What about the "Hands-On Expo"?

[Just George]

The Hands On Expo is coming up in November and looks like it's going to be bigger than the Wood Show if the list of exibitors is anything to go by. The list so far is in the Australian Woodworker, the website is a little behind. Get your tickets ahead of time to avoid the line up trying to get in like the Wood Show was.:thewave:


Hands-On Expo | Brisbane (http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/brisbane)

:clap2:

[wonka]

I intend to go and have a look. I did not go to the one earlier this year. As you say the list of exhibitors seem good. Not sure that Brisbane or anywhere else in Australia can have 2 shows a year. I read this morning all the good things about the show in Melbourne.

[salty72]

we will be there...

[ubeaut]

WARNING: Look closely at The Australian Woodworker advertisement.

It is actually a list of Exhibitors and BRANDS.

Just because a brand name is mentioned does not mean that business will be there.

U-Beaut Polishes is listed in the Woodworker and on the Hands-On web site.

U-Beaut Polishes WILL NOT BE THERE AS AN EXHIBITOR, our products may be there, but we definitely won't be. Little bit misleading if you just look at names.

That big list looks quite impressive, however...... If you take out the brands and list only the exhibitors the number will shrink very dramatically. Rather point this out here, than see people turn up expecting to find a business, only to be disappointed.

Cheers - Neil :U

[Waldo]

That big list looks quite impressive, however...... If you take out the brands and list only the exhibitors the number will shrink very dramatically. Rather point this out here, than see people turn up expecting to find a business, only to be disappointed.

Cheers - Neil :U

Ohh, very deceptive. It will be interesting to find out what Brisbane thought of it. Regardless, I hope it's a winner for those brands/exhibitors who will be there. :2tsup:

[Sturdee]

That big list looks quite impressive, however...... If you take out the brands and list only the exhibitors the number will shrink very dramatically.

Cheers - Neil :U

I see what you mean, counted 36 items in the list that is being exhibited by Carrolls on their stand. Jim will be busy with such a big range of products.

Peter.

[weisyboy]

ill be there with my mill and a bunch of timber, slabs and furniture. just liten for the noise.

[Collette]

Look closely at The Australian Woodworker advertisement.


It is actually a list of Exhibitors and BRANDS.
Just because a brand name is mentioned does not mean that business will be there.


Hi Neil<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
Here’s my 2 cents worth!!! The intent behind listing brands is to support our retailers. For almost 18 out of the past 20 years the Australian Woodworker Directory has promoted timber shows by listing EXHIBITORS & BRANDS. The Hands-On Expo simply follows that format.
Why? Well, as the majority of exhibitors are retailers, we support them by letting everyone know about the products that they will be retailing at the Expo, not just the name of their store. The exhibitors themselves have supplied the list of brands they will be selling. <O:p</O:p
Visitors like to know they can stock up on U-Beaut products at the show. Carroll’s Woodcraft Supplies have advised us that they will be stocking U-Beaut products so it is listed as a brand that will be available for sale. The website clearly indicates what brands will be on what stands.
United Tools, as another example, have 500 square metres at the Expo and they have more than 20 companies and brands on their stand. Visitors want to know whether Festool is at the Expo and United Tools want to let people know that the Festool brand is on their stand. To not list all the brands on the United Tools stand would not give a complete indication of what the show is all about and what is available. For both visitors and exhibitors it’s normally a win-win benefit to promote what is on offer and for sale.
As mentioned earlier this has been the format in The Australian Woodworker Magazine for most of the last 20 years, and it is the exhibitors themselves who have provided for publication the list of companies and brands that they will have for sale at the Expo.
Hope no-one feels disappointed; the intent is not to mislead but rather provide something of value to both visitors and exhibitors – pretty much information and awareness of the products on offer! <O:p</O:p
Cheers
Collette

[Woodwould]

United Tools, as another example, have 500 square metres at the Expo and they have more than 20 companies and brands on their stand.

Is this more ambiguity? Will there be "more than 20 companies and brands" on United Tools' stand, or just twenty brands? There's a very big difference!

[Collette]

Actually United Tools have advised they have over 30 companies subcontracting space on their stand at the Brisbane Expo! This is information provided by United Tools to us so hopefully that clears up any perceived ambiguity.
<O:p</O:p

Visitors to the Brisbane Hands-On Expo can check out the following companies at United Tools: Abrasiflex Atlas Copco BAR Group Bosch Cigweld Cooper Tools Gamers Agencies Hand Tool Australia Hitachi Hordern Husquarna Industrial Tool & Machinery Irwin tools J&J Tools JW Ross KC Tools Macnaught Makita MSA Nitto Panasonic Paramount Safety Promac Quick Drive Ravenn Spear & Jackson St Gorbain Stanley Sutton Tooltechnic Weldmaster Whites International. <O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p

For people looking to test and try a range of options it’s a great place to start!

[Woodwould]

Actually United Tools have advised they have over 30 companies subcontracting space on their stand at the Brisbane Expo! This is information provided by United Tools to us so hopefully that clears up any perceived ambiguity.
<o>:p</o>:p

Visitors to the Brisbane Hands-On Expo can check out the following companies at United Tools: Abrasiflex Atlas Copco BAR Group Bosch Cigweld Cooper Tools Gamers Agencies Hand Tool Australia Hitachi Hordern Husquarna Industrial Tool & Machinery Irwin tools J&J Tools JW Ross KC Tools Macnaught Makita MSA Nitto Panasonic Paramount Safety Promac Quick Drive Ravenn Spear & Jackson St Gorbain Stanley Sutton Tooltechnic Weldmaster Whites International. <o>:p</o>:p
<o>:p</o>:p

For people looking to test and try a range of options it’s a great place to start!

I'm in Melbourne and won't therefore be attending the Brisbane show, but thank you for clearing up any misunderstanding. I hope it's a successful show and everyone is happy with it. :thyel:

[Wizened of Oz]

Online it should be possible to offer the options "Browse by Exhibitor" and "Browse by Brand".
What about that for the future, Collette?. Seems to me it would be more informative.

[Darklord]

Looking forward to this show, but just out of curiosity. With just a few weeks to go why is there still no floor plan available on line. I would like to see just what I'm paying my hard earned for before I buy a ticket. If not the final floor plan at least a rough draft. Used to have one in the woodworker months before the show and the list used to show stand numbers. No where near as misleading as just listing names.

Darky

[Collette]

Looking forward to this show, but just out of curiosity. With just a few weeks to go why is there still no floor plan available on line.
Darky

Hi Darky,

Thanks for the feedback. The floor plan with final stand numbers will be ready by tomorrow and online soon after. In the interim you can find the previous floor plan here (http://http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/assets/floorplan-brisbane-hands-on.pdf).

<O:pI’m almost finished putting up the Hands-On Expo seminar & demonstration programs for <ST1:CBrisbane and the final overall program will be online tomorrow! For sneak preview here’s the link to the Woodwork Master (http://http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/brisbane/shows/woodworking-show/)Class and the Key Seminars (http://http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/brisbane/workshops-seminars/)! <O:p
<O:p
Cheers<O:p</O:p
Collette

[Collette]

Online it should be possible to offer the options "Browse by Exhibitor" and "Browse by Brand".
What about that for the future, Collette?. Seems to me it would be more informative.

Thanks for the idea! I’m technically semi-literate when it comes the web so I'll pass it on to the web designers!
Collette

[Lignum]

Looks like its going to be a fantastic show. Im really excited about the Melbourne Expo:2tsup:

[Collette]

Sorry too many http's in the previous link - they didn't work!
So here are the links again

Woodwork Master Classes (http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/brisbane/shows/woodworking-show/)
Key Seminars (http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/brisbane/workshops-seminars/)

[Jim Carroll]

So Collette the 2 Richards will be doing the same as they have always done. No change there.

Should be interseting to see Ken Wraight with his demo, new fresh face for most people.

[Collette]

So Collette the 2 Richards will be doing the same as they have always done. No change there.

Should be interseting to see Ken Wraight with his demo, new fresh face for most people.

Good to hear from you Jim, I’m heading down your way to Pt Lonsdale over the weekend!
Re the seminars I can't imagine <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.woodworkforums.com/ /><st1:PersonName w:st=Richard Raffan</st1:PersonName> not turning bowls and boxes - that would start a mini-revolution! You might not remember <st1:PersonName w:st=" /><st1:PersonName w:st="on">Richard Raffan</st1:PersonName> not turning bowls and boxes - that would start a mini-revolution! You might not remember <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Richard Vaughan</st1:PersonName>’s old seminars on glues, cabinet scrapers & making a router table. Well they’ve all been changed and <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Richard Vaughan</st1:PersonName> has 3 new topics, plus a router demo & clinic at the Expo.
Can’t wait to see both Richard’s in action! Plus on a different topic am very keen to try my hands at building a WWII Army AM Radio.
Cheers
Collette<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

[Christopha]

"penthouse Publications".... hmmm might give their stand the hairy eye ;)

[WOODY70]

Hello Collette,

The list you have provided for United tools are in fact companies and they are WHOLESALE companies who do not sell direct to the public. Some of these name are also brands. I believe that the individual companies will NOT be present on the united stand. Their products will be represented on the total stand by many salesman trying to off load product.

Please state the facts. Australians are sick of being led up the garden parth.

[Collette]

Hello Collette,

The list you have provided for United tools are in fact companies and they are WHOLESALE companies who do not sell direct to the public. Some of these name are also brands. I believe that the individual companies will NOT be present on the united stand. Their products will be represented on the total stand by many salesman trying to off load product.

Please state the facts. Australians are sick of being led up the garden parth.


Hi Woody

A range of companies have subcontracted a stand within the overall area booked by C&L United Tools. You're right that companies are wholesale manufacturers or importers and as such they do not sell direct which is why they will be putting all sales through their retailer C&L United Tools.

Show visitors will be able to get expert advice from the manufacturers and importers own staff who man the subcontracted stands while the sales will be made by C&L United Tools. You get both expert advice from the people in the know and the chance to buy products at great prices through C&L United Tools!

Collette

[Collette]

I forgot to add C & L Tools Centre are part of a Hands-On Expo promotion with Triple M so if you feel the urge to win a fabulous tools package click here (http://www.triplem.com.au/brisbane/win) and follow the links!
Thanks to Vince at C & L! :2tsup:
Collette

[Darklord]

So what are you guys not telling us? Five days till the show and still no floor plan. Could it be there are a lot less exhibitors than you are telling us? If not why is there still no floorplan showing the exhibitors and where to find them?
:?
You said it would be on your website a week ago but to date, nothing.

DL

[KevM]

So what are you guys not telling us? Five days till the show and still no floor plan. Could it be there are a lot less exhibitors than you are telling us? If not why is there still no floorplan showing the exhibitors and where to find them?
:?
You said it would be on your website a week ago but to date, nothing.

DL

I'm sure that I saw it there a week or so ago............ Yep, here (http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/assets/floorplan_hands_on_brisbane.pdf) it is.

[Darklord]

All I get from that link http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/assets/floorplan_hands_on_brisbane.pdf is a notice saying "This file is damaged and could not be repaired."

Anyone else having the same problem or is it just me?

DL

[WOODY70]

So what are you guys not telling us? Five days till the show and still no floor plan. Could it be there are a lot less exhibitors than you are telling us? If not why is there still no floorplan showing the exhibitors and where to find them?
:?
You said it would be on your website a week ago but to date, nothing.

DL
Looks like it's a lot of the same old thing!
Take out the quarter of the pavillion for C&L a hardware store, another quarter for Carbatec and another quarter for Jet,Gregories and Timbecon. Then remove all the NON woodworking related stands and Guess what. You are left with NOT MUCH!

Enjoy the show! I know I will be enjoying myself elsewhere!!!

Cheers

[Superbunny]

All I get from that link http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/assets/floorplan_hands_on_brisbane.pdf is a notice saying "This file is damaged and could not be repaired."

Anyone else having the same problem or is it just me?

DL


There is nothing wrong with the link it works perfectly and is a PDF file. :D:D

SB

[KevM]

All I get from that link http://www.handsonexpo.com.au/assets/floorplan_hands_on_brisbane.pdf is a notice saying "This file is damaged and could not be repaired."

Anyone else having the same problem or is it just me?

DL
DL,
Try updating your version of Adobe, I'm guessing that you are running an earlier version, just checked with Adobe Acrobat 5.0.5 which I keep for various reasons and get the same error message as you. It opens fine in version 9.

[Woodwould]

DL,
Try updating your version of Adobe, I'm guessing that you are running an earlier version, just checked with Adobe Acrobat 5.0.5 which I keep for various reasons and get the same error message as you. It opens fine in version 9.
... or download and run Foxit (http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/). It has a tiny footprint on your computer compared to Adobe's software. It's free as well.

[weisyboy]

Then remove all the NON woodworking related stands and Guess what. You are left with NOT MUCH!

remember this is not a wood show it is for all trades.:2tsup:

[Darklord]

OK 4 Adobe updates later and I can finally see the floorplan.

Interesting.

DL

[KevM]

OK 4 Adobe updates later and I can finally see the floorplan.

Interesting.

DL

Pleased to have been of some assistance! :U

[funkychicken]

I'll be there on Saturday, wearing my forum shirt. I might hang around Carl's stand for a bit

[salty72]

your welcome to drop in and say "G'Day" to us at A04
we have the meter long acrylics

Mark

[Collette]

Pleased to have been of some assistance! :U

Thanks Kev for providing the technical knowledge for Adobe! Hope everyone can now access the floorplan. For other readers there is also a link on the Hands-On Expo page of the forum to seminars and floorplans.
Thanks again Kev.:2tsup:
Collette

[Superbunny]

I'll be there on Saturday, wearing my forum shirt. I might hang around Carl's stand for a bit
See you there funkychicken, I'll be in my shirt too.:D:D

SB

[Collette]

I'll be there on Saturday, wearing my forum shirt. I might hang around Carl's stand for a bit

Looking forward to meeting the Forum members at the Expo! There's a large outdoor seating area and if you like I can reserve a table as Forum table for people to meet up at. Let me know if that is of interest to you all!
I'm at the airport about to fly to Brisbane so will check back later. Can't wait until Friday!
Collette

[weisyboy]

got the mill in there today.

and some nice logs.

red cedar, camphor and swamp cyperss.

as well as a couple of pallets of blanks and boards.

[funkychicken]

How about we meet up at 1:30pm at Carl's stand?

[weisyboy]

ill be there:U

i think a new thread should be started in "announcements" with meeting times etc.

[Superbunny]

How about we meet up at 1:30pm at Carl's stand?

I'll do my best to be there.:D:D

SB

[rhancock]

... or download and run Foxit (http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/). It has a tiny footprint on your computer compared to Adobe's software. It's free as well.

Great tip, thanks, Ww. Adobe Reader downloaded an update the other day, and now I can only download pdfs if I open them in a new window.

And I'm hoping to go to the show, but there are a few hurdles to be cleared first. I'll try and get to the meet, but I'd like to go to Richard Vaughan's sharpening session which is also at 10.30 and I doubt I'll get to stay until 1.30, so I might miss you all.

[weisyboy]

see here

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f12/brisbane-hands-expo-meeting-times-108114/

11.30 at jim carols inside gate 9 i think and 1.30 at mine, next to the coffee shop and grand stands:2tsup:

[dai sensei]

I will be at the eating area at 12:30 on Sat if anyone wants to meet whilst sitting down

[Charleville]

I am going twice - especially because I won two tickets in a radio station on-line competition associated with the Hands-on Expo.


Ripper!!!!:)


Oh - and I also won this stuff in the same competition...

http://img.skitch.com/20091112-rwb2p8bub779kpjgmm3grx4rjb.preview.jpg (http://skitch.com/charleville2/n88ce/page-1)
Click for full size (http://skitch.com/charleville2/n88ce/page-1) - Uploaded with plasq (http://plasq.com)'s Skitch (http://skitch.com)

Including the tickets, that is $855 worth, in all.

Awesome!!!!!


:)



.

[wheelinround]

I am going twice - especially because I won two tickets in a radio station on-line competition associated with the Hands-on Expo.


Ripper!!!!:)


Oh - and I also won this stuff in the same competition...

http://img.skitch.com/20091112-rwb2p8bub779kpjgmm3grx4rjb.preview.jpg (http://skitch.com/charleville2/n88ce/page-1)
Click for full size (http://skitch.com/charleville2/n88ce/page-1) - Uploaded with plasq (http://plasq.com)'s Skitch (http://skitch.com)

Including the tickets, that is $855 worth, in all.

Awesome!!!!!


:)



.


:o :2tsup: and thats without spending a cent at the show :roll:

[AUSSIE]

WOW That's a top prize.You couldn't knock that.
Congratulations Charleville:2tsup:

[Collette]

I am going twice - especially because I won two tickets in a radio station on-line competition associated with the Hands-on Expo.


Ripper!!!!:)


Oh - and I also won this stuff in the same competition...

http://img.skitch.com/20091112-rwb2p8bub779kpjgmm3grx4rjb.preview.jpg (http://skitch.com/charleville2/n88ce/page-1)
Click for full size (http://skitch.com/charleville2/n88ce/page-1) - Uploaded with plasq (http://plasq.com)'s Skitch (http://skitch.com)

Including the tickets, that is $855 worth, in all.

Awesome!!!!!


:)



.

Congrats on winning the Triple M and C & L Tools Centre prize. I just had Triple M down at the Expo and they said they were rapt with the promotion and really happy for you!
Cheers
Collette

[Enfield Guy]

Well I've just got home from the Expo. Didn't stay for a great deal of time as I'm a bit short on the stuff at the mo'. My impressions are that it is a bit better than the other one held in May. A fair bit more to look at and a fair few woodwork related traders there that weren't at the may event. Plenty of stuff related to other industries as well. The main purpose for my visit was to pay the balance owing on some chisels I ordered in may, pics to follow as I am allowing Trent to keep them on his stand for the balance of the show, and to say gidday to a couple of jokers I know. Overall, I reckon it's good value and hopefully will go onwards and upwards from here.:2tsup:
Cheers
Bevan

[Charleville]

Congrats on winning the Triple M and C & L Tools Centre prize. I just had Triple M down at the Expo and they said they were rapt with the promotion and really happy for you!
Cheers
Collette


Thanks, Collette. I am delighted with the prize. I just registered my name because I thought that winning a free ticket would be great. Getting the major prize, though, was awesome! :)


.

[Charleville]

My impressions are that it is a bit better than the other one held in May.



I thought that it was pretty good also and so I am going back again on Sunday. (Well, I did win two free tickets. :D )


Part of the reason that it might have seemed better than the other one in May might be that the attendance would be well below the May show. For instance, whilst there were some school kids there, there were not the hordes of them that are to be found in the Friday attendance of the other show.

That lack of crowding meant, for instance, that it was possible to freely move around the Carba-Tec stand whereas in the May show, a person can barely move in the Carba-Tec stand.

Popular presenters like Richard Vaughan still had full house audiences though. I watched a couple of really good presentations. The one on box design by Steve Hayles was very good.


The downside for the exhibitors might be that they are not making the sales that they might hope for. I spent $8 with the old wood turner in the outside area near the food at about 1 pm after the show had been open for three hours and he told me that that was the first sale that he had made all day and he was expecting that more sales should have been made as Christmas gifts. Not so, it seems.

Nonetheless, as this is the first of these shows, I assume that the organisers should expect that it might take some time to grow the attendance numbers.

Parking cost $10 which is up a bit on what we might usually expect but with the limited attendance, it seems that everyone got an undercover park - which was pretty "cool" in more ways than one. :D

I saw a few useful show specials. I already have a good drill press but I noticed that Carba-Tec had a good show special on floor standing drill presses.

The lack of crowding meant that the usual stalls of tables with loose bits and pieces were not completely crowded out like at the May show.

Tool manufacturers and retailers seemed to be well represented; the seminars seemed pretty good; Access was good. All in all, it is a pretty good event I think. Better than I expected, anyhow.

The only bad thing is that I had forgotten the knapsack experience. That is, so many old blokes go to those things wearing knapsacks just like the school kids do - and just as with the schoolkids, every time that they turn around, ya gotta duck or otherwise be hit by a rotating cantilevered knapsack. :doh:


.

[eisbaer]

i went today. Loved it. Got a heap of timber, some steel for a new scraper, some pen kits and some more pen blanks. Well worth the visit in my opinion. Agree that it was easier to walk around due to smaller crowds. It's a pity that if it's still quiet in the next couple of days that it could spell the end of this show. I'd hate to see that happen. For anyone doubting the "wood" aspect to the show, it seemed to still be the vast majority of it compared to metal/automotive/trade stuff.

[rhancock]

Grrr... Can't fit it into the schedule, so doesn't look like I'll get there.

[Charleville]

For anyone doubting the "wood" aspect to the show, it seemed to still be the vast majority of it compared to metal/automotive/trade stuff.



Yeah. Agreed. It was not the sort of show that I would expect metalworkers to get excited about. eg there were not too many milling machines nor metal turning lathes - probably none, in fact. A few welders were on display but not much more stuff of a metal work nature


'Tis a good show for woodworkers, though.


.

[dai sensei]

Went there today and had a ball. Met heaps of forumites at morning tea/lunch/afternoon tea outside, but also whilst walking around. More forumites running stores these days, but that is more about more forum members than more stores :U

Sorry, no muffins today, my son finished the eggs off :((

No "hands on" that I saw. Pretty much the same as the wood show, but less wood, although extra stalls for cars, welders, epoxies, some stalls more aimed for women (handbags, hanging trinkets + others). Still plenty to see and fill my day. I could have stayed for another day, but only would have spent more :rolleyes:

Got some more birdseye Huon and a few small pieces of outback Qld timbers I didn't have before (sorry forgotten names :-). Bought a heap of small handy things, like special tweasers & locking pliers, a needle threader, magnifier, special aluminium welding rods, a few acrylic pen blanks, special 2 step drills (for acrylic blanks), pepper grinder mechanism, quick connect air duct connectors ......

One big buy was upgrading to a new Tormek wet grind. 's demo last weekend convinced me, but then there was Ken's demo at the show, Jim and the Tormek man hassling me, but the closer was when Jim set the cute young female sales girl onto me :-:rolleyes::U. Jim knows I'm a sucker for the good looking ones :U:U Oh well, early Xmas gift :rolleyes:

__________________
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[funkychicken]

I went today, it looked to be a good show but it lacked people. I asked at least four exhibitors and they all said it wasn't worth their time.

I had a good talk to a whole bunch of people, I met STAR, Dai Sensei, Froggie, Ken W, SuperBunny, Wayne Blanche, Jim Carroll, Autralis somethingerather, Carlo, Zarguld, Christopha, Munruben and probably some others

I went to Hare and Forbes' big sale before hand, after the show I ended up with, new digital calipers, a P&N parting tool, some tips for my metal parting tool, some HSS blanks, a polishers handbook, and an extra two years on my AWR subscription.
A also sold an awl to Raf Nathan

So a pretty good day overall, but I doubt the show will continue

[Collette]

So a pretty good day overall, but I doubt the show will continue

Glad you enjoyed the Expo FC and the shopping! I went shopping too buying a Jock Fergus carving, way too much stuff from the Bayside Club - boxes, Xmas decorations and another very funky decorative piece! I really want to win their raffle - the prize an amazing set of floral carvings which looked simply beautiful.

The visitors came in a steady stream on Saturday but we'd love more! Don't worry the Expo will be around for quite some time. Paddy and his team spent years building the Timber Shows into a strong event. We know it doesn't just happen overnight and our passion, commitment and drive is all about creating a great event and experience for visitors!

I'll try to attach some images - I'm not a photographer so excuse the focus!
Cheers Collette

[Cliff Rogers]

....
Should be interseting to see Ken Wraight with his demo, new fresh face for most people.
I saw Ken, stopped to watch/talk a couple of times, he had LOTS of spare chairs.
There weren't very many people there on Friday but he did get a few people to watch, because there were only one or 2 at a time, they mostly stood right in front of him to watch rather than sit & use the video display.

[Superbunny]

Glad you enjoyed the Expo FC and the shopping! I went shopping too buying a Jock Fergus carving, way too much stuff from the Bayside Club - boxes, Xmas decorations and another very funky decorative piece! I really want to win their raffle - the prize an amazing set of floral carvings which looked simply beautiful.

The visitors came in a steady stream on Saturday but we'd love more! Don't worry the Expo will be around for quite some time. Paddy and his team spent years building the Timber Shows into a strong event. We know it doesn't just happen overnight and our passion, commitment and drive is all about creating a great event and experience for visitors!

I'll try to attach some images - I'm not a photographer so excuse the focus!
Cheers Collette

What Collette:oo:, no pictures of superbunny? Where do people go wrong I don't know.:D:D

SB

[kickback king]

The show was about 70% of the standard show and there was nothing particularly 'hand's on' about it. I enjoyed a chance to see much of the exhibitors together but they did not seem to bring much of their range and very few 'show specials'.

I usually spend 4 to 5 hours at the woodworking show, and I was deliberately going slow and finished in 90 mins.

Might as well run the May show twice a year or make this one free entry. In it's current form it will not last a second year.

[damian]

I managed a few hours on Friday morning. Saw Cliff and Carl briefly. Spent more than I'd intended.

I thought the show was good. Perhaps some people don't understand the name. IMO it's about hands on activities at home not at the show. It's not just woodworking although that dominates. I was happy to see the boat building exibitors and seeing a bit of metalworking stuff and gardening stuff was a nice change. I guess it helps if your interested in a wider range of things.

My mistake was not bringing the car. By the time I got home I was totally wiped out. I even missed a birthday party saturday night because I was so tired and sore.

Anyway, like the wood show I don't think I'll go every year, but I'd certainly attend it again.

[toolbagsPLUS]

Popular presenters like Richard Vaughan still had full house audiences though. I watched a couple of really good presentations. The one on box design by Steve Hayles was very good.

Thanks for that Chaleville, I had a ball doing the Demo's and have set about organising some box making classes at my workshop in Burleigh, (Gold Coast). hopefully fitting in a couple before Chrissy.

Should have details posted at Fine Boxes,Gold Coast School of Fine Woodwork (http://www.fineboxes.com.au) shortly.

I do not regret one cent that we invested in the show and wish Partick, Rachel, Russel and the rest of the team every success during the coming shows and into the future.


GOOD ONYA GUYS:2tsup:


Cheers


Steve

[scorpio_oz]

The first wood show I went to was in May this year, so thats all I have to compare it to.

I went both on Saturday with the whole family, including with my son's disability assistance dog, and then went back on Sunday with my daughter because SWMBO who couldn't decide on whether she wanted a particular burl for a coffee table on Saturday, decided overnight that she did and sent me back to get it. Luckily it hadn't been sold, so I did manage to get it Sunday.

It worked out well, because managing my son who was getting tired and bored as the day progressed on Saturday, meant we didn't get to see any of the demos, so we got the chance on Sunday.

Similar exhibitors to the wood show. Probably more power tools, but in general 80% or more of it was wood working I guess.

Not as many timber vendors as there were in May.

But I think the biggest notable thing, was the lack of people in attendance. I had said to my wife, if its like the May show, I'll struggle in the pavilions with managing my son and his assistance dog, because the people in May were shoulder to shoulder in the passageways, and with a wheelchair and the dog being below eye level,while it wouldn't worry the dog, as she is trained to manage crowds but all her commands are verbal commands only and with the noise inside, it would make it more difficult getting around to see some exhibitors.

Anyway, the lack of people meant that there was no trouble getting to see what you needed, and you could have a chat with some of the stall holders, because they weren't so busy.

I'm guessing that is the downside for the stall holders. Every stall holder I spoke to wasn't happy about the lack of people. We stayed until about 3.30pm on Sunday, and I'd guess there were probably more exhibitors staff there than showgoers by that stage.

Four stallholders I spoke with said they tried it once, but won't be back for a second show, all had lost money on the show. One I spoke with said he'd done the totals up until the end of Saturday, and he said Sundays sales were about the same. In comparison to May's show, he had estimated that he had sold less over the three days of this show, than he would have averaged over three hours in May.

On the Sunday, for the demos, the largest attended demo I was at was one with Richard Raffan, and I counted eight people there, so there was a lot of spare seats.

RNA showgrounds decided to charge more for parking, $6 in May, $10 a day for this show.

While some exhibitors had a few specials going, not many did.(Can't blame them, they were already losing money being there as it turned out).


Others like McJing had show pricing that was more expensive than there standard pricing. I found on average, they had added 10% to 15% extra in most cases above their normal pricing.(At least on the stuff I wanted to buy)

I went along with a shopping list(with prices and all, with the intention of [a] not overspending, that didn't work, [b] getting what I wanted and not forgetting anything. ) McJings were charging more at the show, which I don't know if they did that in May, I didn't get anything from them in May.

Also, some of the exhibitors, didn't have as much stock as May, because of the recent Melbourne wood show, they haven't received their replacement stock, so there were a few things that I wanted to get that they didn't have stocks of in either the size or colour I wanted, because they had sold out at the Melbourne show.

We really enjoyed the show for several reasons. One, was the lack of crowding, which was unfortunate for the exhibitors, but made it a lot easier to see things. Secondly, in May, it was just my daughter and I that were interested. Since then, we have got a lathe, and my wife has also got involved in doing woodturning, so its now more of a whole family day out. And the lack of crowding, meant that I could introduce my wife to a show with it being as stressful.

Also, I went with a small, rather reserved list of things I wanted to buy, so I didn't overspend, or impulse buy. I found that SWMBO spent probably three times what I did, actually it made my list look a little measly. The good news is that meant on Sunday I had some catching up to do :U , and I took some things off the wish list and put them on the buy list :2tsup:

I got the chance to introduce myself to Jim Carroll, and a few of the other exhibitors that I have bought off, and put a face to a name. I met Weisy there and seen a few other forum shirts around.

We did overspend. Christmas arrived early for us , it was this weekend just past, it just means that a lot of this stuff is getting wrapped up and put under the tree this year. We've now probably enough for twelve months worth of projects.

Two shows in one year, almost identical? I'm guessing that I would only go to one show a year, and that would be the May show, because there was more there that interested us. But we did enjoy the weekend :D

-Gavin

[Charleville]

Thanks for that Chaleville,


The pleasure was all mine.

I watched your presentation on the boxes on the Friday and then enjoyed watching you cut out a leaf shape in a veneer at your own stall yesterday. All very enjoyable.


I was a bit disappointed, however, at the boofhead who was supposed to be doing a presentation at 1 pm yesterday at the spot where you did your box design talk.

He was to do a presentation on veneering and vacuum pressing techniques but did not show. There were about a dozen people sitting there waiting patiently.

Of course, we should give him the benefit of the doubt and suspect that he may have had an emergency and did not have time to ask the organisers to post a sign saying that the presentation had been cancelled like a responsible person would do.

Then again, maybe it was just that it was 1 pm on a hot Sunday with small audiences and the pubs were open at the time and ....

:D:D:D:D:D


Anyway, that gave me the opportunity to wander down and watch your splendid marquetry demo at 1.30 pm so that was an unexpected bonus.
.

[Big Shed]

Just had an email in from Colin Rayner at Northwood Tools and he was very disappointed with the results achieved at this show, in fact he reckons he didn't cover his costs and all the other exhibitors he spoke to didn't either. He reckons he won't be back, nor will most of the other exhibitors he spoke to:no:.

He has extended all his Show Specials as he is left with heaps of stock bought for the Show.

[weisyboy]

Just had an email in from Colin Rayner at Northwood Tools and he was very disappointed with the results achieved at this show, in fact he reckons he didn't cover his costs and all the other exhibitors he spoke to didn't either. He reckons he won't be back, nor will most of the other exhibitors he spoke to:no:.

He has extended all his Show Specials as he is left with heaps of stock bought for the Show.

this is not how i see it.

i to did not cover costs over teh weekend but in the long run we will see what pans out from it. i handed out a few flers and got rid of some cards. i also have a few logs to pickup around the place.

a few of teh exhibitors said tehy were more than happy with the amount of exposure they got.

the way i see it is this.

this was teh first one in brisbane. no one knew what it was about. id say ots of people blew there fun allowance at teh wood show at teh start of the year.

every person i spoke to said it was mutch better than teh wood show. and thaught it was brilliant and would be back.

on teh whole THEY LOVED IT! from what iv heard anyhow.

so over teh next 12 months tehy will be telling all there mates how good it was.

i recon next years show if they do it again witch i truly hope they do will be bigger and better than teh wood show.

that is if teh exhibitors will wake up and realise that everythign takes time.

i for one will be back next year in a flash.

i will be emailing teh organisers to congratulate them on a great show and make a few suggestions and comments.

[texx]

i agree fully with what carl has just said .
but i never went because i just could not do it that weekend, but it was an expo or show not a 3 day sale , so any stall holders that were not happy should take a look at what the thing is all about it is in my opinion showing the stuff and its uses and or whats available ,getting more people interested in the pastime and generate more business further down the track .
i could go on and on but i won't, just giving my opinion .and i think carl has the right attitude .exposure .advertising , ................
on ya carl for your positive attitude :2tsup::2tsup:

[funkychicken]

that is if teh exhibitors will wake up and realise that everythign takes time.

When you have to spend a few grand for the spot and haul your stock hundreds, or thousands of km, you want to make a profit, not be patient and wait for the people to roll in.

If you've got the choice to go to a show with plenty of people, who are there for a woodwork show and to spend money on tools. Or go to a show with half the people, some of which aren't there for woodwork at all.
It's a pretty easy decision

I asked 5 exhibitors and they all said it either wasn't worth their time or they haven't covered costs

And if none of the exhibitors return for the next Hands-on-Expo, then it doesn't matter how many people show up, it'll still flop


Sorry I missed your demo Steve, I didn't even know it was on:doh:

[toolbagsPLUS]

this is not how i see it.

i to did not cover costs over teh weekend but in the long run we will see what pans out from it. i handed out a few flers and got rid of some cards. i also have a few logs to pickup around the place.


Nice one Carl,

I agree, how many get their investment back from yellow pages in the first 3 days after distribution?

Like Carl, we handed out a couple of hundred flyers and started receiving calls this morning regarding dates for Workshop Classes and inquiries for veneer sales.
I say reserve your final verdict for a few months and give something new a fighting chance to work.:2tsup:


Cheers


Steve

[toolbagsPLUS]

Sorry I missed your demo Steve, I didn't even know it was on:doh:

Darn that means Funky,:o you'll just have to attend a workshop...shucks:doh::roll:

Cheers



Steve

[dai sensei]

Well I enjoyed it and I will be back. Mind you I am an addict of these shows attending them in Bris, Melb, Syd even Perth, just got to stop spending so much, but I am a sucker for a good deal. I love talking to the stall holders, after all I know most of them :rolleyes:, I've even been known to help out a few when they need a break :U.

Although a lot of stall holders may not have covered their costs, it is often more about getting their name out there and letting people know their product range.

[weisyboy]

When you have to spend a few grand for the spot and haul your stock hundreds, or thousands of km, you want to make a profit, not be patient and wait for the people to roll in.

and your the expert cos youv been running your own business for so long?

If you've got the choice to go to a show with plenty of people, who are there for a woodwork show and to spend money on tools. Or go to a show with half the people, some of which aren't there for woodwork at all.
It's a pretty easy decision
if you are talking about teh wood show i doubt teh atendace will be so good ext year. there spaces are also a lot more expencive than teh hands on

I asked 5 exhibitors and they all said it either wasn't worth their time or they haven't covered costs
5 is abviously the majority. i would have spoken to 20 exhibiters that were with how it went but admit it could have been better. compared to 15 tht said they were disapointed.

And if none of the exhibitors return for the next Hands-on-Expoitl be just like the wood show, then it doesn't matter how many people show up, it'll still flop
exactly thats why we all need to go back and support the new show.


Sorry I missed your demo Steve, I didn't even know it was on:doh:

sorry about that but i dont agree with what you have said and it hasnt come from someone that has been tehre or done that.

i have been to mutch worse shows than that. one show i did we got about id say 100 people threw max.

how many people came threw the gate i wonder.

[Sturdee]

I think we've heard enough about the financial aspects of the show, which in any case is only relevant in respect of the number of exhibitors that may come to the next year's show or the other ones in other cities. The argument of " I know better than you " is not interesting.

I would rather continue to hear reports of how the show actually was, more details about the actual stands and displays, the layout and general organisation.

That would be much more interesting in guiding me if I shopuld go to the one when in Melbourne.


Peter.

[scorpio_oz]

Warning:Rant on

I tossed up whether to wade into this debate, and probably unwisely decided I'd add my business wisdom for what its worth.

I think how successful a show is for a business, depends on the type of business and whether its livelihood depends on services, and this can be running classes etc or other services, or whether it depends on shifting stock, eg.sales.


I've run both types of businesses, in the IT industry. I still do. Owned and run my own for the last ten years, and for over ten years prior ran other peoples companies. Currently own both a sales and a separate service company so I understand the clear difference in how they make money.

We used to do the big IT expos each year in Brisbane and Melbourne about ten years ago. For us it was about two things, exposure, showing the latest stuff our company did and sold, and getting sales leads.

A four day show would cost us around $80K for the floor space, and with all the equipment and staff committed to the exercise, it was easily $150K per show that we had to get back. One bad show, meant for a really bad year.One good show meant for a really good year that would cover the costs of a bad show if you had one next year.

Come the following Monday morning, it was like a military exercise, to ensure every sales lead, large and small got followed up.

Was there ever a show that we didn't recover our costs, yep, is was the year that the last show in Brisbane and Melbourne run. None of the major players came back.

And while we didn't sell stuff off the stands, there were plenty of stands that did, and their business sales model depended on the sales on the day to make their money. People used to come to the show because they could see all the stuff in one place and buy stuff and save themselves running around town comparing.


I only spoke to a few exhibitors late on the Sunday, and they were all sales businesses, that depended on shifting stock over the weekend. They are the instant barometers I used to find at our types of shows. Because you find out how much excess cash people had to splash, and what we used to find out was if they didn't have cash to spend at the shows, then it was a fair indicator on how much they had to spend after the shows.

When I asked the questions, of generally the business owners on Sunday, you can see the look in their eyes and their shoulders drop and what they say after that, is just generally confirming what they have already indicated, and the general response was 'we won't be back'. I felt for these guys because I've been in their shoes, I've been at shows that we didn't make any money at. I've walked away from shows with no credible sales leads, its a cr*ppy feeling.

As a business owner, do I go back if I lost money, on a couple of occasions I have, just to make sure it wasn't just a once off bad show. (also, there is also that other factor of human nature, not wanting to be wrong in your own judgement, I've gone back to shows, because I lost money last time and I wanted to show people that I wasn't wrong in my choice and I could make money next time [oh yes, I did lose money on this particular show the second year as well, just stubborn I suppose]) It did get to a stage where my loyalty to the show organisers and my own stubbornness has to be put aside, after all, your family and staff can't eat loyalty or stubbornness.

Don't get me wrong, I've made ten times the amount of money from doing shows, than I have lost, but only the individual business owners will know, either very quickly or over time, whether this show was worth their while.

As a showgoer on the weekend, by the time I pay for parking and a ticket, its $25. I justify this cost by going and buying stuff that I would like from out of town companies that I would generally have to spend extra to freight stuff if I bought of their internet sites. And generally I buy more at a show because unlike buying over the internet, where the more I buy the higher the freight costs, at a show the more I buy, the bigger saving I make against the ticket cost. If I couldn't buy stuff and save on freight, coming home empty handed leaves me feeling empty.

But I also go to the shows for the demos and to see what companies are doing what. On the weekend, my daughter was the business card bower bird, she collected heaps of cards, so if I need something later, I can go through the cards and hopefully support a company that paid to demonstrate their services at the show. I would support show companies before a general yellow pages lookup because the show companies have shown an interest in getting their name out there, if that makes any sense.

I've said this because I didn't want things to get into a p*ssing contest on whether the show was successful or not. I think both FC and Weisy are both right in their assessments. And as I have said over the years, and it still applies, the best judge of success or failure of any event or business, is time.

:Rant off.

Now that I have that off my chest, yes I really enjoyed this show. I thought the stands were well set up and the vendors had a good variety of stuff. I didn't go and look at the power tools much, because I didn't need anything. I looked at the pen turning stalls, and hand tools and books and stuff. And I went home with some nice burls, and some small bit of CL and Huon to turn up for my son up some tops. Would have liked more timber vendors, like in the May show, and would have probably bought more, but I got enough.

I liked this show a lot , but my reasons are probably a little different to most, with my son being in a wheelchair, if its crowded and he can't easily get into a stand to see something, or he is in the road and blocking people walking past, I tend to throw my hands in the air and not stop at a stand to browse, its too hard or I feel that its inconveniencing others if we are in the road. This happens often.

He wasn't with me in May, because at the time my wife wasn't too interested. Since then we have got a lathe and she is learning to turn and is interested in going to the shows as well, so now its a whole family affair. If it was as crowded as the May show, I think we would not have stayed as long, not spent at much and not enjoyed it as much.

This show we could take our time and browse, without getting in anyones way. In fact because we had my son's assistance dog, we generally got stopped and asked about the dog and what she does, so it was a relaxing weekend, and one that we would do again, but I also understand, that if the vendors aren't there, there isn't anything to browse, and there isn't as much to spend your money on.


Why not so many at this show. My personal assessment, possibly too close to Christmas, people worrying about Christmas costs, and the costs of getting kids back to school in the new year. Another thought, is two almost identical shows in one year viable? I don't know. Because I didn't have a lathe when I went in May, but I do now, I spent all my money at this show. But if I had the lathe in May, I probably would have spent the money in May and not gone to this show. My wife and I figure we bought enough over the weekend for a years worth of projects. I'm sure there will be plenty of navel gazing by the stall holders and organisers in the weeks and months to come. All I know is I'm glad we went.

Time will tell if this show becomes a success, but this weekend, while some of the vendors might not have enjoyed it, I selfishly will say, our entire family did.

-Gavin

[Charleville]

Warning:Rant on

I tossed up whether to wade into this debate, and probably unwisely decided I'd add my business wisdom for what its worth.



A good post, Gavin.


Likewise, many yonks ago, I ran a significant mobile phone business in the very early days of that product.


Likewise, I found the costs of staging a stand at a car show or truck show. or other niche industry show relevant to the product, to be staggering but nonetheless quite profitable for a few years until the mystery had gone out of mobile phones and they had started their path to being the commodity that they are now, and by which time people did not need to learn about what they can do at an industry show. At that stage, I ceased including trade shows as part of my marketing mix despite all of the protestations by the organisers of such shows.


Like you, we would work over every sales lead that we could and I would chew out any of my reps who did not make a better-than-average attempt to establish some ongoing friendly contact with each and every customer who wandered into our stands and showed some interest, because it cost me a bucket full of money to be in the right place for each of those customers to wander in. And that was fair smack in the middle of the early nineties recession - which was a proper recession. :D


At time, I found the old John Cleese training video on how to work a stand to be very good for my sales people.

Ever since those days, I have been in the habit of critiquing the stands that I see at trade shows and I can attest that there is much that the staff working most trade stands have to learn.

eg, I noticed one bloke in a stand on sunday sitting down reading a newspaper. Well, pal, if you ain't interested in your stand then neither am I as a potential customer. :?

Likewise, so many sales people create a barrier to customer entry by standing at the entrance to their stand. If I have to push past them to get in a look at their stuff, then I would rather not bother.


In terms of show specials, I did notice some goodies such as at the bottom end of the drill press range but on the other hand, the price on the Makita LS1214 SCMS that I saw there was $115 more than the current Bunnings price - which itself is $100 dearer than the price that I paid Bunnings in September by exercising their price guarantee.


Obviously, you can get better prices than in-show specials simply by negotiation. When, the prices at the show are so much more than found at a garden variety retailer like Bunnings, it does not make the cost-benefit relationship after paying for ticket entry and parking very palatable for ongoing attendance.


On the other hand, I wandered into the Peacock Saws stand late on Sunday and bought a steel cutting saw blade for $62 from very cheery (albeit tired by that stage) people , and then was delighted to receive my product in a very flash little carry bag which my wife has since purloined. When I opened the bag at home, I then found that I had a terrific 2010 calendar in it. I could have bought a similar saw for $5 cheaper elsewhere at the show so I obviously paid for that bag and calendar but I now have an even better opinion of the Peacock Saw company and look forward to visiting their shop for my bandsaw blade needs for ever more.

I dare say that Peacock made a paper loss on the weekend as well but they will get my modest business and referrals for evermore. I had used their services in the past but it was their helpful personality in full evidence at the show which has endeared them to me.

Like you, I enjoyed the show immensely. I had free tickets and a nice prize associated with the show, which added a nice edge to my joy but the show was damn fine from my perspective and I shall go again next year.

I suspect, however, that retailers and their sales staff have had it too good for too long and don't know how to adjust to slow consumer demand and that will certainly take the edge off the weekend for them.


.

[damian]

Possibly off topic but here goes:

I cannot recommend peakcock highly enough. They are not the cheapest supplier, but in my limited dealings with them the level of service and the expertise you get included in the price is worth far more than the extra $. Really top notch operation that.

[munruben]

I went to the show and enjoyed it but whether two shows of similar nature will survive remains to be seen. With only one show a year, most folk interested in the products will usually put themselves out to visit the show but if they know there is going to be another show with similar items available in a few months down the track, then I guess many will say "I will wait for the next show, its only a few months away" In other words, is each show going to rob each other and are we going to get 2 shows a year where the attendance is down and will this deter traders from going to the show and will it deter buyers going if they know some of their favourite products are not going to be on display?.
I have seen the same thing happen with a particular computer market. First there was queues to get in the place but the market was held each and every month so people got sick of the same old thing and many stopped going and then many traders stopped going too. In the end there was less than half the traders there and so the crowds diminished even further. From a show point of view, I think the hands on was a success, plenty of the kind of stuff I am interested in and easy to walk around and see everything without being pushed from pillow to post.
At the end of the day, I agree with Funky Chicken, the traders are there to make money, no other reason, be it selling stock at the show or taking orders or getting their products exposed. However, the smaller the crowds, the smaller the chances of making money so on that front, only time will tell. I hope both shows survive and people keep supporting them I had a good time at both shows. Would I go to both shows each year? If I needed something and I had missed the chance or didn't have the money at the time the first show was on, yes I would go to buy the product I missed out on, but to go just for the sake of going, maybe not but I would certainly be going to one or the other.

[I_wanna_Shed]

We must be a funny bunch. I've read countless times on here people saying "I wish there was a woodshow more than once a year...".

Now, when there is a second show, its all about saying "I won't be back" or "the show won't be around next year".

I'm not at all surprised attendance was low and not every exhibitor made money - after all, its the first year for this show! I wasn't around for the first 'other' woodshow, but I'd bet it started out much the same way, and look how its grown.

Myself, I'm looking forward to next year when this comes around to Sydney. As long as the organisers do their best like they have in Brisbane, then I will be there. Who knows, maybe next year the other woodshow's attendance in Sydney will be lower, as people have already gone to the Hand On Expo.

We should help this show out. The organisers have been on here talking to us (Up until new management took over the original woodshow, when did anyone from the previous woodshow hop on here and listen to this mob?).

We've been asking for a second show, now let's support them and see if the market can actually handle both of them.

Nathan.

[derekh]

I'll add my 2c worth to say that I enjoyed the 3 hours I spent there on Friday. As a newbie, I actually liked a smaller crowd because I good stop and look and talk without feeling like I shouldn't be taking up someone elses time asking dumb, newbie questions. I had a good chat on the Kreg system and with Colen about his marking gauges. Unfortunately, I am not skilled enough to justify a purchase of Colen or Chris Vespers tools but I did buy a few things on my shopping list.

cheers
Derek

[Christopha]

I might just buy in here just a little... I am one of those bods who come sort of in the middle.

I have been to many WW Shows, I attended the very first in Melbourne way back when cordless drills and mobile phones were SciFi. It was fantastic! The crowds were huge and the atmosphere was electric.The very next show was my first as a demonstrator and I have only missed one Melbourne show as a demonstrator since( I thought it wise to attend my daughters' wedding that year..) Those first years were great, the "vibes" from exhibitors and public alike were fantastic!
Over the years the shows seemed to get stale, the featured demonstrators tired. Hells Bells, some of them got OLD! Companies came and went, some changed hands and seemed to shrink in new hands.

As I headed north to work at the Sydney shows and latterly the Brisbane shows I found that the most fun to be had (apart from "Play Day" with U and Beaut!!!) was the people, both customers and other exhibitors. I also found that most of the exhibitors seem to be the same. They really seem to love providing the goods, the service/s and while they need to make a quid to justify their attendance (existence? ;) ) I think they truly enjoy the job/people.

Having spent many years working at the shows with my mates Neil and Pauline and the last few with Jim and Irene I know just how important it is to them all that their goods are used well, correctly and with enjoyment. I would not work with folk who focused solely on sales, I have better things to do with my life!

OK, EEE (http://www.eee.net.au/) ( and not the Ultrashine I sell for my mates! Everything Exhibitions & Events) the "new" WWWShow folk... These people, Liz, Rick and their staff, have bought a pup. They seem to be working very hard to grow it into a Great Dane. They have listened to YOU, they have taken your suggestions and criticisms of the old WWWShow and are actually doing something to rectify the shortcomings of their immediate predecessors. The last Melbourne show seemed to have a lot of the spirit, fun and comfort of those early shows. The demonstrators were interested and interesting, there were decent rest areas, there was good signage, people on both sides of the counters were happy!

The exhibitors know that EEE are really trying to make it better for everyone because lets face it, if Joe Public has a good time and the exhibitors have a good time then everyone wins. The public get good deals, they also keep up with techniques, designs, skills etc etc, the exhibitors profit by supplying these and EEE at the top of the tree get to make a fair return as well.... EVERYONE WINS!

OK OK, I could go further with this but run the risk of turning back into Doorstop so I will not say more...

[Sturdee]

OK OK, I could go further with this but run the risk of turning back into Doorstop so I will not say more...

Please continue Chris as you are making great sense. Besides I always liked Doorstop. :D


Peter.

[dai sensei]

...the featured demonstrators.......got OLD! ...

Yeh some even lost their hair :U:U:U

[ubeaut]

I had intended saying nothing but a couple of things need to be cleared up.... So here I go sticking my beak in.


The organisers have been on here talking to us (Up until new management took over the original woodshow, when did anyone from the previous woodshow hop on here and listen to this mob?).Hands-on is run by the same people who wouldn't listen to us on here or take part in the forums in the past even though we offered them all the help under the sun. They are the same people who headed up and ran the Timber and Working With Wood Shows for Ridells and later DMG, before the show was sold to the new people EEE (Everything Exhibitions & Events)

EEE on the other hand have actually been listening to us here and have done so since the day they took the shows over, not only that, but they have acted positively to make the shows so much more than they were before. The last couple of shows they've run have been the best in at least the last 10 years and rank up there with the best ever for exhibitors.


I wasn't around for the first 'other' woodshow, but I'd bet it started out much the same way, and look how its grown.The other wood show the Timber & Working With Wood Show was massive from day one. I know, I was there in Melbourne for the first one and have exhibited at them all. They stagnated over the last few years before the oldies bailed out and EEE took over and started to drag them back up through a lot of dedicated and selfless hard work.

The bottom line is this: If the exhibitors aren't happy and don't make money they won't be back. No exhibitors no shows. It's that simple. The exhibitors at the T&WWWShows run by EEE this year were ecstatic.

What more can I say? Lots, but I won't.

Neil :U

PS Hands-On Expo wasn't a woodworking show was never touted as one, it was supposed to be a hands-on show of combined trades crafts education and employment, etc. As I see it, it seems to have fulfilled it's promise to be just that, with the possible exception of the Hands-On bit which I'm told, just wasn't. Unfortunately for reasons beyond the comprehension of most, but clear (I'm sure) to some, it doesn't appear to have received the expected reception they were hoping for and expecting.

[John Saxton]

I might just buy in here just a little... I am one of those bods who come sort of in the middle.

I have been to many WW Shows, I attended the very first in Melbourne way back when cordless drills and mobile phones were SciFi. It was fantastic! The crowds were huge and the atmosphere was electric.The very next show was my first as a demonstrator and I have only missed one Melbourne show as a demonstrator since( I thought it wise to attend my daughters' wedding that year..) Those first years were great, the "vibes" from exhibitors and public alike were fantastic!
Over the years the shows seemed to get stale, the featured demonstrators tired. Hells Bells, some of them got OLD! Companies came and went, some changed hands and seemed to shrink in new hands.

As I headed north to work at the Sydney shows and latterly the Brisbane shows I found that the most fun to be had (apart from "Play Day" with U and Beaut!!!) was the people, both customers and other exhibitors. I also found that most of the exhibitors seem to be the same. They really seem to love providing the goods, the service/s and while they need to make a quid to justify their attendance (existence? ;) ) I think they truly enjoy the job/people.

Having spent many years working at the shows with my mates Neil and Pauline and the last few with Jim and Irene I know just how important it is to them all that their goods are used well, correctly and with enjoyment. I would not work with folk who focused solely on sales, I have better things to do with my life!

OK, EEE (http://www.eee.net.au/) ( and not the Ultrashine I sell for my mates! Everything Exhibitions & Events) the "new" WWWShow folk... These people, Liz, Rick and their staff, have bought a pup. They seem to be working very hard to grow it into a Great Dane. They have listened to YOU, they have taken your suggestions and criticisms of the old WWWShow and are actually doing something to rectify the shortcomings of their immediate predecessors. The last Melbourne show seemed to have a lot of the spirit, fun and comfort of those early shows. The demonstrators were interested and interesting, there were decent rest areas, there was good signage, people on both sides of the counters were happy!

The exhibitors know that EEE are really trying to make it better for everyone because lets face it, if Joe Public has a good time and the exhibitors have a good time then everyone wins. The public get good deals, they also keep up with techniques, designs, skills etc etc, the exhibitors profit by supplying these and EEE at the top of the tree get to make a fair return as well.... EVERYONE WINS!

OK OK, I could go further with this but run the risk of turning back into Doorstop so I will not say more...

Chris,well said no-one could have said it better than that.

I reckon since the Perth WW show has been run independant of the usual organising it has had that refreshing interest that continues to draw good patronage from stall holders and the public alike.It is run in a similar vein as the now Eastern States shows by EEE.
Progresive thinking on how to better implement each years show offers up its challenges, but by at least attempting to meet those challenges shows continued input from the organisers.
By comparison this year the Melbourne TWW show was by far one of the best that I have been to in the East(and I've been to a few up and down the coast)and easily parallels what we now have here in Perth if not in some respects an improvement .These now well run shows can be compared to what Chris said of the very early days when all went in a positive vein.

To the public and the stallholders give the "Hands-on" a chance to grow it does need your support.

Cheers:)

[WOODY70]

I had intended saying nothing but a couple of things need to be cleared up.... So here I go sticking my beak in.

Hands-on is run by the same people who wouldn't listen to us on here or take part in the forums in the past even though we offered them all the help under the sun. They are the same people who headed up and ran the Timber and Working With Wood Shows for Ridells and later DMG, before the show was sold to the new people EEE (Everything Exhibitions & Events)

EEE on the other hand have actually been listening to us here and have done so since the day they took the shows over, not only that, but they have acted positively to make the shows so much more than they were before. The last couple of shows they've run have been the best in at least the last 10 years and rank up there with the best ever for exhibitors.

The other wood show the Timber & Working With Wood Show was massive from day one. I know, I was there in Melbourne for the first one and have exhibited at them all. They stagnated over the last few years before the oldies bailed out and EEE took over and started to drag them back up through a lot of dedicated and selfless hard work.

The bottom line is this: If the exhibitors aren't happy and don't make money they won't be back. No exhibitors no shows. It's that simple. The exhibitors at the T&WWWShows run by EEE this year were ecstatic.

What more can I say? Lots, but I won't.

Neil :U

PS Hands-On Expo wasn't a woodworking show was never touted as one, it was supposed to be a hands-on show of combined trades crafts education and employment, etc. As I see it, it seems to have fulfilled it's promise to be just that, with the possible exception of the Hands-On bit which I'm told, just wasn't. Unfortunately for reasons beyond the comprehension of most, but clear (I'm sure) to some, it doesn't appear to have received the expected reception they were hoping for and expecting.
Hey Neil,

Couldn't agree more.

In fact in the early days they were huge and they ran for 4 days and till 10 at night.

Oh and we use to get a BBQ and some coldies for the stall holders. I wounder what happened there.
I think they saw their big fat bottom line getting chewed into.

Cheers
Dave

[weisyboy]

we got a steak burger and a few stubbies or a glass or 2 of wine on Friday night. :2tsup:

[ubeaut]

Dead right Dave they were 4 days. From memory 10am - 10pm (6pm on Sunday) Oh yeah they were huge and there were still crouds of people around as late as half an hour before closing time.

EEE have a bbq and drinks for all exhibitors on Friday nights and a BBQ burning outside throughout the show. They have also supplied well equipped exhibitors lounge and forum members lounge, complete with lounge chairs, notice board, boiling water, brewed coffee, and a water cooler.

They also supply comfortable lounge chairs at various places for patrons to sit, relax and recuperate so they can get back into it refreshed. In the past many would have just left because they were worn out. That alone is a giant step forward.

For those who don't know it the first few shows were run by Rod(Raf) and Linda Nathan who also founded and continue to publish the Australian Wood Review magazine.

:~

[funkychicken]

PS Hands-On Expo wasn't a woodworking show was never touted as one, it was supposed to be a hands-on show of combined trades crafts education and employment, etc. As I see it, it seems to have fulfilled it's promise to be just that, with the possible exception of the Hands-On bit which I'm told, just wasn't.

From what I saw, it was pretty much a woodwork show, with hardly any metalwork. There may have been a bit of DIY stuff, but I screen out that stuff automatically. There were some apprenticeship and training mobs there, mostly stuffed in a far corner in the last hall. Their stands looked very empty.

At the Lie Nielsen and Carba-tec stand you could try out their tools, I got to use a Veritas spaceship block plane:D
So it there was a tiny bit of Hands on

[Collette]

It’s actually been a great opportunity to read all the feedback! For my money any woodworker who came along to the Hands-On Expo would have enjoyed themselves (of the 302 visitors who completed survey cards as they left, 97% rated the expo good – excellent). There was a very wide range of tools and machines, timber, free demos of turning, dove-tailing, pyrography, carving, toy making and more, as well as some good woodwork! I know I’m biased but the hands-on stuff in the other 'trades' that I tried was fantastic, soldering electronics (good fun), forming a plastic mould (reminded me of jelly), didn’t do bricklaying or tiling ‘cause I’ve done both before and never want to clean or lift a brick again!
Saw plenty of people trying different tools. Missed the cutting out rust from a car demo on the Fein stand, missed Steve Hayle’s demo which I’ll catch in melbourne and have apologies to pass on from Richard Coles, his mother took ill and he had to cancel his veneering demonstrations at the last moment.
We’re busy planning ahead and it’s been great to get your feedback.I’d love to hear more, so feel free to email your thoughts to [email protected] ([email protected]) I’d be interested to know whether the forum visitors enjoyed the show and why people chose not to attend so we can improve the show accordingly to everyone’s benefit.
Cheers
Collette<O:p</O:p

[Darklord]

I fully intended going but I had a better offer and went fishing instead. Was all fired up to go till I was informed it was basically a bit of a ripoff of the working with wood show with the same tired old demonstrators like Raffan, Vaughan and Bell I decided the fishing was a better option.

And after reading this.

Hands-on is run by the same people who wouldn't listen to us on here or take part in the forums in the past even though we offered them all the help under the sun. They are the same people who headed up and ran the Timber and Working With Wood Shows for Ridells and later DMG, before the show was sold to the new people EEE (Everything Exhibitions & Events)

I feel vindicated for not attending. Surely there should have been some sort of contract to say they would not run a similar show for 10 years or something along those lines. My goodness, one would think there would at least be a moral obligation if nothing else. How on earth can someone sell a business then start a clone of that business in direct competition to the one they sold. How unethical. Maybe this was common knowledge and that is why the attendance was poor.

Karma has struck and will strike again. I think they should get on bended knees and beg forgiveness of the people they sold the working with wood show to, especially if they intend to go ahead with the other shows as planned.

If they intend to continue running shows they need to have a go at something completely different, something new and fresh and leave the woodwork alone. If they continue in this vein, we the woodworking public will be the ones who really suffer, as they will surely cruel it for everyone.

Just my humble, honest and sincere opinion.

Darky

PS I chose to go up to Rockhampton for the weekend with a dear old friend, for the following result.
122804
Not a great photo, but the weekend was amazing and the barra steaks were to dye for.
Got to admit, I did not miss the expo for a second as I was having way too much fun. :D

[ubeaut]

Nice lookin' fishy for the little dishy and my favourite too.

I didn't say they owned the Timber and Working With Wood Shows. What I said was they ran them (for DMG World Media), or one ran them the others helped.

Don't look like there's anything more constructive coming from this thread so unless someone else has something to add it'll be closed tomorrow.

Neil

[Darklord]

Weather they owned it, or as you said, "headed up and ran" what they have done still seems to be unethical to me.

I will continue to attend and enjoy the working with wood shows but will not attend one of the hands on shows purely on moral grounds. Not even sure I will support the businesses that knew this yet exhibited at the show anyway.

Maybe it is time to close this thread.

DL :~

[woodnut]

I was talking with an exhibitor on the Sunday. I was told of two parents who rocked up at 3pm on the Saturday to collect their son working on the stand. They had to pay $15 each to enter plus a $10 parking fee. $40 to collect their offspring. They weren't amused apparently and neither was the exhibitor. It would seem ethics are not what they should be with the organisers.
Darklord, I could not agree more.