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Step into the Way-Back machine
September 12, 2007

Bob Hall, editor of Quick Printing magazine, once said to me, “My goal at Graph Expo is to never pay for a meal.”  In the old days, back when everyone was making money, that was not a problem.  The vendors threw lavish self-congratulatory parties and no press conference was complete unless there was food falling off of the table in the back.  Bob had little trouble meeting his goal.

That was then.  This is now.

These days, the food scene is more like the WhatTheyThink.com breakfast featuring Joe Webb: 450 sign ups and enough coffee and Danish for fifty.  Times are tough.

However, at this past Show, there was a Sunday night party thrown by GPA. It was an HP customer appreciation event at a bar called Martini Park on West Erie.  Multiple open bars, filet mignon, prime rib, enough hors d’hourves to choke a whale, and even a live band for six hours.  600+ people riz-vipped and easily 500 of them showed.  It has been a long, long time since I have seen its equal.

Hey GPA, you guys rock!  I had a blast and it was the talk of the Show the next day.  I can’t even imagine the cost.  Holy smokes, how’s business? The funny thing is, I don’t think Bob Hall was there.

Next year, I am thinking about having Print Tec fund a similar party.  I’ve already contacted the House of Blues and made inquiries.  If you are at the Show, stop by.  Oh, and will someone please tell Bob? He looks like he could use a good meal and I know how much he loves the blues. ;-)

Posted by Bill Farquharson on September 12, 2007 | Comments (1)