Good topic Bryce. Here's my 3 cents - for what it's worth:
We always seem to have the schedule debate here on Oldgas. I arrived Tuesday morning before 9am and I felt LATE. This is for a show that "starts" on Wednesday? I personally love the way CTO does it in Columbus. A set time for vendor setup that is well enforced makes it convenient and doable for those taking time off work to enjoy their hobby. Why have to take a whole week off for a show that honestly does not need to be more than 3 days including the auction? I understand early bird gets the worm, but why spend a week's vacation and additional lodging/meals because the show is stretched out? IF they are going to ban Monday vending, why not ban Tuesday too and keep it as a true Wednesday start (or even better- shift back to Thurs-Sat)? A shorter schedule means more people can/will take time off to travel to the show AND feel like they will really be able to take in the whole show. More people coming means more vendors AND more customers - a win for all, no matter what your goal is for the show! I had PLENTY of upset customers on Wednesday wondering why all the empty spots and people packing up?
Our vending spot was on the south side of the building - I had more than a few friends say "I didn't know you were set up- where are you?". It was a less than perfect spot, BUT, I signed up late and took what they had. Not allowing vehicle parking in vendor stalls would help this issue. The new ballroom and north end of hotel is very nice (I missed last year so hadn't seen it), but the hallways around the rooms are still HOT and smelly. NOTHING like the Embassy in Columbus - now that is a host hotel! The concession stand outside is gone, there are no portable toilets, and I didn't see any security at night if it was there? Parking is always a terrible problem at this venue - both for vendors and more importantly for customers. This is reason alone to find a new location.
I thought the auction looked noticeably sparse, and IMO several nice high ticket signs went through at bargain prices this morning (unfortunately before I was logged in and bidding live). I had several people tell me there wasn't enough in the auction for them to justify staying another 2-3 days. The early start definitely hurts auction attendance. There is no way I'd consign a good piece if the schedule doesn't change.
Now for the good: Always lots of nice items to choose from, many good friends to catch up with, cheese curds and Spotted Cow with fellow Old Gas'ers, room hopping is always fun, and it wasn't 99 in the shade!
If this show were Thursday, Friday, Saturday at a nice hotel where everyone could get a room, have more vending space and parking- it could reclaim it's title as the "Best GAS show". Until then it will be another one that I will continue to go to since it's close - but still always think "if only" or " why not____"??
I know it's not easy to put on a show, and I say all this as constructive criticism/discussion. In the end I am happy to have one of the biggest gas shows several hours away. It's kept me coming back for most of the last 25 years, and I'll be back again next year...
