up work to do in Jersey (AHHHHH) I will let you know.
Anyone have any others I should try?
When I find the best, I will buy 6 pairs, that should hold me till I die, or I get out of the gun bizz.
I started out back in the day when everyone wore "business wear" (suits) at the shows.
At that time, a nice pair of Florsheim's were you best choice.
As the years went on I started wearing a more relaxed style of "business tactical" wear.
A friend from the FBI academy showed me a pair of Royal Robbins rock climbing pants and after I bought my first pair I was sold forever. I paired it up with a set of the then popular GSG-9 boots and a embroidered polo and was good to go. Of course those wore out about every 6 months and were not inexpensive boots, but hey, I was cool!
For the past few years I have been ( like many of us) a walking 5.11 ad, so when I had to replace my last pair of my Rainer responders, a super boot by the way, I bought a mid 5.11 zipper boot.
Off to the Chiefs show in New Orleans I went, and proceed to walk more miles than I ever had, even at the last 10 SHOT shows. I was crippled from those boots for almost 3 weeks when I got back to NC. They had a very long break in time, but I have worn then up till a month ago and have only discarded then now because the scuff guards started cracking.
I now have 3 new sets to take up to VA, the Converse, a pair of knock off Converse's and a pair of Oakleys.
Only a two day show, but I have some follow up work to do in Jersey (AHHHHH) I will let you know.
Anyone have any others I should try?
When I find the best, I will buy 6 pairs, that should hold me till I die, or I get out of the gun bizz.
TREXPO EAST
Well, at about two weeks out, things are still looking good.
Gone are the days of just showing up, as it used to be when I was with S&W. I now envy the exhibitors who can just walk in and everything is set up and ready to go.
Nowadays its get in a day early, sweat to death because they wont turn on the air on set up day, schlep the stuff in from the parking lot because the docks are all full and then realize you forgot that one piece that holds everything in the booth together!
But hey, I am thrilled just for the chance to be out of Greensboro for a week, so this is not bitching, it just sounds like it.
Gone are the days of just showing up, as it used to be when I was with S&W. I now envy the exhibitors who can just walk in and everything is set up and ready to go.
Nowadays its get in a day early, sweat to death because they wont turn on the air on set up day, schlep the stuff in from the parking lot because the docks are all full and then realize you forgot that one piece that holds everything in the booth together!
But hey, I am thrilled just for the chance to be out of Greensboro for a week, so this is not bitching, it just sounds like it.
The Internet is forever
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wow, the internet is forever
I had forgotten I even started this blog, and just re found it by Goggle searching my own name.2005 seems so long ago, but as I am still doing trade shows I might as well update this one.
Getting all my ducks in a row for the TREXPO show in a few weeks. This will be the third time I have attended and the last two were more than worth the trip. We will see how this one pans out and I will update when I get back
SWAT Roundup 2005
Thursday, November 03, 2005
On the way to SWAT roundup in Orlando
Well, getting ready for the SWAT roundup in Orlando FL. Should be a good show, this will be the 10th roundup I have been at. Hope the weather holds out for it. Will post when I get back from it. Here is a question, how do you travel with guns, display guns I mean. The law looks like that they would have to be shipped to a FFL holder in the area ( I do not have a FFL ). Can I just ship them in with the rest of my show display? ( Long guns that is ) Any Ideas? Help!!!Why I carry a gun
Ok, everyone always asks, " so, why do you feel the need to carry a gun with you?"
After they get up off the ground, after falling there from the head smack I gave them, I tell them it is because I read the newspaper every day. But............ That is not the whole truth
Now, here is the the real truth, you ready
Flying Monkeys
that's right, I saw the Wizard of OZ when I was very young and saw what those Godd#$@! things can do, they are hideous, and real damn scary.
So that's it, I carry a gun because of those Flying Fuc%&!# Monkeys. ( FFM's for short)
I also carry a backup gun, just in case I get some monkey juice on my primary one.
I guess the next question is, What is the best caliber handgun for repelling FFM's
My daily carry is a Glock 19 ( I know, I worked for S&W and all, but it is hard to beat the Black & Decker of handguns( Sold) Backup is a S&W model 12 nickel 38 2"(sold) and then I always have a Kel tec 32 in a pocket somewhere(sold all 3 I had). Two 17 rd mags for the 19 with a 15rd mag in it, all loaded up with Magsafe, 1 speedloader for the S&W and an extra 7 rd mag for the kel tec.( So old, I have moved up to a Springfield XD45 Tactical, a S&W 332 loaded with magsafe ammo for pocket carry, and a X26 Taser. only one extra mag for the XD, but I do have the add on battery carrier for the X26 so i have two shots there.)
Do you think this is enough, I also have a M1A-SOCOM in the truck ( replaced with a Remington 3 gun competition model 1100 12 gauge) , if I can fight my way back to it!
I now wonder how the Taser will do on FFM
Have a great Thursday
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