AAR: 2007 WI Airsoft Expo

[raven]

Expo was awesome. LOTS of good guns and people there. I had lots of fun.

[Professor]

That's it...one post? Come on mates, share with those who couldn't be there. How was the Expo?

[kilroy]

I thought there would be more people, but was suprised at all the guns and gear on display/sale to be checked out.Overall I thought it was a pretty awesome event.:D

[Loofah]

I believe its still running right now actually. Or could be anyways.

Im sure AAR's should be coming tomorrow for sure.

[assault]

Yep I stayed all to the end, and I am glad. It was a very well put on event. Sweet prized such has the Tm p90 or the Well R6 I won.:D . Thanks ABZ, Kerrik and others!!!

[Biscuit-Boy]

Wow, that was fun! It closed early at 6:00pm because everyone was leaving. I got a spring mp7, a grab bag with a spring p99, kill rag, a heater meals, coupons, a CA m4 cqb compact seal shirt, and a CA 07 catalog. I sold my mp5 in the first 15 minutes of the expo for $250 on consignment, scoring me $225. I met Ryan and Damien (probably spelt wrong). They were both really nice, and I learned quite a bit from them. Judy "made" cupcakes, and besides too much frosting, they were really good. Oh, and the cookies *twitch* were delicious! And only 50 cents for two! I realized that ABZ is really the cheapest retailer in my area, and at the expo. I met Downslide and got to look at his Carter special. My brother bought some firepower SL-9 SWAT thingamajig, and it didn't work. (I'm lookin' at you, ABZ, and you don't have a loop hole, you said "it shoots", but either way, he gets a warranty (unless the expo changes rules about warranties)) Anyways, I saw Rattler, and Cochesse (also spelt wrong). Well, the expo was great, and I can't wait until the next one. Thanks for making this happen guys!

[raven]

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/259/scarlxc6.png
SCAR-L


http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4871/at4rm4.png
AT-4 demilled (realsteel launcher converted to shoot all sorts of goodies

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5726/bgfks0.png
BFG (really some sort of new M60)

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7674/mgpi5.png
Theres a M16 Vn and some ak varients here

[Cleric]

I wish I could have stayed to the bitter end, but I had to get back to the family. The expo was well done, and I had a great time checking out all the gear and meeting folks.

I just have two criticisms. There was some dry firing going on, and I was under the impression there was to be none of that. Also, people were bringing in food even though one of the rules of the VFW Post is that no carry in food is allowed. In both cases, perhaps the organizers should have put a stop to them.

Otherwise, I felt it went off very well. Kudos to the organizers and to those who had booths. I hope this will become a regular event.

[youth in asia]

yup, had a fun time. it was nice to put some names with faces!

i actually thought that we werent gonna get that many people. i was impressed!

oh, and beasthunter got to run around with his '60 all day (pictured above) with a boyish smile on his face. i need to slap some sense into him... ;)

[assault]

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7674/mgpi5.png
Theres a M16 Vn and some ak varients hereYah, my gun(the CA RIS). I also had one complaint. The food line was way to slow!!! I had to wait 30 minutes for a line of 6 people. Next time, make the food in advance, you know people will buy it. Other than that, it was delicious. Great cheese burger.

[Ghostbear]

The food complaint shouldnt be addressed to the expo, the VFW had the stipulation on no outside food... So, the VFW was slow. Just so you know.

The expo went well from the WAA standpoint as well. We talked with quite a few parents and players. Gave out quite a few more pamphlets as well. And some of the parents I talked with took more for their other parent friends with kids playing airsoft.

I also got a great deal on a AK Beta, Thanks again Jason. :)

[Batman]

The food complaint shouldnt be addressed to the expo, the VFW had the stipulation on no outside food... So, the VFW was slow. Just so you know.

Side note to that.... The people who make the food at the VFW are usuially Vol's. They donate their time to the VFW, to help keep it afloat. Bartenders are employees, but the kitchen is retirees & wifes of old time members. Just keep that in mind. They do what they can.

[DKruse]

Side note to that.... The people who make the food at the VFW are usuially Vol's. They donate their time to the VFW, to help keep it afloat. Bartenders are employees, but the kitchen is retirees & wifes of old time members. Just keep that in mind. They do what they can.


I agree with batman... it mighta been a long wait... but it's not like their profits for it don't go to making some corporation stronger ;) besides... that food was amazing! (Oh... and the more someone ordered... the longer it took for that order... i got my burger and fries before a guy who got 3 burgers and 3 fries.)

If people ordered seperately, I think the line mighta went quicker by a bit... but it woulda been longer... so no matter what ya do... it will be kinda slower.

Besides... would you want to pay $2.50 for a burger that was sitting under a heat lamp for the last 2 hours? (I wouldn't really want to).

[Kerrik13]

Just got done with practice and haven't had a chance to hop on until now. I am glad at how the expo turned out! Thanks for all the teams that came out and all the people that showed up. Honestly, I didn't expect nearly as many people as we had especially with it being the first expo in Wisconsin. Next year, we can try and make it even bigger!

Cleric,
You are correct, dryfiring was not allowed. I think some people were unaware of that though. A few people interested in some spring guns cocked a few and shot them, but were told they were not allowed to do that as soon as it was noticed. Also, I heard one AEG dry-fire but I was not nearby... I assumed it was dealt with because it didn't happen again. The incidents that I knew of like that were handled as soon as they happened.

It was really nice seeing all the teams, putting names to faces, and seeing everyone come out and socialize in a non-combat environment. I'm really glad it went off pretty well and it was neat seeing all the toys. I hope to see everyone next year and constructive criticism is welcome because it will help make the next expo even better. I'd like to take a quick moment to thank Jason and Judy from Airsoft Battle Zone for coordinating the whole thing (trust me, most of you have no idea how much time it took to coordinate the expo! :P), Todd for losing his voice being the event announcer/giveaway guy, the exhibitors for coming out and setting up booths, and the attendees for coming out and visiting the expo.

[Rattler]

I enjoyed this very much, it was a great event with a very good turnout, thanks ABZ, Wolf-recon and all the sponsors and volunteers and VFW to help make this a great event.

[Cochesse]

Well I know we had a great time at the expo and will definitely be back next year. I would just like to say thank you to everyone that came and most importantly to all the people that took the large amount of time and effort to organize such a good airsoft event. Good job guys.

[DKruse]

I think the way it went... next year... we are definitely going to need a bigger place...

Oh, it would be cool to do like a maze thing with the booths... so if you go down the wrong way you have to talk to like... maple :D just playin.

But it was certainly nice to put some names to faces... kind of. Oh... and I'm never holding anyone's tickets again...

[Rattler]

so if you go down the wrong way you have to talk to like... maple :D



Ohh, I don't think we will be hearing from Maple anytime soon, he seemed pretty pissed when we all boo'd him for double winning prizes and he SCREAMED that he hated us all (lol :P)

Just kidding (well, that actually happened ;) )


lol,


Rattler

[Maple]

I do hate you all! I cried all the way home, all the way through dinner, all the way through the rest of the evening.
In fact, I finally stopped crying a little bit ago and now you dredged up bad feelings again.
Thanks, now I am getting teary-eyed all over again.

[Biscuit-Boy]

Oh! If I'd known that was Maple, I would have booed way louder (jk!) (sorry Maple, I can't tell if you're serious or not) Also, congrats to Damien from Wolf Recon, he won like...5 prizes? Oh, and who won the p90? I didn't recognize him...

[Maple]

Thanks for making me cry harder.

[Biscuit-Boy]

You're welcome? (no seriously, sorry)

[Maple]

I am an emotionally weak boy and all of that boo-ing has broken me. I feel like my life has lost all of it's purpose.

[assault]

Oh! If I'd known that was Maple, I would have booed way louder (jk!) (sorry Maple, I can't tell if you're serious or not) Also, congrats to Damien from Wolf Recon, he won like...5 prizes? Oh, and who won the p90? I didn't recognize him...I am pretty sure he was new(If he wasn't, I apologize). Good to meet you Biscuit too. Oo, I also didn't know that was Maple, lol, it was a good laugh anyway.

[Rattler]

Maple, the heavens cried with you (now I know where all that damn rain came from today and ruined the game >:( ) lol. I wish I had a chance to meet you in person but there just wasnt time, we were very busy, and whenever I wasn't, I forgot (damn allsheimiers(sp?, I dont know how to spell my dizeeze).

Anyway, congratulations to EVERYONE who won prizes and thank you to ALL the people and busineses that donated them. I can't wait for next year **hopes and crosses fingers to win a raffle next time, didn't this time**



Thanks
Rattler

[Kerrik13]

Actually, Dkruse was holding my entire families tickets from the day, who asked us to pick up their winnings (if we had any). My little cousin got a grab bag, my brother some 0.25gs BBs, and my dad a UTG pump shotty (he actually plays!). The prizes got into the hands of the winners last night and they were very happy :)

Again, thanks for everyone who came out to make the expo a great event!

[seppuku]

II feel like my life has lost all of it's purpose.
I'm pretty sure that happened a loooong time ago. ;)



Sounds like it was a good time; with I could have gone.

[Maple]

I will say, in all seriousness, I did find it odd that people would "boo" others for winning prizes. Especially as that over 1/2 the folks there are completely foreign to me. (As in I have never seen you before, much less met you)

That said, no I wasn't being serious, I was trying my hand at being funny.... so no, I don't hate all of you. Only most of you. :o

[Rattler]

I will say, in all seriousness, I did find it odd that people would "boo" others for winning prizes. Especially as that over 1/2 the folks there are completely foreign to me. (As in I have never seen you before, much less met you)

That said, no I wasn't being serious, I was trying my hand at being funny.... so no, I don't hate all of you. Only most of you. :o


lol, if it makes you feel better, I, personally, wasn't boo'ing anyone, but once you started crying I wished I had ;) I guess I agree with you there however, it's not their fault they get picked out of sheer luck, now their luck is all gone, a raffle takes a hell of a lot of luck out of someone (I know from experience, damn, that antique tractor was nice).

[assault]

I will say, in all seriousness, I did find it odd that people would "boo" others for winning prizes. Especially as that over 1/2 the folks there are completely foreign to me. (As in I have never seen you before, much less met you)

That said, no I wasn't being serious, I was trying my hand at being funny.... so no, I don't hate all of you. Only most of you. :oI only saw you and beast getting boo'ed. That happens to you after winning 5 prizes. What did you win anyway?

[Kerrik13]

Actually the boo'ing began (not sure by who) in jest as I won a prize... while standing their and giving them away :P Although I honestly feel that nobody was actually boo'ing out of anger and that it was a joke, it makes the person put on the spot feel bad regardless. In future giveaways, it would be much appreciated if the people standing there being hopeful about winning didn't boo... even as a joke. But the day was still fun and I got to man-handle the .50 cal turret that Todd made :-D

[Maple]

Alright, here's my take on an AAR of the Expo.
I am going to try to make this factual, rather than opinion based, so folks that were there, please feel free to correct me if you see something wrong.

I arrived at 11:15am to the VFW. The parking lot was nearly full already, even though the event had only opened 15 minutes (roughly) earlier.
Upon entering, a table was set up for registration and re-entry hand stamping. I paid, was given a free full faced mesh paintball style mask and had my hand stamped with a flower shaped stamper.

Walking down the ramp onto the main floor, Airsoft Battle Zone was the first "booth". (I put the " " around booth, as the booths were actually folding banquet tables) ABZ took up most of the first row of exhibitors.
After ABZ, Wolf Recon had a table displaying their wares.
The second row was mostly dominated by various teams, with Badger Airsoft starting the row off. Also at the end of the row was the Army National Guard and the Marine Corp recruiters.
The third row had a team or two with a display, a display from Oakley, another retailer (I forgot the name, so somebody please help me out here) and the WAA rounding off the row.

In the front of the room, was an open area (which was used for a few tactical demoes by WR) and a stage. At the top of the hour, a drawing was done for freebies. The freebies ranged from a "goodie" bag (can't tell you what was in them, as I did not see one up close), bb's, springer pistols, chinese AEGs, etc. with the grand prize being a TM P90.

After making my way through the crowd, I took my spot at the WAA table. I would number the crowd from 11:30am - 2pm ranging from 75-125 people. As the day ran on, the crowd thinned out and by 3pm, most of the folks at the expo seemed to be the folks working there, or part of the teams displayed there.
The expo ended at around 6pm, rather than the 8pm scheduled end of event. Also, there was food available on-site.

I think that pretty much covers everything, with little to no opinions interjected. (I'll leave that up to you guys, as I don't feel like being a marked man for having an opinion of the event, whether it be good or bad)

[Stelthturkey]

I thought the expo has a nice turnout for the advertising it got and the place it was at. Hopefully the next one will be held at a bigger place and have an even bigger turnout. Thanks to all who helped put this together, as well as, the retailers and teams. I was able to put more names to faces and see some interesting items.

P.S. No, the WAA booth didn't have ne Uzi's... ;)

~ Yes, you do have witnesses A$$hat. It was tasty food too.

[Gryphon]

The Grand Prize TM P90 was won by BombSquad, a 23 year-old engineer/consultant from Evanston, IL. He runs with the Hoffman Estates Airsoft Team (HEAT). He also makes and markets really cool scenario prop "time bombs."

Thanks to everyone who attended for making this a great first annual, and for bearing with me as my voice faded throughout the day (I was supposed to have a PA, by a wild bingo fracas at the VFW the night before had knocked it out....) It was wonderful to put faces to names, to meet the southern Wisconsin teams, and recruit more players for our Firefly game in July. Special thanks to my lovely raffle assistant, Kerrick - please send me copies of the pics of you holding my vortex Mini-Deuce turret gun. Honestly, Ryan and Wolf Recon knocked themselves out helping to put this show together - lids off to you guys! Hope to see a bunch of you soon at Nostromo III.

Does anyone have any thoughts on other vendors they'd like to see next year, or other items/features/demos/classes we should try to include in next year's event?

[youth in asia]

ask and you shall recieve:

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/cato18/airsoft/Airosft%20Expo/IMG_1037.jpg

[Kerrik13]

Yay! The other two pictures of me holding that gun turned out bad... I'm glad at least one shot looked fine.

I have a few pictures I will be posting later on, hopefully tonight, from the camera on me. I wanted to take far more pictures than I did but was sort of pressed for time :P

[DKruse]

Sorry, I have shaky hand syndrome... that'll teach you to ask me to take your picture... leave me be!

[raven]

I thought that BFG that you were holding was a actual airsoft gun for over half of the expo until i actually used my head and looked at it closer. lol. VERY nice craftmanship on it. We didnt have many panda ops guys show up, sadly only 3 members and a few non team friends, but we will be attending many other events comming up and are looking forword to finally playing with all of you :)

[Rattler]

Here are 2 pics I have from the expo (possibly more to come)

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/kc9bka/m60.jpg


O_o :o

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/kc9bka/transam.jpg

[DKruse]

Oh no, TransAm has a sniper rifle! Watch out poor people behind the target!

[Rattler]

That is the question for you guys, who IS the target?

[DKruse]

I think I know who.. oh... and it looks like I had just sold a cookie... woot...

[79TransAm]

jedi would be the target in question. He was flashin signs and I was like oh hell no

[Rattler]

ahhw damn, you let the secret out :cry:

[Kerrik13]

I thought that BFG that you were holding was a actual airsoft gun for over half of the expo until i actually used my head and looked at it closer. lol.

Actually, it IS an airsoft gun! :) It uses some sort of vortex vacuum chamber system thing and it sprays BBs like crazy. The .50 cal is made out of treated wood and is really lightweight. It has a lever you push on the back that shoots it but it has to be hooked up to some form of air tank.

[youth in asia]

i plan on making one as soon as i can get the schematics.



that is to say, i plan on making beasthunter make one;)

[Beasthunter33]

i plan on making one as soon as i can get the schematics.



that is to say, i plan on making beasthunter make one;)

WHY WONT YOU ALL JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!! WAAHHHH

*runs back to cave and curls up in corner of straw....

[armsdealer]

Late again... but I think it has all been said except: Great pics we will get some up soon. I would like to thank everyone who attended and a special thank you to gryphon, ghostbear, wolf recon, the vfw and the vfw kitchen staff for donating your precious time. Things were not perfect but all in all :D Maples numbers appear to be a little low but we will have a number back from our accountant by Wednesday but it looks like we will be giving the VFW a pretty good donation, so gryphon hope you get your voice back as we will be trying to arrange a press release with the VFW commander. This event would not of been possible without the teams, sponsors, distributors, retailers and associations, but most of all the players and parents that attended.

Maple
I found the booing distasteful myself, but crowds can be so insensitive. hope you recieved one of the complimentry Mcarthur towel kill rags that can also be used as a hanky. These high quality super absorbent kill rags will soak up much snot and tears. ;)

I look forward to next years expo.

[Gryphon]

My Baby Deuce is a vortex gun, like a Piper Strafer. I based it on NeoSpud's UltimateInline series - see his stuff at www.neospud.com

The Deuce runs on compressed air and is happiest at around 130psi, although it will spit halfheartedly down to about 70psi, and it's not meant to go much above 140. The "rear sight" is a 1 1/2" rubber & ABS cleanout plug that acts as the hopper fill plug. The inner barrel is 22 inches of 5/16" brake line epoxied directly into the vortex block, while the outer barrel is an old steel leg I salvaged from a 70s-style kitchen table. The body is constructed from a hardwood 2x4 and panels of MDO plywood, finished with automotive primer and paint. The air valve is a standard shop airgun with 1/4" galvanized pipe fittings choked down to screw onto the flared 1/8" brass gas line epoxied into the bottom of the vortex block. The rounds are homemade cast plastic .30-06 dummies in a homemade .30 cal webbing belt.

What Baby lacks in range, Baby makes up for in volume - more like a flamethrower than a real .50. Imagine a 10ftx10ft cloud of BBs instantly surrounding you like a swarm of angry hornets. That's my Baby. The thing is a TERRIBLE gas and ammo hog, but makes a wonderful turret or guardtower gun if used by someone with a little self-control.

[A-Ron]

My AAR / opinion of the expo...
WARNING, I'M TELLING IT LIKE IT IS FROM MY POINT OF VEW / MY OPINION. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO READ SOMETHING THAT MAY HURT YOU OR ANOTHER PERSON...
DO NOT READ IT!

Walk in around 9 a.m. to what seemed like a big enough room to run a few tables at, and thats about what was in there. Walking around watching a few of the tables setup stuff, noticing two concrete vendors, Airsoft Battle Zone and Toybox (was it?), on totally different ends of the room. One on the side right when you walk down the ramp onto the floor, and the other on the "exit side" (I guess you could call it) near the end by the WAA booth.
Numerous other booths for teams and informational aspects were in the middle.


...
A-Ron,

All equipment entering the building will be inspected and checked in with the event staff. Exhibitors will be allowed to have guns on the tables for presentation, but they cannot fire or dry-fire the guns.
... Kind of funny, and I know it was already addressed... But there were NUMEROUS people dry firing weapons at the expo. I can recall a time when I looked over at a kid, yes a child under 18 years of age, holding an AEP and firing it right behind ABZ's "booth." Nobody... NOBODY turned around and notified him that there was a no firing or dry firing allowed in the expo. Instead he rather lost interest in the gun and put it down.

Additionally, I walked right in with my gun case, along with a few other people, and was never asked to open it and show anyone to have it "checked in with the event staff" either. It wasn't like I was there late either, I was there what? Two hours before? There were two or three people sitting right where you pay as well, taking names and entry fee / donations, that were there for pretty much most of the day.


Now that I'm pretty much done with my opinion of the event, the experience? Meh... It was cool, but could have been much better.
I'll tell you one thing, finding bbs in magazines of guns that had been bought, and the dry firing going on... Heh, I did not feel much safe at all. Makes that stupid feeling for the **** storm I started about the real steal guns being brought to the event completely go away.
It was nice to meet the people there, and get a feel for how the sport in Wisconsin is progressing, and there were a few interested people in the WAA and or questions for them at the event, which in my opinion, made it worth it for the WAA booth to be present, even if all we did was take "fun" pictures and shoot da' ****.

All in all, I give armsdealer and Kerrik congrats on taking the task to put it on, and I think they have learned a bit of what needs to go on in the future if / when they put on another WI Airsoft Expo.

I did manage to go around with my camera myself a bit, along with Downslide helping out a little. Got some interesting pictures and they are in the link below.
Some of the photos may contain mildly offensive content, viewer discretion is advised (if thats how I should put it?).

http://picasaweb.google.com/slusarek.aaron/WIExpo0702

[Stelthturkey]

~ Dry firing
~ Bb's in mags
~ Gas in mags (I understand that guns can come new with some type of gas in their mags).
~ Tips/Tape not on for a duration of the day
~ Mags in guns

I thought all of these problems were listed and were not soposed to be done...

Kade and I were looking at a KJW M700; all I'm going to say is that there was gas in the mag.
As A-ron said, the bbs in the mag of gun being sold wasn't very impressive either.
There was also almost a lack of respect/blatent disreguard for the owners of guns and other things. I mean, I can understand that the dealers didn't mind and most of us didn't, but some people would just pick things up and finger them without even asking or checking first. Guns were being mistreated (we we're over at the ABZ table and someone jammed the bolt on the M11), things like that.

Also, I guess I didn't read the rules or look all to well because I never saw or heard anything about bringing food from outside. As I walked in the door, I cracked open a Full Throttle as I signed in and paid and no-one said anything the whole day...

[Gryphon]

Armsdealer moved a couple of mountains and at least a dozen foothills to make this event happen for the rest of us (I number you among the foothills, A-Ron), and then donated ALL the proceeds. If that isn't exemplary stand-up behavior for the common good, I don't know what is.

This isn't a flame, it's an attempt to point out a difference between a "can do" attitude and a "won't do" attitude. Now that I know that you're a younger guy, A-Ron, I'm more inclined to chalk some of your stances up to inexperience. Here's the thing: you, Mr. Safety Guy, didn't seek out someone to get your guns inspected; you had to be reminded a number of times to put orange tips on the guns at your WAA booth; and by your own admission you just stood by and watched other attendees dry-fire guns instead of HELPING out the organizers by doing something useful and speaking to the offenders instead of watching them and bitching about it afterwards.

Part of the problem or part of the solution, man - that's the choice we all make every day. The afterglow of this Expo can be used as the springboard to establish an organized, Wisconsin-wide cooperative network of teams and fields; or it can degenerate into another series of petty flame wars. I know what I'd prefer....

[Kerrik13]

Kind of funny, and I know it was already addressed... But there were NUMEROUS people dry firing weapons at the expo. I can recall a time when I looked over at a kid, yes a child under 18 years of age, holding an AEP and firing it right behind ABZ's "booth." Nobody... NOBODY turned around and notified him that there was a no firing or dry firing allowed in the expo. Instead he rather lost interest in the gun and put it down.

As was stated before, dry firing wasn't allowed and all the cases I witnessed or heard about were handled in a fairly timely fashion. But, dry firing still happened, so additional measures can be taken to help reduce it. A-Ron, when you saw the kid dry-firing, did you go up and let him know he wasn't supposed to?


Additionally, I walked right in with my gun case, along with a few other people, and was never asked to open it and show anyone to have it "checked in with the event staff" either. It wasn't like I was there late either, I was there what? Two hours before? There were two or three people sitting right where you pay as well, taking names and entry fee / donations, that were there for pretty much most of the day.

Yes, you are correct, equipment was not checked... the morning was crazy and attendees showed up very early. Also, considering how the booths were either A) Real Military or B) Airsoft venders or C) local airsoft teams/organizations, and this sport is based on honor, in my opinion I don't think it was necessary. Again, I am not the expo organizer, I am just an assistant... so further definition and clarification should be directed to Armsdealer.


Heh, I did not feel much safe at all. Makes that stupid feeling for the **** storm I started about the real steal guns being brought to the event completely go away.

Now I am not trying to be harsh or anything, but if someone really wants to bring a real gun into a place, they are going to find a way. It happens in schools, malls, businesses. This was already brought up prior to the expo. Equipment isn't checked on airsoft (we chrono whatever someone brings to the chrono table but that is it) and paintball fields, which according to your logic would be prime ways to sneak a "real gun" onto the field. Heck, the Deer and Turkey Expo was in town the same weekend (my whole family stopped in at the Airsoft expo and then went straight over to the Deer and Turkey expo) and they actually do have real steel in their expo... and it is successful every year. Quite honestly, I find it kind of disrespectful that you continue to bring up "real steel guns could make it into the expo", because if I was a player coming to attend a game you run at the WGF, I wouldn't publically announce that you have no safety precautions in place to check for real steel and someone could shoot up your game. Painting an image like this to hopefuls possibly interested in the WAA doesn't help our cause too much... all it will do is make it seem like airsoft players are so whacked and scary that you have to have metal detectors at every game to make sure people don't shoot real guns at you. We all know isn't true, so why paint that picture? To me, it is sort of on par with yelling "fire" in a movie theatre. Please don't take this as a flame because it is not and if you go back and read my comment; it was not derogatory in the least (just clarifying :) )



All guns being sold AND on display at the expo must have an orange tip or orange cap on them.

Besides dry firing, this was the only other violation I noticed (and only one person violated it, to my knowledge) but it seemed like it was taken care of pretty fast.

Yes, the expo wasn't perfect... it was the first Wisconsin one and I think all the future expos will be nothing but better. For the event helper/organizer in me, I think it was a success because everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun. Teams and attendees (for the most part... there were definitely some anti-social turds on the floor lol) really seemed to converse and get to know each other instead of just by looking down the barrell of a gun. If half the people attended and it went half as well as it did, I would still be very happy. Considering how this event saw lots of new faces, was great for airsoft in Wisconsin, and a good chunk of change will be donated to the VFW Veteran's memorial, it will be interesting to see who steps out and adds to the expo next year to further add more positives to this experience. I'm definitely looking forward to it! :)

[Stelthturkey]

The only 3 guns at the WAA booth that did not have orange tips on them at the time we were told to put them on was Mine, A-ron's and Downslides. Once a lady came by and told us that we should have tips on them. Immediatley after that, A-ron and I put our guns away until later when we found some red tape and put in on our barrels. Downslide, immediately after being told to put a tip on, put pink string on his barrel. So I don't believe we were told repeadetly to mark them... I am sorry for having my gun out without the proper markings on it though.

As far as the dry firing went, when I heard a dry fire. It would soon there after seise so I figured the person doing it was told to stop or realised what they had done.

*** But, as I am not a member of the WAA, I am not and will not try and speak on behalf of that organization. I am just stating the situation from my perspective and trying to clear up any misunderstandings.

[A-Ron]

I had one bigass response to this.. but in the end what does it matter?
You say that "or it can be degenerate into another series of petty flame wars. I will know what I'd prefer..." but it seems like you prefer the flame wars yourself.
I'm not falling subject into it because in all honesty, I stated my opinion of the event.
I do not hold any persons liablie for the dry firing, except the dummy who did it. I hold people, partly myself too, liabile for not trying to stop, and as many have said, 'it seemed like it had stopped' after they had turned looking to see where it was.

You ask for input or feedback from the event, but when someone gives you something you do not like, let alone warning you that you might not like it, you just sit and piss on their input, shooting it down. Why? You don't wanna hear the bad side of things? Or you just dont' want the public of the boards to know some of the "bad things" that happened there?

Hell, the event was far outnumbered by good sucesses and good dealings that happend there, and everyone was giving their opinion of the good side. I too agree that it helps further something for airsoft in the state, but what may I ask?

[Kerrik13]

A-Ron,

Feedback and constructive criticism is appreciated... trust me, the points you made that were valid were either already on the list of "need to do next year" for the expo or were about to be added. Of course bad things happened at the event... but there is a way to present them constructively without belittling the hard work that went into this event.

I was just defending my position and opinion when I felt that comments like this...


Heh, I did not feel much safe at all. Makes that stupid feeling for the **** storm I started about the real steal guns being brought to the event completely go away.

... weren't necessary or constructive. By all means, please give us constructive feedback... but double check it to make sure it is constructive first, that is all I ask. For instance, Stelthturkey did a great job of giving feedback... he posted a list of things he noticed. That in itself is very helpful!

[Loofah]

Whatever happened to "no batteries/gas/ammo in the guns anywhere?" seems extremely stupid anybody had batteries in a gun whatsoever.

if your test firing a gun-why? its not loaded, so you cant see what it does.
Why let people test fire it? its against the rules from what i understand.
and last-why werent rules followed? that means you-retailers/sellers/displayers

Heres the rules-

All guns being sold AND on display at the expo must have an orange tip or orange cap on them. ABSOLUTELY NO FIRING ALLOWED DURING THE EXPO! All
guns must not have batteries or gas in them to ensure no accidental discharges occur.

Basically, its everybodys fault who put a battery IN a gun ON the table. End or story. Unsafe. Thats it.

[A-Ron]

Kerrik -
I understand, and agree. I got started and I guess I just didn't stop in time, lol.
I do apologize for that comment, and do see where it comes off as rude.

All in all, the portion I did not tell, is that the event was a sucess for Wisconsin. In my opinion, it is not like other expos with a lot of vendors, and higher end equipment, but I feel Wisconsin is not established enough for something like that. It will eventually flourish, (or crumble if the players do not step up and take a stance) possibly becoming just as big as it is in areas like California.

And just reiterating what I did say before...
All in all, I give armsdealer and Kerrik congrats on taking the task to put it on,...

Tim-
Thank you, you see what I'm trying to say.

[Texx]

I thought the expo turned out great. I was miffed that there was some dry-firing done. I was also miffed that a certain WAA member, despite making a big deal out of safety, had to be "coerced" to follow the "orange tip" requirement.

I didn't get to mingle like I wanted to because I spent most of the day answering questions about guns. It was a busy day and I enjoyed meeting players from Illinois, who were more than happy to not only shop, but share info on similar products.

I don't really have any gripes because the goals of the Expo were accomplished The only thing I can see as being an improvement would be holding the next expo in a larger area that offers less restrictions by city ordinances and less restrictions on vendors (Madison Vendor's Transient license :( ).

I would like to see more teams come out, more vendors, and more state associations come up. This expo was more or less put on with a small margin of preparation. With a whole year of planning for the next one, I could see some major growth potential.

[Kerrik13]

Loofah (you know... it is hard to address you by that name because it is too funny :P ),
You are 100% correct and that is why some stricter measures will most likely be in place next year for the expo. It would be terrible if someone "just wanted to test out a gun" and ended up actually shooting a BB.

A-Ron,
Thank you for both the apology and the comment about the task of putting it on... they are both much appreciated. Please know that the feedback you have given will be taken to heart because I do value your opinion.

Although it sucks that it happened, I'm glad people are bringing forth the dry-firing issue. From where I was at near the stage in the Op Vig booth, I only saw or heard of a single incident of dry-firing... but that doesn't mean that dry-firing didn't exist. The more eyes and ears out there on the floor the better, because a more realistic picture about dry-firing is being painted than the one I had perceived. This way, measures can be added to help make the incidents less common. Thanks for the feedback everyone :)

On a similar but different note, what would everyone like to see at a future expo? What do you really enjoy when you go to a convention? The more ideas coming from the populace that makes up Wisconsin Airsoft the better. An idea that was brought up to me is to run some small competitions between the different teams... kinda like those fun little games a school will do during homecoming to have the different grades compete. It might be a fun way to get teams more involved :)

[Gryphon]

Sorry if I came off as brusque, I'm typing between client calls at work. If the dry firing was anybody's fault, it was mine. My most serious failure as event MC was that I did not announce the Expo rules at the intro, plus I failed to remind participants of the rules at each hourly raffle giveaway. If I had done this, there would have been virtually no dry firing. Please accept my apologies. If I am asked to MC again next year, please remind me to make the rules announcement should I fail to do this again.

It's a good thing to point out what can be improved, and it's an even better thing to fix it at the event if it is in your power to do so, that's all I was trying to say. I screwed up, and I'm sorry. I brought up the whole "orange tips" business to show how easy it is for a number of safety-conscious individuals to overlook a simple, but important, pre-announced safety consideration. Multiply that by an order of magnitude, and you have the level of error potential inherent in organizing even a smallish event like this one. I don't say this as an excuse, it's just the truth. Armsdealer did the heavy lifting for this Expo, and I think they did an amazing job getting it off the ground - warts and all.

My other mistakes: I should have brought a backup portable PA; I didn't tell a participant not to dry-fire my clipless and gasless broomhandle Mauser when I handed it to him until it was too late; and I didn't do "Thank Yous" at the Expo intro.

What I would have liked to see: A "Welcome to the Wisconsin Expo" address to the participants by the WAA President or other WAA officer; a WAA Trainer Certification seminar conducted at the event; and WAA membership registration and info brochures with each giveaway item in the raffle.

Again, thanks to everyone for their efforts and participation. This was a great first step in expanding cooperation among Wisconsin airsofters. I'm proud to be part of this community. See you on the field....

[79TransAm]

I thought the expo was great. here is a list of some likes and dislikes and suggestions

Likes- All the teams showing up, fair prices by most vendors, putting names to faces, donating money to the VFW, and having a good time with fellow airsofters

Dislikes- Dryfiring, people bringing in outside food(2 for sure on this board and are paying members), No orange tips(once again WAA members) and a few other small items

Ideas for the next expo. Put somebody incharge to check weapons(2-4 people) Perhaps find a bigger venue, have a best gun and gear award those type of things


Overall id rate this expo a 8.75/10

[armsdealer]

Can't we all just get along :cry:

This is my opinion


Aaron

Cannot believe you have so much to say here and you would not even introduce your self at the expo when i was at the WAA booth.

For those of you with suggestions please be aware that this was and will continue to be a volunteer sponsored event and your suggestions are welcome and can be posted at www.wisconsinairsoft.com you may also volunteer to help out with next years expo and you will be able to point out these problems and offer up a solution, thats my suggestion.

We are already looking at possibilities and options for next years expo and hold onto your kevlar panties Aaron but we are thinking of having :o No don't say it LIIIIIIIIVEEEEEEEE FIRINGGGGGGGGGGG of AIIIIIIIRSOFT GUNNNNNS with people, the public, airsoft teams, God, buddha and Allah all there. Honestly I have seen this done with real steel, you know the bullets that will kill you and it can work...No Seriously Thank you all even for the bad stuff. We cannot make things better if we do not look at it from all opinions even if they come from people who did not even attend. (Loofa) Judy and I are only human and we make mistakes. We did not realize how busy the store stand was gonna be that day but all in all It went great.

Oh by the way if rule breaking was such a big issue what made you think pink string was all you needed on your gun and how come Mrs Armsdealer (Some Lady) had to tell you several times over to correct it. The bottom line is anyone can be part of the problem or we can choose to be part of the solution. Next year we will get the Marines to police the expo ;)

[Ghostbear]

Damn it Jason you took my line...

It took too long to write this so you got in before I could...

Well, I can speak to that...

Gryphon, I didnt even think of the giveaways, I handed out pamphlets to everyone that was selling guns, but didnt think of the giveaways. Will do next time though. :)

As for the whole orange tip thing.

A few of have jumped on to the WAA member bandwagon for who forgot the safety for the expo. Please dont. You know as well as I do that you have forgotten things yourself. A-ron forgot the orange tips because he was setup to play a skirm the next day after the expo. So, what, he forgot. When he was reminded he promptly removed the guns until he was able to put some red tape on the end of the gun. If anything that in itself is a great example of playing by the rules. Move on.

I am not trying to defend nor commend anyone for their opinions, they are opinions. You may not like them, you may be offended by them. You may take them to heart and feel angry from what you read. Stop. Think. This is one person that is looking at the expo from THEIR point of view. Do they have the ability to be a jerk in what they say, sure. Did what was said by anyone posting their opinion include a lie? Was what they said that far off what others have in their accounts of what they saw or heard? Sure, some concentrate on the bad side of things, my mother was like that. A million dollars could have fallen from the sky into our back yard, and all she would have seen was the crushed rose bushes under the money. Who cares, opinions are like asses, everyone has one, some are more full of crap then others.

A-ron posted his opinion, he highlighted the more negative sides of things, ok. Well... Raven, Kilroy, Assault, Biscut-Boy, Cleric, Youth in Asia, Ghostbear, Kerrick, Rattler, Cochesse, DKruse, StealthTurkey and 79TA --- ALL had reviews that were on the positive side, and Maple's that was factual and did actually say more good then bad. So, what the hell is anyone jumping on A-ron's case for? One bad review of the expo?

Ripping into him for forgetting to pack the orange tips, that everyone of us dont use normally? For removing the guns until he could put something on the tip that would be within reason for the bright color?

Come on guys, then to add that is was WAA this or WAA that... I spent most of the expo talking to parents and others attending talking about the game and the safety aspects that we all want to have for the sport. Trying to push the forgetfulness of a couple of players onto the parent organization is stupid. If that were the case, then the two that didnt have the orange tips on the guns would have been outweighted by the membership that DID have the orange tips on the guns. So, out of all the guns there that were in control of MEMBERS, even if I ignore Armsdealers display as he is a member as well, there were more members with tips then without. And lets not forget that the tips were remedied quickly and were removed when reminded of that point until it was remedied.

When I have to make posts like this I keep getting the feeling that I want to just end the post with something like: "Can't we all just get along?"

[Rattler]

Edit: when I posted I saw GB's post, I agree with that also

That would be great if we could have live firing, as long as it is watched by some staff (which I have no doubt it would be, so that is no worry). It would work especially for people doing business there, maybe set up a little range so they can put a few rounds through the gun or something like that. I liked this very much, and yes, there were things that were wrong but now they have been pointed out MULTIPLE times and they I am sure will be corrected next year. You have to think, the only way something can be perfect is if you know everything that will happen, you never know, this was the first Wisconsin Airsoft Expo and I have to say, it went pretty damn well, and now everyone knows for next year what to watch out for.

My main suggestion is, get a bigger place to fit more booths and people ;), I had a great time and next year will be even better and I am sure there will be twice the people and booths there. I still thank the VFW post very much for letting us use it and I took a minute to personally thank the owner.

Also, I only personally heard one shot dry-fired by an AEG, but if someone see's that going on, please tell the person before you bitch on the boards about it... As I said, I only heard one shot but there most likely were more from the previous posts. Again, now everyone learned for next year.


I was proud to have a table set up for my team at the First Wisconsin Airsoft Expo


Thanks to all who volunteered their time to make this such a great sucsess, I met a LOT of players from the forums, this helped bring Wisconsin airsofters together as a community other than just online.


Thanks again,
Rattler

[Kerrik13]

I agree with GB on his post... I believe the issue has been addressed (orange tips), the error was realized, and some form of remedy was taken to address it. I also ask that everyone make sure they know who they are targeting before spouting off something... it is easy to place the blame before knowing exactly what was going on.

Discussion has already started on how to make the next expo better and how to improve on the mistakes of last weekend. Armsdealer said it best... we (and as we I mean the WAA members, the team members, the venders, the exhibitors, and the attendees) are only human :)

[Gryphon]

Ghostbear, I thought you did a great job working the crowd - it was good to see you again, and wish I would have had more time to talk. I didn't think of including WAA flyers with raffle handouts either until after the event, or I would have scarfed some from you - my bad (again.) ;) I just thought it was a good enough idea to be worth mentioning.

I'm not mad and I'm not speaking in a spirit of mean-spirited criticism, I was just tossing out improvements to the Expo I'd like to see. We all need to learn to help each other more. Volunteer events need volunteers to run smoothly, and rely on responsible people noticing problems and working to correct them. We all make mistakes and need to get in the habit of watching each others' backs, even when we're tempted to bite them instead. This is how we will learn to trust each other. We are all Wisconsin airsofters. We all gain from working together. The annual Expo should be the symbol and fountainhead of this unity. I think it will be, in time.

Next year, if I'm asked to MC again, I need to make sure everyone remembers the rules thoughout the day, and it really would be nice if the WAA could have a bigger/more official role in presenting seminars if possible. That's just my opinion, it's not a jab at anyone. I would have attended a WAA trainer certification seminar if one had been offered - I asked on this board and elsewhere if it was possible to have one well before the Expo. It would have been a good venue for one, don't you agree? OK, so it wasn't feasible for this first Wisconsin Expo. Maybe next year?

[A-Ron]

...
Aaron

Cannot believe you have so much to say here and you would not even introduce your self at the expo when i was at the WAA booth.
...

I swear I remember shaking your hand at one point in the day and introducing myself to you. Sorry, maybe it was just to Mrs. Armsdealer.


Oh by the way if rule breaking was such a big issue what made you think pink string was all you needed on your gun and how come Mrs Armsdealer (Some Lady) had to tell you several times over to correct it. The bottom line is anyone can be part of the problem or we can choose to be part of the solution. Next year we will get the Marines to police the expo ;)
I was not the one putting pink string on it, and I will not comment for the person who did. All I will say is that we were asked once to put the orange tips on, and we (myself, Downslide, and Stelthturkey) took our stuff down until we found what was said to be "workable" for a proper tip.

To comment on a "live firing expo" for next year... GREAT! I think thats awesome. And I think it could have helped your business, as well as Toybox's (?) as far as the selling goes of the guns. Hell, it would be nice to even court off the "back yard" of the expo, and put up a little fire training / tactic training spot outside where you could fire off at targets.
With that though, you need to deal with city ordnances and everything, which is understandable if it cannot go on.
But the fact for this time was that there were rules set in place, and I'm not going off of what could happen next time, but rather what did happen this time.

[Ghostbear]

Next year is just that next year. There will be more than enough time to work into the booth and the people needed to do the 'special' things that the WAA can do at an expo like this.

We were all under a time crunch and as such this expo planning was short. For the relatively small amount of time from the announcement to the expo the expo came off very good and without major incident or injury. I and everyone else has applauded the efforts of ABZ and Kerrik for the expo and the time they devoted to getting it off the ground.

I think that there is ALOT of things that will happen at the next one that have been discussed here and some that arent as obvious. But, we have a ton more time to plan for the next one. :)

[Kerrik13]

Oh, and I wanted to tell you that my work (McArthur Towels) was glad that the kill rags were used at the expo and that the expo went well. My workplace is more of a silent sponsor mainly because we do stuff with NFL and the licensed leagues or with bath/athletic products, but it is nice to see the kill rag donations being used.

[Maple]

In attempts to lighten the mood.....
I thinks airsofting is sweet!

BTW, this is the exact reason I tried to provide absolutely no opinion in my AAR. To many people ready to jump all over each other for petty sh$%. And no, that is not directed any any particular person or group of people.

[Ben]

In attempts to lighten the mood.....
I thinks airsofting is sweet!

BTW, this is the exact reason I tried to provide absolutely no opinion in my AAR. To many people ready to jump all over each other for petty sh$%. And no, that is not directed any any particular person or group of people.



STOP FLAMING JERK!

[clueless]

I thought the convention was pretty neat - esp since I am fairly new to airsoft.

Some things I think would be cool to see at the next convention are:

> A booth or booths geared for true beginning airsofters - easily readable display boards with basic info and someone to answer questions perhaps, printed materials to take, such as tips for buying equip, guns and safety gear, etc, etc.

> I think the WAA booth should be close to this 'beginner booth' as a natural transition and for promotion.

> Booths on specific gun maintenance and repair - there is almost endless subject matter that could either be displayed or even set up as 'mini-seminar' type info. Even just an informative mini seminar showing how to properly maintain or clean a gun would be helpful since so many of the gun manuals lack info. How NOT to ruin your first set of gears.... How to clear jammed bbs and how figure out/fix what is wrong if it keeps happening. Even tables for advanced repair would be neat to see - how to repair your own mech box, info on all the parts, the list is endless and I could go on forever with ideas but I'm sure you get the point. If you had a larger facility - you could even rope of an area of seating (or set up in a different room) and charge a few bucks for specific seminars throughout the day.

>More Info on Airsoft Fields throughout Wisconsin - I just think that newer people would find a complete 'listing' or a directory on all available airsoft fields, games, locations, contact info, a very handy thing to have. I realize a lot of the fields are owned by individual teams, and therefore are promoted in their own booths, but still, a directory of sorts would be nice.

>On that same note, just a comment: I thought the that most of the individual airsoft teams' booths were very nice - great displays and pictures, the people were right up front, available and eager to answer questions and talk - great job!

>More gear, clothing, etc available to purchase - the vendors at this convention had quite a bit and a nice selection there already, but as the convention grows it would be nice to have several more vendors too...

> Of course, food - we all love to eat! I realize the VFW volunteers ran the food service during the convention and I appreciate them for that busy task, (I couln't have done it!) but I believe a little more preparation for a hungry crowd might be in the convention's best interest for next time.

just my thoughts, sorry so long

[Maple]

STOP FLAMING JERK!
I hate you!

[Loofah]

We cannot make things better if we do not look at it from all opinions even if they come from people who did not even attend. (Loofa)

Its actually Loofah. I didnt have to go to know that batteries in guns is a bad idea. Im honestly suprised this was even allowed. Better knowledge for next time i guess.
If i wouldve went, and heard one dryfire, i guarantee anyone that i would flipped off the handle. One shot couldve been an eyeball. "i know it had a battery in it plugged in, but i didnt know the mag was loaded"

Im not bashing, but as close to it as i can be. We(airsofters in general) CANT afford mistakes like this.

[seppuku]

For the next event, to proliferate the rules it might be a good idea to have a big sign posted at the entrance, and then smaller signs (8.5x11) plastered throughout the convention area.

[Cochesse]

Oh, and I wanted to tell you that my work (McArthur Towels) was glad that the kill rags were used at the expo and that the expo went well. My workplace is more of a silent sponsor mainly because we do stuff with NFL and the licensed leagues or with bath/athletic products, but it is nice to see the kill rag donations being used.

Just wanted to say I love the Kill rags I won and am planning on getting them embroidered with my team logo. Thanks alot to all again for putting it on and Count I.C.E. in for next year.

[Renshai]

Good event. Fun, though it was dead at the end. Maybe next time don't have it scheduled to be eight hours long? It's an awesome plan, but ambitious considering the airsoft population of that area. Gives people plenty of time to walk in and out, but the Marines left early, as did the ANG. People get bored, stop making their presence known, etc. It's an awesome plan, but again, maybe a bit too much for the first time. On that note, I didn't see any representatives from the WAA walking around and mingling (all I saw was a bunch of people huddled in a corner), nor anyone checking weapons (I doubt the two chicks at the front would have even known what to look for), but it was cool nonetheless. But I guess the weapons checking was un-necessary. How many people who weren't running booths brought in weapons? But whatever, it will be better next year. But again, a great idea. Things like that are a great tool to promote the sport and create unity in the airsoft community. Kerrick and Armsdealer, I'll PM you some other suggestions eventually.

And the last-minute red tape on the guns was cool guys. Next time put a shoe on the end of the barrel.

Well... Since apparently a lot of guys from IL read this, how would you guys (from IL) feel about hosting our own expo down here, and would you (guys from WI) care to visit us if we could? HEAT guys, PM me with thoughts?

Good job to everyone involved. Even amateur booths still deserve a hooah for putting forth the effort. And remember, nothing like this works right the first time. Ignore the assholes with nothing good to say, and take the lessons learned to heart. You guys all did great.

[Texx]

For the next event, to proliferate the rules it might be a good idea to have a big sign posted at the entrance, and then smaller signs (8.5x11) plastered throughout the convention area.

Signs would be excellent idea so long as people didn't have skirmishes the next day that would be used as the excuse for not following them.

[A-Ron]

OR!!!!! Better yet, have some at the door you can buy!
Heh, you could make a small fortune probably on people who are only normal, and make mistakes.

That to me could be a good idea... I mean, make it mandatory that everyone checks their guns at the door, making sure there's an orange tip. If theres not, they buy one.

[Mrs. Armsdealer]

Renshai,

Yes, if Ill. had an airsoft Expo. you can bet we would be there along with several people from the EauClaire area. I think it would be great:)

Mrs. Armsdealer

[DKruse]

I'd go to an Illinois one... I woulda went to the Minnesota one, but I was busy.

And A-ron... I agree with ya, if there were orange tips for sale... I woulda bought one, and I had orange tips on my guns. But I've got another one sitting at home who's orange tip broke last year, so I'm short one.

[Rattler]

I would go to Ill for one, it is good to see more enthusiasim out there. I say every state should have one, it helps the airsoft community to get together so much better, to meet, talk and just shoot the **** with people that share interest in this great sport of ours...

[Kerrik13]

I agree, I would go to Illinois for one as well. I am going to Minnesota's next/this/whatever year as well... I really wanted to go to the first one.

[youth in asia]

i'd go to the illinois one.

and A-Ron, thats actually a pretty good idea.

[79TransAm]

sorry to break the trend here but I probly would not go to one in IL unless it was a major expo. I am closer to the MN expo then I was the WI expo so I have 2 I can hit up

[DKruse]

boo... what kind of hardcore airsofter are you?! kiddin. You guys would have a very long ride though, so it's understandable.

[Maple]

I didn't see any representatives from the WAA walking around and mingling (all I saw was a bunch of people huddled in a corner)

Ghostbear spent at least 1/2 of the day mingling.

Since folks want to point out what a crappy job the WAA did.....
I found it funny that a number of new members at the event never came over and introduced themselves. I also find it funny that the folks slamming us never stopped by and introduced themselves.
As a member, not a representative (the only one there was Brad), is it up to me to go around and talk to everybody at the event? I spent most of the day sitting at the table, talking to both members and non-members alike. In fact, we recruited several new members at the event. But I guess that isn't good enough. I should ahve given every attendee a back rub.

[A-Ron]

...I should ahve given every attendee a back rub. That was the highlight of my day ;)

But kind of seconding what Maple said.. The only one that I remember distinctly that introduced who she was was Narnia. She came over to get to know faces, and put them to the names.
::EDIT:: I remember Kerrik stopping by as well.

[Downslide]

I'm with Maple (and by "with" I don't mean "intimately") on wondering why this ARR has to be a focus on how useless and awful and lazy and uncool and blahblahblah the WAA was at the Expo.

This was NOT "The WAA Airsoft Expo," and while the WAA is about Airsoft in Wisconsin, we were there to man a booth, just like the Marines, and the ANG, and the teams that were there. The only two team reps that stopped at the WAA booth that I know of were Cocheese and Kerrik -- but then, I wasn't sitting at the booth the whole time. The only MEMBERS who where sitting at the booth during the course of the day were Ghostbear, Maple, A-Ron, TomE, and myself. The other 3 guys who sat on their tushies over there next to the table were members of EMR and NOT representatives of the WAA.

I never met Renshai, he never came over to the table to introduce himself, and since I had no idea what he looks like, I could not go looking for him, but when I stopped at the Badger booth, I think Narnia said "hi" but nobody else said anything. I talked to the ICE guys (and lady) a couple times. Beasthunter let me pickup his ungodly new toy... But all in all, the teams were non present at the WAA booth. So who didn't mingle? And why would ANYBODY have to? If people are interested in information about what the people with the booth are there for THEY GO TO THE BOOTH. What, are we supposed to be the HARI-CRISHNA of the Airsofting community in the state? "Hello, come with me, join us...would you like to by a flower?" I don't think so.

EDIT: SEE? I don't think I was at the table when Narnia came over, I saw here at her table, when I was MINGLING

[Biscuit-Boy]

I walked over to the WAA booth, and saw a bunch of old people sitting around (old as in over 18+ years of age) and got shy. I asked about a few guns and then immediately left again. I spent most of the time talking to ICE and Wolf Recon (by the way, nice m4cqb+m203, ICE guys). They either didn't have too many people, or were friendly and energetic. Not to say that the WAA booth was bad. If I had tried talking to you, I'm sure you guys would have.

[Maple]

I am mean, so don't talk to me.

[Downslide]

And I'm OLD...so don't talk to me either.

[Maple]

It makes me laugh that people will slam us for not socializing enough, but at the same time say that they are scared to approach us. Seeing as the age range of guys at the table was 18-40 years old, I think we had somebody to accomodate everybody.... and a Jew too.

[A-Ron]

I've been quiet about it for a bit, but I'm just curious... How do you expect us, the members that sat at the WAA booth, to both mingle and get information out about the organization and answer weery parents concerns?
Is there no middle ground?
I mean com'on guys! This is getting silly, everyone is slamming the people that sat at that booth so hard right now because they didn't mingle, and one forgot an orange tip for his gun! How dumb does it make us look (yes... us as an entire forum board) to outsiders, parents, law enforcement, etc.. etc...
What about the members that were part of teams, that technically still represent the WAA as a "member only" view to the public? Those who were at their team booths as not only a member of their team, but also a WAA member? I mean Kerrick.... You had told us at the booth that you had been trying to get people to come over all day long and ask questions, and see what its about.. IS THAT NOT WHAT MINGLING IS!!!!

[DKruse]

I want to be a flower!

[kilroy]

I felt that the WAA did a great job at mingling. I myself had a few people introduce themselves to me, and through those conversations I got to put names to faces and learned alot more on how effectively the gear functions on and off the field. So I commend the WAA for doing their part in the first Wisconsin Airsoft Expo.

[79TransAm]

I made it to the WAA booth twice. Talked with GB and Tom E. Downslide was talking to somebody the first time i was there and was gone along with Aron the 2nd time I was there.

[Triple F]

This may be a little late in coming, but I wanted to say thank you to everyone who had a hand in producing this expo, as well as all the event sponsors and the VFW for their support. The contingent from the River Rats down in Illinois had a good time all around and we especially enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with old friends and generally "network" with other enthusiasts.

I've read this entire thread through and would like to remind the expo organizers as well as the WAA you'd probably do well to consider the source when dealing with some of the feedback posted here. Most people commenting have no idea the logistics involved in producing an event or running a large organization, and probably never will. Consequently, you have to take whats said with a grain of salt. Deigning to answer every goofy comment by justifying yourselves only elevates those poster who are, frankly, better left forgotten.

FOr what it's worth, I thought you guys did a pretty bang-up job (faults and all).

Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
FFF

[Kerrik13]

I mean Kerrick.... You had told us at the booth that you had been trying to get people to come over all day long and ask questions, and see what its about.. IS THAT NOT WHAT MINGLING IS!!!!

I tried, I don't know how many people actually came over, but I hope a few did :P

I think everyone needs to realize that this was the Wisconsin Airsoft Expo and not the WAA Expo... in all technicalities, the people in the WAA didn't have to do anything other than what was required to have a booth. Heck, they could have just set up a banner behind a table filled with brochures, had nobody manning it, and it still would have been fine. While yes, I am a WAA member, and I had ideas on how to improve on the WAA booth next year, I hope that I went through the proper channels by bringing up some constructive criticism in private instead of ranting and scolding the WAA booth attendees in public.

The first question that you should ask yourself, if you didn't agree with the WAA booth, is what did you do to contribute to it or make it good? If there is no answer to it, please be wary of the comments you make. For instance, I really wanted to help out at the WAA booth but I was stretched too thin... so I have no real grounds to say if the booth did good or bad. Remember, constructive criticism is best for everyone... that will help make better events, expos, and booths in the future!

I'm glad the WAA was there, as a presence, with members available to answer questions, along with the President and informational packets. As a member, I am happy. I think everyone involved in the WAA booth deserves a pat on the back and some appreciation... sure, things could be improved on for future booths, but at least this was one heck of a start and some gratitude is in order.

[Texx]

I wanted to Mingle, but almost every time I got twenty feet away from the ABZ tables, I got called back over to answer questions. :(

Still.

I was working, and tired, and I didn't get to eat my Little Debbie Glazed Donuts until after 4 and was very cranky.

It was humorous to hear some of the comments from people gawking at the guns.

"Hey...its an AK...Awesome, now I'm a Navy Seal..."


"do you have Tm 226 Mags?"
"no."
"do you have TM Mk23 mags?"
"no."
"do you have TM Hicapa Mags?"
"no."
"do you have TM M9 Mags?"
"no."
"do you have Guarder Hop Buckings?"
"no...."

"I don't like the height your scope is at on the M14."
"It was placed on those mounts because the field it was played at required full paintball masks."
"Oh! That frickin' awesome. I'll take it."

"no"

"Dude I can get this same gun a RedWolf for like $30 cheaper."
"You can also pay $70 of shipping to get it."
"True."

"I can get this same rifle at Airsplat for like $20 cheaper."
"Yeah and if you actually get what you think you bought, you only saved $20."
"Oh."

"Where did you get all of these guns, this is frickin awesome."
"Out of their boxes in a Uhaul Trailer out in the parking lot."
"Are there any more out there?"
"no"

[youth in asia]

i went over and "mingled" at the WAA booth :cry:

mainly because beasthunter wanted me to carry his '60 around for him

[ckosacranoid]

i just wanted to say thanks you to who ever put on the expo. it was fun and very much worth the 2 hour drive up from ILL to attand.
i did talk to many of you guys and thanks again to everyone that showed up.
i am not sure if anyone would remember me or not i did come up with a friend and meet someone else that lives in madcity there.
i was the person walking around with a dominos jacket, speedcity hat and black pants and cowboy beapbop shirt.

i did pickup 2 more guns to my stash..a commo m-14 and a long barrel revolor and some greengas, and bbs.
did not spend as much as i though i would..sigh...that might be a good thing though....
thanks again for the fun on sat.

[lsnider]

I am not trying to mean to mean to every one that was at the WAA table, but I almost had to beg to become a member of the WAA. Ghostbear was busy with someone else at the moment which is perfectly aceptable. The only way i was able to get anyone attention was that i told them that i had money for them and the only person that i was able to converse with was the one who took my money!!! Everyone else who was at the table was apparently to good to talk to me. So it seems i could be wrong but i am sorry if i am.

[Maple]

Way to point out the short comings of people man. Very mature... couldn't have taken it to the private forums. Nope. Might as well point out what assholes we are to everybody.

Who is the person you talked to? If you don't have a name, provide a description. Because I asked several people to come back a few minutes later, as GB was not at the table and I was unsure if it would be appropriate to take peoples money.
But then again, sounds like you already made up your mind (quite publicly) about the association you are now a member of.
[:N:]

[Beest]

Ya guys know what?......All this crap needs to stop. He said/did this...they did said/did this. GET OVER IT!!!!!!! I knwo most if not all of the people at the "WAA" table. I am positive none of them stared at you and made a point of it to ignore you and everyone else.

Was the event a success? In the grand scheme of things absolutely! Are there areas of improvement...sure sounds like it. Was it anticipated to be perfect?....I'm sure not. But hey...it was put on(in short notice I may add) and overall it went well. So for the next one it sounds like they are already working on the what worked and what didn't.

From now on and in the future instead of pulling out the anti WAA mantle and classifing all "beefs" as waa or others people maybe you should address individualls personally. As far as people not getting the attention they feel they deserve. Well, take it from a wallflower. Speak up or be silent. That road goes both ways.

To the organizers. Congrats. It sounds as though overall the event was a success!

[lsnider]

I just made a statement but i will agree that the event itself was a success!! I will also be present at nexts years event. I am also hoping that we can all create an environment that can help promote the safe and fun airsofting for all. :D

[Maple]

If you all want to play like assholes, then I may just start too.
I have plenty of complaints, nags and personal opinions that I could throw out, but thus far have not. I have saved them fro private conversations or let them go because they were petty. Much like the complaints about the WAA contained in this thread. But then again, you can't expect much more than a petty complaint from a petty person. (OH SNAP!)
Overall, the event was semi-successful. It got the word out to some folks. Others got to do nothing more than to play with airsoft guns. There wer ups and downs. In hindsight, most everything has room to improve for the next one. The WAA could have done more (but then again, the WAA was not a sponsor, just merely a vendor) and hopefully will next time. But then again, so could have everybody else.
But I am just an asshole who is too good to talk to people and snubs my nose at people walking by the table, so don't listen to me.... I am retarded.

[Beest]

^^^^^^I'll save ya a seat on the short bus.

[DKruse]

Okay, in my opinion, I think the WAA members are the once who should comment on things about the WAA booth, in the already opened topic. As far as "most of the people ignoreing me", from what I read on one of the replies, a group of EMR(?) guys were sitting near the booth as well, many of them not being members, but just chillin', which is just fine. I think there is a way to fix that kind of problem, and the WAA has already been looking into it.

As far as the Expo itself, I, completely independent, am going to make a simple survey for people to fill out (It will primarily be those who venture on these boards, for the simple fact that I don't know exactly who came, but I'd guess a very vast majority are from wisconsin, and most "outsiders" venture around on these boards.)

I'll probably finish typing it up tonight and post it in this topic (It'll just be a copy/paste survey that will be PMed or emailed to me).

As far as posts from here on out, PLEASE, keep them fair and as objective as possible, as well as keeping the juvenile comments to a minimum.

[Stelthturkey]

I'm sorry for sitting near the WAA table, next time I will wear a sign that says "Not a WAA member, part of E.M.R., just sitting here to confuse you..."

There were 4 members at/around that table from E.M.R. They are as follows:

*vivid descriptions included*

A-ron (Forum a-hole),
Kade (That skinny weird dude that looks funny),
Stelthturkey (Mua, I was wearing a green SAS sweatshirt most of the day),
& finally KOPFSCHUSS (Skinny kid w/ glasses that looks scary).

There were only 2 E.M.R. members there that were not members (KOPFSCHUSS and I). Sorry, we were chillin' out with our brethren and will make sure to be separate from an organization as not to confuse next time... Or I will become a member like I plan on doing then I won't confuse anyone.

[DKruse]

Here is the survey, I wipped it up fairly quick, but am almost positive I got everything in it (if I missed anything, please put it in the final response section, please.) Just copy and paste the items below and send it to me either by Private Message on these boards or email it to DKruse@gmail.com with the subject of "FAWAE Survey". Thank you, and again a big thank you to Jason and Judy at Airsoft Battlezone, Wolf Recon and Badger Airsoft members who helped setup and take stuff down, as well as Todd, the human PA!






Please rate each section by replacing the number with a capital x (“X”) and respond to each question below the sections.

Did you go to the expo this year?

Food: 1 2 3 4 5
-Did you eat at the VFW?
-If so, what was your opinion on the food?
-If not, where did you go?

Layout: 1 2 3 4 5
-In your opinion, was there good flow in the layout of booths?

Safety: 1 2 3 4 5
-What safety concerns did you have throughout the day?
(NOTE: The dry-firing is already in consideration for next year.)

Information: 1 2 3 4 5
-Was there adequate information about the sport, overall, at the expo?

Teams: 1 2 3 4 5
-How did the atmosphere from the team booths compare with one another?

Retailers: 1 2 3 4 5
-How did the atmosphere from the retailer booths compare with one another?
-How was the pricing, in your opinion, of each retailer?

Door Prizes: 1 2 3 4 5
-Did you like the items?
-Would you rather have less door prize give-aways and larger items?

Wolf Recon Tactics Classes: 1 2 3 4 5
-Did you find the classes valuable?
-Would you rather have longer classes with more information?

BMR Special Personnel Vehicle: 1 2 3 4 5
-Did you think it was a neat thing to have an airsoft vehicle present?
-Would you want to see more vehicles?

Venue: 1 2 3 4 5
-Was it easy to locate the venue?
-Did the VFW have, generally speaking, a good base atmosphere?
-If you were a retailer, did you mind the Madison Sales License?

Overall: 1 2 3 4 5
-Would you try to make it to the Second Annual Wisconsin Airsoft Expo?
-What other things would you like to see incorporated into the Expo?
-Are there any specific activities you would like to see next year?
-Are there any specific things you would want changed or removed that were done this year?


-If you have anything else to comment on, that may have been left out, please respond here. If you have something specific for a team, retailer, or other booth, I will do my best to forward it to the specific group.

Thank you all for your input and attendance; we hope to see you throughout the year and at the Second Annual Wisconsin Airsoft Expo.

[Kerrik13]

After the accountant did his thing and the tickets were tallied, Jason and Judy from Airsoft Battle Zone handed over the statistics from the Expo to share on the boards.

108 (so $1080 total attendee income) tickets were sold to attendees at the expo. This doesn't mean only 108 people attended, because a set of two tickets could have represented a family with kids. There was a fair amount of families that showed up with 2 adults and several kids, so the accurate estimate of attendees is probably 140-150 people. The fees for the team/exhibitor/vender booths equalled $360 coming in as well. This means that the expo accumulated a total of $1360.80 (1080 + 360 - 79.20 tax).

Jason and Judy accumulated just over $900 worth of expenses related to this expo. Some of these costs were giveaways, fees, paying for the Russian armored car, and expensive advertisement costs. Normally, an event coordinator will take out their expenses from whatever money comes in (in order to break even) before donating any money, but Jason and Judy of Airsoft Battle Zone have decided to eat the $900 cost to run the expo as a business expense and have donated the ENTIRE $1360.80 to the VFW Veteran's Memorial Charity!

I think everyone should give a round of applause to Jason and Judy of Airsoft Battle Zone for coordinating this expo, putting in their time and effort to run it, and for not only donating some money to a charity but instead donating ALL the money to a charity!

[seppuku]

I think everyone should give a round of applause to Jason and Judy of Airsoft Battle Zone for coordinating this expo, putting in their time and effort to run it, and for not only donating some money to a charity but instead donating ALL the money to a charity!
Kudos to Jason and Judy! Well done! [:Y:]

[Fish]

+1000 Kudos to anyone who can manage to raise that kind of money for former warriors.

[youth in asia]

great job guys!