VEE - Does anybody care?

**Fezz** · 01-20-2012, 11:20 PM

VEE is looming and I was wondering who is planning on going....and why?

Why not?

I am debating it. I have been hungry for getting harassed by sales reps, sweaty limp wristed-dead fish-ish handshakes, over priced coffee, lousy deals, unexciting "New Releases", three day old bagels, stale M&M's, E or F-list has beens at the Revolution booth, and I am in need of another yard stick or two!

If I go, it will be on Friday.

Are you going?

**racethe1320** · 01-21-2012, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by Fezz

VEE is looming and I was wondering who is planning on going....and why?

Are you going?

I usually make it a point to hit VEW and VEE. It's a fun business yet non-business get away for the wife and I. Keep tabs on the marketing side of the industry and hit NYC and all it has to offer. We grew up in NY so we love going back.

**fjpod** · 01-21-2012, 02:08 AM

Its in my backyard. I'm always there. Even if I'm not buying, I'm always looking for new ideas.

**Barry Santini** · 01-21-2012, 07:07 AM

I'm going on Friday to meet up with....Fezz!

B

**Jacqui** · 01-21-2012, 06:53 PM

I wish I could go

**harry888** · 01-22-2012, 10:02 PM

Good especially to see equipment demonstrations without the hassle of in-office setup.

Harry

**Diane** · 01-23-2012, 10:00 AM

I'll be there from Thursday through Sunday.

Diane

**optilady1** · 01-23-2012, 10:48 AM

I plan to go with Lensmama, it's a fun day for us to take the train into the city, especially for me because I'm a wimp and won't go by myself. We'll be there Saturday as long as everything goes as planned.

**jefe** · 01-23-2012, 04:15 PM

I'll go. If nothing else, it's an excuse to go down to NYC. I learn some stuff, usually buy something, and see people I know -- a good time!

**kcount** · 01-23-2012, 05:15 PM

I'm going not sure what days yet. Probably a Friday flight in stay for the weekend as the wife will be going too. Maybe meet up with Fezz and Barry?

**Jim Schafer** · 01-24-2012, 08:46 AM

I go in on Tuesday for VC meetings on Wednesday and Thursday. I will be at the Expo Center on Friday and probably Saturday.
Jim

**Fezz** · 01-26-2012, 10:49 AM

Change of plans.

It looks like Saturday for me, if I go.

**coupe** · 01-26-2012, 02:46 PM

I have an idea. Why doesnt some hot shot ,one of us, design a badge that can be printed out and attached to your entry permit. That way ,while we walk around looking at all of the same frames wrapped up in different packaging, we might be able to meet some of the optiborad members in person. YAH YAH YAH.

FEZZ, MAKE ME A SIGN !!!!!!!!!

**hcjilson** · 01-26-2012, 02:50 PM

What has worked in the past is to set up a time and place to meet. Kiran Hardy from Live Eyewear graciously provided a place to meet on the floor but after a couple of years I think we were cutting into his sales ability. We then met downstairs for coffee in the AM between 9;30 AND 10 AM. That seemed to work out best, then you could make arrangements to meet up after for socializing at someones hotel. Anyway I don't think I'll be there this year but will definitely miss meeting you all.

**kcount** · 01-29-2012, 10:47 PM

Flights and room have been booked. Coming in Thursday to Saturday mid day. Would stay through to Sunday but family calls ( 18 year old has to visit a college) .

**Johns** · 01-31-2012, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Fezz

VEE is looming and I was wondering who is planning on going....and why?

Why not?

I am debating it. I have been hungry for getting harassed by sales reps, sweaty limp wristed-dead fish-ish handshakes, over priced coffee, lousy deals, unexciting "New Releases", three day old bagels, stale M&M's, E or F-list has beens at the Revolution booth, and I am in need of another yard stick or two!

If I go, it will be on Friday.

Are you going?

1. Sales reps...? We aint' afraid of no stinkin' sales reps!
2. Limp handshakes? We'll go down China alley (the back row) if we want firm handshakes! They mean business!
3. Over priced coffee? Hang with me, and we'll go to the Hoya booth and fill up on Cappuccino and Espresso!
4. Stale bagels? Watch Jimmy H. and I weasel our way into the exhibitor's lunch for free, complete with desert.
5. Revoution booth? Ok, you got me there...they suck.

As far as meeting up with OB'ers...it always sounds good, but in the end, it's usually 3 people, at 2 different booths, and that's about it. It sounds great, and when it happens (VEW, outside at the cafe) it's really awesome, but in reality, if you don't have an individuals cell number, you probably won't meet them.

Speaking of meeting...where are all the after show parties this year?

**Steve Machol** · 02-01-2012, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Johns

As far as meeting up with OB'ers...it always sounds good, but in the end, it's usually 3 people, at 2 different booths, and that's about it. It sounds great, and when it happens (VEW, outside at the cafe) it's really awesome, but in reality, if you don't have an individuals cell number, you probably won't meet them.

That's a shame. The last VE I went to I think we had about 25 OptiBoarders meet up. Unfortunately I cannot afford trips to VE any more.

**Johns** · 02-01-2012, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Machol

That's a shame. The last VE I went to I think we had about 25 OptiBoarders meet up. Unfortunately I cannot afford trips to VE any more.

Well that would be awesome. Maybe things have improved. Two years ago, we tried to plan something like that, and it was Optigrrl, Barry Santinni, myself, and I think one other person.

**DocInChina** · 02-01-2012, 04:26 PM

I will be there.

**Johns** · 02-01-2012, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by DocInChina

I will be there.

Actually, the last time I saw you, there were about 5 or six Optiboarders that had randomly stopped by your booth. I look forward to seeing you again!

**Chris Ryser** · 02-02-2012, 03:27 AM

VE seems to have been reduced to a local show attracting visitors from of circomference of around 300 miles. Visitors from overseas now prefer the biggest one in Milan. Even SILMO in Paris is not doing so hot anymore. You can find these exhibitions now in just about every country.

With the internet at your fingertips there is no more need for these antique dinosaurs unless you need points for continous education and live nearby. Park the car close to the show for $ 40.00 per day and eat hot dogs and a coke for a total $ 9.00. However it is worth it if you want to enjoy NewYork and deduct the trip from taxes if you have made any profit these days.

I used to fly up to NY from Florida, bought the cheapest tickets on Continental and upgraded to first class at the airport check in for $ 80.00. Today its $ 600.00 in the back of the plane, plus hotel and transportation to the NJ side of the river. 2 of my associates also flew in from Montreal.

These days I do without it, but am always interested how well it is doing, thinking back at the 16 times I was there as an exhibhitor until I got fed up doing it. Started my website and have manyfold more visitors every day of the year than I ever dreamed of seeing at my Expo booth in the three days.

**Johns** · 02-02-2012, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

Today its $ 600.00 in the back of the plane, plus hotel and transportation to the NJ side of the river. 2 of my associates also flew in from Montreal.

Chris, Chris, Chris! Let me book your flight next time! No need for high priced tickets:
Your current trip cost

Flight
Adult: 1	$137.68
Airfare taxes and fees	$31.92
Total due at booking	$169.60
Price Assurance

Additional airline fees may apply.

This reservation was made on Sun, Jan 22, 2012 6:45 PM CST .

Round trip, Cleveland to NY...it's cheaper than driving!

Even if yo procrastinated and didn't book until today, it's still DIRT cheap:

**hcjilson** · 02-03-2012, 03:40 AM

Chris, Chris, Chris, (to quote another valued member of Optiboard.) As a student of little known useless facts, surely you must remember that NYC is within 500 miles of 2/3rds of the population of this country. Of course NYC was the place to have it.

What a convenience, to have all vendors in one place at one time. It is a shame that not all portions of the retail optical industry embrace this concept. It is really rather narrow minded to pooh pooh Vision Expo. Why can't we look at it for what it is......an investment, not an expense.

**fvc2020** · 02-08-2012, 04:28 PM

yep I'm going looking forward to going for the first time in a few years. I might even bring the hubby this time. New horizons this time..Kinda of excited.....

Christina

**harry888** · 02-08-2012, 04:36 PM

Made our reservations today. Major morale booster for staff that recharges their batteries and makes them appreciate how big the industry is.

They also look at the large Safilo, Lux, marchon, and other booths and realize the thing must cost them over 1 million each which will now increase the cost of frames.

Our focus is now more on the continuing education.

Harry