If the promoters of these outdoor shows are following the trend of other big
shows, the exhibitor fees have skyrocketed. Many big shows are down to
about a third their former size because the manufacturer's no longer find
them worth the cost. I understand the woodworker's show this year was about
25% the size of shows two or three years ago. Those outfitters needing to
make contact with potential customers may be what's keeping the outdoor
shows going but I can understand why the great deals have gone away. Like
everybody else, I used to book vacation fishing trips, buy lots of stuff,
pick-up tons of brochures for winter daydreaming and attend as many
presentations in a day as possible. Too bad the promoters had to start
jacking booth prices.
-Jewelee
