Super Billiard Expo 2013

[UrackmIcrackm]

we're just kidding ourselves if we think that
Allen and Greg and other people like Barry Berman don't make a killing off at the pool tournament did they put on

I don't understand why this even matters, it doesn't have anything to do with the issues people have with the venue.

I saw Allen leaving the expo center around 2 am one night, completely exhausted. The hours he and all of the staff work during the event are grueling to say the least. As he was leaving that night, Allen looked as someone had kicked his a$$, he was dog tired. Not to mention the time, energy, and money spent the whole year inbetween, trying in vain to find a suitable venue. Putting something like the Expo or the DCC on is taxing on anyones life and I don't begrudge them one penny that they make. They earned it in my opinion.

I've never understood why people on here have knocked people for making money when they work. The people that run regional tours have been crucified on here for daring to make money as have Allen, Greg, etc. Running these things cost money from the promotion part of it to the travel expenses incurred. My question is why shouldn't they make money? The NFL has more money than lord knows what but people buy those jersey's and all kinds of NFL approved things and I don't hear anyone complain that the NFL is making money. Same goes with Apple and any other product/company out there so why is it so egregious that a tour director or promoter makes money on an event that they work to put on?

 

[Taco]

I don't understand why this even matters, it doesn't have anything to do with the issues people have with the venue.

I saw Allen leaving the expo center around 2 am one night, completely exhausted. The hours he and all of the staff work during the event are grueling to say the least. As he was leaving that night, Allen looked as someone had kicked his a$$, he was dog tired. Not to mention the time, energy, and money spent the whole year inbetween, trying in vain to find a suitable venue. Putting something like the Expo or the DCC on is taxing on anyones life and I don't begrudge them one penny that they make. They earned it in my opinion.

I've never understood why people on here have knocked people for making money when they work. The people that run regional tours have been crucified on here for daring to make money as have Allen, Greg, etc. Running these things cost money from the promotion part of it to the travel expenses incurred. My question is why shouldn't they make money? The NFL has more money than lord knows what but people buy those jersey's and all kinds of NFL approved things and I don't hear anyone complain that the NFL is making money. Same goes with Apple and any other product/company out there so why is it so egregious that a tour director or promoter makes money on an event that they work to put on?

Word. Tap tap tap.

 

[ScottyDzntKnow]

I don't understand why this even matters, it doesn't have anything to do with the issues people have with the venue.

I saw Allen leaving the expo center around 2 am one night, completely exhausted. The hours he and all of the staff work during the event are grueling to say the least. As he was leaving that night, Allen looked as someone had kicked his a$$, he was dog tired. Not to mention the time, energy, and money spent the whole year inbetween, trying in vain to find a suitable venue. Putting something like the Expo or the DCC on is taxing on anyones life and I don't begrudge them one penny that they make. They earned it in my opinion.

I've never understood why people on here have knocked people for making money when they work. The people that run regional tours have been crucified on here for daring to make money as have Allen, Greg, etc. Running these things cost money from the promotion part of it to the travel expenses incurred. My question is why shouldn't they make money? The NFL has more money than lord knows what but people buy those jersey's and all kinds of NFL approved things and I don't hear anyone complain that the NFL is making money. Same goes with Apple and any other product/company out there so why is it so egregious that a tour director or promoter makes money on an event that they work to put on?

it's hard to compare the NFL considering of bench warmer makes three million a year.I know Earl is off the air sometimes but he made one of the greatest quotes I've ever heard he said pool is the only sport you can sign an autograph and be busted. What other sport can the top player in the world make less than 200,000 a year. A amateur golfers can make well over a million a year all I'm saying is that if a little more was given backto the person that the tournament is about which is the player maybe fpoolwouldn't be dying so bad.and maybe you're right maybe we shouldn't be complaining about the money but I can promise you the people who make a living at school they do complain.

 

[UrackmIcrackm]

it's hard to compare the NFL considering of bench warmer makes three million a year.I know Earl is off the air sometimes but he made one of the greatest quotes I've ever heard he said pool is the only sport you can sign an autograph and be busted. What other sport can the top player in the world make less than 200,000 a year. A amateur golfers can make well over a million a year all I'm saying is that if a little more was given backto the person that the tournament is about which is the player maybe fpoolwouldn't be dying so bad.and maybe you're right maybe we shouldn't be complaining about the money but I can promise you the people who make a living at school they do complain.

This conversation is way off topic and thoughts on this could certainly hold a thread of its own but I'll say my peace on the bold part and end my contribution to delrailing the thread.

I am of the opinion that ALL pro/amateur sports figures make entirely too much money. These people play a game and are paid a ridiculous amount of money. On the flip side of that, we have our troops and their families using food stamps in order to eat. Our police officers put their life on the line daily and they're hardly able to be considered part of the middle class. The wrong people are being put on pedestals and rewarded handsomely for playing a game that millions do every weekend for fun while those giving/risking their lives are struggling. :shrug:

 

[ScottyDzntKnow]

This conversation is way off topic and thoughts on this could certainly hold a thread of its own but I'll say my peace on the bold part and end my contribution to delrailing the thread.

I am of the opinion that ALL pro/amateur sports figures make entirely too much money. These people play a game and are paid a ridiculous amount of money. On the flip side of that, we have our troops and their families using food stamps in order to eat. Our police officers put their life on the line daily and they're hardly able to be considered part of the middle class. The wrong people are being put on pedestals and rewarded handsomely for playing a game that millions do every weekend for fun while those giving/risking their lives are struggling. :shrug:

This was a great post I whole heartedly agreeyou seem like a very intelligent person and we can just agree to disagree on the matters of where money in pool goes.everyone is free to voice an opinion that's why we live in America

 

[justadub]

This conversation is way off topic and thoughts on this could certainly hold a thread of its own but I'll say my peace on the bold part and end my contribution to delrailing the thread.

I am of the opinion that ALL pro/amateur sports figures make entirely too much money. These people play a game and are paid a ridiculous amount of money. On the flip side of that, we have our troops and their families using food stamps in order to eat. Our police officers put their life on the line daily and they're hardly able to be considered part of the middle class. The wrong people are being put on pedestals and rewarded handsomely for playing a game that millions do every weekend for fun while those giving/risking their lives are struggling. :shrug:

This is completely true in the larger sense of what really matters. No argument.

What folks often forget about players in the major sports, and all the money that they make, is that in the context of the business that they are a part of, they are being compensated fairly. (For the most part. ARod notwithstanding, heh heh). Based on the business model of the sport they participate in.

if the teams weren't generating the money that they were, yes, the players would be "over-paid". But the TV revenues, and the revenue from attendance, food and drink, and apparel licensing revenue generate more money than small countries, and the players deserve to be compensated for their part in generating that income.

Does anyone "playing a game" deserve to be paid nearly $30 million a year, of course not. Our military, our public service folks like police & fire personnel, our teachers, and many, many more truly deserve better, much better. But in the free market capitalistic society that we live in, pro athletes deserve to be paid commensurate to what the team owners are generating with their help.

How this applies to pool is, well, it doesn't. There is no gate, no TV money, no jerseys being sold. Should there be, yes. If a tour ever gets started (successfully), if it gets on TV again, if, if, if..... the pro's should be compensated appropriately. Unless and until that happens, any comparisons to big-time pro athletes simply aren't valid. And shouldn't be used for argument here.

Allen Hopkins deserves to make as much money as possible for his event, he is the one putting on the show, putting in the work, and putting up the risk to do so. I hope he makes a bundle. And I hope to some day get to go and see it for myself, hopefully in the coming years.

 

[JB Cases]

If you didn't like this venue, then I don't know what to tell you. I thought it was perfect. I had ZERO problem parking... and I came and went a lot. To watch the pros for free as you wished was awesome. I never once has a problem finding a place to sit. The food is the same food from the king of prussia location... I prefer to eat off site and the area has lots of options. There were lots of action tables and tournament tables opened up early for more action. I had ZERO problem lining up games. I really hope they keep this location.

Yeah you straight up ducked me all week!

Thanks for that Saved me some money.

But I extended my trip for a week if you want to hit some balls.

Oh and I totally agree about the venue. It's fine, it's pool, plenty of action, plenty of competition, food was decent on site, Harold's was excellent, great pizza delivery, all the pool gear anyone could want, free access to the pros (which I didn't even get to see). I also thought that the place was nice with the windows along one side.

I guess I am a little biased because we had a GREAT show.

 

[cueporn]

cater to gamblers a little

They stuck a 9 foot table in the middle of a main hall in the center of the room next to the two 14.1 tables. Not sure why it was even there. When players tried to use it to matchup we were told to wait until after 3 am.
They need a nice setup for action matches for those that want to sweat a match.

Food was good and fairly priced. The barbeque after hours was awesome, that brother
can cook.

The bathrooms as usual, looked like a war zone.

 

[AtLarge]

... Found myself 30 miles east instead of 8 miles south. ...

Uh, wouldn't that be way out in the ocean?

Congrats on your victory, Lyn!

 

[BogeyFree]

Where was the BBQ dude at? I liked that the vendor that was always at VF but not last year that sells the meatball sandwiches and fruit smoothies was there this year. I always got the meatball sandwich and cheese fries.

 

[The Kiss]

Somebody lost their ass at their own game. About $4500 on behind the back slot shots from the jaw of the pocket. Thanks to a regular guy from Boston for showing the big time hustler who really has game. One thing for sure the man has gamble and had no quit in him.

Anyone know who the guy from Boston was? Inquiring minds from Boston want to know LOL

 

[JB Cases]

They stuck a 9 foot table in the middle of a main hall in the center of the room next to the two 14.1 tables. Not sure why it was even there. When players tried to use it to matchup we were told to wait until after 3 am.
They need a nice setup for action matches for those that want to sweat a match.

Food was good and fairly priced. The barbeque after hours was awesome, that brother
can cook.

The bathrooms as usual, looked like a war zone.

I would bet large that if they had a volunteer to do the bathrooms for tips that this person would make bank. I know everyone is going to say that pool players are cheap but I bet enough would flip a few bucks in the tip jar to make it worthwhile.

I didn't see any barbeque :-( Dammit!

 

[phade]

Hello sir

Yeah you straight up ducked me all week!

Thanks for that Saved me some money.

But I extended my trip for a week if you want to hit some balls.

Oh and I totally agree about the venue. It's fine, it's pool, plenty of action, plenty of competition, food was decent on site, Harold's was excellent, great pizza delivery, all the pool gear anyone could want, free access to the pros (which I didn't even get to see). I also thought that the place was nice with the windows along one side.

I guess I am a little biased because we had a GREAT show.

Send me a pm with the price of the gtf / Fellini style brown case next to the little boy. Thanks Dom

 

[cardiac kid]

Uh, wouldn't that be way out in the ocean?

Congrats on your victory, Lyn!

Well I left the venue. Got to the main intersection. Went straight through and veered right. Noted the location of Harold's. Then veered right again instead of left. Saw a sign NJ something stay right. It was the Parkway not the Turnpike. Needless to say, next thing I knew I exited at Aberdeen. Some nice folks at a closed for renovations (figures doesn't it) Shell station gave me directions back to Route 18. The fact I was short on fuel never entered their equation. They sent me back by Lloyd Road to Route 34 to Route 79 to Route 18. If they would have just told me to take Old Bridge-Matawon Road (New Brunswick Ave), it would have shortened my trip by nearly an hour! Glad to have gotten back to the motel regardless.

Know New York State has budget problems. Even with all the pain being inflicted, we at least light our major road signs. A lesson perhaps New Jersey might learn!

Thanks for the kudos. Greatly appreciated.

Lyn

 

[cardiac kid]

I guess I am a little biased because we had a GREAT show.

Hi John,

Glad you had a great show. Saturday from 11 AM till 11 PM, Allen's schedule for the Super Seniors had me jumping from match to match. Really wanted to sit down with you and work out a Butterfly design. As I mentioned, I had a difficult time working your website design page. My problem not yours. Sunday I played till past 5 PM. By the time I finished, you were gone. Will you be back in the States again this year? I'll be at the BCAPL Nationals in July. Enjoyed our conversation albeit too short.

Lyn

 

[JC]

Too far to attend but I watched the finals of the men's Pro event on live stream which was an awesome as hell HD feed. Spooled it up from my laptop to my 50 inch plasma and it was like I was there. Thanks inside pool mag!

The only question I had was why the women's final had to be played on the very next table over at that stage of the tournament. You had the 4 final players waiting on each other to get out of the way so they could shoot at times. Really?

JC

 

[schon267]

you guys who said the food was good must be kidding! the food stand on the left coming in was just pitiful display of crap! I tried the philly steak n cheese and it was horrible! looked like ground beef just browned in frying pan, then they just put it over 2 slices of cold cheese. the chips that came with it were better. as far as the other place on the other end, it was just production food. not very good either, but better then the other place. I for one don't disagree allen or any other promoter has to make money for the work he puts in to have an event. one guy in another thread said he wouldnt mind allen making a million! hardly possible, but if he did for arguments sake, I would be pissed if he took 23,000 plus dollars out of the amateur event! lol it's ok though, everybody has an opinion and mind is that you guys in that area of the country can have fun with that event for years to come, but I will stay in sunny florida jumping out of airplanes and playing golf. I didn't care for the event. just my opinion and we're in the great united states of america where everybody like you guys and me can have our own thoughts. no harm, no foul

 

[AtLarge]

Well I left the venue. Got to the main intersection. Went ...

Time for a GPS, Lyn.

 

[trob]

No they don't make to much money.. They are not just workers like you and I. THEY ARE THE PRODUCT! owners are making billions in all sports from what they do on the field. A football player putting his body on the line that he will feel for the rest of his life is the reason people are buying tickets, team clothing , all the food and beer in the stadium and watching on television so they get 100's of million dollars from the rights to show it. you get what your worth to a business and without them you have nothing! So yes they deserve there million dollar contracts whether there playing a game has no meaning ....it's all about the revenue that they bring in.

This conversation is way off topic and thoughts on this could certainly hold a thread of its own but I'll say my peace on the bold part and end my contribution to delrailing the thread.

I am of the opinion that ALL pro/amateur sports figures make entirely too much money. These people play a game and are paid a ridiculous amount of money. On the flip side of that, we have our troops and their families using food stamps in order to eat. Our police officers put their life on the line daily and they're hardly able to be considered part of the middle class. The wrong people are being put on pedestals and rewarded handsomely for playing a game that millions do every weekend for fun while those giving/risking their lives are struggling. :shrug:

 

[Guerra Cues]

Overall I see this event as a big improvement over last year.

I think there are a few things that should be kept in mind:

1. The old Super Billiards Expo is history. The building has been completely changed. What was known as the SBE will never happen that way again. Having said that, it's time for us to show support for the event so we can see what the new Super Billiards Expo will be.

2. One of the reasons the Expo has been so successful is the part of the country it's held in. There are 25 million people within a half days drive. Over the last few years, I've been taking an informal survey and was completely surprised at how many people I talked to were just there for the day. The SBE needs to stay in the Northeast.

3. Allan and his crew had run this event for over 20 years out of the old location. Over time, it had to become second nature. They had run into all the problems and new what the solutions were. It will take a little time to get that experience with the new location. Give it a little time.

4. It seems like it would be easy to just find a new location with hotels and restaurants connected and such, but I for one don't know what the costs of those locations would be. I do believe that Allan Hopkins has more to lose than anyone if the SBE fails. If it were so easy to find a perfect place, then I'm sure he would have done so by now.

Trust me, as a vendor who spends a lot of money to get there, I have my gripes and complaints. While we do usually have profitable trips, it wouldn't take much for things to not turn out that way. I do, however, believe that Allan Hopkins will work out whatever bumps in the road that come up, and will turn this new era of the Super Billiards Expo into something that could rival or maybe even surpass the historic SBE.

Royce,

I spoke with a few friends that were selling at the sbe and I was told that there was way more people this year and they did way better.
I think you are right on the money about location comments... Don't forget that the Newark airport it is also right around the corner.