From The MSBA Expo committee and the MSBA membership

[mikeg]

Actually it isn't because we don't. The RISSA show and the MSBA Sports Fishing Expo are two different animals who happen to fall near each other in the compressed February/March fishing show schedule. As does Worcester, Springfield, Hartford, and Suffren.

The difference is plainly shown in the names. RISSA puts on a great show with lots of different stuff. The MSBA puts on a Sports Fisihing Expo with only one aim, giving it's visitors the best and newest in sports fishing from national manufacturers, local custom builders, and the shops the local fishing community does business with.

As it was in the past and, as we grow in the new venue, it will be in the future, you may have to wiggle your way past a crowd around a booth at the MSBA Expo but it will because they are checking out something new and innovative in fishing equipment and not because the crowd is looking at fancy leather belts or family heraldry plaques.

We could have stuff, we turn stuff down every year because stuff isn't what the MSBA or the Expo is about.

Please never confuse the MSBA Sports Fishing Exposition with anyone's show. Whether you spend ten minutes or two hours going through a MSBA Expo what you will see it the best, most concentrated exhibits of sports fishing equipment and vendors to be found in the New England region as well as meeting old and new fishing friends and some of the most knowledgeable saltwater fishermen of every discipline to be found anywhere.

My thoughts on the MSBA Expo and competition with any show anywhere.

MIkeG
MSBA Saltwater Sports Fishing Expo Chairman

[Clogston29]

my point wasn't that its a direct competition. my point is that some of the possible manufacturer's reps, plug builders, tackle shops, etc. in the area only have the time and monetary resources to do one show. With RISSA being a larger show with more people and therefore exposure, it may be tough for MSBA to draw them away from RISSA and therefore get back up to the number of vendors it had in the past. I won't list examples because I don't want to single anyone out, but a quick look at the list of fishing vendors (not counting guide services and misc. non fishing related vendors) at each shows this point. i'm not saying one show type is better or worse than the other or that one is trying to outdo the other.

[BigBo]

Originally Posted by Clogston29

my point wasn't that its a direct competition. my point is that some of the possible manufacturer's reps, plug builders, tackle shops, etc. in the area only have the time and monetary resources to do one show. With RISSA being a larger show with more people and therefore exposure, it may be tough for MSBA to draw them away from RISSA and therefore get back up to the number of vendors it had in the past. I won't list examples because I don't want to single anyone out, but a quick look at the list of fishing vendors (not counting guide services and misc. non fishing related vendors) at each shows this point. i'm not saying one show type is better or worse than the other or that one is trying to outdo the other.

This is essentially the point I was trying to make about the Expo coordinators disseminating vendor info as far in advance as possible. Clogston just worded it better. If I have a limited amount of time and have a specific purpose in mind, such as hitting as many quality vendors as possible to maximize my efforts, I need information in advance. This information was almost non existent up until a week or less before the MSBA Expo.
Sorry mikeg, but that's how I perceived it this year. Believe me. I've been attending the MSBA Expo for many years. As bad as the Gillette Stadium venue was, at least I was able to get the information I wanted before hand. I've only attended the RISAA show a handful of times, but that's where I feel I'll be able to maximize my time spent at a New England Fishing Show this year. And that's where I'll be going.

[davisd]

I would just like to say good job to all. And remember when it was at the armory in Braintree??? You guys have come a long way with this show. Thanks

Proud Member MSBA
Dave Davis

[NIB]

I thought the scheduling could have been better.It was the same weekend as the Big Show in Sufferen NY.The larger tackle companies are always there. an a pretty big show in NJ.The berkley club show.Which had over 1700 on sunday.The MSBA show used to always be around the third weekend in March.I looked forward to it.Why the change??

[BigFish]

Because people whined about it being too close to the RISAA show. You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all the people all of the time!

[NIB]

Originally Posted by BigFish

Because people whined about it being too close to the RISAA show. You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all the people all of the time!

Ya I guess thats true.I used to go to both.
There are no "open" weekends anymore seems everyone and their brother is trying to capitalize on fishing show popularity.Maybe it's time for a Show in August...
I know Ur club does some nice Meeting seminar type plug nights maybe this yr I can schedule a trip around one of those.What time of the month are ur meetings?? Ours are always the second Thursday of the month.

[zacs]

Originally Posted by mikeg

Actually it isn't because we don't. The RISSA show and the MSBA Sports Fishing Expo are two different animals who happen to fall near each other in the compressed February/March fishing show schedule. As does Worcester, Springfield, Hartford, and Suffren.

Like it or not, you compete against RISSA. If the word compete makes you uneasy, you can feel free to call it something else, but you are competing against the RISSA show, and the Worcester, Springfield, Hartford, and Suffren shows for that matter.

You are competing to get attendees, you are competing to get quality vendors, and you are competing to get quality presenters.

Nothing wrong with it, but thats what it is....

[BigFish]