The New Year has passed, the new fishing shows have started or soon will on our many cable choices, and the brand new wish books from Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops are now safely ensconced in 
our grubby little hands. That's right, the new year is indeed upon us, and with it will soon arrive the 2010 boat and/or outdoors consumer shows around the country. Industry insiders will be watching such events closely for signs that the country may truly be coming out of perceived economic doldrums. They will gauge such shows both for comparative attendance as compared to previous years and also canvassing many exhibitors to better discern whether these will be "buying crowds" in attendance or "tire kickers", willing to pay admission fees to aide in their varying degrees of cabin fever but still reluctant to do any serious buying just yet. For the individual outdoorsman to get the most out of these showcases, a little homework is sometimes well worth the effort. Here are some tips to hopefully assist you in this pursuit:
our grubby little hands. That's right, the new year is indeed upon us, and with it will soon arrive the 2010 boat and/or outdoors consumer shows around the country. Industry insiders will be watching such events closely for signs that the country may truly be coming out of perceived economic doldrums. They will gauge such shows both for comparative attendance as compared to previous years and also canvassing many exhibitors to better discern whether these will be "buying crowds" in attendance or "tire kickers", willing to pay admission fees to aide in their varying degrees of cabin fever but still reluctant to do any serious buying just yet. For the individual outdoorsman to get the most out of these showcases, a little homework is sometimes well worth the effort. Here are some tips to hopefully assist you in this pursuit:-check all local papers in your geographical sphere of interest to find listings of these upcoming events. Weekends (include Fridays!) are best to check these out as these are when newspapers are most likely to run their respective "Outdoor Almanacs" and ''Activities Calendars". Phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses will be included. Don't be shy about contacting the principals about any questions you may have about directions, admission fees, possible parking costs, show hours, and even a query or two about just what you might expect to be emphasized at a particular show. Get the specific address if you prefer utilizing Mapquest.
-remember to bring some safely tucked away excess cash. The fun thing about such shows is the utter unpredictability of what you may just find there, and don't assume that all vendors will be set up for credit cards.
-inquire as to any contests, door-prize opportunities, or giveaways that may be going-on, you don't want to miss these and many sportsman like going either right at the opening of a shows doors to better have a shot at items that may sell out, or going in the final hours of an event to perhaps bargain with vendors with either left-over goods or items they may sell cheap to simply avoid lugging them back to their headquarters.
-always take one initial lap around the entire show before doing any actual buying. You may well find the same items priced differently at different vendors.
-always try to acquire a listing of the seminars schedule to see what featured guest experts speak on what subject that may be of interest to you at what particular time. See if they offer a trout pond or such for the kids and a place to sit a spell and have something good to eat. Any true outdoors show offers such amenities. For instance, any show or "expo" that doesn't offer a varied schedule of guest speakers or seminars isn't really a sportshow at all, but simply another flea market. The kitchens at many smaller venues (smaller shows are often better liked than big expos) are often representing different charities or outdoors clubs, and deserve some business.
-take along a notebook to take notes at such seminars and to ask questions of vendors and charter captains. Be prepared to pick up literature, including business cards.
-go with family and/or friends to save money on transportation costs and possible parking fees.It seems the people I've noted over the years most enjoying themselves and best taking advantage of such shows come in groups of friends and families. The more the merrier. And one more thing. Make a point of letting co-workers and friends know of particular events that you really appreciated. Let them know in ample time to visit the affair themselves. And don't be at all shy about thanking the promoters and directors of promising and enjoyable shows.
Too many people are quick to quickly spread their displeasure over shows that fall short of their expectations, but never similarly voice their approval of worthy efforts. For the more worthy show efforts to succeed and thereby stand to benefit us all, some compliments over their efforts are hardly something for any outdoorsman to be shy about.
(For a listing of upcoming area sportshows, you may contact Jack at http://www.buckeyeangler.com/, or at 330-923-3168).
