UBB.threads Forums General Interest Community Center OVMS/MAX

Hi all read on another forum that the ovms facebook page posted an acquisition/ merger of the max?

That's news to me. I am a member of the OMVS and they have not communicated that to us that I am aware of. As long as it stays in Louisville, that would be a good move, the SOS and the MAX together.

Mark

Ohio Valley Military Society and the Show of Shows is on Facebook.
October 31st 2014

Wilmington, Ohio

After 30 years of operating the Military Antiques Extravaganza, better known as the MAX Show, today Tom Wittmann and Colonel Tom Johnson have passed the baton to the Ohio Valley Military Society. The MAX pioneered the international military collector show in the United States, and established the standards that other world class militaria events strive to emulate. The OVMS Show-of-Shows was in fact built on the model set forth by the creators of the MAX. Over the past 30 years, their efforts have directly resulted in the introduction of countless new collectors to the hobby, a raised standard for integrity and honesty, and fostered an atmosphere of scholarship that had been of significant benefit to veteran and new collectors alike.

The Ohio Valley Military Society is dedicated to preserving the tradition of quality and international fellowship that has been the cornerstone of the MAX Show. A number of MAX traditions will be retained, most importantly the revered MAX name. In addition, the best of the MAX will be combined with some of the most popular features of the OVMS Show-of-Shows. A complete plan is currently in development, but there are several highlights that can be shared at this time.

Table rates will be adjusted to match those of the Show-of-Shows. MAX tableholders who have already pre-paid their 2015 table reservations will be offered a choice of a rebate for the difference in price or the opportunity to add additional tables to their reservation.

MAX Show Life Members who are not already OVMS Life Members will be automatically granted OVMS life membership at no cost.

Of particular interest to all current and future OVMS members, your membership badge that allows free admission to the Show-of-Shows and all other OVMS events will now grant you that same privilege at the MAX Show. This is an important added value for your membership, at absolutely no additional cost.

The OVMS leadership will have more information to offer in the weeks to come. At the time of this writing, the acquisition of the MAX Show is merely hours old, and there is much to do before all administrative details are finalized. We will have table reservation forms available soon on the OVMS website. In the meantime, we invite all militaria collectors in the US and around the world to open a beverage of their choice, and join us in a toast to the proud record of the MAX, and it's successful future under OVMS direction.

Well, Well, Well.

hi dave
god bless the ovms i think all will be happy our best to tom wittmann he deserves a long break after all these years and the great job he did god bless tom witmann and the max tom jr. crews andy militarynut

Andy:

You are so right!

John

So does the Max remain in Monroeville? What exactly does a merger of the two shows really mean? cheers and regards

Thats certainly one of the more pressing questions, and I'm sure an answer will be forth coming. I believe MAX management has an agreement in Monroeville extending through 2016, but like Adolph and Neville (excuse the comparison), intentions and contracts often change. At face value this appears to be a win/win situation. My thoughts are the MAX (more a partnership business than an organization) felt after 30 years without an heir apparent was as opportune time for a transition without posting a "going out of business" sign......an appreciative nod to the community. OVMS and MAX mgt are to be commended on the negotiated agreements on memberships and tables prices....thanks! I look foreward to the shows of this new venture.

Yes the rumor was going around at this last MAX..

A sign of the times in our hobby,,,but those who go to both shows the last 5 or 6 years seen this coming..

I enjoyed the MAX show in Pittsburg/Monroeville for years. Bought and sold many daggers there over the years. However, this last year was a tough show for many.

I commend Tom Wittmann and his his staff for making the MAX a classy place for military to be seen, bought and sold.
They did a great job.

HAIL !

Serge

The first show I ever went to was a MAX and I was astounded at the vast amount of collectibles to see there.

I got hooked on going to the shows and have gone to at least one of them every year since then.

There are pros and cons to each show of course, location being the biggest difference.

I, too, would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the two Toms for what they have done for the hobby via the MAX and their vast other contributions.

For me, the main upside in this is that my life membership in OVMS extends to a life membership in MAX.. whoopee! I will save the early entry fee and have more money for beers.

John

Yes it was announced at the OVMS show this weekend!

The table prices go to the price of SOS table prices!

3 yr contract still in effect for PA location!

OVMS membership in effect!


PVON

I hope they don't bring in the caterer from SOS

Dave...OMG, no. Maybe they could learn and bring the caterers from the MAX to the SOS!

J

Hi guys, just read militarytrader's interview with Bill combs (see link below)...as a new collector of TR items, I can't help but wonder if I'm coming in at a bad time. If any more senior member or advanced collector in our field can comment on what this means for our hobby, I'd greatly appreciate it...looking forward to hearing your thoughts...

10 questions about the MAX acquisition

Interesting interview. It sums up most of what I knew or suspected to be the case.

Looks like a good deal for both exhibitors and attendees. Cheaper tables and entry fees for OVMS Members. Free access to OVMS for MAX Life and Charter members.

Incorporating firearms into the shows will result in more overall attendance, but I am not sure that it will add to the number of militaria collectors or that the firearms collectors will develop a taste for militaria. We'll see, but more visitors equals better profit for the owners and thus more chance it will keep happening. All good things.

The note about downplaying the number of swastikas is not new. It has been with MAX for several years and there have been less of the big flags put up for some time.

The Monroeville venue. One that I really like because of the size and the proximity of the main hotel. It can expand a bit with the back rooms and maybe better table spacing, but not much. The real limitation is parking and I am surprised that was not mentioned. The MAX contract is for this year and 2016 to be at the current location. Maybe 2017 too.

After that? Finding other venues could be difficult unless they really expand the firearms component. If they can make it mostly a gun show, then us militaria nuts can be downplayed. Regardless, I think it will stay on or near the East Coast as lots of customers, collectors and dealers drive to the show.

What could be improved with a new location besides size/parking. AIRPORT ACCESS !!!! I drive but many of my friends fly and they it is time consuming and expensive. ATTACHED HOTEL !! I fondly rem member the old Monroeville set tup where the show was a stroll down the corridor at the Radisson.

Shame the interviewer did not ask about food I do hope that keep and improve the current concession and do NOT import OVMS standards. Also hope they keep the current dining tables and do not try to squeeze out a few extra buck by eliminating it.

Dave