[K1W1]

Hi,

I am going to try and make it. I was at Monaco and despite trying to meet Lars ( AMG) only managed some SMS Communication so I won't make any promises about meeting but will watch this space

[Castlerock]

I had not given any real thought to going this year, now I am reconsidering. I think that it would be great to finally put faces on the screen names.

[YachtForum]

Sorry so late posting. On the road for the past two days...

The time to meet should be decided by our out-of-town members. Whatever is most convenient for them... will work for the rest of us in the biz or residing in South Florida.

As for multiple day meet-ups, absolutely! I don't need an excuse to take the load off and hang out with friends. My biggest concern is... how much pain my credit card can endure!

FLIBS '06... yeah, I was there. Nobody showed up.

[YachtNews]

More detailed information os the 2006 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) here on their site....In case anyone needs better information...its all there...http://www.showmanagement.com/index....ion=flibs.home

[Billy1119]

I'm hoping to make it down. Not sure which days yet, but I'll definitely swing by for the meet-up!

[Kevin]

Well, it looks like 2006 won't be my year... I'll be stuck here in Montreal this time around, sorry guys.

[MYCaptainChris]

we are currently under contract which means the 'Neenah Z' will not be in the show. However I will be there.

[reidsatsea]

Hi All,

All you FLIBS experts out there..... I need your advice. This will be the first year we are actually able to attend the show, as we're currently "looking" - ha ha - just a polite way of saying unemployed! Anything we absolutely must do / avoid etc? Is it worth it at all from a job-finding aspect? I'm sure the brokers are all flat-out busy, so I'd hate to waste their time; but I have heard that it's the place to be if you're looking. What's the deal, please?

[YachtForum]

Reids,

I've been on both sides of the display, as a vendor and a customer at these shows. It's just my opinion, but after I've spent a fair amount of money and far more time than most can fathom to get to these shows, set up a display, find a place to stay and hire warm bodies... I'm hoping to meet a few customers, NOT people using the event to sell a product, a service or advertising.

The same would hold true for people seeking employment. Maybe it's just my warped mind, but someone who approaches my booth at a show is basically telling me they *think* their time is more important than my own, because they are using the proximity and access of several potential empoyers to their advantage.

Here's my view... if you want to work for me, send a resume and follow up with a call. If you REALLY want to work for me, stop by the office and show a level of interest and education that is beyond the typical. If you want to work on boat, walk the docks... but not during the show.

[Ken Bracewell]

Reids,
I would say that the show is a great networking opportunity. I wouldn't recommend handing out resumes, but I would carry a boat load (pun intended ) of business cards and only offer them when asked. You will probably see lots of people that you already know and meet many that you don't. I consider it like a great big class reunion and enjoy the people as much, or more so, than the boats.
Don't count on walking away from the show with a job in hand, but also don't be suprised if something comes from it down the road.
Primarily, just enjoy the show and take the opportunity to walk all the displays. I learn tons every year just checking things out and collecting literature.
Good Luck.
Ken

[C4ENG]

Originally Posted by reidsatsea

Hi All,
Is it worth it at all from a job-finding aspect? I'm sure the brokers are all flat-out busy, so I'd hate to waste their time; but I have heard that it's the place to be if you're looking. What's the deal, please?

Go there and meet the people. Talk shop and try to learn what people are doing, get a feel of what is happening in there company or what ever, all the while keeping your job hunt undercover (unless asked of course). Grap a buisness card or a brocure on the way out and then follow up on them later when things aren't so hectic with them.

[reidsatsea]

Thanks Gentlemen!

You all pretty much confirmed what I suspected already. Looking forward to the show.

[CaptTom]

reid,
Go with what C4eng said. If you hand out resumes, they'll get misplaced. And people you talk to may not be the folks you want to contact. Netowrk and talk to as many folks as possible. Give your card and get their card. Write on the back if it's someone you want to follow-up with an e-mail (after the show), or if they are not a good resource. Your card goes in their pocket with many others and at the end of the day or show, they don't know who is who.
Capt Tom

PS Make sure you join us for the get-together.

[Garry Hartshorn]

Just so happens that I will be departing for Panama that weekend, but have one for me anyway.

[CaptTom]

Gary ,
Send us some $$ so we can have one on you.
Catch you next time.
Capt Tom