We attended the Tinley show this past weekend. I was pleasantly surprised. Attendance seemed to be pretty good. Talking to some other vendors I found they shared the concern that this event was not very well advertised. It was put together pretty quickly relative to other NARBC shows as a meeting/fundraiser for Pijac and USARK. It was a great success.
Talking with Andrew Wyatt- (USARK) I was pleased to learn that the auction took in about $35,000 which is to be split between USARK and Pijac. I would imagine that other dues and donations were also paid so hopefully that number is quite a bit higher. I was also encouraged to learn that there is still quite a good deal of hope to overcome this proposed ban and USFWS proposed rule change. USARK in particular has exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. It is money well spent and I believe we would already be sunk in this hobby if not for them.
As for the show- got to see several regular customers for the first time. It is good to meet people and talk to them and I do not get up to the Great Lakes area much. Show was half the “normal” Tinley size but room was well laid out and full of vendors. Filled up pretty good with customers as well! I think we will try to be back for the regularly scheduled October event but that is a long way off- we will have to see if it fits in. I would encourage anyone to attend this one- great show.
Frank is going to start attending the Shepardsville KY show on a regular basis and try it out. Looks like a good show and the promoter is very helpful. Too bad all reptile show promoters do not have his attitude. We could use one in the Mid-Atlantic states that has a clue. Stu has been hitting the Atlanta shows (Repticon and herp society) as well as Columbia SC. Frank has been going to the Birmingham AL and Hamburg PA shows quite regularly and I pick up White Plains and Daytona. As always- if you need anything specific at one of these shows make sure you email me 2 weeks ahead!
Enjoy the snow………….again………….