I agree with you on both points, George. I think he could have pulled it off, but yes, it's his show, so ultimately, the decision is his.
I think attendance would have been good, because collectors look forward to this show and with the hiatus, people are eager to get back. For the dealers, short notice might have been more of a challenge for the logistics. But yeah, here's hoping he can negotiate now with FDU for the traditional date and get set for next year.
Prost!
Brad
I'm extremely disappointed with this decision; much like your show, the East Coast Show was, is and always has been a home run for myself and many other dealers, you mothballed your show for two years, you brought it back this year although you depend on European exhibitors to attend and all and all, it worked out well vs mothballing it for another year, keep moving forward.
Even if the show was a bit down this year, it would have been better to run it, dealers can improvise if needed and to be honest, how many dealers are we talking about here who are left with skin in the game; myself, Hobby Bunker, TFT with Julie maybe flying in, worst case scenario Tom Dubel representing her at the show, Belle and Blade, Relic Amusements, the Jones Brothers, Gary Green/Warstore Collectibles, that's 50 tables right there, boom, you're in business.
Honestly, I'm really at the point where I am wondering if shows are a thing of the past; COVID forced a **** ton of people to learn to shop online, we've got forums, YouTube videos and Facebook pages where product is shown to potential buyers now, plus the demographic is aging and getting out to shows is a challenge for some. I'm not even going to go down the "How many collectors have passed away since COVID started" road....................................
A customer of mine who's been a Chicago Show attendee since the late 1980's was depressed over the number of canes, walkers, scooters, wheelchairs he saw at the Chicago Show, he's been away from it for two years, he said it looked less like a toy soldier show and more like Shady Acres Nursing Home. He kept waiting for an announcement "Medication time".
And yes, I am sure some out there will be quick to yammer about how great shows are for the social interaction and you can't put a price on face to face contact..................great, it's nice to get together with old friends and socialize, but the MAIN point of a toy soldier show is to sell toy soldiers, period.
Mothballing the premier toy soldier show on the East Coast does no good, Bill Lango busted his *** to make it the show that is was; I'm starting to wonder if that ship has sailed, a very sad reality I'm starting to ponder.
Hopefully the show will come back strong in 2023 if the promoter can pull it off; I know the dealers are willing, hopefully the attendees will be as well.
Time will tell.