This is topic Showest 2008 in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 01-27-2008, 01:13 PM:
 
Who is attending Showest 2008 and where is everyone staying?

We are trying to figure out the best way to still have the annual Film-Tech Drink and yet avoid the 135,000 ConExpo conventioneers that have sucked up all of the rooms in town.
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-27-2008, 04:49 PM:
 
Yep will be there. There is another really huge convention going on at the same time as Showorst. Its easily X10 the size of Showorst so getting rooms nearby may be very difficcult this year. We are staying quite a ways west of the strip.

Mark
 

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Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 01-27-2008, 05:22 PM:
 
I'm currently scheduled to be there. I'll be staying near ShoWest, as usual but Mark is right...the rooms are just about all gone in Vegas now and those rooms that are available are going for about double what they did last year for ShoWest. Forget about Bally's and Paris...those rooms are long gone. The last time I checked, the Flamingo had rooms but I suspect that they are now gone too.

I will only be there for the days of the trade show (11-13).

Steve
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-27-2008, 05:29 PM:
 
The Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino Resort has great room prices on the top 5 floors...
 

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Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 01-27-2008, 05:37 PM:
 
Monte Carlo will not work for us non smokers
 

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Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 01-27-2008, 08:07 PM:
 
I'm staying at Rio.
 

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Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-27-2008, 08:53 PM:
 
I'll prob be doing Super8 behind Bally's (if my company can afford me to go this year) which isn't that bad of a walk up the street. Might bring the family with me this time so they can enjoy the lights, action and getting away from home.
 

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Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-27-2008, 11:34 PM:
 
As usual, I will not be there again. I've never been to it, and probably never will.
 

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Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 01-27-2008, 11:51 PM:
 
Probably a negative for me as well this year - I'll try to go again in 09!
 

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Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 01-28-2008, 02:02 AM:
 
I'll be there - even if I'm back in SoCal by then. But for now I'm still here.

Shameless plug: Try Allegiant Travel for hotel/travel packages if you're having trouble finding accommodations. We're geared for vacation travellers, but...

http://www.allegiantair.com
 

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Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 01-28-2008, 02:37 AM:
 

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen

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Yep will be there. There is another really huge convention going on at the same time as Showorst.

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At one AMIA conference we were sharing the hotel with a prison officers' convention. Their registration desk was next to ours, and was giving out flyers for batons, tasers and all sorts of nasty stuff. I did wonder about trying to buy an electric chair in order to take care of irritating colleagues back home, but didn't like the thought of the excess baggage charges (or the prospect of trying to get it through customs)...
 

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Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 01-28-2008, 02:43 AM:
 
Good find Monte!...When I was booking my room...I even looked at the more "price conscience" hotel/motels, having been a guest of the former Bourbon Street several years (the site of the first Film-Tech Drink too)..somehow I missed this one. Super-8 still seems to have reasonable prices and rooms though probably not their traditional Vegas prices...this year, things are TIGHT.

Steve
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-28-2008, 03:04 PM:
 
Steve,

That Super-8 is Gawd Awful.... Noisy 24/7... I stayed there just once... I think that was my last stay ever at a Super-8.

Mark
 

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Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 01-28-2008, 03:21 PM:
 
Paul: Southwest usually blocks 750 rooms at Ballys for their "dream vacations." Louis
 

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Posted by Dennis Benjamin (Member # 1137) on 01-28-2008, 03:24 PM:
 
You know what sux? The fact that I could probably stay in Vegas somewhere for free. I just can't afford the price of admission into Showest. I guess I should consider myself lucky for actually getting to go once. Although, I did live there when that happened. Anyways....

Did I mention that I miss Vegas sometimes?
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-28-2008, 06:37 PM:
 
Once again, we are not going. I think if ShoWest was held in September, right after the lucrative summer season, we would be ready to go! This time of year we're always into some project that's sucking up all the $. (This year, it's a lobby remodel.) Have fun y'all.
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-28-2008, 07:40 PM:
 

quote: Mike Blakesley

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This year, it's a lobby remodel

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Mike... come on man... that can't take more than three hours to do... . Your lobby... its about 30 square feet right....?

quote: Louis Bornwasser

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Southwest usually blocks 750 rooms at Ballys for their "dream vacations."

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Dream Vacation... Vegas... ya got to be kiddin right... I can think of thousands of places I'd rather go...

Mark
 

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Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 01-28-2008, 08:04 PM:
 
Most of my bookings for Showest have been through American Airlines Vacation package...some years either the flight was free or the hotel was below Super 8 pricing This trip will be short......
 

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Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 01-28-2008, 08:17 PM:
 
Mark...the Super8 chain has never been known for its DEluxe accommodations. Their thing has been the "Super-Rate at the Super-8." However...at this point, those are the types of hotels that have rooms and even most of them are booked. I've never seen the place this full.

Dennis...if you just want to see the trade show...hook up with manufacturer as a "Guest"...if you want to go to the seminars, product reels...and other "events" then yes, that is normally the high-dollar package.

Steve
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-28-2008, 09:54 PM:
 

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen

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Mike... come on man... that can't take more than three hours to do... . Your lobby... its about 30 square feet right....?

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Yeah, but we have a lot going on...it's more of a restoration than a remodel, really -- we're bringing a lot of the "original" building surfaces that have been paneled over back into the open, so there's a lot of painting and patching. It's going to take about 4 weeks total.
 

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Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 01-29-2008, 04:48 PM:
 
I plan on going this year, but haven't booked a room yet... I will likely have to take the 'Hotwire gamble' and take what they give me... I will have my car this time (Kat is working a film festival and cannot attend) and while there plan on hanging not only with all of you, but the LV chapter of Scikotics as well.

-Aaron
 

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Posted by Dennis Udovich (Member # 1066) on 01-29-2008, 05:38 PM:
 
Got my flight tickets, hotel reservations, and ShoWest registration. But I am real lucky here. Marcus Theatres had a contest for the highest increase in gift card sales over the holidays and I came in first place. Won a trip to Vegas, and accomondations at Marcus' new Platinum Hotel (located just behind Bally's).
See you in warm Vegas!
Wisconsin will be MINUS 20 below (wind chill) tonight. Burrrrrrrrrrrrr
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-29-2008, 06:30 PM:
 
Steve,
Another "cheap deal" in Vegas is the Motel-6 about a mile north of Ballys. Its pill box concrete style construction assures you a pleasant nights sleep... very quite place. One could also stay in Mesquite about an hour north of Vegas. Its an interesting town with anbout 20,000 retirees and three multiplex's battling it out for the biz from those 20K people.

quote: Mike Blakesley

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It's going to take about 4 weeks total.

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quote: Dennis Udovich

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Wisconsin will be MINUS 20 below (wind chill) tonight. Burrrrrrrrrrrrr

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quote: Louis Bornwasser

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Southwest usually blocks 750 rooms at Ballys for their "dream vacations." Louis

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Problem is (in addition to being sold out for the ShoWest dates) the package isn't available until after March 31st or for anyone attending a convention.
 

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Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-29-2008, 07:05 PM:
 
(Well, the "Stupid 8" on Kovall St behind Bally's got all booked up real fast ...)

...three others "Stupid 8's" to chek into now ...

(sorry, feeling mean today...snowy weather over here ...)
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-29-2008, 08:49 PM:
 

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen

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Mike,
Thats got to be a typo... you mean 4 hours total....

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Nope...here's "The Roxy Lobby Remodel List," or "Why I'm Not Going to ShoWest This Year"
-Remove "wood paneling" from inside and outside concession stand
-Remove "wood wall" from in front of original stage
-Remove suspended ceiling from concession stand
-Build imitation "beams" inside concession to conceal pipes coming from original ceiling
-Remove wood paneling from balcony stairway and restore original stucco wall underneath
-Rebuild cash drawer shelf in concession stand
-Install drywall inside and outside of concession, texture and paint
-Texture and paint partition in front of men's room door
-Move radiator, refinish wall behind it and reinstall
-Paint underside of balcony
-Build storage cabinet under stage
-Restore stage front (replace trim that had been removed)
-Patch a few "leaks" in the screen end of the building
-Repair original rear exit door
-Fix the front display window

Electrical:
-Remove unused wiring from old aisle lights
-Rewire dimmer outlets in stage and install new 110V outlets
-Install 8 can lights in concession ceiling and remove old flourescent fixture
-Rewire concession stand and install 4 outlets

It'd go faster if we could just rip'n'tear without having to be put-together enough to open every night. But, that's show biz.
 

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Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-30-2008, 12:26 AM:
 
Gee Mike, when you get this all done, we need picts of your remodel...
 

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Posted by Ron Funderburg (Member # 4561) on 01-30-2008, 07:42 PM:
 
Well it has been 4 years since I have been and my company hasn't told me I am this year so I am guessing that only the owners will be going again.

Oh I miss owning sometimes! But then when it comes time to write checks I don't miss it so much!

I hope all that go have a great time.
 

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Posted by Poon Limpapun (Member # 4551) on 01-31-2008, 01:46 AM:
 
Our team is going and we are staying across the street at Bellagio
 

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Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 02-07-2008, 05:49 PM:
 
I'm booked. See those of you that decide to come when you get there!

-Aaron
 

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Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 02-09-2008, 02:45 PM:
 
..and please take a bunch of picts for the all of us to see what's new there this year since, due to lack of fundage, my visit this year has been cancelled.

Do wish those who do go that they have a "GREAT TIME" and lots of fun while being there.

Good luck to all!

-Monte
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 02-09-2008, 05:05 PM:
 
Unfortunately, many of us FT'ers wont go cuz of the CRAPPY lack of rooms available due to the other conventions at the same time.

I know I WONT be there!
 

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Posted by Jim Bedford (Member # 4) on 03-11-2008, 12:38 PM:
 
So Luci and I got to Vegas and didn't see anyone other than a mess of construction workers and a crane farm or two. Where is everybody?
 

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Posted by Paul Goulet (Member # 297) on 03-11-2008, 12:47 PM:
 
Are the Eisenberg hot dog people there this year?

How about Ron Purtee, have you seen him?
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-11-2008, 03:36 PM:
 

quote:

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Unfortunately, many of us FT'ers wont go cuz of the CRAPPY lack of rooms available due to the other conventions at the same time.

I know I WONT be there!

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And all this time I thought you had a Fifth Wheel Phil... Phil's Den or somethig written across the back... I know I've seen it going up and down the I-System near Los Angeles before...

Mark
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 03-11-2008, 03:44 PM:
 
Mark: Too funny! Thanks for the laff bub!
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-11-2008, 04:23 PM:
 
I'm amazed someone from this outfit hasn't setup a "ShoWest Blog" for those of us too poor to attend.
 

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Posted by Jim Bedford (Member # 4) on 03-11-2008, 07:25 PM:
 
Isn't this the Showest Blog?

Eisenberg is there but they didn't have their grill set up yet. After last year where they went to half-a-dog freebies maybe this year they'll try to live by their rep. On the other hand, all the booths near them are happy as they don't have the all-day Eisenberg line blocking access.

I think Purtee was checking tickets at the trade show door and passing out "Only Buy Real FilmGuard" cards.

Miss you guys....
 

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Posted by Paul Goulet (Member # 297) on 03-11-2008, 07:44 PM:
 
I figured by now maybe Ron was the one behind the grill cooking the dogs and thats why you only got half a dog when you ordered a whole one
 

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Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 03-13-2008, 10:33 PM:
 

quote: Mike Blakesley

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I'm amazed someone from this outfit hasn't setup a "ShoWest Blog" for those of us too poor to attend.

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Check the picture warehouse for Showest photos. It's the same crap year after year, I promise.
 

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Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 03-14-2008, 02:48 AM:
 
True, even though it's somewhat fun every year, but if you've seen a parade, fair or rodeo, you've seen them all since they have the same booths, handouts free junk to take home and practially the same equipment from all makers in all different colors, types and sizes.

Plus with the same events but the only thing different is seeing different up and coming movies..
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-14-2008, 03:15 PM:
 
Just when you think its the same year after year it all of a sudden gets alot different... there was lots of dual projector 3-D stuff as well as single projector 3-D stuff around this year. GDC... the IMAX digital server company was also there in their own booth this year.

Mark
 

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Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 03-14-2008, 06:13 PM:
 
I have found on any given show...there will be 90-95% the same thing or less of the same thing they had last time (when it was new)...and there is 5-10% new...it is just at first glance that "wow...same sh** different day."

The rumor mills also are also a buzz at that time whereas everyone is there (or are conspicuously absent).

Mark may have had a different read but I felt that ShoWest had a much more gloomy feel this year...not as bad as 1999 (when everyone had gone bankrupt and nobody was buying anything) but still not as upbeat. The rumors I heard, for the most part, was not as good for DCinema though Technicolor is clearly rolling on their deployment.

I won my private little bets that the major film equipment companies would have their film equipment at the show...and sure enough, Christie, Cinemeccanica, Kinoton, Strong and even Big Sky had their Ernemann projector there. Clearly, the DLPs dominated the Christie and Strong booths but film was not completely absent.

QSC had their new extra-large subwoofer there (21" driver...for those that need bigger).

Speaking of sound... I don't believe EV was there (I sure didn't see them).

I also didn't notice SPECO. Neumade didn't have a booth but were "walking the floor." Many a vendor has mentioned the benefits of NOT having a booth though. That is, they can meet more people and discuss business without being tied to a booth and having to be "found."

MiT seems to no longer manufacture film equipment (at least not major equipment) but do have many solutions for converting film equipment to DCinema (Fusion)...including a nifty swival top for those that have those pesky soundracks attached to your consoles. They also showed several of their interface devices to allow conventional equipment to be controlled by a DCinema server (like an NA10 by Dolby yet much cheaper). So...clearly, even if it is an old face, they are still bringing out new products.

Even Component Engineering...a company that has pretty much held onto its core products had a new product to work with their existing one...that is a new controller for use with the TA-10 that will get them into the digital age.

But most of the usual and friendly faces were there, as usual. The F-T drink was definately missed. In fact, I had Aaron going for about 1.24456 seconds on it...asking him why he missed it

Steve
 

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Posted by Paul Goulet (Member # 297) on 03-14-2008, 07:15 PM:
 
Was Charlie Wolk there?
 

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Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 03-16-2008, 12:34 AM:
 

quote: Paul Goulet

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How about Ron Purtee, have you seen him?

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Ron was there, wandering aimlessly about. He asked if I had 'gone digital' yet. Didn't see him the rest of the time.

As mentioned above:

-SPECO booth was empty, being used for a sitting area.

-Goldberg and Neumade were walking the floor, no booth.

-Strong was the only manufacturer to have a platter system on display (their 'mini' AP3)

-LTI is now a division of Philips

-Several people made it crystal clear to the Eisenberg guys that they missed the hot dog booth, and hopefully it will be back next year.

-The David Tyson/Eisenberg/Odell's/Pot-O-Gold/Kernel Seasons party at Risque is NOT to be missed.

-Osram had free beer on Tuesday in nice collector glasses

-Dolby has a new font for their logo.

-Paramount did not have the gigantic display and booth at the one end of the smaller ballroom.

-A Korean company called MasterImage was displaying their 3-D technology that uses a spinning polarized glass disk instead of an LCD polarizing filter

-Aaron
 

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Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 03-16-2008, 02:12 AM:
 
How was Quarks this year, or did anybody go this time?
 

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Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 03-16-2008, 08:19 AM:
 
EV is now owned by a German company and is focusing more on Pro Sound. Musikmesse, a huge pro audio trade show was in progress in Germany at the same time as ShoWest so many people I know preferred to favor that venue. I missed ShoWest due to a local client scheduling a round of meetings.
 

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Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 03-17-2008, 01:33 AM:
 

quote: Monte L Fullmer

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How was Quarks this year, or did anybody go this time?

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