I'm thinking about going to Big Show in Columbus, OH... I was going to get the unlimited seminar and go as many classes as I can get... We are small business, and just starting out... So, do you think its the best to go to one?? Never gone to one before, but planing going to one some day...
Also, if there any shows or educations near pittsburgh area, please let me know... ;o)
Is there ever a sign show in Pittsburgh Convention Center??? just curious... ;o)
Thanks... Letterhead Rules )
Posted by Jon Aston (Member # 1725) on :
If you want to get a good, wide overview, and meet alot of good contacts, I would recommend ISA 2002, ORLANDO Posted by Ryan E Young (Member # 2325) on :
I went to the Big Show in Charlote NC. I didnt take any classes but found alot of contacts . It was well worth it to me.
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
When I first started out, I wanted to be "diversified" as much as possible. But, my true love and talents were custom woodworking and fabricating. I attended the vinyl, sandblasting, auto-art, electrical and all kinds of yada, yada, yada workshops. Looking back, I wish I had concentrated my efforts on what I like to do best and let the others go. If you are asking for advice, this is mine. . . .. concentrate on what you are good at and hone your skills so you can make MONEY doing what you like to do !!!! It took me 15 years to get to where I am now. Hopefully, you can get there quicker. By all means, go to the shows !! Best of luck to ya !!
[ March 04, 2002, 05:13 PM: Message edited by: John Smith ]
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
How can you hold back when so many are opening their door for you!
You'll meet more people that will give you all the info that your mind can absorb..
Have Fun!!!!! Posted by Cheryl Lucas (Member # 1656) on :
Hi Jamie:
Jon is right about the ISA Shows, they're exclusive to the sign industry. (International Sign Association) International Sign Expo 2002 is in Orlando, FL, April 4-6. Absolutely a perfect time of year to visit!
I went to the BIG Show in Orlando last year. The majority of vendors were screen print and embroidery. They hosted an AWESOME free party! Plenty of sign stuff for a first timer tho!
WARNING:
Someone will hand you a bag, it will probably contain free stuff, be careful to monitor what you put into it as it will become very, very heavy!
While attending my first show, I stuffed everything into my bag! I even had to find another bag for more stuff. By the end of the day I had gorilla arms! After lugging all that stuff around the show, in and out of the car, the house and finally the shop, I imagined myself being the only one at the next show with a little red wagon in tow...
NOTE:
When you sign in, they will give you a card. When you see something you like, ask the vendor to "swipe your card", this will put you on their mailing list for catalogs, etc. (no more gorilla arms) I've even asked for samples and received them.
I haven't attended any of the seminars but would imagine you'll learn something!
Enjoy the show!
Cher.
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Jon,
I went to the Big Show in Orlando last year and met Cheryl in person for the first time. I paid and went to all the free seminars I could get into and paid for one hands-on seminar. I think it was very beneficial to me as I was only 6 months into the game of signs.
And Cheryl is totally right about the free party! Free beer and food and entertainment. We had a great time!
Posted by Bill Preston (Member # 1314) on :
Hi, Jaime,
Sure, go! For starters, it's a tax write-off. Workshops and seminars are usually very good, but try to hit the ones in your main area of interest.
Don't be shy, walk around and talk to people-- you can learn almost as much on the exhibit floor as you can in the classes.
Have fun.
Posted by Rick (Member # 373) on :
Ive been to the b.i.g. show in columbus a few years ago, was very impressed, but also surprised there wasn't much to do with painting. The big party on friday night was great!!!!Never took any of the classes, dont know anything about them. If you go, maybe I'll see ya there, I hope to make it there this year at least 1 of the days.
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
Yes you should go to a show! they are great fun. I went to one in Vegas before I knew about Letterville. I met 2 crazy guys who reminded me so much of Cheech and Chong.(I wonder if they reside in Letterville?!) I had quite a time checking out all the new stuff...and went to a couple of seminars. And of course the Big Bash put on by Roland. Don't forget your dancing shoes!!
Posted by John Thompson (Member # 2750) on :
I have a question that is probably silly. We went to the Big Show in Charlotte last year as newbies to the sign business but not to graphics. We were really impressed then but knowing what we know now compared to what we knew then, it really wasn't that big or impressive. It really helped us out then but now we are set as far as suppliers and such goes (always have 3 or 4 good supliers not just 1, just my tip from experience in other businesses). Is the ISA Show that will be in Orlando that much of a larger event or better than the BIG Show? We live about 10 hours away from Orlando and I wouldn't drive that far for a show like the BIG Show but if it is a lot better, I definantly want to go.
Posted by Jaime Doyle (Member # 2422) on :
Well, thats cool if they have party too... ;o) ( did you say beer? ) Well, I would love to go to Orlando, but I hate to drive that far, and I don't want to take the airplane because of the terroist is going on now... I just had a son in November, and hate being away from him in 10,000 miles... Thats why I would go to Ohio this year, and hoping go to Orlando next year... I have reviewed the classes, and only taking what we would need to learn first... Then the other stuff can be later on... I don't want to be wasting my time on something that I'm not doing at the shop... I want to learn as much as possible with the stuff I'm working with right now...
Any one is going to Columbus Big show?? Let me know, will be forward see some of you guys there...
Also, The Letterhead on Mars??? Anyone going to that one too??? Its in Pittsburgh... I'm thinking about going to that one too... ;o)
??? How can you get those cool Instant Graemlins on the message box ??? I tried to copy and paste but it doesn't work... (
Posted by Howard Keiper (Member # 1250) on :
Jaime... By all means, get to the Orlando show. Please plan to visit the Graphtec booth and say hello.
All.. Same initation is extended to all of you. We may have a surprise for the vinyl cutting folks. hk
Posted by VICTORGEORGIOU (Member # 474) on :
Jaime, the BIG Show is good, but the ISA show will blow you away. You won't go wrong with either one. Vic G
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
You live near Pittsburg and you want to know if you should drive 20 minutes to attend an internation letterheads meet????? Nah, will be too crowded with talent comming in from all over the world. Probably not much to do either! ..........OF COURSE YOU GO!!! See you there! ( the trades shows are good in a diffrent way, especially for a newbe!) Joe Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
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