Trade Shows?

[alex30808]

I am a custom game call maker (Turkey, Crow, and Duck calls and some locator calls such as Owl hooters)...and I attend different trade shows each year selling my calls. I have a show comming up this weekend in Columbia SC. and it got me to wondering if any of the hammock mfg. (Claytor, HH, Clark, Speer, ect) and hammocking supply / support mfg. (JRB, Speer, McCat, Preacher's wife) attend any type of trade shows to show and sell their wares?
The more I think about it...I've never seen any type of hammocking or backpacking supply / outfitters at any of the shows I attend here in the south. I have recently taken on a Pro Staff postion with Bruzer Gear, a backpack mfg. company that produces hunting related backpacks. I will be showing their day pack and fanny packs at the Columbia show (as these are what I currently am turkey hunting with instead of a vest) and will soon be getting my hands on their "Mid-pack" and eventually their "Main-pack". I'll be using these as my primary backpacking packs and as my hunting packs. Again, I was just wondering if any of the products we talk about are ever shown at trade shows...and if so...where and when.

[angrysparrow]

The Trail Days festival is the largest gathering of that sort that I am aware of. It typically draws JRB, HH, Speer, etc.

[Peter_pan]

JRB will be at Trail Days for the fith year this May.... Also we will be at the Annual Summer Outdoor Retailer (OR) Show in Utah this Aug.

Pan

[DougTheElder]

Would an Owl call be something that would provide entertainment while in the woods? Do you sell only through shows, or do you have an outlet in the Augusta area?

[alex30808]

DougTheElder,

It's awesome to get a few barred owls hooting back at you expecially if you can get them to start "laughing"...I dont have any shops that I sell at that have my owl hooters...I have a few calls in American Sportsman over in Augusta, Ga but all they have are a few of my glass and slate turkey calls. I have my site on line Williams Custom Calls.comand I'll be in Columbia SC Fri, Sat and Sun this comming weekend.

[alex30808]

Do any of the hammock companies or support/suppliers have any type of "Field Rep / Pro Staff" ? I just think that at some of these shows one could make quite a few sales being that there is NO competition or at least no competition at the shows I attend...I guess I am thinking of the potential clients that are missed because no one knows about the products offered.

I did check out the link to Trail Days...and that's cool and all...but from the vendor list...there's only 4 or 5 hammock vendors...is that all there is here in the US? If 30 or 40 vendors came together under one roof...how far would you travel to attend? I know some of you have traveled 8 hours + to go "hang" with some folks from the forum...would you travel 4 or 5 hours to attend a weekend long vendor show?

[angrysparrow]

Do any of the hammock companies or support/suppliers have any type of "Field Rep / Pro Staff" ?

At a minimum, ENO does. I've seen one of their booths at a Ducks Unlimited show before. There are also pics from their booth at the ASOR show this year that Pan talked about.

I did check out the link to Trail Days...and that's cool and all...but from the vendor list...there's only 4 or 5 hammock vendors...is that all there is here in the US?

Pretty much, yes.

If 30 or 40 vendors came together under one roof...how far would you travel to attend? I know some of you have traveled 8 hours + to go "hang" with some folks from the forum...would you travel 4 or 5 hours to attend a weekend long vendor show?

If you added up ALL of the hammock and accessory vendors, there aren't nearly that many. Hammock camping is still a niche market. Even so, since we share so much product information here on this forum, I doubt I'd travel very far just to deal with the vendors.

Traveling to the hangouts is different than just going to a trade show. You get to know people on the forums, and develop friendships. It's nice, then, to meet those people face to face. Also, remember that DIY is HUGE for hammock products. Seeing what special mods that everyone has done to their gear is another part of the incentive to attending hangouts.

[alex30808]

Traveling to the hangouts is different than just going to a trade show. You get to know people on the forums, and develop friendships. It's nice, then, to meet those people face to face. Also, remember that DIY is HUGE for hammock products. Seeing what special mods that everyone has done to their gear is another part of the incentive to attending hangouts.

See...once again...I have been educated...lol...I guess that I thought there were more vendors / suppliers for these things...guess that's why you only hear about the top 5 or 6 vendors / supplers...cause that's all there is. I guess, again, that I thought there was a larger market for hammock hangers.

I have to agree with the DIY end of it aswell...my hammock is a DIY and my under quilt is a DIY poncho and liner...thus moompie's poncho pod....LOL...With all the mods that are done to equipment and such I can see where a hang out is much more acceptable than a trade show.

I'll be taking my Bruzer gear back packs with me tomorrow to the Columbia Sportsman's Classic for "Show and Tell"....lol...depending on the sales of my calls at this show...I plan on purchasing a Claytor JH...thus my first purchase in the hammock industry...lol

Thanks for the conversation and insight on Trade Shows.

[pure_mahem]

While there are only a few manufacturers for hammocks, there are still many other vendors that kind of go hand in hand with the niche. Many other outdoor supplier products are used in hammock camping not to mention the true market of accesories which seems to be expanding daily. Ideas for new products are coming about all the time. Under quilts, top quilts, straps, guy lines, and tensioners and new srap support variations. Not to mention Tarps and overlooked things such as camping stoves, cook ware, back packs, water filters, treking sticks. The Hammockers is definately evolving and the offering found in the accesory market I could definately see a full blown hamock/ camper/ hiker vendor section taking up a substantial area of a trade show if it were set up to represent. I think with the adde awareness it could spark more substantial involvement by major distribution companies sparking even more product to be brought about and made available to a larger offering. I know some of the Hammock makers have options for and individual to become a vendor. If you attend these shows anyway you may want to look into trying out marketing some at your booth. This would start the introduction and make a little money for your self. I will warn you with introduction to such a market base the first question you will probably get will be does it come in camo? I've emailed a few of the manufacturers to see exactly when they might offer such an option. with a response that they are definately looking into it but I have not seen any introduction of such a product in my wanderings.

I myself am working on a new shooting sling design that people might be interested in for shooting. So I might see you out there in the future at the trade shows if it takes off. I did design a buckle to make the hammock set up lighter and had a friend produce a pair for me for my personal use and they seem to be the shiznit! But I don't think I have any large scale production plans to be going into as of yet but hey who knows maybe oneday I will see them produced by some one and get a nice settlement for royalties, lol!

As for the slings as soon as I get the prototype I will post a couple pics and offer a group buy for those interested. And if you'ld be interested in selling them on a vendor basis We might be able to work something out.

[alex30808]

BAM!!!! That's what I am talkin about!!! I knew someone else out there in the hammocking world would see it the way I do...and yep...when you get your sling preped...let me know...I'd be more than glad to help ya sell'em. IF you dont mind me asking...what Hammock companies were you refering to so that I may contact them and get some ideas on what it'll take.

I agree that the nitch is not just hammocking...hammocking came about due to the individual wanting to cut weight and not suffer loss of comfort...thus the super light weight hammocks out there...I started to press together a few coke can stoves and take to the show...but just did not have time....but between now and August (my next show)....you can bet there'll be SOMETHING in my booth that supports hammockers to some extent. Today's sales were well enough that I'll be purchasing a sewing machine...who knows...Williams Custom Calls could see a draft towards the hammock backpacking / outdoor industry aswell as the hunting outdoor industry!

I would also like to say thanks to DougTheElder for allowing me his time this morning. I got to finaly meet someone from the forum and was able to discuss hammocking face to face. I have learned that he has an AWESOME set up and again...makes me want more!!!! LOL....If you've never met Doug...I've got to say that he's a great guy and is just as willing to learn to owl hoot as I am to hang! Enjoyed the time today Doug and I'll take you up on that No Net test ride soon.