The Metal Cage Death Match between the American Fly Fishing Tackle Association (AFFTA) and Chuck Furimsky’s Fly Fishing Show has seemingly delivered us a winner.
And surprisingly, it’s not industry heavyweight AFFTA.
Last year, fly fishing’s industry trade association (AFFTA) announced its first consumer trade show in Denver — a trade show held on the same weekend as Chuck Furimsky’s long-established Fly Fishing Show.
The resulting furball had all the tragi-comedic elements of Shakespearean farce; given its stated intent of growing the sport, why was the industry trade association trying to snuff out an existing show?
AFFTA President Robert Ramsay repeatedly said it wasn’t a personal thing; AFFTA simply felt it was time to gain a little traction (and a revenue stream) from a string of consumer shows while trying to grow the fly fishing market for its members.
Of course, when a trade association targets one of your most profitable trade shows, it might be hard not to take it personally, and Furimsky countered AFFTA’s move with a fair amount of heated rhetoric.
As time passed, the words grew more contentious, the whispering picked up intensity, the threats emerged, and exhibitors were forced to decide which show to attend. Many thought AFFTA’s show — which could count on the attendance of most of fly fishing’s bigger manufacturers — was a major favorite to win.
At the Fly Fishing Retailer show in Denver, the whispering came from every point of the compass.
Some said Furimsky was difficult and deserved his comeuppance. Others said this was simply a bungled money-and-power grab by a panicked AFFTA and its bigger fly fishing manufacturers, who were facing a stagnant industry and disliked the discounting that occurs at Furimsky’s shows.
The Jabs Just Keep Coming
Predictably, after the January showdown, both sides claimed a moral victory, though it wasn’t long after that AFFTA’s President Robert Ramsay — the point man in AFFTA’s effort to launch a string of consumer trade shows — announced he was leaving AFFTA’s top job.
The announcement was immediately pounced on by the Furimsky camp as proof the AFFTA consumer show was a failure.
Then the Underground’s post-show article incited a fair amount of “spirited” commentary from both sides of the issue.
Kenji Haro — director of Denver’s Fly Fishing Retailer Show (a successful dealer-only show that’s run in the fall), posted this comment on the Trout Underground:
I think the point of the AFFTA show was that Chuck’s was not contributing to the industry growth…. fine for the art of bamboo rodmaking, but how does that get more people involved in the sport, which can support your local shops and eventually garner more interest in your niche? Did The Furimsky show give proceeds, even a little, to the association that supports the sport in DC and does outreach to get more people aware and involved?
The Fly Fishing Show’s Dave Seward responded with a salvo of his own, including an allegation that they had offered funding to AFFTA, but that AFFTA simply wanted too much:
As far as “give a little, to the association that supports the sport in DC and does outreach to get more people aware and involved” that is a whole can of worms, no pun intended. At one time The Fly Fishing Show was willing to donate 10% of booth rental fees of every AFFTA member back to AFFTA, they wanted more to put it simply (You can check out this effort on utaff.org/constitution.html “let the Truth be Known” also check out Business as usual).
Furimsky himself also chimed in, and amidst the volleys of charges and counter-charges, the truth will likely never be clear to those without backstage passes to the AFFTA board’s decision-making process.
AFFTA Opts Out of Death Match Weekend
In what Furimsky’s camp cites as a clear victory, AFFTA recently announced they weren’t going to reprise their Denver consumer show, but would instead merge their “successful” show concept with outdoor trade show giant ISE. From the AFFTA press release:
“This agreement with ISE, producers of the largest and longest-running outdoor consumer events in the marketplace, creates the most powerful promotional and educational platform our members have ever had. The highly regarded show concept showcased at our January 2008 consumer Expo in Denver will be used as the model for our collaborative efforts with ISE to produce the finest fly fishing events in the country.”
AFFTA would incorporate “Discover Fly Fishing” pavilions within ISE’s Denver and San Mateo shows aimed at recruiting new fishermen into the sport.
Furimsky — who has maintained all along that his show does plenty for the sport of fly fishing — announced he was partnering with the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) and launching in-show recruitment pavilions of his own.
Plans are being finalized to present an “Introduction to Fly Fishing” area staffed by men, women and youth members of F.F.F. that will provide free instruction to any of the tens of thousands who attend the shows. All questions and help requests in every aspect of fly fishing will be professionally responded to by qualified and certified F.F.F. instructors and show personnel.”
Last Show Standing…
Frankly, it’s hard to see a lot of winners in this mess, though Ramsay’s departure and the sublimation of AFFTA’s consumer show into the ISE shows suggests AFFTA no longer has the stomach (and perhaps the budget) for this kind of fight.
Furimsk’s Fly Fishing Show has earned the title of “Last Show Standing,” and while the true behind-the-scenes machinations which led to this furball remain unclear, what is clear is that AFFTA’s new President — Gary Berlin — is walking into a situation requiring a little fence mending.
Also left unclear is the role played by the AFFTA Board of Directors: former AFFTA President Ramsay repeatedly said the decision to launch a competing trade show was the result of a unanimous decision by AFFTA’s board — which includes representatives from industry heavyweights Umpqua, Sage/Rio, Frontier Travel, Simms, Cloudveil, Ross, Orvis and LL Bean.
If this somewhat select group was handed the goal of growing participation in a stagnant fly fishing industry — and their best answer involved a divisive attempt to terminate an existing fly fishing show and claim its revenues for their own organization — then the fly fishing industry as a whole might be headed for a rocky ride, and not solely as a result of economic forces.
As always, the Undergrounders should feel free to add their perspective below. See you on the river, Tom Chandler.
Technorati Tags: fly fishing,fishing,AFFTA,fly fishing show,robert ramsay,chuck furimsky,trade show death match,stuff I’d rather not write
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Comeptition breeds a better product. This is the priciple which creates all the wonderful things that make each and everyone of our lives better. As a young guy that has decisively made a commitment to build my career and livelyhood within the TINY sport of fly fishing, I need the industry to sustain what’s existing and create growth in other areas. To change to the changing conditions.
The Fly Fishing Show in Denver has not changed and does not effectively promote growth (if at all) in the industry. The only non-fly fishers that I met came with a fly fishing buddy. There’s no advertising drawing in non-fly fishers either. Then there was no activities for the new fly fisher to participate – beginning casting class or maybe a vise for tying?
Okay so I was working, so I may have missed something. However, if anyone attended both shows, you would have to agree that AFFTA had blew The Fly Fishing Show out of the water for beginners. (I believe they also were more than capable of capturing the attention of any seasoned veteran). Vises all over, seperate casting pond, all the rods, and a big clean venue.
AFFTA did not fail in Denver last year. They proved themselves as a creating a fun and accessable fly fishing venue. Joining the ISE show is a step in the right direction. This is the crowd that will grow the sport – converts! Convert from conventional tackle, convert from rifle, convert from the bow, or just simply add to a camper’s quiver. There’s no outdoor show that has more families, kids, and outdoor diversity.
I wouldn’t doubt that this was orchastrated as a long-term plan. Also, it is probably cost effective to join an established show. I don’t like anybody wasting money.
The Fly Fishing Show has oblviously listened to the outcry for new participation in the sport. Joining with the FFF proves this. However, the cry has been here and now the FFS realizes they need a better product.
I understand we each have roots and emotional ties within different areas, companies, and people in this sport. However, emotions can blind a person from seeing the best decision. Real Estate deals with emotions vs. Bankers are simply not. I’m sure there’s room for both shows now becuase each differ on their mission/reason. We need each of them now, but I’m sure things will change in a few years.
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Banning: Thanks for taking the time to post a thoughtful reply. This is a subject that seems resistant to the application of thought; like so many ideas these days, it’s subject to an instant polarity among readers.
On one point, I might disagree with you. I’d suggest the AFFTA show in Denver did fail — and for a couple reasons.
First, a stated goal was to take over the consumer show slot in Denver by competing directly with Furimsky’s show (I got this direct from Robert Ramsay). Judging by first-person reports, the AFFTA show attendance wasn’t as high as the FFS show, and there are some significant questions about the budget and potential losses.
If the show had been a big commercial success, I’d suggest we’d be seeing another.
As for this being part of a long-term plan, again, I have my doubts. I think the commercial realities of running a show landed on AFFTA, and it’s hard to see Ramsay’s departure (a nice guy and a good interview) as anything but evidence of the show’s failure.
I agree that if AFFTA wanted to recruit new fly fishers to the industry, then going the ISE route is a much better idea. As you pointed out, it’s a venue chock full of potential fly fishers. I only wish they’d chosen this route first.
As someone who doesn’t regularly frequent fly fishing trade shows, I’ll accept your assertion that Furimsky’s show didn’t do anything to recruit new fly fishers into the sport, but in the same breath, I’d have to ask if that’s reason enough for the industry trade association to target his show.
After all, a majority of AFFTA’s member companies likely couldn’t pass a similar litmus.
Many, in fact, do damned little for the industry OR the environment they depend on to make a living.
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Thanks for your perspective, information, and thoughts. I enjoyed reading and I would like to make a few comments.
I found it interesting that Ramsay candidly stated their purpose was to directly compete with The Fly Fishing Show (FFS). I does make sense, as it is the only national show therefore the only competition. I do wish the numbers of attendees, dollars spent, or similar numbers between the two shows were available – unlikely so I’ll contemplate.
My personal experience was that attendance was close in numbers and probably leaned towards the FFS. The type of attendees was different in that greater number of greenhorns attended AFFTA. However, it’s important to add that I believe more dollars were spent at FFS due to more retailers (sellers) and a consumer comfort level built form a history of FFS. If AFFTA continued as an independent show we’d see a shift within a couple years, but there’s other opportunity with ISE.
Introducing a new show will undoubtedly have trails, tribulations, and a learning curve. It’s wishful thinking to hit a homerun the first time at bat. FFS has faced these and failed (Dallas as an example). They have also (probably) lost money during building what are now successful shows. During the learning curve everyone tries and figures out if their beating a bush hiding birds or just beating a bush. Putting weight on Ramsay’s departure due to the shows failure is too speculative for me to grasp, though it may have been stated and I don’t know about it.
The 2008 AFFTA consumer show was a great happening (with a learning curve) that created positive change. From all of this the FFS will be a better show nationally, the movement towards expanding the consumer base has started (hopefully the environment is in there too!), and therefore, we as an industry will be better off.
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I have to say that I would have to agree with Banning on this topic. To say that the AFFTA show failed, and using the departure of Robert Ramsey as your main piece of evidence of this seems a bit short minded and biased to me.
I own a fly shop in Denver, and as a result had a lot of contact with show participants during and after the dueling show week-end. In the end, I would have to say that it was a 50-50 split between people as to what show they liked more. Their responses seemed to be totally dependent on what their reasoning was to go to one or both shows. People looking for tying demos, discounted gear, and good deals at fishing lodges and guide services seemed to all prefer the FFS. Conversely, participants looking to learn more about the sport, as well as those looking to try and learn more about new gear all prefered the AFFTA show. So in the end, I think both shows were able to find a a niche for their individual shows.
I agree that the real question should be which show did the most good for progressing the sport of fly fishing, as well as getting new and experienced anglers more excited about the sport. To me, it seems that the AFFTA show did a better job of this. In any business environment, change and competition is good. It keeps everybody on their toes, and ultimately produces a better product for the consumer. I will never condone the way in which AFFTA approached the idea of having a consumer show in Denver, but I strongly dissagree that their move was unjustified and wrong. If the FFS wasn’t helping benefiting or heling progress the sport, which I think we are all in aggreement on, then I believe AFFTA had every right to want to enter the show market in Denver.
I do think that blame can be put on both the FFS and AFFTA for creating a divided and polarized show experience in 2008. In the end though, it was AFFTA who chose to pair their show with the ISE, ultimately fixing the overall problem. They recognized that having dueling shows over one week-end wasn’t productive, and took the path of finding a way to make their show better and more successful, all while benefiting the fly fishing industry as a whole. The FFS’s move to join with the Federation of Fly Fishers seems to be more of a counter move to try and stay competitive with the AFFTA/ISE show in 2009, then a move that will benefit show participants or fly fishing industry.
In the end, the only real measure of success of these shows is the hard numbers, which will probably never be available to us. Ultimately we will probably not know the true victor for a few more years, when the Colorado fly fishing public has the ability to chose through participation which show is the best. So to return to the wrestling Death Match analogy, I would have to say that we have only seen round 1, and thus I think we should be wary of prematurely crowning one show the victor and one the loser.
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Tucker: I’ve only got a few minutes before heading out, but wanted to address a couple of points. First:
I’m a little astonished by this statement. First, Ramsay admitted in our interview that growing the sport wasn’t AFFTA’s only goal; they also wanted to own a chain of consumer shows so the association could enjoy the benefits of that cash flow.
With the “we only want to grow the sport” moral high ground vanishing fast in the rear view mirror, I have to ask how you’d feel if AFFTA — with the backing of fly fishing’s biggest companies — decided your shop wasn’t doing enough to move fly rods, and opened a competing shop just down the street (and oh yes, you couldn’t carry rods from its manufacturers).
The idea that AFFTA decides who’s doing enough for the sport and who isn’t doesn’t fly; it falls far outside their mission.
In addition, I have to disagree with this:
I just don’t see this. AFFTA created the divided experience, not FFS. Trade associations don’t typically launch themselves into direct competition within their industry. It’s a bad precedent.
Crediting AFFTA with resolving it by folding their show into the ISE show is logic stretched beyond the breaking point.
The AFFTA show simply didn’t fly; taken as a whole, the reports from showgoers on the Internet suggest better attendance at FFS. Given the acrimony, nightmarish PR situation, sudden departure of Ramsay and utter lack of transparency from AFFTA, I’m willing to say they lost this fight, and didn’t have the stomach to continue (and rightly so).
My original point remains; if AFFTA wanted to grow the sport, there are a lot of other — and better — avenues open to them. Evidence pretty clearly suggests this whole situation was more about a revenue stream than it was about growing the sport, which could have been better accomplished any number of ways
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Let your voice be heard.
http://www.affta.com/additional.php?recKey=5
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From the stand point of someone within the retail side of the fly fishing industry, there are a couple of items that have not been touched upon in this post (or for that matter many outer posts) that may very well have weighed very heavily on any and all decisions regarding AFFTA’s & Ramsay’s choices, both past and future.
Available dates at a quality venue in Denver (the Convention Center). I suspect that both this year and last year, the available dates at the CC were very limited. It is my understanding that the only dates available this year in January were for the weekend after the First, requiring vender set-up on New Year’s Day. That is something not very likely to happen.
Consider yourself actually holding the post of President of AFFTA and decide how long you would actually like to be responsible. The compensation in very marginal at best (or as in the past, virtually non-existent), the necessary input effort and time spent could be considered immense and the ultimately whatever you do will be scrutinized and criticized by at least half of the people in and out of the industry. And this is an industry never consider to be short on opinions or egos.
Just things to consider and ponder…
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Tom, thank you for your insightful and thoughtful remarks. Although I don’t agree with you on all levels, I can respect where you and the FFS are coming from. My main point will remain that if the FFS had been fulfilling the demands of the fly fishing public in Denver, as well as the needs of all industry organizations and businesses, then I don’t think AFFTA would have been at all interested in holding a show in January in Denver. AFFTA saw what they thought was a good opportunity to provide a trade show experience that was better and different then what was currently being offered. Many retailers and major manufacturers dropped out of the FFS to represent themselves at the AFFTA event because they believed it was ultimately better for them and the industry. It will be interesting to see this year if retailers and manufacturers stay loyal to one show, or attend both… only time will tell.
I will agree with you that AFFTA was setting a poor precedent and ultimately gave themselves a black eye by going into direct competition with the FFS the way they did. But that is what AFFTA chose to do, and there isn’t much any of us can do about it now. This entire situation has created an overly negative and hurtful image to our industry. In the end, it doesn’t matter who comes out as the perceived victor from last year. My true hope is that AFFTA/ISE and the FFS can put on shows next year that will complement each other, not compete with each other. The last thing our small industry needs is the perception among the general fishing public that the battle of the consumer fly fishing trade shows will continue on in 2009. Instead, we as an industry must demonstrate to the public that we are committed to the growth and preservation of fly fishing.
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Competition breeds a better product- as Banning started his comment to the “Metal Cage Death Match” Article on the Trout Underground. I quote: “Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off. “-Franklin D. Roosevelt A divided market is still a divided market, and fly fishing, no matter how passionate we are about it, is a very small niche in the outdoor, recreation and fishing markets.
AFFTA has a board of 15, a full time President, The Fly Fishing Show has me (Dave the manager), Chuck, his son Ben and his wife Janet (who works the ticket counter at the shows) and a friend or two per show helping to set up, not sure how that is fair competition but hey.
As far as the converts! Big sportsmen shows-this was tried for years, and simply put, Fly Fishing gets swallowed up in the larger shows. The Fly Fishing Show has always focused our shows on 100% fly fishing. If an enthusiast brings a buddy, that guy or gal is more likely to follow up and learn to enjoy the sport with a mentor, than if they walk out with a freebie bag. The Fly Fishing Show is trying to get new participants into the sport, always have, always will. Our effort with FFF is something that has worked at some shows in the past and we are trying to make it work at all the shows across the nation.
My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition.
Indira Gandhi
The Fly Fishing Show always looks to improve our show, introduce new people, and make it a fun event for all. I read the mission statement of AFFTA and have a hard time pinpointing what they accomplish with members’ dues. And the end of each year there should be a report for one and all to view of their accomplishments. FFF, TU, and any other group/association do this. This is the Industry, as opposed to the mom and pop operation, plus one ugly secretary (me) that is The Fly Fishing Show. And isn’t it the mom and pop operations that are hurting most in fly fishing? Think of how many shops have gone under, we have. These are friends, colleagues and fishing buddies. What is “the industry” doing to help them?
Banning’s May 30th reply “from all this the FFS will be a better show nationally, the movement towards expanding the consumer base has started (hopefully the environment is in there too!) and therefore the Industry will be better off.” I volunteer for environmental and Conservation issues, and have done so for 20 years, and still serve on numerous boards, pertaining to water reclamation, land conservation and biological diversity and native re-introduction. Tip O’Niel said “all politics is local” well all conservation starts in one’s own back yard. The Fly Fishing Show offers space at our shows for conservation groups all across the country to get their message out. You’ve read our work force, we can’t do any more than provide groups with the venue and the crowd, many groups and associations take advantage of this offer. I have asked the same question and not one responder who defends AFFTA can answer it, “What has AFFTA done to further is mission and goals”? As a 501 c 6 they should be a heck of a lot more transparent than they are. Their decision making should be available and their accomplishments should be yelled from the mountain tops. They are not. Every spring we read about the national casting call, and every fall we hear about the fly tackle retailer (they have someone else running). If there are other accomplishments out there I sure would like to see them.
In closing from AFFTA’s webpage: AFFTA’s Mission
To Promote the Sustained Growth of the Fly Fishing Industry
AFFTA’s Strategic Objectives:
1. Grow Consumer Demand for Fly Fishing Products and Services
2. Enhance the Growth and Professionalism of Fly Fishing Business
3. Support the Protection, Enhancement and Restoration of Fishing Waters
I’m still waiting to see ONE accomplishment that fulfills anyone of the above bullets.
Dave
Manager of The Fly Fishing Show
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Tucker: You said: “Although I don’t agree with you on all levels, I can respect where you and the FFS are coming from.”
I appreciate that, but want to make it clear I don’t have any connection to FFS. I’ve talked to Chuck Furimsky three times now, which is exactly one more than I spoke with Mr. Ramsay.
My perspective is mine only, and I don’t speak for the FFS.
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Dave,
I truely thank you for joining our conversation, as only very few have your view and type of connection to this matter.
I wanted to clarify on my earlier comment you mentioned in your response, “from all this the FFS will be a better show nationally, the movement towards expanding the consumer base has started (hopefully the environment is in there too!) and therefore the Industry will be better off.”
To more clearly state, I am hoping the enviromental conservation mentality and actions will continue to expand from its current state with growth of a consumer base no matter who, which, or how. I did not have any intenetion to infer that you or the FFS hasn’t done enough in this respect. I have attended a few of your shows and can very much appreciate your efforts to include conservation orangizations in the respective towns. Also, many great things can be said for your personal and local conservation efforts.
Lastly, in response to a quote you used, “Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off. “-Franklin D. Roosevelt. This maybe a close to perfect quote for where we are at, as the dramatic competition for shows of last year has now subsided. Would you agree that cooperation is next? Or, did the competition go too far?
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Banning: “This maybe a close to perfect quote for where we are at, as the dramatic competition for shows of last year has now subsided.”
I believe we may have arrived at the point we should have started at: AFFTA gets its educational show presence; FFS invites the FFF to its shows; and the AFFTA board (hopefully) gains a little perspective.
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I read the comments from “Banning” on May 29th and would like to respond.
“I need the industry to sustain what’s existing and create growth in other areas.”
That is good advice, however by attempting to directly compete with a successfully established show, not exhibiting your new products at that show, is not sustaining what is existing.
“The Fly Fishing Show in Denver has not changed and does not effectively promote growth (if at all) in the Industry.”
In Denver, as in all my show locations we offer daily classes, 6-10 educational talks an hour that are usually standing room only, casting demonstrations, travel tips, and the busiest tying aisles helping everyone learn you’ll see anywhere. When “Banning” says “OK so I was working so I may have missed something.” I agree with him or her for sure.
“I don’t like anybody wasting money.”
Well that point should have been made earlier. AFFTA will confess they didn’t turn a profit, but just can’t share exactly how much of the member’s dues were lost with their one year expo.
“The Fly Fishing Show has obviously listened to the outcry for new participation in the sport.”
Yes, we listen, of course. That’s why the show was started years ago to give our sport its own recognition. It has grown across the country giving a much needed growing boost to fly fishing in participation and financial growth.
“Emotions can blind a person from seeing the best decision. Real Estate deals with emotions vs. Bankers are simply not.”
I don’t get the point. Does he or she mean I should be more “bank like” in running my show and less emotional? Sorry, I care about my exhibitors and celebrities. I don’t treat them like I own their mortgage, but as part of our show family. That’s why when you ask a person who attended both shows, they like the feel of the Fly Fishing Show much better.
Another reply by Banning on May 30th also needs answered.
“I do wish the numbers of attendees, dollars spent, or similar numbers between the two shows were available-unlikely so I’ll contemplate.”
You may not know that the AFFTA board signs a confidentiality contract that forbids them to disclose what goes on in their decision making meetings. Of course, once they vote, your question or suggestions are useless in changing their unanimous plans. In my case, you don’t have to contemplate, just call me. All I ask is for you to identify yourself and describe your intentions.
I will tell you our Denver show had about three times the attendees and over twice as many exhibitors as the AFFTA expo. They did have more water; I’ll credit them for that.
Our educational talks had 100-150 on average, the expo I was told had some empty rooms. The same scenario goes for the fly tiers. Our aisle was packed; their tiers discussed techniques among themselves. All this comes from reliable sources I did not hire to report back to me.
As for profit from exhibitors I don’t ask. But they said on the most part it was their most profitable show for years. At AFFTA it all depends who you ask. One big rep in the area told me it was awesome, and minutes before saw someone and said it was very slow. It depends who you talk with, as in all politics.
I’d like to close with some general facts for “Banning” and another that wrote “Tucker.” It seems they both have been fooled by the propaganda from AFFTA.
AFFTA did their show for one reason. I know this for a fact. Robert Ramsey admitted it and so did board members. The reason was to generate revenue foe their beleaguered treasury. If they could knock me out of business any profit would be for them. When people started talking about this being unethical the reason was quickly adjusted. Now AFFTA was doing their expo to benefit our sport and bring new life and beginners aboard. A noble mask for the real reason-money!
Over the years my shows have introduced 100,000+ people to our sport, made millions of tackle sales, and has given fly fishing an identity nationwide that deserved its own show. For AFFTA to say I haven’t done anything to promote the sport is unbelievable. I’m sorry they fooled some and it seems a few are still believers. To turn away from a 100% fly fishing venue to find converts at a sportsmen show is not a great plan. The I.S.E. is a well established show, but it isn’t where people go that want to learn about fly fishing. What I would have done, but I’m not AFFTA, is admit the expo wasn’t all we hoped, and join forces with the Fly Fishing Show. That’s where the crowd will be for fly fishing and where the money will be spent on tackle and trips. But if you come, please check you egos and politics at the door. We’re here for the sport, not the competition.
Chuck Furimsky
The Fly Fishing Show Director
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As a sales rep and exhibitor at the FFS, I need to say that there is too much blame being put on the producers of the FFS for any lack of influx of new attendees or greater sales. The FFS creates a venue for its exhibitors. Just as a landlord may have a space available on a sweet corner location with good parking in a affluent area of town. Would you call your landlord and complain that your business wasn’t doing well and you expect him to do more for you? I have been in the fly fishing industry for 23 years now and I know of 3 shops in the whole CO area that are creative in their attempts to grow business. All of the rest follow similar models, expect the companies they represent to create their business, complain about their competition but succumb to the same pressures from the manufactures thus causing the similarities in each business. Competition is good (when its not against you) and perhaps that has sparked some new ideas with the FFS. Or perhaps it is due to a new staff of employees with the FFS. I would favor the second. New people always bring new ideas. Failed ideas (the one time attempt at the AFFTA show which would continue if it didn’t fail) always bring new employees (new AFFTA pres). I think AFFTA had an unfair advantage with the manufacturers and levered, even scared some business to exhibit at their show. That in itself is not a free market. AFFTA was created to promote the fly fishing industry and I haven’t seen any results as of yet. The Fly Fishing Show is a private business and is not responsible to promote the sport any more than any other business, yet it chooses to donate large amounts of booth space, money and time to do so. I suppose they could cut out the free booths for non-profits to have more space to test out a new rod and make the manufactures happy but they are doing this out of a passion for a sport that drew them into the industry like many of us. If you want to get rich, do something else or work your hardest at making your business, or booth at a show, better than the next guys. Rather than motivate the FFS, I hope this “furball” energizes each individual involved in fly fishing to help advance the sport.
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I am wondering why it took Mr. Furimsky YEARS to come to the conclusion that including more to bring new people (who may purchase nothing) into our sport at his shows, was a sensible notion?
Would he have seen the light without the scare of his life?
Perhaps he, like Ramsey, is just in it (the shows not the sport) for the money!
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Chuck,
We’re already on to another show season! I hope it is pructive and successfu at all your shows. I’ll hope to run into you in Denver or Charlotte.
Banning
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