My $0.02. I attended yesterday (Sunday) morning. Let me say right off that anything negative is not meant as a criticism, but just an observation for your consideration - both MSBA and RISSA.
I have attended the MSBA shows for about five years now - two in Braintree, two at Cordage Park in Plymouth and last year's in the basement of the Independence Mall. I have always maintained they were the best fishing shows I ever attended because the focus is entirely on saltwater fishing (as opposed to Worcester which is really a sportmans' show. "Not that there's anything wrong with that.") But I liked the RISSA a little better for the following reasons:
1) Larger venue. Cordage Park was the best MSBA venue. The mall venue is very cramped and poorly lit. Easy to find, large aisles, clean and well lit.
2) Seminars. I enjoyed the three seminars I attended yesterday very much. Fun, informative, and to the point. However, the acoustics were tough, but that may just be a function of the hall. The separate seminar rooms at Worcester are great. RISSA should have had Al Gags give a presentation - he is very entertaining.
3) Quantity of exhibitors. I do not have hard numbers to compare, but RISAA must have has over 100 booths. (On the other hand - I received a flyer at the Boston Boat Show that promised 250 booths.)
4) Boats. Although there were only a handful, it adds to the atmosphere. MSBA used to have a few in the parking lot at Cordage Park.
5) RISSA volunteers. Lots of them and very helpful. You couldn't swing a dead eel without hitting someone in one of those denim shirts!!
Didn't like:
1) Location (distance). Not really a negative because I drove from Boston, and that is my choice. But the MSBA show is closer for me.
2) Parking. Again - I realize there is probably not much you can do given the venue, but MSBA is free.
Regarding combined shows with one in the fall. My only concern would be getting people (anglers) to volunteer so much of their time during peak fishing season. It is obvious that it takes a tremendous amount of effort to put on a show of this kind.
But we (my wife and I) had a great time yesterday and look forward to next year, as well as the MSBA show later this month.
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