Another trade show is history.

I've attended many,many trade shows through the years. I've gone as a consumer, displayed my work, represented other companies and their products, and in the last few years attended as an instructor in various seminars and training sessions. Trade shows are a wonderful place to meet new people and make business contacts. But anyone who has attended a trade show, especially as a vendor will tell you that trade shows are exhausting. It is a fact.

Today, my work at the United States Sign Councl trade show in Atlantic City is done. My official job was to present three seminars, showcasing our somewhat unique methods of creating signs and doing business. Each session was unique, were an hour and a half long and I did one each day. I planned each presentation thoroughly, selected a 150-250 pictures for each presentation and carefully arranged them to illustrate the message I was presenting. This time around I wanted to keep my presentation as low tech as possible. I decided I would try my iPad as the launch device but I brought my laptop as well - just in case. Happily, the iPad was the easiest presentation device I've ever used. No devices needed to be selected or resolutions set. I just plugged the projector into an adapter and touched the screen. My presentation came to life perfectly in an instant. Each time I touched the screen the next image popped up on the screen flawlessly. I could forget the technology and only think about the next thing I would say. What used to be worrysome and frustrating became incredibly easy. I love technology like that!

Now as the trade show floor closes I've said my goodbyes to friends I only see occcasionally. It's time to have a rest before the long travel day tomorrow. I'm looking forward to going home.

-grampa dan

A challenge

I enjoy teaching a great deal. It is never something I imagined I would ever do, but as time goes on I find I am invited to do it more and more often. My goal is not so much to tell people a detailed step by step process of how to do the things we do but rather inspire and bring out the very best of what is already there but not realized for some reason. I cross paths with many people in my travels, sometimes more than once. A few of these people become very good friends through the years. Meetings with these folks can be energizing and hopefully spark some great things down the road, both for the person I meet and for myself as well.

Today I bumped into Kurt Stoner, a talented sign maker (Stoner Grahix) from Pennsylvania. I've long admired his work and was honored to have him attend our Sculpting Magic Workshop last year. We had supper together, along with one of his employees and another new friend Peter Poanessa (Keene Signworx) from New Hamshire who does awesome signs. The discussion we had over dinner centered around business and common interests of course. It was spirited with lots of laughter and joking. We were in agreement about much of what we discussed. But being passionate and somewhat competitive we also challenged each other, sharing information and tricks of the trade. Inevitably the converstation turned to the future and projects long dreamed of, some discussed in the past. And then the challenges started to be thrown out - in all seriousness but in good fun as well.

Kurt and I each have a similar project we have long dreamed of and discussed together... and the challenge was on. His goal is to build a treehouse inside/outside his studio. My similar goal is to build such a structure into our new house. We shook hands and bet a Coca Cola to seal the wager. A great deal of honor is at stake.

Kurt believes he has a head start on me since he heads home to Pennsylvania tomorrow. He'll probably stay up late in his hotel room tonight doing some sketches. He told me he has much of the material that he needs left over from another project. I don't leave until Sunday and have longer to travel but no matter. Kurt cannot and will not win this bet. No way.  :)

What Kurt does not know is our treehouse at our house is well under way. The structure is welded, much of the outside work is done. In the next few weeks we'll begin work again to finish things off (as soon as the drywall is done). I'll let him send me a few emails bragging of his rapid progress, maybe even through the design process and into his construction beginnings. But he is an exceptionally busy guy and will not be able to put in a whole lot of time. Then, as soon as we are done ours ( sometime just before Christmas) I'll send him photos of our finished project and lay claim to the coveted prize. He'll cry foul without a doubt... but no matter. A win is a win. He should have known better but I doubt he will learn not to bet against me. What's more I do not feel bad for we discussed the project many months ago and he had plenty of time to act. :)

Don't tell him about this post (even though I warned him I would make it) for he should take me seriously (as he will soon learn) I didn't promise to fight fair - only that I would win - no matter what.

I'll post pictures of the finished project and of me enjoying the ice cold Coca Cola Kurt will buy me very soon.

-grampa dan

One seminar done

After a long day on the road I slept soundly last night. Ths mornng I woke up rested and eager to do the first of three seminars I would present at the United States Sign Council's annual trade show in Atlantic City. My talk this morning was on 'how to have fun in the sign industry', one of my favorite presentations. I speak of how we need to follow our heart and passions  in life to do the very best work we are capable of and to have the most fun we can in life. In a world largely driven by price alone this is a far different business plan than most but it works well for us and I believe can work for others as well. The talk was well recieved by those in attendance. 

The conference is well organized and the sound and video equipment worked flawlesly. I look forward to making two more presentations over the next couple of days. In my off time I'll be learning new things in other seminars, looking at everything new in industry o the trade room floor and catching up with friends both old and new. The weather is pleasant and the sun is shining. It's a good time to be in Atlantic City!

-grampa dan