Exhibiting at Cabin Fever

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RonGinger

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I have recently seen a few questions, and misunderstandings about exhibiting at Cabin Fever, so I thought Id provide a few details.

There are two kinds of guys behind the tables- exhibitors and vendors.

Vendors pay, depending on their space, a couple hundred dollars. They must register ahead, and they have the right to sell stuff at the show. They are commercial guys there to sell products.

Exhibitors are just guys that want to show off what they have built. They pay the $10 to get in the show, but there is no other fee to exhibit. You just find a table you like and set up your models. There are some logical groupings, like the G scale train guys all get in one area, the model boat guys gather around the pond, etc. But even this is not fixed- if you want to take a table in the model boat area to show your flame licker engine, go for it, no one will kick you out.

There are some tables supplied with compressed air pipes. If you want to run a steam engine you need to bring a flexible hose and pipe fittings to hook into a 3/8-NPT pipe valve. Most guys bring their own regulator since the main line may vary a lot in pressure.

If you are running a gas engine you might want to get a table without the air line- the pipe can get in your way if you are not using it.

Exhibitors are NOT allowed to sell anything over the table. This is an important rule- vendors paid to be selling, it is unfair to take an exhibitor space and sell stuff. Its also a bit risky, Gary is a big guy, ex-Blacksmith, and he does not like to find guys selling at exhibitor tables. He will escort you to the door.

But if you want to sell a few items there is a consignment sales area. You take your item to the sign-in table, fill out a form and put the item on the sales tables. If it sells you go collect your money, minus a small commission. I have sold many hundred dollars worth of stuff this way.

There are many benefits to being an exhibitor- one, you have a table and chair to park your hat and coat, and a place to sit for part of the day. You get to tell people about what you made. You will answer a few dumb questions, but you will also learn a lot- there will often be some guy come buy that is a real expert on whatever you have and the stories you hear can be very educational.

You do not have to sit behind the table all day. I like to put out my display,then wander around the show until my feet hurt. Then I sit by my exhibit for a while, then back out to wander. I have never worried abut my models. If you have something real delicate you could cover it with a cloth while you are away. I have never seen anyone bother such a covered exhibit.

Another big benefit is FREE BEER and BBQ. On Saturday night there is a vendor sponsored free buffet. The only way to get a ticket to his is to have a model on the table- On Saturday afternoon Gary will walk the floor of the show and hand out tickets to everyone he sees with an exhibit. The reception is at 6:00, just after they shoo out all the general public and close the doors.

You do not have to have some amazing masterpiece of work to exhibit. Simple barstock engines are as welcome as anything. In fact, this year the 'cover girl' poster and badge photo will be Don Hall and his large collection of barstock engines. This is part of Garys plan to encourage everyone to exhibit their work.

I think thats about it- just remember, bring whatever you have made and show it off.
 
Excellent show, poor logistics for hauling your models to the display tables.
gbritnell
 
I know George had trouble at the show, but the fact is there are about a dozen carts and wagons available to move your models. There is no one assigned to meet people at the door to help them, but the carts are there, you just have to look for them. I have never taken more than 5 or 10 minutes to find a cart.

There are usually a couple really nice welded aluminum 4 wheel wagons, several low flat wood dollies, even a pallet jack.

They also have a forklift for really big stuff, and the guy driving it has been very quick to help if asked.

If you have more than you can carry in in one trip it is best to pull up to the south door- the big loading door. The carts are usually left just inside this door. Roll the cart out to your car or truck, load it up and roll to your table. You have to move your car pretty quickly because that loading area is real busy on Friday. If you come in one of the other 'people' doors all around the building you likely wont find a cart there.

If you are alone and need help, just ask. I have found everyone, the staff, other exhibitors, vendors, anyone is quick to offer a hand in loading or unloading.
 
George :
Like ron said if you need help just ask. a lot of good people there.
Another benefit to exhibiting is the Sunday afternoon door prizes. again for exhibitors only. there have been some really nice prizes in the past. the vendors are asked to donate /sponsor the Saturday night meet and greet as well as the door prizes . IMHO the door prizes are not quite as nice and plentiful since the meet and greet but still a decent amount and nice.
tin
 
Another thought here Gary and his family pour many hours of labor into producing this show. He puts out many thousands of dollars in expenses such as rental fees and advertising, producing buttons etc etc. there have been concerns in the past of folks tying to sneak in the back door. Please please. help the show do not share buttons or do anything to rob Gary of his hard earned income. this show is produced by a family. a mom pop and son operation not some faceless corporation. So lets all follow the simple rules and encourage all to do so.
And do your best to support the vendors that help support us. Again most vendors are hobbyists and family businesses.

Tin
 

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