During the months of January and February I travel to a lot of trade shows. Why? To see a lot of our exhibitors, find more companies that are a good fit for Surf Expo, see how other shows do their thing, and generally to hear what's going on in the different industries.

Surf Expo is unique in that we have many niches that make up the "lifestyle" for the surf and beach world. That's why we have our show categories of resort, swim, gift, coastal home, surf, skate, and the wind sports. Since Surf Expo ended in January, I've been to Gatlinburg, Vegas three times, LA, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and New York twice.

Here are some thoughts on these cities.

Gatlinburg: If you have never been, you ought to go and just see the town. It's "Dollywood" -- especially during the holidays when the whole place looks like one big Christmas decoration on steroids. You have never seen so many lights. It is ultra middle-class Americana at its finest and a perfect place for the gift shows that we went to. Severville is right next door and they have a new convention center that's really nice. Southern hospitality at its finest. Lots of fried food, gift items in red and green, and yes we did stop and eat at an IHOP on the way home. YUM!

Salt Lake City: It was the middle of winter, snowy and cold. Fun for us, as we live in Atlanta and never really have a good snow fall. Outdoor Retailer was in full swing and the city was busy. Every restaurant is full, taxis hard to come by, and great skiing to take advantage of.

After the show one day, Lindsay (who works with our resort exhibitors) and I decided to see more of the city and go on a tour of the Mormon Campus. If you don't know anything about this religion and are the least bit curious, I recommend doing this. It's within walking distance of the convention center. Honestly, it was fascinating and educational. The buildings are massive and overwhelming. Check out the picture of the 30-foot Jesus that spoke to us. If that wasn't enough, we also got to watch an old building across the street burn down for an entire day. You just never know what to expect in the city built by Mr. Smith.


Aly and Lindsay on the Mormon Campus


Chicago: Brrrr. Chicago is great .The hotels are very close to the mart and there are several good restaurants in the same area. We happened to be there for the Super Bowl, and found our way to Harry Carreys, which is the hub of the Cubs universe. It was a lot of fun watching the game, eating at the bar and hob knobbing with the regulars who could care less about the game since the "da Bears" weren't playing. I had one too many brandys that night (why I was drinking brandy I have no idea), and it was hard to get up the next morning at 4 a.m. to make our plane to NYC.

NYC: Do I even have to say anything. I love New York and I never mind going to a show there. If you find yourself there, try and do some things after hours and take advantage of the city. I know, you're working and you're tired, but how can you not! Actually, I can say the same thing about all of these cities. I know we are all busting our rear ends and we get tired. I find it helpful to try and have a little balance and do something in that particular place whether it is skiing, eating out, or going to some kind of event. Just do it, it might make everything else seem more worthwhile and put it in perspective. Oh, one last thing. Just walk down the street in NYC and you never know what might happen. We won tickets to see David Letterman the following night. What a treat. If you witnessed a taping of live T.V., it is worth the experience. Lo and behold, Eli was there to tout his super bowl highlights.

Making friends in Times Square.

Atlanta: I can't leave this city out because this is where most of us here at Surf Expo live and spend our time. Not a bad place, lot's of trees, not a lot of water nor sand. But we do have lakes and when we are jonesing for some H20, that is what we have to be okay with. I'm running out of time right now so have to cut this short. More on this city later.

Next stop, the Gulf Coast.




DMG Staff from LA, Portland, New Zealand and Atlanta