Just let me know when. I know Kennywood....LOL

Jewel

Suprised to hear this since Allan was the one who originally talked me into doing the WW Chicago show a few years back(I usually don't make 20 hour rides to set up at shows). And since the Chicago WW show draws 30,000 plus collectors Vs. Chicagoland 500-1000ish. But I will be at both shows(health permitting).

Oh well, I guess that shows you the state of the Hobby.

I'll check with Rittenhouse about getting some new promos and sell sheets for the show.

I think Comic Images will be there though. I'll check with the other Alan to see if he and Hank are coming.

quote:

Originally posted by Inkworks:

Although Wizard World Chicago was originally on our schedule for this year, Inkworks will not have a booth at the show (it's possible that Allan may still attend). Since the Chicagoland Entertainment Collector's Expo will be just a few weeks later, it didn't make sense for us to exhibit at both shows.

Thanks for the info Dave....

Jewel

Just got an E-mail back from Alan. No Comic Images either.



DAVE

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Moulder:
Oh well, I guess that shows you the state of the Hobby.

Dave: My comments about Inkworks choosing to exhibit or not at any particular show should not be considered an indication of the state of the Hobby. In this case, I don't even think it is a reflection on the quality of the show that wasn't chosen.

We considered the fact that there were two excellent shows in Chicago that were timed just 6 weeks apart and chose to exhibit at only one of them this year (Allan and/or others from Inkworks may be at the Wizard World Chicago show with promo cards, etc. - we just won't have a booth there). I don't know all of the reasons why one was chosen over the other. It is possible that Allan had already committed to sponsor the Collector's Expo and felt a stronger need to support Paul and his efforts, but that's only a guess on my part.

quote:

Originally posted by Superfro:
Phooey...I'll be at the Baltimore Con and the Diamond Retailers Summit that weekend. You'll be at the Retailers Summit, right?

Superfro:
I'm not sure how all of the logistics are going to work out right now, but I'm pretty sure that we'll be represented in Baltimore. When I get more information, I'll let you know.

Hope that clears up a few things.

When the 2 "Major Card Manufacturors" choose not to do 2 shows, each with a 27,000-35,000 hard core collector fan base in my opinion that does say saything. And when you look at the fact the both of the companies had stars from some of their better titles at the show I would think they would want to be there showing support for both the dealers and the customer fan base that is looking for product to buy. I know that I sold a lot of Battlestar Galactica and Buffy sets last weekend. I wonder why?? Could it have been the 2 big guest stars???

I would think Inkworks would have there pushing the "Lost" cards. I could have sold 10 cases last weekend. I know that I gave away a lot of promos for the next Enterprise set.

If you haven't been reading some of the posts in the some of the other topics that I've posted in recently, the questions have been asked.

How do we get dealers and collectors to come back to shows.

How do we get small shows to be successful?

How do we make the NJ Non-sport Show, Dee's Show and Paul's Chicagoland show great?

I personally think that the answer lies with promoting the heck out of what we do. I already know that people that read NSU like cards. We need to go after the people that don't read NSU. "Uncle Allan" convinced me to set up in Philly and Chicago 4 years ago. It was an expensive move, but well worth it. I met new collectors and established some great new customers that have led me to get some great trades.

I thank Allan for pushing me into expanding into the world of the big shows. Believe me it scared the you know what out of the wife and I the 1st time we had 50 people standing at our table at the same time, but now my wife and I just keep going until everyone is happy. If it means not eating lunch until 4:00 that's what we do. I had customers at my table 20 minutes after the Wizard World show ended on Sunday.

Maybe someday I'll be big enough where I don't setup at shows anymore(I hope not, the computer is pretty boring to look at all day). This business is about doing something I love. Believe it or not I consider myself a shy person(stop laughing Jerry), but put me on the dealers floor talking about cards and toys and you can't shut me up.

So in closing I ask that Inkworks and Rittenhouse reconsider coming to Wizard World Chicago and show the collectors that you care. Nobody ever said you have to set up a hugh display with guest stars and artists. Just a simple set up with promos and sell sheets would be cool.

Just my Opinion.

Dave

"Dave: My comments about Inkworks choosing to exhibit or not at any particular show should not be considered an indication of the state of the Hobby.... "

Dave, I hear ya my friend...and you are right!
I just happened to see this thread and was a little shocked when I saw that 2 main players in the non sport card arena were not showing up at Wizard Chicago. Thats like being a water supplier and not showing up at desert conmvention.
I myself am a businessman, and I just can't believe what I'm hearing.
They are passing up on all that publicity?
Seems odd to me especially with Sopranos comming out and the shows in Chicago with a huge gangster background and following.
I would have mad some sub sets for sale at that show. Id do the same with the Apprentice amywhere near a NY show. I mean geez..what a perfect scenario...
With the costs of licensing, packaging,labor and such, I would sure be trying to increase revenues.
So there is another show 6 weeks from this one. Big deal. They decided to target an existing following instead of going after and promoting new business.
I think they need to re-evaluate what they are doing.
The non sport convention they are attending is for fun, the wizard is strictly business.
Seems like they play it by ear whether or not there doing conventions. Most of the suppliers I know have their whole year planed out show wise. Maybe they made a deal with the non sport guys that they would'nt do the Wixard show if they did theirs or maybe gave them free booths. Who knows.
Apparently these 2 companies are set in their ways and satisfied with their earnings.
So I say minus growth in the companies, minus growth in the industry as a whole. To bad.
Now theirs 2 sides to every story.
Maybe they have a budget to stick to.
Maybe their cash flow is low at this time.
They also might feel that they have a large enough customer base to fill the limited productions that they are doing.

And one other reason thats a little off the wall.
its called media attention.
Sometime you don't want to let other potential competition to see what your doing, and how well your doing.
People see things.
They can see a large intrust in something and go" hmm why don't we do that".
Anyway,
Have a good day!
RC

As a dealer I like when Inkworks and Rittenhouse are there promoting their products. As a collector(yes I collect) I expect it. These are some of the biggest shows of the year for collectors, when we get to see all the new cool stuff that is being produced for the upcoming year(You should have seen the lines at the WizKids booth last weekend).
Yeah, I would love to see Inkworks or Rittenhouse come visit the Attleboro show, but I understand that 350 people Vs 27-35,000 doesn't make sense. But Chicagoland Vs Wizard World doesn't make sense either(Sorry Paul). I suspect that Paul gives them a free table at his show and I know that Wizard World charges everyone.

Although I'm not thrilled when Inkworks is selling, I still would rather them be there. I've privately offered Allan and Andy space at my booth if it would get them to show up or I've offered to hand out promos for them. So far I haven't heard back(I made the same offer for Philly)

I haven't privately offered it to Rittenhouse yet, but I am publically offering it now if they want to show up. They did supply Promos and sell sheets for Philly and I'm pretty sure they will do the same for Chicago.

We can't all go to San Diego Comic Con to see the Inkworks Super Booth. Athough I'm trying to arrange to go this year.

I have to admit personally I'm rather disappointed that there is going to be virtually no non-sport card industry representation at Wizard World (unless I've missed something -- and if I have please point it out).

The Inkworks booths was one of the highlights for me (and MANY other fans/collectors) last year, and I also spent some time (and money) at the Comic Images booth.

Jon

Anybody know what Wizard charges for a booth the size of Inkworks? It was pretty impressive last year and what if it was so expensive that they didn't make enough of a profit to offset the booth coast plus travel. etc.

I will mention this though...one of my friends that I usually go to Wizard World with is a huge Aliens vs Predator fan, but he's never been into cards. Last year, Inkworks got a chunk of money from him because of having Tone's sketch cards and the other A vs. P offers they were doing. So, there is one new customer that would have never gotten those cards had Inkworks not been there.

Even if they have one of the smaller booths, that would be better than nothing.

Another thing...I stopped by the Comic Images booth several times and tried to talk to people about the 24 cards. I really like them and I am very glad they made them. The folks there were unresponsive and too busy to talk to me. Not busy with customers, busy talking to each other. Maybe I came at a wrong time, maybe 24 is a sore subject, either way, I was disappointed. Maybe I was just spoiled with how friendly everyone at Inkowrks is.

Oh man, I am royally bummed!!! The cards are the main reason I go to Wizard World!!!

You and me both, Wendi. The Inkworks booth was the hub from which I went out to other places. But I always came back to the Inkworks booth to see what was going on, to visit other collectors, and to buy stuff.

Whatever their reasons, Inkworks will definitely be missed.

We can have a Card Talk we're bummed No Inkworks gathering at my room...LOL It's a suite....

Jewel

You're so suite to offer!

(Insert "rim shot" here.)

You're killing me Kevin....LOL

Jewel

Where are you staying at Jewel?? I thought you lived in the area?

I do live in the area. But #1 wanted to get there early for Evangeline. They handing out tickets for the panels and autographs again. #2 couldn't pass up the price. I'm at the Marriott suites by the train station. Plus I've got the room for a gathering if need be. So just keep me posted if anyone is interested.

Jewel

hippiejewel@yahoo.com

Is that the Marriott by Cumberland?

No, the one by the Rosemont train station. The blue line.

Jewel

Something I've not seen mentioned yet is that Steve Sansweet, the PR guy for the Star Wars films will be at WW all weekend. His lectures are almost always packed and he usually manages to provide some really good information. If you're a fan of the Star Wars films, you'll definitely not want to miss it.