Jerry B. wrote:I don't see Wayne, NJ or Orlando, FL, or the APS Expo, Buena Park, CA growing significantly due to the end of Union. Those three shows are located in the corners of the country. Union had the advantage of being located in the middle of the country and attracted collectors from all over the country. I've driven from Oregon to Union probably twenty times. Yes, I've been to Wayne and Orlando a few times each but I've always flown. I've flown knowing that anything I purchased could be taken to Union by a network of phono friends. If you take away a mid-country show it makes it difficult to get things home. If this is true for others it hurts the three more regional shows. I doubt if I'll ever drive to Orlando or Wayne but I'll fly if I can make connections at a strong mid-country show.
My hope is for a well promoted show in a large city somewhere in the central United States like Chicago, St. Louis, or Kansas City. I drive 5,000 roundtrip miles on a typical Union trip and I'm reluctant to drive much farther..
Jerry Blais
How about having it in Omaha or anywhere near Omaha? Well, I can dream can I?
It's my observation that the last few Union shows have been much smaller than fairly recent events where the two large rooms were jammed with dealers and others sold out of cargo trailers and open pickup canopies outside. Those times were wonderful. Last year the show was essentially in the front room while the back room was occupied by Donley auction items and perhaps a lonely phono dealer or two. In spite of the smaller size I personally sold well and took home several treasures but it was obvious we were selling to each other. The number of buyers waiting to get in at the regular show opening was quite small.
I have no idea how Union was promoted during the glory years. Perhaps it was as simple as an ad in the Antique Trader, Jerry's Musical News, MAPS's In the Groove and CAPS' The Sound Box.Regardless, Union was strong and exciting. But things change and it appeared that Union was allowed to wither. Toward the end of Union 2019 it was announced that this years show would be promoted by the new manager of the restaurant. We were led to believe he would aggressively promote this years show. The jury is out.
But I believe a strong and large show in the middle of the country is viable. The APS Expo in Buena Park, CA is proof that a large show can be successful. A mostly anonymous group of local APS members has done an outstanding job of attracting young buyers as well as an expanding the general buying population. The last two APS Expos have been the best California shows in phono history.
Has anyone heard if there will be a visit to Sanfillipo's this year? And if so, will it be the traditional visit, or like the one that we had last year, with scheduled programs, boring speeches, and no carousel building tour?
I have been attending this show since 1982 and have been setting up with a booth for around 7 years. I have always considered the Union show a kind of Re-Union show. I have met several great people there over the years. I sure do hope there will be something to fill the HUGE void in the Mid-West next year.
Ken Brekke
JerryVan wrote:Has anyone heard if there will be a visit to Sanfillipo's this year? And if so, will it be the traditional visit, or like the one that we had last year, with scheduled programs, boring speeches, and no carousel building tour?
There will be an Open House on Friday night, but no APS program.
There will be an Open House on Friday night, but no APS program.
George P.
If you were ever tempted to go to Union a visit to Jasper's is worth the trip. It is nothing less than amazing. There are not enough words to explain the experience. It's the last Union, as we know it, and probably the last time to see Jasper's wonderful collection. I'll be there.
JerryVan wrote:Has anyone heard if there will be a visit to Sanfillipo's this year? And if so, will it be the traditional visit, or like the one that we had last year, with scheduled programs, boring speeches, and no carousel building tour?
There will be an Open House on Friday night, but no APS program.
George P.
Thank you George. Apologies for coming across sour about it...
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Well, I can dream can I? 
