Super Billiard Expo 2013
- Thread starter Joe Banks
- Start date
..............................Concrete floors?
Never walked into an expo expecting a foot massage with every step...
What were people expecting? A Sandals resort in Edison?
It's POOL.
I LOVE PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO PUT WORDS IN OTHER POSTERS MOUTH IN A SARCASTIC WAY. I DON'T BELIEVE ANYONE SAID ANYTHING LIKE WHAT YOU WROTE. AND YES CAPET IS COOL, I FOR ONE HAVE NEVER PLAYED POOL ON ANYTHING BUT CARPET. LOL SO YES IT IS HARD ON YOUR FEET FOR 12 PLUS HRS. THAT BEING SAID, ANYBODY THAT COMPLAINED ABOUT THE FLOORS HAVE A VALID ISSUE. NOBOBY EXPEXTS ALLEN TO CARPET A VENUE THAT BIG. THE PROS HAD CARPET UNDER THEIR FEET. SO QUIT PUTTING WORDS IN PEOPLES MOUTHS................
As much as people complain, myself included, would anyone really want to go back to the days BEFORE the expo?
So people got a little spoiled with Valley Forge.
Oh well.
Times change.
People adapt.
Way i look at it, as long as you don't leave the expo smelling like a plate of rotten funnel cake/french fries with stale beer poured on top, it's all good.
Yes, one would think that people paying to see a tournament would be more familiar with pool etiquette but sadly that is not the case. Over the years in Valley Forge I witnessed way too many people that paid for VIP seating and was seen hobnobbing with the pros that not only did not put their phones on silent/vibrate but would then answer and commence talking. :angry:
The man answers you respectfully and you come back with another smart a$$ arrogant reply. Guess I had you pegged correctly from the OP in this thread.
FWIW, do you REALLY think there are a lot of places just like the old VF convention center or better yet that they haven't already searched high and low for such a place? Not that I expect you to but if you really wanted to see things from the other perspective, start searching around yourself and see how many places you come up with. I'm sure Allen won't have a problem advising what the min sq footage needed would be so that you could get an accurate reading on just how few places are options.
No dice on the casino. I think someone has already mentioned that they don't want to do that because money that could/would be spent at the vendors booths would end up going to poker.
Besides, how long has it been since the DCC had to move to a casino and people still complain. The distance from the DCC area to the hotel rooms are too far for people, there aren't any good restaraunts there and pool players go play poker instead of matching up (according to numerous posts over the years). No matter where they go, it will never be the same and they will never make everyone happy. People obviously think that places like the old VF convention center and the old hotel that the DCC was held in are a dime a dozen and can be found anywhere.... :thud:
Okay...I have an idea which most people will not like. Find a smaller place with wall to wall carpeting, clean rest rooms, good food and plenty of parking and run the tournament for a full month.
Get the entries in early, then divide up all entries into brackets and shoot and finish maybe 5-10 brackets each week, then when you get down to the top 100 or so players, let them shoot in the final week of the month.
Might sound crazy but it would be pool heaven for a full month.
Yes, most people work for a living and can't take off, but I think the event is too big and too much going on at one time to enjoy.
This is no solution...but just an idea to get a nice location and pool playing for a solid month.
Get the entries in early, then divide up all entries into brackets and shoot and finish maybe 5-10 brackets each week, then when you get down to the top 100 or so players, let them shoot in the final week of the month.
Might sound crazy but it would be pool heaven for a full month.
Yes, most people work for a living and can't take off, but I think the event is too big and too much going on at one time to enjoy.
This is no solution...but just an idea to get a nice location and pool playing for a solid month.
The DCC did that for 10 days at the Executive West and it was pool Heaven. The problem with the scenario is that the core group of pool players that go to these events are pigs. They smoke in no smoking area's putting ashes & cigarettes on the floors, table tops, wherever they damn well please. The trash that they leave laying around is mind boggling and I swear someone said something earlier about guys peeing on the floor in the action area last week??? Finding a desirable place with enough room is hard enough as it is, finding even a smaller place to take on this group, esp for more than one go around, would be next to impossible.
Joe Banks
Banned
Super billiards Expo 2013
Food for thought. Being everyone seems to miss Valley Forge, we should try to find a similar place. A place where everyone would have all the comforts to enjoy. Some of us may have jobs which enables us to be out on the road traveling. If any one comes across a better Expo center, you may recommend a new place to the staff. Remember we are paying for a hotel for several nights and the expense to travel both ways. Many would not mine the expense if the place was really nice. I don't think they would want this event buy a casino so don't look their. I understand they work hard to have this Expo Lets try to make it great once again. Banks "The Pain Was To Hard To Bare".
Food for thought. Being everyone seems to miss Valley Forge, we should try to find a similar place. A place where everyone would have all the comforts to enjoy. Some of us may have jobs which enables us to be out on the road traveling. If any one comes across a better Expo center, you may recommend a new place to the staff. Remember we are paying for a hotel for several nights and the expense to travel both ways. Many would not mine the expense if the place was really nice. I don't think they would want this event buy a casino so don't look their. I understand they work hard to have this Expo Lets try to make it great once again. Banks "The Pain Was To Hard To Bare".
I think you need to consider somethings. I have been to many convention halls and I think the Scanticon was the only one I was ever in that is attached to a hotel. McCormick in Chicago, Javits, none of these have hotels attached and I think we need to come to grips that its gone.
Now that there is 2 years of a venue that requires AM and PM travel, and security that is NOT what VF offered, you need to recognize that going in and prepare. 12 x 24 and 24 x 48 cases are a must if you're a cue dealer. They have wheels and make coming and going very easy. The key was knowing all this in advance, I think last year getting a venue that was one thing, while expecting it to be Scanticon caught many off guard, myself included.
I found this venue as timely as VF when leaving. I remember waiting for the elevator in VF with cases of cues in a line that was 45 minutes. I was in my hotel this trip within that 45 minutes easy.
JV
Now that there is 2 years of a venue that requires AM and PM travel, and security that is NOT what VF offered, you need to recognize that going in and prepare. 12 x 24 and 24 x 48 cases are a must if you're a cue dealer. They have wheels and make coming and going very easy. The key was knowing all this in advance, I think last year getting a venue that was one thing, while expecting it to be Scanticon caught many off guard, myself included.
I found this venue as timely as VF when leaving. I remember waiting for the elevator in VF with cases of cues in a line that was 45 minutes. I was in my hotel this trip within that 45 minutes easy.
JV
I have been working on the Expo Staff now for 3 years, and i have to admit myself, as will Allen and Jr, the Valley Forge Expo was excellent for what we were doing, and for the players, but that place too had its flaws.
One of the many complaints with the Valley Forge site was being on multiple floors, along with the smoke throughout the downstairs from the food vendors - it didn't get any better when smoking was banned.
And the tile floor was no better than the concrete floors ... try being on your feet for 18hrs running from the tournament desk to the bracket boards, and to all the matches monitoring their progress and making changes to try and allow all the Events to flow fluently and on time.
Ironically, a majority of the people that are complaining the most about the new venue are players that aren't even entered in the Events. They are there just for the Expo or the Action Tables.
I for one like this new venue. I have many pros for this site, and less cons. And i do not have a problem sharing either one of them. But as Allen Jr stated, we CAN NOT please everyone. Someone will always find something to complain about ... ESPECIALLY POOL PLAYERS!!!
As far as finding a venue similar to the Valley Forge site, good luck. There aren't as many options as you think, and truth be told, we are not the ONLY Event that is booking a venue. There are so many conventions and gatherings that these Convention Centers are booked year round.
In your free time, you should pull up your local Convention Centers, or even our current site, and look at their Calendar for the Year. They are booked solid for the shows, including set up and tear down. So simply finding a suitable site is one thing, getting the dates and times you want makes it a little more difficult.
My opinion for this site is as follows:
*EXPO SIZE!!! The Expo itself is more condensed and withing a short walking distance to all the action going on throughout the week. Its not like last year where you almost needed a tram to shuttle you back and forth from the gate. So that was a major improvement. And compared to Valley Forge, you were not up and down stairs, or waiting for the elevator (for the aged and medically difficult players/patrons).
**LIGHTING!!! Do i need to say anything else?
Players complained last year, and that was one of the immediate issues that was tackled when searching for a new venue.
***TABLE ALIGNMENTS and LABELING!!! This was brought up to us by many players, and after the event, it was brought up to be addressed. But remember, we CAN NOT sit tables, chairs and any other needs right where we want them as we have to abide by the Fire Marshall's approval/disapproval. And believe me, they were right there checking.
And for the labeling, we are going to address the footprint of the tables, and try and make the table labels and numbers a little more flowing. This is a trial and error process, and we noticed and are aware of the gaps.
All in all, i think this Venue is great for us, the size of the Event, and capacity of our fields.
I am looking forward to next March, and continually building upon the Event to make it the best Event.
One of the many complaints with the Valley Forge site was being on multiple floors, along with the smoke throughout the downstairs from the food vendors - it didn't get any better when smoking was banned.
And the tile floor was no better than the concrete floors ... try being on your feet for 18hrs running from the tournament desk to the bracket boards, and to all the matches monitoring their progress and making changes to try and allow all the Events to flow fluently and on time.
Ironically, a majority of the people that are complaining the most about the new venue are players that aren't even entered in the Events. They are there just for the Expo or the Action Tables.
I for one like this new venue. I have many pros for this site, and less cons. And i do not have a problem sharing either one of them. But as Allen Jr stated, we CAN NOT please everyone. Someone will always find something to complain about ... ESPECIALLY POOL PLAYERS!!!
As far as finding a venue similar to the Valley Forge site, good luck. There aren't as many options as you think, and truth be told, we are not the ONLY Event that is booking a venue. There are so many conventions and gatherings that these Convention Centers are booked year round.
In your free time, you should pull up your local Convention Centers, or even our current site, and look at their Calendar for the Year. They are booked solid for the shows, including set up and tear down. So simply finding a suitable site is one thing, getting the dates and times you want makes it a little more difficult.
My opinion for this site is as follows:
*EXPO SIZE!!! The Expo itself is more condensed and withing a short walking distance to all the action going on throughout the week. Its not like last year where you almost needed a tram to shuttle you back and forth from the gate. So that was a major improvement. And compared to Valley Forge, you were not up and down stairs, or waiting for the elevator (for the aged and medically difficult players/patrons).
**LIGHTING!!! Do i need to say anything else?
Players complained last year, and that was one of the immediate issues that was tackled when searching for a new venue.
***TABLE ALIGNMENTS and LABELING!!! This was brought up to us by many players, and after the event, it was brought up to be addressed. But remember, we CAN NOT sit tables, chairs and any other needs right where we want them as we have to abide by the Fire Marshall's approval/disapproval. And believe me, they were right there checking.
And for the labeling, we are going to address the footprint of the tables, and try and make the table labels and numbers a little more flowing. This is a trial and error process, and we noticed and are aware of the gaps.
All in all, i think this Venue is great for us, the size of the Event, and capacity of our fields.
I am looking forward to next March, and continually building upon the Event to make it the best Event.
I agree with most but disagree on the parking. Parking was awful. It was hard to find spots during Saturday morning/afternoon... a peak time. BUT, that said, you're going to a giant convention at a convention center. If anyone expects to park 20 ft. from the door, they should hire a car service or call a cab.
I think the layout wasn't too bad. Give the L shape of the building... it worked out well. Lots of tables for the amateur and open events. The pro arena was a bad setup. Very cool that the area was open to all and free, but for the pros, I can't imagine playing in that kinda space with that noise was ideal for them. Still... not terrible. Just not ideal. Vendor space was smaller and the number of vendors was down but that had little to do with the venue. However, given the vendors were right smack in the middle (pro arena to the left; amateurs to the right), you couldn't walk anywhere without passing by some booths which is GREAT for the vendors! Constant traffic!
Food... I agree. You want good quality food, go elsewhere. But you'd be hard pressed to find any convention center that serves much more than hot dogs, burgers, chicken, pizza, etc.. Off site there was a 'diner' about 5 mins away. I put diner in quotes because despite calling itself a diner, the place was extremely clean and the food was REALLY good.
I missed last year's event and I LOVED the Scanticon/Valley Forge Convention center. Attended the expo there for 10 years or so. But even then... its not like the floors were carpeted and it was the lap of luxury. It was just what everyone had come to know and expect. But its never going back there people so move on! Overall, this venue ain't too shabby.
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I've been to quite a few Expo's. Was everything great this time? No, but it never was. The vender food always sucked. It's terrible at any convention you go to. It's only purpose is to fill you up and keep you going. Vendors don't even eat the food. They order out! If you don't like it, pack a cooler.
Parking? Parking is bad for every big event. Try parking at a baseball game or a concert. You're going to walk a mile from your car to the event and back. Then, try buying a beer and a sandwich. You'll be $25.00 in the hole before you sit down.
Carpet? Come on, what other sporting event offers carpeted flooring for the fans? Are we really that carpet dependent?
I was there Friday from 10 am until 1030 pm. I can tell you that the seating this year allowed you to be a few feet away from the Pro's and the tables being played on. All you had to do was show up a 1/2 hour before the allotted matches. And no, it wasn't cold Friday night where the matches were being played, that's b.s.
I'll be there again next year, thanks to Allen and the crew for another great show.
Here's a couple of photos from the cheap seats.......
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Parking? Parking is bad for every big event. Try parking at a baseball game or a concert. You're going to walk a mile from your car to the event and back. Then, try buying a beer and a sandwich. You'll be $25.00 in the hole before you sit down.
Carpet? Come on, what other sporting event offers carpeted flooring for the fans? Are we really that carpet dependent?
I was there Friday from 10 am until 1030 pm. I can tell you that the seating this year allowed you to be a few feet away from the Pro's and the tables being played on. All you had to do was show up a 1/2 hour before the allotted matches. And no, it wasn't cold Friday night where the matches were being played, that's b.s.
I'll be there again next year, thanks to Allen and the crew for another great show.
Here's a couple of photos from the cheap seats.......
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Joe Banks
Banned
Super billiards Expo 2013
Just to polish off a couple of thoughts. If the place is comfortable, parking would not be an issue. Let me explain-- If the Expo had good food with a bar and restaurants along with the attaching hotel no one would have to go back and forth to their cars. Park it once and leave it for the duration. But do you see- this just proves my point. If the place was nice and comfortable nobody would have to go back and forth. It seems like many are complaining about the parking. I did not even mention the parking, but this issue supports my thoughts. Banks "The Pain Was To Hard To Bare".
Just to polish off a couple of thoughts. If the place is comfortable, parking would not be an issue. Let me explain-- If the Expo had good food with a bar and restaurants along with the attaching hotel no one would have to go back and forth to their cars. Park it once and leave it for the duration. But do you see- this just proves my point. If the place was nice and comfortable nobody would have to go back and forth. It seems like many are complaining about the parking. I did not even mention the parking, but this issue supports my thoughts. Banks "The Pain Was To Hard To Bare".
Joe Banks
Banned
Super Billiards Expo 2013
This is becoming old news once again. This is not the only Event that took is toll. The Train and Toy show is not as good and the Radio Control / Hobby event dwindled down next to nothing. The wait starts for next year as this event tappers off. What a Shame. BANKS "The Pain Was To Hard To Bare".
This is becoming old news once again. This is not the only Event that took is toll. The Train and Toy show is not as good and the Radio Control / Hobby event dwindled down next to nothing. The wait starts for next year as this event tappers off. What a Shame. BANKS "The Pain Was To Hard To Bare".
I've been to quite a few Expo's. Was everything great this time? No, but it never was. The vender food always sucked. It's terrible at any convention you go to. It's only purpose is to fill you up and keep you going. Vendors don't even eat the food. They order out! If you don't like it, pack a cooler.
Parking? Parking is bad for every big event. Try parking at a baseball game or a concert. You're going to walk a mile from your car to the event and back. Then, try buying a beer and a sandwich. You'll be $25.00 in the hole before you sit down.
Carpet? Come on, what other sporting event offers carpeted flooring for the fans? Are we really that carpet dependent?
I was there Friday from 10 am until 1030 pm. I can tell you that the seating this year allowed you to be a few feet away from the Pro's and the tables being played on. All you had to do was show up a 1/2 hour before the allotted matches. And no, it wasn't cold Friday night where the matches were being played, that's b.s.
I'll be there again next year, thanks to Allen and the crew for another great show.
Here's a couple of photos from the cheap seats.......
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Really GREAT pictures. They do capture the essence of an SBE pro event. Look at how everybody surrounds Earl's table -- standing room only. :grin-square:
That is a stellar phote of Mike Dechaine. Love that post, to include the cool purple shirt! That should go on his webste. Good photo!
Maybe you can find the perfect venue and pitch it to Allen or even do your own event.
Joe Banks
Banned
super Billiards Expo 2013
Its not my job to find a place. I made a couple of suggestions as well as pointed out some flaws and all I received was rude remarks. Everything I said was the truth. What can I say, sometimes the truth hurts. I think the production knows what they need by now. So this is it -- There either to stubborn as they want to keep the Expo local, or they don't want to go for the extra expense as their profits would be less. I will give one example. Yes it is a bit far but there are other places like this. Don't get nervous. It is far. I am only using this as a example. Here it is --GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT and CONVENTION CENTER. Believe me when I tell you this place is tremendous and beautiful. Look this place up. All with feel the same way. BANKS "The Pain was to hard to Bare".
Its not my job to find a place. I made a couple of suggestions as well as pointed out some flaws and all I received was rude remarks. Everything I said was the truth. What can I say, sometimes the truth hurts. I think the production knows what they need by now. So this is it -- There either to stubborn as they want to keep the Expo local, or they don't want to go for the extra expense as their profits would be less. I will give one example. Yes it is a bit far but there are other places like this. Don't get nervous. It is far. I am only using this as a example. Here it is --GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT and CONVENTION CENTER. Believe me when I tell you this place is tremendous and beautiful. Look this place up. All with feel the same way. BANKS "The Pain was to hard to Bare".
GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT and CONVENTION CENTER is an awesome place but very expensive.
As far as amenities and carpeting and just a comfortable place, don't forget the RIO ALL Suite Hotel & Casino.
JUST KIDDING about moving the SBE there.
But that is where the BCAPL National event will be.
Convention centers usually don't work because they are concrete floors and super high ceilings and they charge for EVERYTHING.
We made a great deal with the RIO and there will be plenty of places to sit and watch - and plenty to watch. Every room is a SUITE.
http://www.riolasvegas.com/hotel.html
My biggest complaint about SBE was the hard floors and nowhere to sit.
Mark Griffin
As far as amenities and carpeting and just a comfortable place, don't forget the RIO ALL Suite Hotel & Casino.
JUST KIDDING about moving the SBE there.
But that is where the BCAPL National event will be.
Convention centers usually don't work because they are concrete floors and super high ceilings and they charge for EVERYTHING.
We made a great deal with the RIO and there will be plenty of places to sit and watch - and plenty to watch. Every room is a SUITE.
http://www.riolasvegas.com/hotel.html
My biggest complaint about SBE was the hard floors and nowhere to sit.
Mark Griffin
There are a lot of great pool events that are held throughout the U.S. And yes, you're right about one thing; We're stubborn and we want to keep the Super Billiards Expo local.........where it belongs! Let Virginia have their U.S Open. Let Kentucky have their Derby City. Let TAR have Las Vegas (lucky bastards
). And let the Tri-State area have it's Super Billiards Expo! That's where it belongs. Thanks to Allen and his family for keeping it going all these years. BANK on that, brother!!
Overall, this is a huge risk for the promoters. If it weren't for what they posted up, (yeah there's a definite post up) it wouldn't of happened and maybe it shouldn't have, (according to critics) but it did, and hopefully, we will have another year to look forward to.
So do you just want to complain?
This years venue was better than last years and I'm sure they will make some adjustments to make it better. We will never have a perfect location and King of Prussia wasn't perfect either.
I did like the fact that it had the attached hotel that was the best part. As far as the floor it wasn't great and my feet hurt by the end of the event just like they have the past two years.
If we could all get our wishes I would love to have it one of the casinos in CT. They have first class everything from rooms, food, and all other needs. I feel if it ever did move to one of the CT casinos the gambling or pit would be a thing of the past. For many the gambling is their man reason for coming to the Expo.
I do understand you would like it a nicer place with more things to offer and I and I think most others would agree, but this is what we have and it ain't that bad.
For me having it now be located 1.5-2 hours closer to home is the best part.
This years venue was better than last years and I'm sure they will make some adjustments to make it better. We will never have a perfect location and King of Prussia wasn't perfect either.
I did like the fact that it had the attached hotel that was the best part. As far as the floor it wasn't great and my feet hurt by the end of the event just like they have the past two years.
If we could all get our wishes I would love to have it one of the casinos in CT. They have first class everything from rooms, food, and all other needs. I feel if it ever did move to one of the CT casinos the gambling or pit would be a thing of the past. For many the gambling is their man reason for coming to the Expo.
I do understand you would like it a nicer place with more things to offer and I and I think most others would agree, but this is what we have and it ain't that bad.
For me having it now be located 1.5-2 hours closer to home is the best part.