It Is Here! 2024 SOS!

[Ronnie]

I am so pumped up about this show. Last few years not so much but something has me really anxious. Almost wanna leave a day early and set up in the Marriott parking lot on Tuesday and Wednesday. That would be fun. Looking forward to seeing a bunch of good solid friends that I have made at the show thru the years. Y’all be safe and I’ll see you on the beach.

Ronnie Darby

(Darby’s Rangers)

 

[CavalryCombatant]

Ronnie, I’m as excited as you are!  Last year was my first, and I was grossly underprepared- this year I’m ready to rock ‘n roll.  Maybe too ready, actually.. I’ve got all my stuff packed and nothing to do for the next couple days : ( hah!  Have they given you guys your locations yet?  I’ll make sure to stop by and say hi.

 

CC

[Ronnie]

We will be in about the same location as the last few years. But you’ll have to look in the program to see where that is. Sorry I just don’t remember. But I do look forward to meeting you.

Ronnie

[72psb]

This will be my first time. Totally pumped for it. Meeting an on line friend who's coming in from France. I'll do Friday and Saturday. Hope these old 71 year old legs hold out.

[Ronnie]

Rent a scooter. Makes it much easier.

Have a great time.

[zk4298militaria]

See y’all Friday! Bright and early

[644td]

It will be a great show. Looking forward to seeing old friends 

 

marty

[max0073]

Hi,

I am going this year for the first time from Europe. Planning to go on Thursday afternoon and Friday (I am going to get the membership for Thursday entrance)

 

Any advice you would give to a first-timer ?

 

thanks,

Max

[Major Z]

8 hours ago, max0073 said:

Hi,

I am going this year for the first time from Europe. Planning to go on Thursday afternoon and Friday (I am going to get the membership for Thursday entrance)

 

Any advice you would give to a first-timer ?

 

thanks,

Max

Max,

 

  The most important tip is having comfortable shoes. Walking up and down those unforgiving concrete aisles will tire your feet after a while. If you can bring more than one pair and rotate your shoes that would help you too. Force yourself to hydrate and eat. When you're laser focused on all the stuff, you will forget both. Bring a backpack. Bring multiple denominations of USD. If you only bring $100s, you won't find anyone to make change. I recommend being heavier on $10, $20 and even $50s. If you can get some small Ziploc bags, they will protect your smaller purchases (if applicable). If you find something you like, buy it right then. If you try to go back, chances are the item you wanted will be sold already. Be sure to negotiate prices. And most of all, have a great time! Network and make friends.

[manayunkman]

1 hour ago, Major Z said:

Max,

 

  The most important tip is having comfortable shoes. Walking up and down those unforgiving concrete aisles will tire your feet after a while. If you can bring more than one pair and rotate your shoes that would help you too. Force yourself to hydrate and eat. When you're laser focused on all the stuff, you will forget both. Bring a backpack. Bring multiple denominations of USD. If you only bring $100s, you won't find anyone to make change. I recommend being heavier on $10, $20 and even $50s. If you can get some small Ziploc bags, they will protect your smaller purchases (if applicable). If you find something you like, buy it right then. If you try to go back, chances are the item you wanted will be sold already. Be sure to negotiate prices. And most of all, have a great time! Network and make friends.

Now that’s excellent advice!

[srossio]

Asprin...bring asprin!  Nothing is worse than being an hour in and getting a headache/backache, etc. and not having anything to fighit it (trust me on this one)!
 

[Mr.Jerry]

Wear good Shoes ( I get my crew new cushy shoe inserts). stay hydrated, eat. take breaks. make notes of where you are by table # and aisle letter.

Talk to people! (and if you need to use the restroom - plan ahead... there are only 2 in the hall-  there is less waiting in the ones outside the hall - but takes a while to get there!)

 

here is a video we just did one some show tips and etiquette (take it with a grain of salt)

🤪

https://youtu.be/e-dC-37ILQU

 

 

[Uniforms of the Day]

Looking forward to a great show. I'll be there Thursday and Friday looking for really unusual WWI 78th Division variations, and anything WWI 307th Field Artillery.

[sgtdorango]

Cant wait to get there too, all packed up and ready to go, will have a table full of gooddies...see you guys there....mike

[USMCR79]

3 hours ago, Mr.Jerry said:

Wear good Shoes ( I get my crew new cushy shoe inserts). stay hydrated, eat. take breaks. make notes of where you are by table # and aisle letter.

Talk to people! (and if you need to use the restroom - plan ahead... there are only 2 in the hall-  there is less waiting in the ones outside the hall - but takes a while to get there!)

 

here is a video we just did one some show tips and etiquette (take it with a grain of salt)

🤪

https://youtu.be/e-dC-37ILQU

 

 

The restrooms were awful last year - I think a few of us got a stomach flu last year.

 

Bill

[USMCR79]

See page 7 of this post 

 

Quite a few of us got sick last year - Don’t eat the food and don’t use the exhibit hall restrooms

 

Bill

[USMCR79]

7 hours ago, Major Z said:

Max,

 

  The most important tip is having comfortable shoes. Walking up and down those unforgiving concrete aisles will tire your feet after a while. If you can bring more than one pair and rotate your shoes that would help you too. Force yourself to hydrate and eat. When you're laser focused on all the stuff, you will forget both. Bring a backpack. Bring multiple denominations of USD. If you only bring $100s, you won't find anyone to make change. I recommend being heavier on $10, $20 and even $50s. If you can get some small Ziploc bags, they will protect your smaller purchases (if applicable). If you find something you like, buy it right then. If you try to go back, chances are the item you wanted will be sold already. Be sure to negotiate prices. And most of all, have a great time! Network and make friends.

I use Crown Royal bags!!

 

Bill

[Kurt Barickman]

It’s very intense… 

 

Kurt

[max0073]

Hi all,

thank you for the advice. I am leaving next to Geneva and I feel like I need to prepare as if I was going on a trail :D

- good shoes

- all types of notes denomination

- bring your own snack

- water

- aspirin

- small bags (I have a few crown royal felt at home I think)

- pee before

- a compass ;)

thanks !

Max

 

[MAW]

There is a fine line to walk - if you see something you genuinely like, consider buying it.  It might not be there later, or you might not be able to find it again.

 

The food is "concession quality", so it is expensive and not that great; but it was not the source of any sickness last year.  That was a virus that was going around.

 

Wash your hands.  Use hand sanitizer.  Have fun!

 

Here's a video that our friend "Keep 'em Rolling" did this weekend....

 

 

[irish]

Once you think you are completely ready go back in and throw out half your clothes and snacks then double up on the money.. you will be just fine

[Ivydiv]

I will be there with some nice high end German swords, US Presentation sword, and beautiful Lasserre N. Orleans cased silver and ivory handled knife. Also a few helmets. Hope to see everyone at the show. Dave

[Scott C.]

Will be there Thursday afternoon and all day Friday - can't wait!

[Kurt Barickman]

On 2/19/2024 at 4:16 PM, Mr.Jerry said:

Wear good Shoes ( I get my crew new cushy shoe inserts). stay hydrated, eat. take breaks. make notes of where you are by table # and aisle letter.

Talk to people! (and if you need to use the restroom - plan ahead... there are only 2 in the hall-  there is less waiting in the ones outside the hall - but takes a while to get there!)

 

here is a video we just did one some show tips and etiquette (take it with a grain of salt)

🤪

https://youtu.be/e-dC-37ILQU

 

 

That’s funny and so true about shows👍👊

 

Kurt

[Uniforms of the Day]

Anybody staying at the Hyatt, on Jefferson?