100 percent the reason of the decline in vendors at the Iowa Gas show is because of the promotor, plain and simple. I attended/vended Iowa gas each year for about 20 years. I quit vending there about 5 years ago, and quit attending a year or two after that for many reasons.
I did attend the Bettendorf show and had a great time. The Bettendorf venue is 10 times better than Des Moines, the Bettendorf promotor is 10 times better than Des Moines. The Food is 10 times better at Bettendorf.
I talked to quite a few vendors that said they were approached at Bettendorf by either Robbie or one of the staff thanking them for being there. They were also asking for feedback on what to do in order to make the show better for next year. I can tell you I was never asked in 20 years for any kind of input from the folks that put on Iowa gas.
Sometimes it takes a threat of something greater for people to get their ***** together. I am looking forward to Bettendorf next year!
