What makes a good show?

[gtwister09]

Ray,

I don't know if you already know Francis Burdett-Mills at The Leather Connection but he would be a good contact over there. He is generally very helpful. His email is Francis Burdett-Mills.

Regards,

Ben

[Kustom]

As far as I am aware, Kustom, we don't have any 'open' leatherworking shows in the UK. Certainly not on the scale that the US offers.

Personally I would like to see demonstrations from suppliers and craftpeople plus a range of competitions and exhibits. I'd like to see as many European leatherwork craftspeople and suppliers as possible attending the event and selling their wares and I would encourage the leatherworking museums and colleges to come along too.

I don't think it would be sensible to restrict the show to Western leatherwork although I would hope to see plenty on show. European cultural diversity offers so many styles of leatherworking and I'd like to encourage as many people as possible to attend and exhibit their work.

edit: Sorry guys, I meant to include Scandinavia too - 'cos I'd definitely like to see Knut and Tom Swede there too!

I'd like to get some feedback from the Brits - would any of you like to attend an event like this?

It sounds like you could start something really cool.

[DCKNIVES]

I have attended many and set up at gun shows and custom knife shows, and have yet to make a leather show.IMO, I would set the show up for leatherworkers and the general public (customers and potential newbies).Companies could also setup booths for demos and sales.Seminars could also be held for those interested.This setup is similar to most custom knife shows, where table holders( makers) can sell thier products as well as attend seminars and buy supplies.

I would make sure you location had lodging and food/drink within walking distance, or hold it in a Motel/hotel complex.Having a local pub nearby will keep your table holders happy and they will have a place to meet and greet as well as sell and trade products.As far as table prices, I have seen them range from $60.00 to $1500.00, and I have been to shows ranging from 1 day to 4 days.I would suggest starting small then growing as you see the popularity grow.Advertise in the local papers and trade magazines.Good luck with your venture.Dave

[Jordan]

If you had a thing like a county fair, as a lot of counties in the US have during the summer, you may be able to rent a pavilion area and get the vendors and instructors to attend. A ready made crowd and by adding leather workers and industry vendors to it, the fair organizers would be happy. I think some of the well known names in leather have on occasion done classes overseas. Good luck, and I also think if you start small it will be manageable and grow each year.

[tonyc1]

They have lots of village fairs in England. You only have to watch a show called Midsomer Murders to see that!

Tony.

[pepin1948]

It is a GREAT idea.

Please keep us informed if you have success. I will go 100%

[elktracks]

That all sounds like excellent advice, guys. I'm putting together a list of folk that ought to be at an event like this and I'd appreciate your thoughts. Would any of the US vendors make the trip? At this point it is hard to see how they could make enough money to cover costs...

What sort of events are popular - I have never attended a show like this so I have no idea.

Sorry Tom - Troy says no dancing girls... Mind you, Knut seems pretty keen...

Hello Ray,

I attend most of the leather shows as both an instructor and a vendor. I think it would be great to organze a leather show in England. I will be at the Tandy Leather Factory store in Northampton on May 1-3. If you have time to stop by, I would be glad to visit with you about what makes a good show from the perspective of a vendor, instructor, and an avid leather worker.

Jim Linnell

[TomSwede]

A splendid thought, UKRay !

I´d like to see machinery, tools and classes and meeting people with mutual interests (and of course dancing girls!) . Never been in England before so .. why not??

/ Knut

Do we fly Ryanair or??

As far as I am aware, Kustom, we don't have any 'open' leatherworking shows in the UK. Certainly not on the scale that the US offers.

Personally I would like to see demonstrations from suppliers and craftpeople plus a range of competitions and exhibits. I'd like to see as many European leatherwork craftspeople and suppliers as possible attending the event and selling their wares and I would encourage the leatherworking museums and colleges to come along too.

I don't think it would be sensible to restrict the show to Western leatherwork although I would hope to see plenty on show. European cultural diversity offers so many styles of leatherworking and I'd like to encourage as many people as possible to attend and exhibit their work.

edit: Sorry guys, I meant to include Scandinavia too - 'cos I'd definitely like to see Knut and Tom Swede there too!

I'd like to get some feedback from the Brits - would any of you like to attend an event like this?

Thank you Ray, maybe you'll come back with us for a beer at your fav plave in Stockholm marina;-)

Tina is moving back to Sweden so maybe we can bring her too.

Hello Ray,

I attend most of the leather shows as both an instructor and a vendor. I think it would be great to organze a leather show in England. I will be at the Tandy Leather Factory store in Northampton on May 1-3. If you have time to stop by, I would be glad to visit with you about what makes a good show from the perspective of a vendor, instructor, and an avid leather worker.

Jim Linnell

I won't make it this May due to financial stress but I'll bring a feather for closer inspection if I ever catch up with you!!!

Would be nice to meet you all.

Ray, can we bring Luke over too;-?

Tom

[UKRay]

I'm pleased that this idea has generally met with the board's approval. I have had a number of PMs and email from other members and after my chat earlier today with Karl (Badger) I think we can safely say this event is going to happen. Because of the time constraints - most of us are working - it can't be this year but almost certainly next. This does allow us time to plan and prepare something special.

Jim, I'll try to drop in to Tandy to see you as you suggest. Perhaps we could have a chat about getting you and Tandy involved?

Tom, Luke has already said he is coming to do a demonstration or two... Tina must come too.

Jordan, I like the idea of linking with another event - more about that later.

Dave, Everything you said has gone into the plan. Many thanks.

Ben, I'll drop Francis an email in due course. Thanks.

Denise, you make a very valid point and one we discussed at length earlier today. I think this needs more thought.

Finally, Tony - Midsomer Murders eh? You definitely need to get outdoors more!

I'm still keen to hear from more UK members about what they would like to see at a show of this kind. Unless we know what you want we can't provide it for you.

Thanks guys,

Ray

[Tina]

Next year??? I'll be there:-)

What a superb idea Ray