.......(pulled because I am tired, and I am typing angry, :hee: )

This was my first show and I thought is was pretty good , alittle expensive to get in , and alittle smaller than what I was expecting . But I had a good time . The guys at Bliz Lures where real nice and I look forward to their new stuff when it gos up on-line , Met Hab's real nice guy but very busy . met TG at MD's ( i think that was his handle) real nice guy makes some great looking plugs can wait to try them. I didn't find any "great deals" but that didn't stop me from buying some real good looking plugs.
I got there around 1330 and no problems getting in or parking . It was alittle crowded but I would expect that . But all in all had a good time and look forward to next year .

TSPS

:claps: a huge round of applause for all of the MSBA membership. Many of which were there everyday including the setup day friday. These were some long days and they did it as VOLUNTEERS. These VOLUNTEERS, put on a great show. Believe me, they tried to please Everyone, which as we know is impossible. Again, VOLUNTEERS just put together and ran a show of this size at a venue of this size. To all the VOLUNTEERS that helped at the show, I hope you came away with a feeling of pride, I did. I am proud to be a member of MSBA, and I am proud to be part of a club who's membership truely cares.. I had over 50 volunteers signed up to work the show, and each and everyone showed up and more than pulled their wieght. Thank all of you :claps:
As for the venue, hmm, personally I would love to take last years floor plan and space and plop it down on Gillette stadium. I certainly agree there are areas were we need to rethink and improve, thus is life. Live and learn. I was much more involved this year, and I had a first hand look at what it takes to pull this type and size show off, never mind doing it in 67 days...

Patrick P. put his heart into this show, just as he puts it into the club. Thank you Patrick, MSBA is lucky to have you as a member....

Went yesterday from about 10:30 to 3:30. This is probably my 5th or 6th show (went back at the Armory in Braintree??) and I thought it was the best overall that I have been to.

I agree with the lighting and ceiling height issues, but I thought the vendors were offering more than in the past.

Also, the seminars benefitted greatly from lighting conditions and a sound system that were far better than past shows. I thought the venue was a big step up from the past, congrats to MSBA.

Unfortunately for me, I could not justify any major purchases, and it was very hard to resist temptation as I helped a friend in the CMS booth to purchase a couple of beautiful rods.

Good work MSBA.

Had a GREAT TIME ,Thanks to ALL for your Support, And Good seeing you All. Don't youThink the Pissing Contest Should NOT BE HERE, Lets KEEP it Fishing Related .......................

Sorry Bob, I took all your tickets out and put them in the CIRCULAR bin, ya know the one with the black liner over near the window !!!!!

I do have all the names of the winners, none seemed to be SB members as I spoke to all but one of them. The guy that won the GRAND prize was actually present at the drawing. ONE VERY HAPPY GUY. He even had his SUV to take that baby home.

I can barely talk today after two days of hootin and hollerin to sell tickets. But it was a great success. Thanks to all that bought a chance. Sorry if you did'nt win....

Also, Thanks to all my volunteers that helped out at the raffle table, gave me some chances to sneak over to the Harpoon booth to wet me whistle.

BTW, about 90-95% of the people I spoke with had only great things to say about the show. It was a HUGE task,, done in a short period of time. I'll bet Patrick is still sleeping !!!!!! KUDOS TO ALL !!!!

Cudos to Patrick , Chris, and all of the MSBA Staff.

You guys are top knotch, and your hospitality and assistance are second to none.

I look forward to supporting the MSBA in all of their future endeavors.

It was great to see many SB'ers at the show.

Thanks to all of those who stopped by offering words of encouragement and support for our newest venture.

There is a great group of fishermen on this site.

I also want to thank both Bill & Jules for the great time Rosana & I had speaking with you.

We are both looking forward to getting together with you to wet a line this season.

All in all, the MSBA has consistently shown their class & hospitality as a fantastic organization.

Thank you ALL!

Sincerely,

Bliz

I just wanna say thanks to all you guys that helped put the show on, what an incredible time. That was my first one and I was in striper heaven, let me tell you. It was great to meet JohnR, Nightfighter, TattooBob, Habs, the Surf Aslym guys, #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&, and everyone else!

nib no one ever notices my wig . except the bald guys .

I think it was a great show wish I had gone now . Man can pee just about anywhere . except if you squat when peeing or maybe elder .

BobT
Im glad to see your thinking came around . Its not good to have your own opinion , especially if it involves fishing . LOMFL

Iwas kidding I bought 5 tickets, it was a pleasere helping and I will mostlikely be helping again. Van you were a buzy guy and hard to find at first. great meeting all you guys and girls

I have been wading thru the many posts in this thread. Seems most are happy with the show, myself included. I sure did hurt the mad money that I tuck away for special occasions.

I did a little to help, (read very little), being one of the “red shirts” that schlepped goodies Saturday morning. Most of the venders came in on Friday, so Saturday set-up was relaxed. As I said, my part was minimal. My hat is off to the many that put in countless hours getting this thing off the ground.

I do have a few observations and opinions that may be helpful for future Expos, at Gillette or elsewhere. Allow me to mention that I have been doing antique shows for over twenty-five years. Hundreds of ‘em. Including some big ones in Atlantic City, NYC, and the DC area. So, here you go...

Bathrooms should be available to early arrivers. At least have a clearly marked area with several plastic houses.

It would be nice if booths were numbered, perhaps even a piece of paper taped to a table or pinned to the back wall with the vender’s name, this would help greatly when one is trying to find the right booth during set-up. At least the booths should be numbered.

All porters should have a floor plan with booth numbers. If time allows, the vendor should have a floor plan mailed to him after he signs up.

The paying public should have a floor plan, or at least a dealer list, that way they know where to head to find there favorite plug maker.

Vendors should be warned if there are things he should bring...like lighting. There were booths that needed a flashlight to see the goodies.

M.T. booths should be offered to neighboring dealers to expand into, or the unused tables should be made to disappear.

Please don’t take the above as criticism. It is just my 2 cents worth. Thoughts that may help in the future. It was one hell of a show. Thanks again to all the hard working MassBass volunteers!

Al

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i thought the show great. got to see a lot of friends and spend a lot of money. i would also like to thank patrick, chris l. and all of the m.s.b.a. staff for a wonderful job they did putting on this show. can't wait till next year

I thought the MSBA did a great job. Thoroughly enjoyed the show. Spent a few buck and even met the Bigfish and the Raven.:D

I know, I was kidding too. Nice meeting you and your wife. Is she going to send some of the pictures in? I am the MSBA newsletter editor, and next months I hope to get a bunch of photos in my photo section. My email is on the back of the SPRAY !!!

Again thanks

I will do, See you at the banquet.