UBB.threads Forums General Interest Community Center MAX 2009

Can anyone confirm the dates and the hotels that are set aside for the 2009 MAX?

John

I believe they announced the dates as 1-3 Oct, although the MAX website has not been updated. On that subject, I heard that the building intended to host the 2009 show was in question of being ready on time. Can anyone confirm or deny that rumor?

The hotel will NOT be ready- book at the same ones as last year-the convention center is supposed to be ready-Mike

ANDY IS CORRECT OCT 1-3.... WITH SEPT.3OTH AS DEALER SET UP..........DAVE H

Work on the building and parking lot for the MAX Show is well underway and they have scheduled 3 or 4 Conventions prior to the MAX, so it will be ready. The Hotel WILL NOT BE FINISHED. The same hotels as last show are the ones being used.
Ron Weinand

MAX AD....................DAVE H

A

I do not want to sound negative about it but only 1000 tables ? The SOS 2009 had well over 1600 tables, which is 60% more, woaaaaaaaaah !
Doesn't matter though, I'm still going but the Max 2009 will probably be their smallest show ever.

The location makes it difficult for me to attend. I have been to 2 MAX shows, one in Indy and one in Charlotte...both not nearly as good as the SOS so now I only go to the SOS.

I am following this dealer credential (certification) meeting however. That will set the future tone of the MAX shows I think. Something definitely needs to change in dealer ethics, enforceable guarantees and general honest dealing, in my opinion.

Mark

Mark:

You are correct.. the location is not very good for those of us who come from far away.

For this, and for other personal reasons, I will not be going to the MAX either.

I will be at the SOS though.

There is a lot of learning that each show could take from the other. Location is one thing, amenities is another. I really like the large sit down place by the snack bar at the MAX. It made it easy to sit down with old and new friends and shoot the breeze.

Cheers,

John

John, that has ALWAYS been the biggest complaint about the SOS, no seating area when you eat a hot dog or something. Too many shows at once at the Louisville location. A car show, gun show and the SOS. The best part is the BBQ guy who sets up for the gun show on Sat morning out in the lobby. Great stuff!

Mark

I would love to go to the SOS but driving up from S.Fl. at that time of the year with weather you don't know may change at any time .The one year I was going we stopped in Charlotte N.C.for a visit .The next day it was ice.Had to cancel.The MAX only if I drive to N.Y. and go from there and than south to FL. Sure wish they would run a big show in the South.

Last year was my first Max and I was not very impressed. I think the Baltimore Convention Center would be a much better site. I just attended an event there and the convention center has excellent restaurants and hotels directly connected to it via skywalks.This builds the community aspect we look for at shows. The central east coast location is also more convenient for those of you down south. Despite the flagging economy items were still very highly priced. From what I heard all the decently priced items went on dealer set up day. I purchased what was probably the best HJ at the show from TW for $1200. What a deal.

I missed the MAX last year first time in a while.
The MAX used to be a really fun show to attend. For me that's what its all about. Getting out of the neighborhood, seeing old and new friends, having a good time, and IF I got a few pieces for my collection that was the icing on the cake.
The last few shows were beat for me. Seemed like the same old same old,,same stuff, same bull****,,its just not fun for me anymore,,,I'm out...
Now the SOS as much as the MAX has been going down , the SOS has been going up for me,,,it is to be THE show for me to attend. So that's going to be my one big show here in the states now.. Anyone want to meet in Kiev this summers end for their Military and Antiques extravaganza?! ....,G.

Gaspare:

I will be in Budapest at the beginning of September. Close, but no cigar, as they say.

John

I skipped the MAX last year as well and I share Gaspares sentiments. If I decide to go it will be a last minute choice as,among other issues, It's a difficult venue to buy anything. Additionally for anyone like me flying there coupled with that miserable ride from the Pittsburgh Airport out to Monroeville would give many pause.
I've told both Toms more than once that they should concede the East Coast to the SOS and try to replicate the much missed Great Western in a friendlier location like Arizona. We have a world class convention center right here in Phoenix which is 10 min from the airport with an excellent food court and great hotels within walking distance. The NRA just had their annual convention here and attendance was around 50,000. I was there and everyone I talked to was pleased with the setup and location. The MAX powers to be really need to start thinking outside the box if they want the show to endure.
Jim

The new venue is smaller than the old Expomart hall and will only hold 1000 tables. From what I can find out, those are selling very well at this point.

As to show location, I do not see it moving away from the East coast as that is where the majority of dealers and collectors are. Look at an old MAX program and check out where the dealers live. 99% of them drive to the show and complained about Charlotte and Indianapolis.

Other East coast areas like Baltimore, DC, etc? After Charlotte and Indy there was another search done and there were not many other choices because:

a. They did not like our hobby and what we collect.
b. Too expensive to rent. Tables would cost too much.
c. Too expensive to set up as they require that their labor be used to put up tables and lug in all the merchandise.
d. No hotels at decent prices
e. Blocked venue. Most venues have rules that protect those who signed up first from competition for 2-3 months on either side of a show.

If you have ideas, send them to the MAX sponsors.

Traveling from England. East, Middle or West USA makes no difference. I did not attend the SOS and it seems unlikely I will be at the Max.

It has a little to do with the venue, I found the area a little depressing and odd that they had no local taxi service. It has a lot to do with the Dollar's strength and I have found that because of the recessionary aspect of the British economy there are some sound investments to be made at local events.

Items are starting to come out of collections and it seems to be good quality at a fair price. Gaspare? I quite fancy Kiev. What are the details lol

The taxi service in Monroeville has to be the worst in the world.

BTW I won't be attending the MAX either. I was going too, but changed my mind after reading this thread. I can only afford one show a year and there's no question, the SOS is a better show.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stephane:
The taxi service in Monroeville has to be the worst in the world.

Kinshasa (Zaire) is supposed to be worst but that's in Africa.
I will of course be going to the SOS with my partner Stephane but I'm not so sure if I will attend the Max now.
I thought that the Max was really slow last year, the fact that it will have 35% fewer tables really turns me off.

Spock,,as you know its got a happening night life!
anyway,, End of summer, last weekend of August there is a gigantic 'antiques' show. Used to be 50% military years ago,,now about 10%,,still a great show,,and its their Independance day weekend,,big partying!!

The MAX is dead,,long live the SOS!!!

only kidding guys,,whatever floats your boat,,have a good time at the MAX..

quote:

Posted 26 May 2009 20:03 Hide Post
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stephane:
The taxi service in Monroeville has to be the worst in the world.

Kinshasa (Zaire) is supposed to be worst but that's in Africa.
I will

Well Pat and Stephane: At least on the way to Monroeville from the Pittsburgh Airport you don't have to worry about IEDs or IUDs and I'm not sure which as I can't keep all these acronyms straight. I do remember that one explodes under your vehicle and the other explodes somewhere else. I believe I will remain in the South West this year gathering whatever I can that cuts or goes bang.
Jim

Ok that's great! Stay home. That means more merch. and sales for me . Long live the MAX!!

Just remember, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. So only do one show and miss the one time opportunity for the piece you have wanted forever???
Why would you take the chance and do only one show?
Just as Houston always claims: He does as many shows as he can to increase his odds of finding those fancy clamshell bayonets.

Most people can only afford one show or in my case, too busy to make up both shows.
Got to sell my Toyota for a living.
It is an easy ride for anyone living in the Eastern part of the US but much more complicated for us, Canadians and Europeans.
It is also a pain in the behind for someone like me that flies in Pittsburg and that has no car. It is a 1 hour drive from Pittsburg airport to Monroeville. The guess hotel is miles away from the exposition compound and always need cab to get around, etc, etc, etc.

At last year's Max, I was looking for a couple of specific edged weapons and couldn't even find one. I never find what I want anyway at the show but mostly go for the social aspect of it.

I did find the daggers that I was looking for when I got back from the Max though. I simply called a few guys and "Voila", got my SS Officer Degen and my Luft Damascus by TIger.

The things I like best about the SOS ?
Only 3 things, much bigger show ( at least 50% +++ ), the airport is only minutes away from the show and last, you can actually walk from your hotel to the show.
Almost forgot, better restaurants too. I mean seriously, Monroeville is horrible for a good "night out".

It all boils down to which shows you like or don't like. To me they are all good.

The sheer number of tables is not important to me as my interest is in a limited number of sellers because of what I collect. I suspect it is the same with many of you as well unless you collect everything.

I must say that a main attraction of the shows is meeting old friends. Seeing if Rick Schreiber
still has all his gold coins and whether Brian Rich will have his monkey or lamb backpack . Will Houston Coates finally get a blue light and siren for his SOS patrol car? More importantly, will he get his own "cruiser" at MAX ?

I drive to both so getting to the hotel/show is not an issue. I thought there was a limo in Pittsburgh ? Actually the best setup I have seen was the old Radisson/Expomart in my opinion.

I try to attend both, but miss SOS more often because of weather. I wish it were later, like now.

Dave

PS - The regional militaria show in Raleigh (June 6-7) is always interesting.

Never heard of a limo service provided by the Max.

I don't care how far it is, I will always attend both shows.

Gary

I think limo or cab service was for hotel guest for airport pickup.You do need a car if you want to eat at better places and see a night life.It's across the river in the hills.Went there one year with a girlfriend and we had a good time.Plenty of restaurants,clubs etc.Remember there are colleges there Pick up a local guide magazine. That is why I only go when I visit N.Y. and go to the MAX from there , it's still a 450 mi trip one way from L.I.N.Y..

The limo service was not provided by MAX. it was either a Radisson hotel setup or a normal commercial service.

Dave

On the MAX site, it says:

Airport Shuttle Service Available for Max Show Attendees:

Super Shuttle is now at Pittsburgh International Airport. They will provide airport transportation to our hotels for $39.00 per person 1 way, or $76.00 round trip. The shuttle works well for guests that fly in to Pittsburgh and need reasonable, reliable transportation to our hotels. For info, contact Super Shuttle:

www.supershuttle.com

1-800-258-3826

Dave

Yes, I remember the shuttle service last year. I got into the airport sometime after 6:00 pm and was told that the last such shuttle left around 5:30.

John

I was up discussing our favorite subject till the wee hours 2 years ago on the last day of MAX with Mike McAlvanah and Frederick Stephens. I took the airport shuttle back the next morning with Mike. Mercifully I remember little about the ride I guess due to a lack of sleep!!
Jim

The 2007 MAX was my best show ever in both directions buying and selling. The 2008 show was not as good but still fun. One thing is for sure - if you don't go then you will never know. You may miss the one thing you didn't even know you wanted.

Seeing old friends and making new ones or just enjoying our hobby make it worth the trip. Just my opinion, Military shows are always interesting and you always learn something that will pay off in the future.

I noticed on WAF someone started a topic on the MAX show concerning would you go and attend or give it up altogether! I can't believe how many people poo-pooed it ! It makes no sense to me whatsoever. I'll bet of most of the members of these sites Myself and Carolyn Have done more shows locally and nationwide. The bottom line is you need as MANY shows as possible for your line of work or hobby. In the case of NAZI memorbilia you need ALL you can get! I can think of many great places for shows that would'nt even consider us if we said it contains NAZI items. So I think we should be thrilled that Monroeville and Louisville say very little about what we do!

Hey Ed

Good words my man. I agree with you the Max has always been a great show, and I always seem to find nice stuff there. IM sure most folks will change there mind when the show gets closer. In the mean time check out the Video my crew and I did on the max show last year.

Spencer

http://www.victorymilitaria.com/victoryreport.htm

Now, don't get me wrong here, but I have personally found both the MAX and the SOS to be very personally rewarding in terms of finding really, really neat stuff (but not so much in terms of emptying out my bank account ).

And there are good and bad thing about both shows. I personally am not upset or concerned about the number of tables that the MAX will have... it is about quality, not quantity...

My decision to not go to this year's MAX is purely a function of other commitments that make it impossible for me to be there.

My personal ranking of the two shows makes it more advantageous for me to go to the SOS than the MAX. The travel and the location are better for me.

Both shows offer the same great people to talk to, the same great items to admire and purchase and the same excitement.

Regards,

John

Let me get this straight. Has the expo mart just been remodeled and the show is where it always was.

regards, Bill

I don't know if the MAX has gone downhill over the last few years as much as the SOS has gone up. For me, the SOS blows the MAX out of the water. But each is a different atmosphere and experience, and I have full intentions of going to both.

It helps that both are an easy day's drive. I am disappointed to see there will be fewer tables, but just because one isn't as good as it was a couple years ago doesn't mean I won't go.

Hope to see many of you there!

The MAX made a successful return to Monroeville in 2007. But I have to say, they have been very unlucky when the hotel and the convention center were sold in 2008, and the hotel was closed (and still is) for renovations. It's unfortunate, and it's out of the Max Show promoters' control. The economy and the hotel situation are not helping the Max this year.