Thread: Working With Wood Shows

I am a regular at the Sydney show and this year I drove down to the Canberra show for the day.

I would sum up the shows in two words 1. Educational and 2. Entertaining.

Ross

Never been to one. I guess I never thought of it nor knew when, where, how much or why... It is a hobby... Maybe I should have a look/

Fryers

I look forward to them, only been the last 3... with an average of about $2500 spent at each show.

I'll say the things that I was discussing with Neil at the after show meet up, purley based on the Adeliade show

1. Not enough big name exhibitors that do machines and trade products... we need to cater for the pro woodys too. I was talking to two guys(1 builder 1 joiner) and they were saying the show was poor because there was very little on offer, other than the festool(the builder spent well over $10k at festys).

2. There was no display of aussie furniture at all(only cheap #### imports at the entrance doors), remember we need to attract non woodies too, why not advertise and static display pro made designer wares to attract the yuppies and everyday furniture to attract the familys.

3. Lets face it hands on displays nowdays is an insurance nightmare... dont do it, it drains finances which would be better spent avertising.

4. Advertising... where is it, I did not see 1 bit here?

5. Too many scroll saw based displays.

6. No educational displays to attract the younger folk into the woodwork industy... where was TAFE?

7. We dont like the hawker displays... but they are needed to keep the dollars up, should a surcharge be applied for not being wood related, and have a set ratio of stands between them like 4:1(wood/nonwood), plus put them all in 1 area... so we can steer clear?

8. Working displays, like a pro furniture workshop making wares for sale... watch your furniture being made(yuppies and family types would like that).(I'd actually like to do this but im not a pro yet).

9. More skill based displays... not everyone is into lathe's.
Why not have a workshop safety demonstration, can we ask a safety gear producer like "protector safety" for this... what better way to advertise for them.

10. Only 1 display on finishing gear(UB of course), demo's on finishing products would be nice.

11. Wood supplies at normal prices, the stuff I seen there was ridiculously priced... red gum was about $10k a cube! No local bigname wood suppliers at all... not one?

12. Neil, do DMG canvas for exhibitors or do they just hope for them to apply?

I cant see the problem with the entrance fee, its cheaper than most big shows, and food is always expensive at shows? No point complaining we all pay it.

I didn't go last year and will likely give it a miss this year.

The two times I've been I spent less than a couple of hundred (from memory), add the petrol, parking and entry fee and based upon these basic financials the bargains simply don;t add up so I don;t see the trip as a bargain hunt. I think the show has missed a market in relation to semi professional and professional carpenters and a few other aspects of timber and wood - one thing that comes to mind is chainsaws and other handy gear for those of us who harvest our own timber from time to time (perhaps it's a niche and me a a couple of my mates are unique?). I've had a look at some of the timber but was discouraged when I asked on stallholder about what seasoning a bit of fairly large timber had recieved - the response: "yeah it's has been air dried for over a year". Demonstrations of some poor bugger repeatedly planing a bit of foreign softwood to produce 6 foot long shavings - not my cup of tea. In fact I'd prefer to have the shoe polishers polish my RM's. That's just a couple of examples. Other than good hand tools/jigs and some of the better quality larger machinery there's thin pickings in relation to trade quality gear at realistic prices (let alone trade prices - I tried to bargain with one mob on $2k worth of gear at the last one I went to and they didn't move 5% from rrp so I put my wallet and cash away). I guess it's a diy type show and that's alll that they aim at.

I go to look at what's new, look at different tools and watch some of the better stand demo's like those from Ubeaut and HNT. I also enjoy the exhibits of the pieces others have made. In my experience there hasn't been anything obviously different between the two shows I went to to attract me back every year. The actual wood working entries are a real eye opener and an inspiration.

I go to catch up on all the new goodies, see demos, lust after impossible purchases, to see in the flesh, no metal, the tools and machinery that I have budgeted money for and to generally soak up the atmosphere. I agree that this years Brisbane show was disappointing. I don't remember much of the 2004 show (brain cells diminishing) but in 2005 i spent two whole days there and still didn't see all I wanted to. This year I was there from 10 until three and saw everything. It seemed a lot less interesting and there seemed a lot fewer major interest exhibitors.
I don't like the rag & Bone men either but if it helps subsidise the real interesting stands or means costs don't rise as much for them, then they are useful. Maybe they should be grouped so they can be ignored - that way they'll leave on their own accord. Seriously though - the T&WWW Show is my only must do event of any year - and all my savings (what??) are aimed at having a good dose of woody retail therapy once a year, so too many more like Brisbane last year and goodnight nurse!

Cheers,

Graeme C

I attend when I can, but that's not often.

My main work tends to be seasonal and when it's on, 'tis an 80 hour week. When it's not on, cash tends to be a problem (either budgetting for upcoming hard times or just coming out of 'em. [sigh]) and I hate going window-shopping without a pile of bricks.

But on the rare times when circumstances permit, I'm there. Why? The bargains are nice, but not the primary reason... I've managed to negotiate similar discounts on the storeroom floors, with less hassles regarding delivery. It is the best place, IMHO, to see the ranges of toys^H^Hools available and to keep up with new developments & techniques. I didn't have much in the way of "social contacts" last time I attended, 3 or 4 years ago, 'twas pre-forum membership. Next time, I'll keep an eye out for the 'at brigade and perhaps that'll give me more reason to shuffle my priorities so I can attend...

Even then non-woodie related stalls were fairly prevalent but I can understand the reason behind 'em. As I see it, the bottom line is: they help keep costs down. [shrug] Crowds are a pain, but I can't really see how they can be avoided... they're just a fact of life. Some things ya just can't avoid.

I try to never miss the show sometimes I can't avoid missing one. With regard to the Adelaide show I beleive it is going to need more days allocated, this year and last year it was so well patronised it was difficult to view much of the stands to them being crowded, more days would hopefully space the patrons out a bit

No never been, but that's not to say I do not wish to go!..My son went with his school this year at the Sydney event and I was very jealous that I could not attend. As at the time my wife was undergoing surgery and I was not the best myself, maybe next year!.....

Originally Posted by China

I try to never miss the show sometimes I can't avoid missing one. With regard to the Adelaide show I beleive it is going to need more days allocated, this year and last year it was so well patronised it was difficult to view much of the stands to them being crowded, more days would hopefully space the patrons out a bit

China, me old Chinaplate, MORE days and LONGER days is exactly what we DON'T want. The early woodshows went until all hours of the night, exhibitors were all absolutely exhausted, the demonstrators were exhausted and after 3 days and nights everyones wallets were exhausted. As a regular at the Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne shows I think that the main thing missing are the displays of work, the great carvings, turnings, cabinetry, etc. etc. IMHO these displays enthuse the general public and make them keen to do similar or at the very least have a bigger "go". This, I am sure would also reflect in the sales for the retailers at the show. Some of the early exhibitions, especially in Melbbourne were absolutely mind blowing and certainly inspired me and I am sure many others....
The food at these shows can be be very ordinary and is always expensive but I am sure that can be blamed on the basic cost of the venue rental just as I am sure it is the reason for expensive stand rental for the exhibitors and the price of the entry...... by the way, how much to watch a movie nowadays and you can only stay for a couple of hours max?
I enjoy the woodshows because I get to spend the time with my friends Neil and Pauline who I think sometimes keep me almost sane, I also enjoy meeting/catching up with many of you uglies. I always "do" the show though to see whats new, who's got what etc. and even if U and Beaut decide they have had enough of me I shall keep turning up and enjoying...

My wife and I go every year to the Brisbane show and from the remarks from other states it would appear that all they don't like is not here and what they want to see is here. Loved the lady sculptor using the chainsaw one year. Would I not go? No my wife loves them and would drag me there. We have 12 grandkids (6 to 16) who come to our place (SAnta's workshop they call it) every year to make xmas present for their parents and we get lots of ideas for them.

I have only one beef and that is we had a high school show there wares and skills one year and would like the exhibitors not charge for the space and 'someone' in the industry sponsor a high school skill 'test' or 'competition' or such each year to foster the love of wood.

I usually buy my specials from Carbatec two weeks beforehand and they guarantee thet if you find it cheaoer at the show they will refund the difference. We mostly buy slab timber for funiture etc or offcut timber for the Santa thing. Anne and Larry

never miss it in Syd and sometimes newcastle.

squishy pillows out. genuine discounts in... the retailers get upset and dont want to offer discounts becauseas you say it costs a motza to attend as stand holder but.....

I like the timber and the timber related stuff
I like the demos
I like to meet the guys

I have been to the last 3 shows after an absence of about 10 years when it was still in the Exhibition buildings.

What I don't like:

I personally don't like the current venue as getting into it by car is difficult and parking is expensive, so I go by train. The walking from the station to the building and then all the way to the end along the corridor, and the return walk loaded up with heavy goodies, is not my idea of fun.

Also the long wait in the line to get in, especially last year as I already had tickets was annoying.

Admission price is creeping up every year and becoming too expensive for a poor pensioner.

There are too many non woodwork related stands and there are not large enough spaces around the stands making it difficult to get past some stands because of the crowd.

The fact that most suppliers are not offering discounted show prices, or only 10 % which I can usually negotiate (or even better) direct with them during their normal sales.

If something is bought from an interstate supplier the long delay for the delivery after the show.


What I do like:

Meeting up with fellow woodworkers and Neil, Pauline, and Christopha. They are always great to see.

Comparing tools and stands from the various suppliers.


Would I go this year:

I doubt it, as I'm not buying any tools at the moment but I will regret not meeting and seeing Brendan at his stand this year.


Peter.

G'day Neil,

I can certainly appreciate the effort and cost that goes into hosting a stand at an exhibition such as this.

For me it represents several things:

1) a chance to meet, sometimes for the first time, fellow woodies
2) an opportunity to see what is new or revised
3) an opportunity to learn some techniques
4) the possibility of acquiring some goodies for the shed; if at a good price, all the better, but not really the main driver

I could certainly do without the non-woodie stalls though. The show must have a focus, and that focus should be woodworking - both pro and amateur.
5) a chance to look at, poke, prod and generally examine stuff that is otherwise only seen in catalogues or such.

I echo most of the reasons already stated. I go to the Melbourne show (and formerly the Canberra show)

Why I go:
- see new products and touch tools in the flesh (I don't live any where near Springvale, so I never visit Carbatec)
- easily compare competing brands
- see demos (such as sharpening demos, or dovetailing demos)
- rummage through the "seconds" displays for a bargain or rare item (like McJings)
- talk shop with the demonstrators

I buy stuff, but usually only small sundry items.

What I don't like/why I would stop going:
- sales prices the same as store prices - I'm looking at you Carbatec, Timbecon and Triton! Is the entry fee paying for the chance at a bargain, or is it for the "priveledge" of having all the sellers in one place? It seems the latter.
- demonstrators who just want to sell rather than talk honestly about the best techniques for a task.
- demonstrators who are rude and dismissive if you are just looking, and don't show much enthusiasm.
- Melbourne location. I agree that Exhibition Centre is crappy location. Apart from the parking expense, etc, it is probably hugely expensive for the exhibitors. To avoid crowds, I take half the day off and go on Friday afternoon (which is convenient for work), but it means I won't buy anything big.

I must say I've never really noticed the pillow sellers - I just ignore them. Although agree that if the theme becomes diluted, it would be reason to stop going. (The same reason I stop watching lifestyle channel - yankee workshop )

Where I can sympathise with stall holders:
- Advertising? Haven't seen a thing.
- Cost of exhibiting. Is this really the reason there are never any real bargains? Or as Gumby has said, would discounting mean people hold off all purchases until once a year?

My Advice:
- Advertise!!!!
- If cost is preventing more "real" exhibitors attending, or preventing any real bargains being had, then get a new venue! I'm sure there is a big shed near the airport or somewhere than can be rented. To the guys who drive in from albury or ballarat, I hardly think a central city location is a huge advantage. It might also help keep some of the pillow sellers away.