Woodworking Show Idea

[Terry Smart]

Hi All

Many times in the past members here have suggested having a stand at one of the national shows to promote this forum, or the idea of holding a UKW show or several other permuatations.

I've mentioned elsewhere about a new show being held in Spalding at the end of May (see http://www.wws1.co.uk for details).
I've been talking with the organisers about the possibility of them supplying a stand to UKW...

Here's how I see it working, all ideas welcome:

The stand won't cost anything, but no payment will be made for manning it either.
As the stand is free, nothing can be sold from it. It can be used to promote this site and if items such as 'members'badges were available (as discussed elsewhere) this wouldn't be a problem.

Members would attend for a set period of time (a morning, an afternoon, all day, all three days etc) and demonstrate their chosen subject, along the lines of what I believe happens at a bash.

A degree of planning would be needed to ensure that the stand is manned at all times, that regular displays/demos are made across the whole time the show is open. It's no good everyone turning up on Friday and having no room to do anything and then the stand being empty the rest of the time.
All materials and machinery used would have to be supplied by members and brought on the day (unless you can make arrangements to borrow something at the show). With most shows, everything you see on the stand has to come out of the back of a van and go back into it at the end of the show, anything left behind is disposed of and sometimes you get charged for this!

So, could it work?
To get the organisers to agree we'd need to show a fair level of commitment to the idea, particularly with the number of bodies on stand and the proposed demos.
Also, we can't afford to spend too long thinking about this, so let's have your thoughts...

 

[MikeG.]

Terry,

I think this is an excellent idea.

Whilst this show is way too far away for me, there has been talk of a similar arrangement at the Cressing Show in September. This is the thread in which to show some interest, fellas!

Mike

 

[wizer]

It is a good idea Terry and Mike Hancock of CHT has made a similar offer previously.

The problem is that this site is not a business. It's the owner's hobby. Therefore he has nothing to promote and no real reason to get more members. Whilst I love the idea of our fellow members getting together for social or hobby related events, a show is about selling stuff. What would we gain from the event other than new members?

Sorry, I don't mean to sound negative. Certainly the sale of badges (details of which coming very soon) is a valid reason to do this, but we could probably get a friendly sponsor to do this for us?

My 2p

 

[woodbloke]

An interesting idea and not the first time this sort of thing has been proposed. Tom has a good point in that shows like this are for selling stuff whilst UKW is just really a collection of like minded guys with an interest in all things woody. However, the notion of a stand with demo's and members work to promote our activities is at the same time attractive. Spalding is going to be too far away for me to think about, but members in that locality ought to give it serious consideration methinks - Rob

 

[CHJ]

I'm sure there is a case for a forum display demo stand on the lines of the many turning/carving/craft club efforts, needs a couple of dedicated individuals to take up the co-ordinating cudgels though.

 

[Karl]

The problem is that this site is not a business. It's the owner's hobby. Therefore he has nothing to promote and no real reason to get more members.

Surely more members make the site more attractive to sponsors and therefore more revenue for Charley? If the site had no members, I doubt the sponsors would be falling over themselves to sponsor UKW.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Steve Maskery]

Karl
Regrettably I think you have a very rosy idea of sponsorship. I think you'll find that the "sponsorship" that Charley gets goes only part way to subsidize what Charley has funded since day one. This site is here because of Charley's generosity, not because of his attraction to sponsors.

It doesn't give me any pleasure to say that, either. I wish he could make a profit out of it, he deserves to. But some things have little perceived monetary value in the market-place, no matter how good they are.

Me for one

S

 

[NickWelford]

There's a few members within 30 minutes of Spalding - but you might find they are all turners!

I don't think it's all about selling things - there are lots of stands at shows manned by clubs etc.

 

[OPJ]

Great idea. All you'd need is someone to demonstrate how to correctly and safely fold and long bandsaw blade and you'd have one of the busiest stands at any show! :wink:

 

[wizer]

I totally agree that gaining members would be the main or only advantage. However, more members actually costs Charley money in bandwidth charges. This website could be run as a business to cover the costs more efficiently but Charley does not want to do that and I think most of our current members would be very wary of 'commercialising' this forum.

If the members want to get together and display their work or techniques then that's really good. But it would only be of benefit to the attendees of the Expo.

I don't remember seeing something similar at any show I've been to. Where the main purpose was not advertising or selling something.

 

[matt]

Would be nice if shows/traders offered discounts to UKW badge holders. That would give the badge purpose and the site more visitors. The badge cost should then be increased slightly to provide whatever revenue Charley wants/needs to cover costs etc. The badge volumes could, in theory, increase to such a point that the cost should go down.

Kinda need to bring all the nice ideas together in a package.

:wink:

 

[jhwbigley]

There's a few members within 30 minutes of Spalding - but you might find they are all turners!

I don't think it's all about selling things - there are lots of stands at shows manned by clubs etc.

im 15 minutes from spalding, and im not a turner! :shock:

erm

well only part time :lol:

John

 

[wizer]

oooh lovely work there John. I love that lamp!

 

[jhwbigley]

thanks! i've always liked Extreme segmented turning :lol:

John

 

[neilyweely]

John
Lamp? Lovely. Tell me about the speakers, and whatever that is on the floor. Surely not a woofer?
Do not want to steer thread away from a good topic, would you mind PMing me? This is something I have a professional and personal interest in. I do a lot of work for a music centre, basically all their custom work.

If you don't mind?

Cheers all

Neil

 

[devonwoody]

Support your idea, but Yandles is just about as far as I would wish to travel and they are packed out on the occasions I have visited.
(because they have free entry)