I usually spend Friday with my buddy who lives in the area, as he and two of his co-workers always attend for the full day, then we head out for dinner after. Also, one of his former co-workers is married to a woodworker who exhibited in the Marketplace last year, so we usually pay them a visit or two while we're there. (The credenza they made for him is
featured here. Beautiful work!)
Hi gents, I booked tonight (well, this morning) too - flights, ticket (3-day pass), and hotel. It seems the convention hotel is booked up, so I defaulted to the SpringHill across the street and will either walk or hitch a ride with somebody. (Ahem...)
Well, if you know of anyone who's at that hotel, maaaybe it can be arranged...
I considered walking one or two of the days, although if I do some damage in the Marketplace, I prefer having the wheels nearby so I can stash the purchases in the car and not have to tote them around all day. (Especially later on Sunday, when the vendors are packing up and want to carry less than what they arrived with.) I can seat four in the Wildcatmobile, five if someone wants dibs on being wedged under the cargo net in the rear. (I promise I'll turn the subwoofer most of the way down.)
@DC I still have your number, so no problem coordinating!
I would probably enjoy AXPONA more if there weren't so many people there.
It thins out around mid-afternoon. Yet I'm not a crowd-loving person either and I've only had to pass by a few rooms during the peak because they were too crowded. Nowhere near as bad as the last Detroit Auto Show I went to nearly a decade ago, where you literally had to push and elbow your way in front of others just to sit in some of the cars. Friday I found is less crowded as the locals seem to turn out mostly on weekends.
I also know it's tempting
not to go just due to the price of everything, but I figure it's a rare weekend to spend seeing what's new, getting ideas for my own system, enjoying a few things I can't afford, and seeing friends and acquaintances. Well worth it to me, even if exhibits get a little tight for a few hours! I might try starting at the top and working my way down this time.