[TenTec] Hamfests in general

[Jim Lowman]

While a good strategy, Rick, visiting the vendor area is one of the 
first things I do at a hamfest or convention.
I like to see whatever products are  on display, even if they aren't the 
latest and greatest.
The other two reasons I go to these events is the technical forum and 
camaraderie.
Since the local club isn't worth my time any longer, it's a good place 
to connect with old friends.

Dayton is a special case.  Companies who have something new to showcase 
often introduce it to the throngs there.
Attendance has remained relatively stable, given the economy. Anyone who 
is anyone will be there, if nowhere else; even Ten-Tec.

It's really a shame that vendors are scaling back at these regional 
hamfests and conventions, as they give the local crowd a place to go to 
have the experience of a major gathering like the Dayton Hamfest.
Due to distance and expense, some will go through their entire life as a 
ham without ever going to Dayton.
In fact, this year will be my first trip ever, and I started out as a 
WA8, not 300 miles from there.

As far as finding out about new products, the Internet has become our 
best friend.  We can see photos, review detailed specs and even download 
manuals in advance of product availability.
It has both an upside and a downside.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 2/18/2013 11:02 PM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
> Jim, what you noticed is exactly what smart companies are doing.
> Instead of going to expensive hamfests, they are advertising in media which
> specifically cater to potential users of the products they sell.
>
> We are doing the same thing.  We have reduced our budget for Europe's
> biggest Hamfest in Friedrichshaven; smaller booth, booked a much cheaper
> hotel, etc.  Instead we are increasing our advertising in online forums such
> as DX-World.net which cater specifically to the kind of people we target.
> Reason:  MORE BANGS FOR THE BUCK.
>
> BTW, the German Ten-Tec distributor who usually shares the booth with us in
> Friedrichshaven will not be attending this year.  He is following the same
> trend: FOCUSED ADVERTISING (elsewhere).
>
> I just received an email from QRZ.com informing me that I can increase the
> size of my ad for no additional cost. I think there is a hidden message
> there too.  Perhaps it is even becoming more difficult for the online forums
> to secure advertising dollars.  And that is a sign of the difficult economic
> times we are in.  But that's just my hunch.
>
> Having the world at your fingertips has taken its toll on hamfests!
> And so has the state of the economy.
>
> 73
> Rick, DJ0IP
>