Assuming "vendors" means dealers...there certainly IS a show, although half the size, and truly called a "meet"
Normally when I write "vendors" I do mean commercial dealers. In this case I was thinking member table holders too.
A lot of people on this board think that the member table holders and commercial dealers are there for their entertainment. As far as member table holders go, that is not so. They are at York to swap trains (and money) with their fellow TCA members.
Commercial Dealers are there to make money and gain exposure. If they don't think attending gets them enough return, they will stop coming. I know several folks that are no longer attending York, they are still in business selling via the internet or even mail order.
The manufacturers and magazines that don't sell anything are there for exposure and to generate good will. If they don't value the exposure and good will, they will stay home. They may find it more effective to put their resources into a good web page and a good presence on social media.
When the Eastern Division opened the dealer halls to the public and extended the hours, I hope they did it because they thought it would be good for the show and might generate a net increase in TCA members. I hope they did not do it to mollify those commercial enterprises.
