MUSKIE MAX is coming March 8 and 9, 2014

[Red Childress]

A new 'all-musky' show has been developed and will debut on March 8th and 9th 2014. The event will be held at the Days Inn, Butler PA.


Click link below for more information.


http://www.muskiemax.com/

[Ivan]

Interesting. I'm glad to see a local muskie show, but there is not much information at all on the website, and I have some questions. I'm not sure if Red can help answer them, but maybe somebody else knows whats going on.

Does this "Muskie Max" show replace the "Butler Fishing Show"? Is Shawn Leopardi running the show or are Harry Marfin and Howard Wagner still involved? It's just a question....I don't have a preference. How many vendors/booths are they set up to handle at the Days Inn? What are booth sizes and how much do they cost? Are there currently vendors committed to the show and who are they? What type of promotion/advertising will be done for the show?

I am asking these questions both as a attendee and someone who has worked a booth at the Butler Fishing Show the last two years.

Thanks,
Adam Andresky

[Ivan]

I found a vendor agreement on the site the second time I looked and got answers to the number of booths and cost. However, I'm still interested in the other stuff if anyone can answer my questions.

[Red Childress]

Hey Adam,


Here is what I know (or at least what I think I know):


Howard is not affiliated with the 'new' Butler Show that is being held at a local Butler church. (Harry is taking over the responsibilities of that show.) I know this because Howard and I just talked the other day.

This Muskie Max is an 'all-musky' show and Shawn is running the entire thing. Jim Saric and Tony Grant have committed to the Muskie Max show per conversation with Shawn Leopardi 3 days ago. According to Shawn, there are only a handful of spaces left. He has exhibitors from 8 states, Ontario, and Quebec.

That pretty much sums up what I know about the new Muskie Max show for 2014.

[Ivan]

Thanks Red. So there is still a Butler Fishing Show ran by Harry, and it is at a church this year instead of Butler High School. I did not know that. This Muskie Max show is completely independent, is organized by Shawn Leopardi, and is almost full with muskie only vendors. Sounds pretty good...I wonder who those vendors are.

What show or shows will Allegheny Guide Service be at Red?

[Red Childress]

Yes, you have summarized it correctly.

As far as where AGS will be............I am taking another year off from shows/seminars because my daughters are playing in several indoor travel soccer and basketball leagues. My taxi driving skills will be tested as my wife and I log miles between Grove City, Erie, Jamestown and Buffalo. I hope to be able to sneak away for a day and check out some different vendors that will be attending the Muskie Max Show.

[TRE]

http://www.butlerfishingshow.com/index.php

Here's a link to the Butler Show in Cranberry.

[Red Childress]

Ooops. I had forgotten it was moved to Cranberry instead of Butler. My bad.

[Red Childress]

I had a chance to see the Muskie Max flyer (electronically) today and was very impressed at the number and quality of musky vendors/guides. I could not change the file extension from a pdf to a jpg which means I cannot post it here. Shawn Leopardi will (hopefully) be sending it to me in a different format so I can get it up here ASAP. Looks like it is going to be a very nice show.

[Red Childress]

Don't forget to click on image multiple times to zoom in.


21614

[Red Childress]

Bumping thread plus I just wanted to let everyone know (again) that I will not be at any shows this year. My kids play travel basketball and indoor soccer and those sports never seem to end for some reason. My wife goes in one direction and I go in the other every Saturday and most Sundays.

Good Luck to everyone!!

[ttabaleulb]

This looks like it has the potential to be a great show. If anyone who attends could let us know their thoughts on the show, it would be much appreciated. I can't normally make it over there, but I might be able to plan for next year if its worth the trek.

[Red Childress]

Important information for next year's Muskie Max event:

Shawn's email to me from a few days ago..........



Also, check this out: (facebook.westernpamuskiemax)

Just so you know, here is where we are for 2015:
1.) distributed the info to exhibitors who participated in 2014 (first right of refusal)...
2.) planted a FB teaser -- a follow-up will be posted in a day or two...
3.) we're inviting the balance of exhibitors (on the waiting list for 2015) in a couple weeks -- truth be told, we are already getting calls...
4.) the website is currently being updated for 2015 -- expect to launch in a week...
5.) we're pinning down a great list of speakers for the pro-muskie breakout sessions...
6.) more kid-related activities are in the works (to generate interest + sport awareness)...
7.) we are currently lining up some really great sponsors for 2015 (local & national)...

The main points for 2015 that I want to share with you include:
1.) We simply outgrew the Days Inn (very nice people + nice place)... We had roughly 40 quality exhibitors on board for 2014 and had another 30 (above and beyond those exhibitors) on a waiting list for 2015... Good problem to have...

2.) Made arrangements with Four Points Sheraton (Mars/Cranberry Twp.) due to size, location, parking, and they've got commercial-size doors to wheel in boats/SUV's/etc...

3.) For 2015, the event kicks off Super Bowl Weekend (Jan. 31 - Feb. 1) and will be marketed as a BIG Fishing & Football party weekend... We will tie this whole 'theme' together via a very creative marketing campaign...

4.) We've made arrangements with the hotel to extend the 'party weekend' by offering a big buffet, big screen TVs, and reduced room rates for Sunday evening -- so everyone can stay (exhibitors and attendees along with their families)...

5.) Will be a great weekend for families since this full-service hotel has a nice pool, work-out room, full restaurant/buffet area -- plus, we will have a family-friendly area set-up so everyone can enjoy the big game together on Sunday night...

6.) We've made long-term plans with the Four Points Sheraton and expect to move the expo back to the first weekend in March 2016...

In closing, 2014 resulted in a great show -- got tons of positive feedback (which helped us in the planning for 2015)...

Thanks to the support we've gotten (coupled with momentum), 2015 MUSKIE MAX will be even bigger and better.



Shawn C. Leopardi

Core 3 Group
724.494.0774
www.core3group.com

[Red Childress]

Getting a ton of traffic on here:


(facebook.com/westernpamuskiemax)