03-18-2008, 04:44 PM
[font "Arial"][size 2]Here is the response I got from the email I sent. All in all, he seemed very professional and seemed to address all my concerns. Just thought I'd share how he treated me. (the original email is within the reply)[/size][/font]
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[font "Arial"][size 2]Dear Brian:[/size][/font]
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[font "Arial"][size 2]First, thank you for attending the shows! Also, we very much appreciate your constructive tone! So many emails are sarcastic and ignorant of just how much we can control. For example, we can't make certain exhibitors (such as Sportsman's Warehouse) rent a space, though we try to sell virtually every company in the outdoor industry-we know most attendees want to see products and more products, and then buy some at so-called "show" prices.[/size][/font]
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[font "Arial"][size 2]I've addressed some of your concerns in ALL CAPS below your points.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font][font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Again, thanks for your support and thoughts![/size][/font]
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[font "Arial"][size 2]Now, the issues..[/size][/font]
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[font "Tahoma"][size 2]From:[/size][/font][font "Tahoma"][size 2] Brian ********
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 6:22 PM
To: John Kirk
Subject: salt lake city show[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3][/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Dear Sirs,[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]I have attended this expo for many years. I do have some things I would like to see change and so I thought I would voice my opinion. I realize that one persons opinions may not matter much but here goes... [/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Seminars: Well done on putting on some good seminars. Caught Jared Johnsons with Rocky Mountain Tackle at the fish tank and was very impressed and learned some new techniques. I enjoyed the dog jumping show as well![/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]THANK YOU. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TELL ME WHO AND WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE AT THE SHOW, WHETHER SEMINARS, TOPICS OR SPECIAL FEATURES. OUR JOB IS TO BRING YOU TO THE SHOW TO SUPPORT OUR EXHIBITORS. TO DO THAT, YOU'VE GOT TO WANT TO COME, AND FEEL THAT THE EVENT IS A GOOD VALUE.[/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Parking : Had to park in a dirt parking lot which had turned to mud. Yes I realize that it's an "outdoorsman expo"[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]but I'm not in my rugged footwear and we are in my wifes car and not my 4 wheel drive truck. [/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Shuttle was nice but could have done without a muddy car and feet.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]WE UNDERSTAND. AS YOU KNOW, MOST OF YOUR AREA WAS UNDER DEEP SNOW UNTIL JUST RECENTLY. WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE THE LOT CLEARED! NEXT YEAR THE SAME PARKING LOT WILL BE UNAVAILABLE. WE'LL PROBABLY PARK AND SHUTTLE FOLKS FROM REAL STADIUM, BUT DON'T QUOTE ME ON THAT. NEXT MARCH IS A LONG WAY OFF! SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE AND YOUR MUDDY SHOES/BOOTS![/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Discount Tickets: Went to Cabelas to get a discount tickets and they said they were out of them the 2nd day of the show!!! Better off not having them then to have me go on a goose chase to come up empty handed.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]SO SORRY FOR THIS. ONE WAY TO NEVER WORRY ABOUT DISCOUNTS IS TO SIMPLY JOIN OUR ISE CLUB ([url "http:///"]http://sportsexpos.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=mailinglist[/url]). BY DOING SO YOU'LL RECEIVE THREE TO FIVE EMAILS EACH YEAR. THEY'LL REMIND YOU THAT THE SHOW IS COMING, OFFER THE STEEPEST DISCOUNT WE OFFER ANYWHERE, HAVE LINKS TO WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SHOW, AND EVEN HAVE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR MEMBERS (COUPONS GOOD ONLY AT THE SHOW).[/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Booths: It seems that, over the years, more and more booths are filled with guides and lodges. For me personally I don't mind some but it seems to get more each year. I am into fishing primarily and that has dwindled down as well leaving me less satisfied each year. No I'm not asking you to cater to my hobby exclusively but it seems to be slowly taken over by people trying to lure me out of my state when what I want are more things that pertain to my area.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]WE UNDERSTAND, AND, AS I MENTIONED AT THE TOP, TRY TO SELL EVERY FACTORY AND RETAILER WE CAN, INCLUDING OUR FORMER RETAIL SPONSOR, SPORTSMAN'S WAREHOUSE. AS I'VE SUGGESTED TO SOME ONLINE COMMENTORS, THE ONLY WAY WE CAN ENCOURAGE SUCH VENDORS TO PARTICIPATE IS FOR YOU AND YOUR ONLINE BUDDIES TO EMAIL THE COMPANIES. TELL THEM THAT YOU WANT TO SEE THEM AT THE SHOW. TELL THEM THAT YOU WANT SOME SPECIAL OFFERS. AGAIN, WE TRY ALL YEAR, BUT THE CONSUMER---YOU-ARE THE WHAT WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! HELP US MAKE A BETTER SHOW FOR YOU![/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]I was surprised not to see Sportsmans Warehouse there. I have always enjoyed their area in the past. [/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]WE LOVED WORKING WITH THEM. IT'S A LONG STORY, BUT THEY CHOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE. MAYBE, WITH YOUR HELP, THEY'LL COME BACK. AFTER ALL, THEY SOLD GOODS AT THE MUCH SMALLER HUNTING SHOW IN FEBRUARY, SO THEY STILL BELIEVE IN THE MODEL. YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT CABELLA'S WAS IN OUR SHOW. THEY, NOW, SEEM TO BE INTERESTED IN PERHAPS RETAILING AT THE ISE..[/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]All in all a so-so show for me personally this year and
if I will attend next year. I realize you can't please everyone and that it is not as easy task to put on a large show but these are just my opinions and thought I'd let you know.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]I WONDER WHY YOU ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT NEXT YEAR? AREN'T THE HUNDREDS OF SEMINARS, SPECIAL FEATURES AND 100+ BOOTHS THAT RETAIL PRODUCTS A GOOD ENOUGH VALUE FOR YOUR DOLLAR? WE'RE ONLY ONCE A YEAR, AFTER ALL.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Again, thanks very much for taking the time to email your comments, and for doing so in a constructive fashion.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Have a great year outdoors![/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]John Kirk[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Director of Communications[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]International Sportsmen's Expositions [/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Thank you,[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Brian [/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Arial"][size 2]Dear Brian:[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]First, thank you for attending the shows! Also, we very much appreciate your constructive tone! So many emails are sarcastic and ignorant of just how much we can control. For example, we can't make certain exhibitors (such as Sportsman's Warehouse) rent a space, though we try to sell virtually every company in the outdoor industry-we know most attendees want to see products and more products, and then buy some at so-called "show" prices.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]I've addressed some of your concerns in ALL CAPS below your points.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font][font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Again, thanks for your support and thoughts![/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Now, the issues..[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font]
[font "Tahoma"][size 2]From:[/size][/font][font "Tahoma"][size 2] Brian ********
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 6:22 PM
To: John Kirk
Subject: salt lake city show[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3][/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Dear Sirs,[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]I have attended this expo for many years. I do have some things I would like to see change and so I thought I would voice my opinion. I realize that one persons opinions may not matter much but here goes... [/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Seminars: Well done on putting on some good seminars. Caught Jared Johnsons with Rocky Mountain Tackle at the fish tank and was very impressed and learned some new techniques. I enjoyed the dog jumping show as well![/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]THANK YOU. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TELL ME WHO AND WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE AT THE SHOW, WHETHER SEMINARS, TOPICS OR SPECIAL FEATURES. OUR JOB IS TO BRING YOU TO THE SHOW TO SUPPORT OUR EXHIBITORS. TO DO THAT, YOU'VE GOT TO WANT TO COME, AND FEEL THAT THE EVENT IS A GOOD VALUE.[/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Parking : Had to park in a dirt parking lot which had turned to mud. Yes I realize that it's an "outdoorsman expo"[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]but I'm not in my rugged footwear and we are in my wifes car and not my 4 wheel drive truck. [/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Shuttle was nice but could have done without a muddy car and feet.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]WE UNDERSTAND. AS YOU KNOW, MOST OF YOUR AREA WAS UNDER DEEP SNOW UNTIL JUST RECENTLY. WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE THE LOT CLEARED! NEXT YEAR THE SAME PARKING LOT WILL BE UNAVAILABLE. WE'LL PROBABLY PARK AND SHUTTLE FOLKS FROM REAL STADIUM, BUT DON'T QUOTE ME ON THAT. NEXT MARCH IS A LONG WAY OFF! SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE AND YOUR MUDDY SHOES/BOOTS![/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Discount Tickets: Went to Cabelas to get a discount tickets and they said they were out of them the 2nd day of the show!!! Better off not having them then to have me go on a goose chase to come up empty handed.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]SO SORRY FOR THIS. ONE WAY TO NEVER WORRY ABOUT DISCOUNTS IS TO SIMPLY JOIN OUR ISE CLUB ([url "http:///"]http://sportsexpos.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=mailinglist[/url]). BY DOING SO YOU'LL RECEIVE THREE TO FIVE EMAILS EACH YEAR. THEY'LL REMIND YOU THAT THE SHOW IS COMING, OFFER THE STEEPEST DISCOUNT WE OFFER ANYWHERE, HAVE LINKS TO WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SHOW, AND EVEN HAVE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR MEMBERS (COUPONS GOOD ONLY AT THE SHOW).[/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Booths: It seems that, over the years, more and more booths are filled with guides and lodges. For me personally I don't mind some but it seems to get more each year. I am into fishing primarily and that has dwindled down as well leaving me less satisfied each year. No I'm not asking you to cater to my hobby exclusively but it seems to be slowly taken over by people trying to lure me out of my state when what I want are more things that pertain to my area.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]WE UNDERSTAND, AND, AS I MENTIONED AT THE TOP, TRY TO SELL EVERY FACTORY AND RETAILER WE CAN, INCLUDING OUR FORMER RETAIL SPONSOR, SPORTSMAN'S WAREHOUSE. AS I'VE SUGGESTED TO SOME ONLINE COMMENTORS, THE ONLY WAY WE CAN ENCOURAGE SUCH VENDORS TO PARTICIPATE IS FOR YOU AND YOUR ONLINE BUDDIES TO EMAIL THE COMPANIES. TELL THEM THAT YOU WANT TO SEE THEM AT THE SHOW. TELL THEM THAT YOU WANT SOME SPECIAL OFFERS. AGAIN, WE TRY ALL YEAR, BUT THE CONSUMER---YOU-ARE THE WHAT WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! HELP US MAKE A BETTER SHOW FOR YOU![/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]I was surprised not to see Sportsmans Warehouse there. I have always enjoyed their area in the past. [/size][/black][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]WE LOVED WORKING WITH THEM. IT'S A LONG STORY, BUT THEY CHOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE. MAYBE, WITH YOUR HELP, THEY'LL COME BACK. AFTER ALL, THEY SOLD GOODS AT THE MUCH SMALLER HUNTING SHOW IN FEBRUARY, SO THEY STILL BELIEVE IN THE MODEL. YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT CABELLA'S WAS IN OUR SHOW. THEY, NOW, SEEM TO BE INTERESTED IN PERHAPS RETAILING AT THE ISE..[/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]All in all a so-so show for me personally this year and
if I will attend next year. I realize you can't please everyone and that it is not as easy task to put on a large show but these are just my opinions and thought I'd let you know.[/size][/black][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]I WONDER WHY YOU ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT NEXT YEAR? AREN'T THE HUNDREDS OF SEMINARS, SPECIAL FEATURES AND 100+ BOOTHS THAT RETAIL PRODUCTS A GOOD ENOUGH VALUE FOR YOUR DOLLAR? WE'RE ONLY ONCE A YEAR, AFTER ALL.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Again, thanks very much for taking the time to email your comments, and for doing so in a constructive fashion.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Have a great year outdoors![/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2][/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]John Kirk[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Director of Communications[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]International Sportsmen's Expositions [/size][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Thank you,[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Verdana"][black][size 2]Brian [/size][/black][/font]
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