C W Burfle posted:A separate area or building where makeup, jewelry, candles, foods, clothing, and nick knack vendors can set up. If you attract the ladies of the hobbyists that go to York the gate attendance increases along with the revenue to the ED. This may also bring in more males that do not attend because there is nothing there for their wives. A new idea that the ED may wish to consider.
Is that in addition to the carnival?
I was a regular at some train shows where they started inviting stuff like that, as well as doll houses and toys. It wasn't long before that other stuff took over the show.
But I guess it might be OK if that sort of stuff was contained in a very specific area, which would have to be a dealer hall.
There is plenty of stuff in the area to do for family that isn't interested in trains. Lots of outlet stores and factory tours. Gettysburg isn't that far away. On the occasions that my wife and kids could attend York with me, that's what they did for most of the time, along with a brief visit to a few halls because my kids did like trains.
It's my impression that until recently, the Eastern Division ran busses to some of the outlet malls, but dropped them due to lack of interest.
One thing along the lines of this idea that I think the Eastern Division might do is to promote these things in their advertising for the show, especially when its opened to the public. Maybe the York Tourist Bureau could provide some assistance.
All things change and you must be ready accommodate the change to capture new opportunity. Those who refuse to change are preparing themselves for failure. Opening an unused building and renting spots for ladies merchandise is not a unique idea. It has been done at the AACA Das Awksfcht show at MacCungie, at Carlisle auto shows and at Hershey Auto Shows. At the large auto shows you will find, Bingo, Fireworks, Arts & Crafts tents, Woman's accessories, Live Music, Kids Shows and Activities (jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists, clowns) and other entertainment. These shows are very successful and the attendance blows away what ED York draws. The philosophy that "we've been doing it this way for years" is a sure ticket out of business. If you are so close minded, so opposed to thinking outside the box, then ask yourself what is so terrible about a broader York event that will draw families and possibly double the attendance?
