Impressions from Celebration of Woodworking event

[jpdalton]

I attended this weekend’s Celebration of Woodworking event at SS HQ in Dayton. I sprung for the VIP tix, and really enjoyed the reception that was put together for us on Friday evening - we had a chance to catch up with the SS team (including owner, Nick Cupps), and meet some new and old friends in the user community.

Saturday was the full-day public event that featured demonstrations by industry experts, and booths and product demonstrations from a number of sponsoring vendors. The TrueTrac team made the strongest impression in my opinion (my purchase should be arriving later this week…!).

While I think Shopsmith did good business in branded merchandise (hats and t-shirts are always big sellers at this sort of event!), I’m not sure whether their product sales met pre-show expectations. As future events attract more potential new customers (people unfamiliar with the whole product line), they’re going to have to get more of their products in plain view of customers so they can say, “I want one of those (pointing)”, just like I did with TrueTrac.

Keep it up, Shopsmith! I really appreciate the direction you’re headed…
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[nuhobby]

Thanks for the report!

Close as I am, I couldn't make this one.

[thedovetailjoint]

I had a great time, John. I got to meet and hang-out with a bunch of people who I've only ever met online and via comments on my Youtube channel. The Friday VIP event was fun and the speaker who makes wooden bicycles was entertaining and encouraging. I enjoyed doing demos all day Saturday, but slipped out of my tent every chance I could to catch Jim McCann's demo, and to visit with a Shopsmith legend, Dick Rhodes, who was there with his son Jacob, demonstrating their True Track products. I've got a bunch of pics, and wonder what the best way is to post them. Here are a few:

Jacob Rhodes Shopsmith Celebration of Woodworking May 2024 copy.jpg (395.38 KiB) Viewed 453 times

Jim-Bob McCann cutting raised panerls at the Shopsmith Celebration of Woodworking May 2024.jpg (286.39 KiB) Viewed 453 times

Jim-Bob McCann with Shopsmith toolbox.jpg (382.37 KiB) Viewed 453 times

Scott Markwood biggest Shosmith SWAG at the Shopsmith Celebration of Woodworking May 2024.jpg (398.63 KiB) Viewed 453 times

Scott Markwood Jon Epps Chad Nevels and Ed Malin Shopsmith Cookies.jpg (311.49 KiB) Viewed 453 times