If you have been going to Pen or Knife shows for decades, you should read on as too many people are making the same mistakes. If you are planning your first Show, well don’t be scared just read and make some notes and it will be great.
The most important rule and the one you will have to remind yourself of hourly at the show is, Have Fun. It can be crowded, there is expensive terrible food and someone else just bought your Holy Grail Item while you were trying to elbow to the table, but if you remember how much you enjoy this hobby then you can still enjoy all the downsides.
I have worked many event booths from SEMA (160,000 people) to small community gatherings with only dozens of people and attended those events and dozens more. My advice is based on what has given me the best experience and respect for the person working the booth.
If you have something you want, GO THERE FIRST. And if you want it then buy it NOW, likely others are interested and it will be gone later. If you have a budget on the other hand, surf the show and see what you find that tickles your heartstrings.
Now let’s talk about how to move around a crowded event. Please don’t be that person who stops in the middle of the aisle to look around. The world doesn’t revolve around you and neither should foot traffic. If you need to check an app, map, or text a friend then get to a corner or end of an aisle and step out of the way. Walls are a great place to lean and look around.
Remember the vendor is a regular person just like you. And more importantly, they are negative on money before the first person comes through the door. Table/booth fee, travel, damage to goods from handling, wifi charge, labor, it can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars just to give you a chance to say Hi. So if you are ONLY LOOKING and you know you will not buy, let them know to stay seated, keep eating, help the next person, all the little things that respect how hard they are working to make a buck.
If you go strike up a conversation, make sure you keep an eye on others who walk up so the vendor can help them also. Standing in the middle of a table just to chit-chat is actually rude to those who want to see items and the vendor who wants to sell.
The old saying “there are no stupid questions” is actually very true. As long as you are asking with a true desire to know and as long as you LISTEN to the answer and process it. Learn while you have a maker or sales rep in front of you, become a resource to others when you can, and just don’t ask questions that you don’t really care about just to hear words come out of your mouth.
Shows are social events, we get to see our heroes, we get to see old friends, and make new ones. Just remember the vendor is working (while you are having fun) and we want them to be successful so they keep making the great pens, knives, flashlights, notebooks or accessories that we all love. Help them have a great show and you will have an amazing experience.
Now for all of you who can NOT attend a show (or like SHOT Show that isn’t open to the public), you can let us know what you are interested in and we will do our best to bring cool stuff back to Penchetta.