Today I met with the folks from the Twin City Quarter in Winston-Salem to finalize the floor plan for the Expo and the magazine reception. This year we've moved upstairs to a very upscale exhibit hall. The seminar rooms will be hard wall so there won't be any bleed over from the seminars to the exhibit hall and vice versa. The entire hall is carpeted (with very nice carpet at that) and so things should be a bit quieter overall. The hall is also on the main floor of the center and just inside the front door, so most won't have to walk as far to reach it.

The RodMaker Magazine Reception will move to the convention center, to the exhibit hall just north of the Expo exhibit hall. Every bit as nice as the Grand Ballroom at the Embassy, it'll make things easier on us to set up during the day on Saturday. No more walking 150 yards each way, each time we need to carry something across. You won't notice the difference - but we will.

Because the concession area is downstairs in the center, and the lower level is being renovated, I have arranged to have a concession area located upstairs. They will have the usual drinks, snacks, beer, etc., but not any hot food. There is some chance that due to the tardiness of the contractor and the downstairs area not yet being ransacked, that the downstairs concession area may still be open and will have hot food. Of course, there are 40 restaurants, grills, coffee shops, etc., with a block to 5 blocks of the convention center. Both the Marriott and Embassy Suites have restaurants within their premises.

Although the Embassy Suites is sold out, I am told there are still a few rooms available at the Marriot. At this point they are not obligated to honor our earlier special room rate, I am told that depending on how nice you are and who you happen to talk to, you might still be able to get the special rate. You can call them at (336) 725-3500. Mention you will be attending the Rod Expo and maybe you can get the lower rate.

All in all, we're looking at a very nice event with an even nicer exhibit hall and seminar area that we had before. If we can get good weather nationwide the week of the Expo, we'll be in great shape. See you there.

...............

what is the status of tickets for the expo this year? pass years there was a couple of free tickets in the
MAG . that we got in the mail , did I miss it this year or is there A change this year ????
fill me in please ??????

William Sidney
AK

There have never been any tickets for the Expo in the magazine. I suspect you're thinking of the magazine reception. There have and are tickets for that in the magazine.

..............

I am planning on attending the expo for the first time, but did not get or see tickets for the reception in the last issue of the magazine. Will tickets for the magazine reception be available at the expo?

They're on page 31 of the issue that's in the mail now.

.............

Hopefully it will arrive before I leave. Thanks for the info. Looking forward to the expo!

Mine arrived yesturday and I usually receive mine latter then others do so yours should not be too far behind

thanks TOM for the info

William Sidney
AK

Got my magazine and tickets today. Thanks
Norm

Still waiting for my new issue with tickets.

I live in same area as Bob and have not received mine either. Mail comes around noon..........today
Fingers crossed