Great work, Jeff. I look forward to hearing from UPEC attendees about how they would like Parallax to be involved in this event. Some of the things we could do include a talk by Chip, run a hands-on DIY kit area and provide the hardware, etc. We can do whatever the Prop-heads would like us to do to support this event and make it a worthwhile experience for them. Or, we could have a special "kids area" in which they program S2 Propeller robots. . .
You should bring a Stingray for the non-kid robot nuts to play around with...
My family has been wanting to go to Chicago, maybe they will now have a chance to go.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Computers are microcontrolled.
2011 -- Hmm. That's a scary thought. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
I can tell you that there is one other expo location in "discussion" but it's too soon to reveal it.
(Let's just say it's a few miles away from the existing locations. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
BTW: how about some suggestions for a good local charity to donate raffle money to this year? Something Chicago based?
I'm leaning toward United Way this round... Ideas?
Expo raffles/Parallax have raised:
$2,000+ for American Red Cross (CA)
$1,822 for American Liver Foundation (IN/OH)
Parallax provided matching funds both times! $1,000 & $911.00
I think I know the sequence. It is a Fibonacci Number sequence. The fact that there is a one missing is of no concern. The real world just has some measurement errors or something: the reality doesn't exactly match theory. So, it looks like the numbers are as follows:
Of course, you can count on me for support / sponsorship & raffle prizes! Chicago or environs might be cool enough to get the S/O to attend... for some reason, I could never sell her on Cleveland.
I'm in for Chicago, and the date is good too, if May 15 is solid. If cost is a problem you might consider Indianapolis, I've talked to a guy that put on a custom bicycle framebuilders show every year and last year he used Indy. He said it was reasonable to put on and a good central location. He moves the show to different parts of the country each year . http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com/
Just for yucks I checked room rates for May 2010 and came up with $169.15 per night which to me is far from reasonably priced! Additionally, parking is $16/day, and I would suspect that both the state and city have taxes that are not listed. I think we can do better price wise.
@sailman58, this is akin to the nature of problems I was describing with Rosemont. McCormick isn't any different - these are all major trade show venues and not the kind of place where UPEC would successfully operate.
I figured as much, but just wanted to point it out. While rates this high may be justifiable on corporate expense accounts, they don't fit my personal checkbook. I suspect that most of those who attend will think the same.
@sailman58: Exactly! I don't think many UPE attendees are there on corporate expense accounts, so it helps to keep the costs low. Even though Parallax crew will travel and attend on a Parallax credit card, we're still frugal. I can't see spending $170 on a room when we sleep just as well for $70. That's $100 more we have for our company's product development, 401K, salaries, etc. In fact, sometimes the real-deal trade show expenses make me a bit angry. Companies should protest out-of-control expenses; it'll help our domestic economy if we enable commerce again instead of hinder it every chance we get with big corporations managing our affairs. At least that's how the big trade show scene leaves me feeling. I really appreciate the approach taken by Maker Faires, robot shows, UPE events to have a quality event without the expensive venues. We'll see a lot more innovation and less fluff at these places as a result of lower barriers to entry.
I share Ken's disgust with the trade show ripoff scene. I once did a trade show in Rosemont and left a small, but necessary component at home. We had to have it FedExed to the exhibit hall in time for the show start. When we got the final bill from the exhibit company there was an amount tacked on for delivering the package from the lobby to our booth that exceeded the FedEx charge! And don't get me started about unions. Heaven help you if the skirting on a table comes loose and you try to fix it yourself. No, no, no! That requires a member of the Drapers Union to come staple it back on for you. Chances are, that service will be tacked on to the final bill as well. At least in Rosemont we were allowed to wheel in our meager exhibit materials without a Teamster and plug in spotlights and small appliances without an Electrician. I've heard that, at McCormick Place, you can't even do that. It's nuts!
I'm all for the Chicago area, I live north of Milwaukee. We have a nearby bowling alley with a large room that would probably work. They use it for gun shows, birthdays and such. And it has a full service bar which could probably be made available.
Sounds like some of the smaller facilities need to be examined. A lot of the hotels have conference halls that can probably be adapted. How much space is needed? The area near the Fry's store in Downers Grove has a lot of these types of places. Bell Labs and AT&T had large presences in these areas so meeting facilities are common. The Morton Arboretum mentioned above is real nice although I don't know what their conference facilities are like. Grew up across the street and spent a few autumn days wandering the grounds. By now they have to have that DuPage River flooding issue under control. Glad I don't live there anymore though, can't take the traffic.
My brother lives out in Aurora, I can ask him if he knows of anything out that way. I know he is associated with a private high school so that may be something.
Jeff (OBC) is making some forward progress with some choices around Chicago. From the sidelines I have only support and trust in his ability in this regard.
All of our (Phil/Ken) squawking probably just makes us feel a bit better, as these points are already factored into OBC's trajectory. . . now, back to complaining. In the past Parallax exhibited very successfully at COMDEX in Las Vegas. We'd sell product on the trade show floor to pay for the whole adventure. While the value of trade shows steadily declined in favor of the internet, we noticed the trade show gouging still increasing at the same time - opportunity follows success sometimes slowly. As if the costs were not enough on their own, we had some amazing demos stolen from our crate in the final year at COMDEX. We lost large R/C airplanes, robots and customer projects from our display. I don't know who took them, nor do I care - it's all part of the expense (both monetary and mindshare) of attending trade shows as an exhibitor. At this time we had over 30 demos operating in our booth - absolutely exciting. People would line up six deep to buy BASIC Stamp Starter Kits - some of us would fill out order forms and others would provide tech support to the new customers. But all of that success was often replaced with unpleasant surprises when the invoices arrived. Even a 10x10 booth with staff and shipping would exceed $20K in costs.
We much prefer the new style: internet, informal tech events, less time on airplanes and more time with family.
Ken Gracey
Post Edited (Ken Gracey (Parallax)) : 12/2/2009 8:49:13 PM GMT
Ken Gracey said...
Jeff (OBC) is making some forward progress with some choices around Chicago. From the sidelines I have only support and trust in his ability in this regard.
Absolutely! I takes special talent (and fortitude) to organize an event like this; and, based on my experience at UPEW, Jeff has proven himself spectacularly.
Ken, I guess you can consider the thefts as testament to having stuff that people wanted. We never had that problem; and, now that I think about it, I'm not sure how I feel about that.
I'll never do another tradeshow, but the war stories are still cathartic after all these years. Small, informal gatherings like the UPEs are much more fun and worthwhile.
Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) said...
I share Ken's disgust with the trade show ripoff scene. I once did a trade show in Rosemont and left a small, but necessary component at home. We had to have it FedExed to the exhibit hall in time for the show start. When we got the final bill from the exhibit company there was an amount tacked on for delivering the package from the lobby to our booth that exceeded the FedEx charge! And don't get me started about unions. Heaven help you if the skirting on a table comes loose and you try to fix it yourself. No, no, no! That requires a member of the Drapers Union to come staple it back on for you. Chances are, that service will be tacked on to the final bill as well. At least in Rosemont we were allowed to wheel in our meager exhibit materials without a Teamster and plug in spotlights and small appliances without an Electrician. I've heard that, at McCormick Place, you can't even do that. It's nuts!
-Phil
Trade Shows..
I remember having to have a roll of 20's in my pocket just to·give out to have electrical plugged in,·drapes reset; and a couple of hundred if you wanted to get moved out before someone else, ( that forgot to bring their union bribes).
Wow.. I'm out bust'n end-of-month/start-of-month business for Orrtech today and the thread has taken on a life of it's own. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Here's where we are with Chicago..
I have two location competing for our business. Lombard (Fairfield Inn & Suites) and Ottawa (The gentleman who posted here)
Lombard's initial quote has decent room rates.. (None of that $170.00 stuff!) and reasonable facility rental.
Their initial quote included a clause which forced us to buy food from them, that has been removed as of today.
I favor Lombard a little because I've made a couple/three trips to this facility over the last 4 years and I know
the territory. Facility is perfect, and the room are fine.
However, I'm waiting to see which Ottwa brings back my direction. The key person was out sick, (I can relate!) and
I'll compare what they offer us to the updated "Lombard" quote I received today.
They both know they are competing for the business and we are interested in a long term relationship.
I hope to put the final deal together with-in the next two weeks. (In otherwords, send a check.) [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Jeff,
Just to C.Y.A. you might want to make sure that contract specifically states that you CAN bring in your own food.
If we book it an everyone shows up and then they say you cannot bring in your own food, you really have no choice.
I've seen times where they say "Oh, the person who said you could do that did not have the authority to tell you that.".
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1st rule of finance...Don't lose money.
Never be ashamed of making an honest·profit.
Live within your means...Make do, or do without. ·
Ken Gracey said...
Jeff (OBC) is making some forward progress with some choices around Chicago. From the sidelines I have only support and trust in his ability in this regard.
Absolutely! I takes special talent (and fortitude) to organize an event like this; and, based on my experience at UPEW, Jeff has proven himself spectacularly.
Ken, I guess you can consider the thefts as testament to having stuff that people wanted. We never had that problem; and, now that I think about it, I'm not sure how I feel about that.
I'll never do another tradeshow, but the war stories are still cathartic after all these years. Small, informal gatherings like the UPEs are much more fun and worthwhile.
-Phil
You guys are really kind... *blush*
The only fear I have, (and I've repeated it to Ken several times now) is that I don't want UPE's to become too glitzy and commercialized. Don't get me wrong, it's great to have Parallax on board, but the UPE is centered around the hobbyists and educational stuff (ie: people!). UPE's need to be kept "real" -- If it looks too plastic or packaged then we'll loose something very special. I'm guarding this aggressively. I want UPE's to always "feel" kinda grassroots and user inviting!
I like the favor.. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
I'll be comeing to this Expo!! The whole familys coming up to Chicago! I'll see you there!!
Micro
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Computers are microcontrolled.
Robots are microcontrolled. I am microcontrolled.
But you·can·call me micro. Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project? SX Spinning light display· My overstock is killing me. PM me for absolutly FREE 8-pin Mini Din connectors.
I'm not sick... it is a family member. Nothing terminal but enough to keep my full attention. Sorry.
Let me say that whatever you choose will be fine with me.
I really like the idea of making two sites competitive... that way the big winners are the attendees.
I have been thinking about the future, because once you start in one place, it seems easier for everyone to stay in that place. One of the advantages of the Ottawa area is that there are all kinds of facilities to grow into. As the meeting gets larger there is a natural progression of facilities... when you grow out of one facility, another pops up as just a little larger.
We also have some decent restaurants and fast food emporiums... all within about five minutes.
Utica is home to some large biker events. We have trails of all sizes... my father actually put together the Boyce Memorial Trail... which is the longest ... about 20 miles.
I have held a couple of largish professional meetings... one at our building and one at Starved Rock. So, whatever part of planning a meeting you don't like... I can get done for you. That way you can concentrate on what you like and we can have your "staff" take care of the rest[noparse]:)[/noparse]
Comments
Ken Gracey
Parallax Inc.
My family has been wanting to go to Chicago, maybe they will now have a chance to go.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Computers are microcontrolled.
Robots are microcontrolled.
I am microcontrolled.
But you·can·call me micro.
Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
SX Spinning light display·
Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
Transistor parts wholesale
OK, Here in the number of Expos to date (and proposed):
2008 - 1
2009 - 2
2010 - 3
2011- ?
Predictions and/or guesses anyone? 4,5, or 6 all look possible.
Roger
I can tell you that there is one other expo location in "discussion" but it's too soon to reveal it.
(Let's just say it's a few miles away from the existing locations. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
BTW: how about some suggestions for a good local charity to donate raffle money to this year? Something Chicago based?
I'm leaning toward United Way this round... Ideas?
Expo raffles/Parallax have raised:
$2,000+ for American Red Cross (CA)
$1,822 for American Liver Foundation (IN/OH)
Parallax provided matching funds both times! $1,000 & $911.00
OBC
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New to the Propeller?
Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 12/1/2009 8:03:04 PM GMT
I think I know the sequence. It is a Fibonacci Number sequence. The fact that there is a one missing is of no concern. The real world just has some measurement errors or something: the reality doesn't exactly match theory. So, it looks like the numbers are as follows:
2008 - 1
2009 - 2
2010 - 3
2011 - 5
2012 - 8
2013 - 13
etc.
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My Prop Info&Apps: ·http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/propeller.htm
The WGN Radio 720 Neediest Kids Fund, a fund of the McCormick Foundation
Check it out online
/me runs off screaming... <grin>
OBC
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We came up with this place because it was reasonable priced and has a massive convention center attached:
http://www.mccormickplace.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
Maybe you could get a corner in that place...
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My Prop Info&Apps: ·http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/propeller.htm
Just for yucks I checked room rates for May 2010 and came up with $169.15 per night which to me is far from reasonably priced! Additionally, parking is $16/day, and I would suspect that both the state and city have taxes that are not listed. I think we can do better price wise.
Ron (aka sailman58)
Ken Gracey
I figured as much, but just wanted to point it out. While rates this high may be justifiable on corporate expense accounts, they don't fit my personal checkbook. I suspect that most of those who attend will think the same.
Ron (aka sailman58)
Ken Gracey
Parallax Inc.
-Phil
Actually, I was fine with Norwalk. (Think I'd fly to Cleveland instead of taking Amtrak next time though [noparse]:)[/noparse]
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
My Prop Info&Apps: ·http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/propeller.htm
Sounds like some of the smaller facilities need to be examined. A lot of the hotels have conference halls that can probably be adapted. How much space is needed? The area near the Fry's store in Downers Grove has a lot of these types of places. Bell Labs and AT&T had large presences in these areas so meeting facilities are common. The Morton Arboretum mentioned above is real nice although I don't know what their conference facilities are like. Grew up across the street and spent a few autumn days wandering the grounds. By now they have to have that DuPage River flooding issue under control. Glad I don't live there anymore though, can't take the traffic.
My brother lives out in Aurora, I can ask him if he knows of anything out that way. I know he is associated with a private high school so that may be something.
All of our (Phil/Ken) squawking probably just makes us feel a bit better, as these points are already factored into OBC's trajectory. . . now, back to complaining. In the past Parallax exhibited very successfully at COMDEX in Las Vegas. We'd sell product on the trade show floor to pay for the whole adventure. While the value of trade shows steadily declined in favor of the internet, we noticed the trade show gouging still increasing at the same time - opportunity follows success sometimes slowly. As if the costs were not enough on their own, we had some amazing demos stolen from our crate in the final year at COMDEX. We lost large R/C airplanes, robots and customer projects from our display. I don't know who took them, nor do I care - it's all part of the expense (both monetary and mindshare) of attending trade shows as an exhibitor. At this time we had over 30 demos operating in our booth - absolutely exciting. People would line up six deep to buy BASIC Stamp Starter Kits - some of us would fill out order forms and others would provide tech support to the new customers. But all of that success was often replaced with unpleasant surprises when the invoices arrived. Even a 10x10 booth with staff and shipping would exceed $20K in costs.
We much prefer the new style: internet, informal tech events, less time on airplanes and more time with family.
Ken Gracey
Post Edited (Ken Gracey (Parallax)) : 12/2/2009 8:49:13 PM GMT
Ken, I guess you can consider the thefts as testament to having stuff that people wanted. We never had that problem; and, now that I think about it, I'm not sure how I feel about that.
I'll never do another tradeshow, but the war stories are still cathartic after all these years. Small, informal gatherings like the UPEs are much more fun and worthwhile.
-Phil
I remember having to have a roll of 20's in my pocket just to·give out to have electrical plugged in,·drapes reset; and a couple of hundred if you wanted to get moved out before someone else, ( that forgot to bring their union bribes).
I do miss COMDEX though.
Jim·
Here's where we are with Chicago..
I have two location competing for our business. Lombard (Fairfield Inn & Suites) and Ottawa (The gentleman who posted here)
Lombard's initial quote has decent room rates.. (None of that $170.00 stuff!) and reasonable facility rental.
Their initial quote included a clause which forced us to buy food from them, that has been removed as of today.
I favor Lombard a little because I've made a couple/three trips to this facility over the last 4 years and I know
the territory. Facility is perfect, and the room are fine.
However, I'm waiting to see which Ottwa brings back my direction. The key person was out sick, (I can relate!) and
I'll compare what they offer us to the updated "Lombard" quote I received today.
They both know they are competing for the business and we are interested in a long term relationship.
I hope to put the final deal together with-in the next two weeks. (In otherwords, send a check.) [noparse]:)[/noparse]
So them wheels are a turn'n gang!
OBC
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
New to the Propeller?
Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
Just to C.Y.A. you might want to make sure that contract specifically states that you CAN bring in your own food.
If we book it an everyone shows up and then they say you cannot bring in your own food, you really have no choice.
I've seen times where they say "Oh, the person who said you could do that did not have the authority to tell you that.".
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1st rule of finance...Don't lose money.
Never be ashamed of making an honest·profit.
Live within your means...Make do, or do without.
·
You guys are really kind... *blush*
The only fear I have, (and I've repeated it to Ken several times now) is that I don't want UPE's to become too glitzy and commercialized. Don't get me wrong, it's great to have Parallax on board, but the UPE is centered around the hobbyists and educational stuff (ie: people!). UPE's need to be kept "real" -- If it looks too plastic or packaged then we'll loose something very special. I'm guarding this aggressively. I want UPE's to always "feel" kinda grassroots and user inviting!
I like the favor.. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
OBC
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
New to the Propeller?
Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
-Phil
Micro
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Computers are microcontrolled.
Robots are microcontrolled.
I am microcontrolled.
But you·can·call me micro.
Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
SX Spinning light display·
My overstock is killing me.
PM me for absolutly FREE 8-pin Mini Din connectors.
I'm not sick... it is a family member. Nothing terminal but enough to keep my full attention. Sorry.
Let me say that whatever you choose will be fine with me.
I really like the idea of making two sites competitive... that way the big winners are the attendees.
I have been thinking about the future, because once you start in one place, it seems easier for everyone to stay in that place. One of the advantages of the Ottawa area is that there are all kinds of facilities to grow into. As the meeting gets larger there is a natural progression of facilities... when you grow out of one facility, another pops up as just a little larger.
We also have some decent restaurants and fast food emporiums... all within about five minutes.
Utica is home to some large biker events. We have trails of all sizes... my father actually put together the Boyce Memorial Trail... which is the longest ... about 20 miles.
I have held a couple of largish professional meetings... one at our building and one at Starved Rock. So, whatever part of planning a meeting you don't like... I can get done for you. That way you can concentrate on what you like and we can have your "staff" take care of the rest[noparse]:)[/noparse]
I'll check on room rates and get back to you
Rich
Post Edited (rjo_) : 12/11/2009 5:06:17 PM GMT
Question: The nearest airports are 1hour &1/2 away. This is the only downside so far.
Can we work with this?
It time for a continued show of hands to see how many are planning on this show.
I'm also thinking American Red Cross again for our charity.
The local chapter could use our support.
OBC
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
New to the Propeller?
Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.