ANSOM

Making a one-time-only cameo appearance at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, the ASD/AMD MTO Show (March 2-5) was determined by a majority of mil-surp exhibitors to be a good thing. Almost to an exhibiting firm, the consensus was that order-writing was consistent and financially satisfying, especially in light of a reduced traffic flow which was anticipated anyway.

In August 2008 (August 10-13 to be precise), the ASD/AMD Military Tactical Outdoor Show will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center, and for the foreseeable future. The much-rumored consolidation of show sites into the Sands has been put on indefinite hold. Seems there are some intra-city squabbles over who decides how and if the Sands expansion will proceed and as to who is calling the shots. We know it ain’t Frankie, though. Who knows, maybe they’ll build a casino instead. About time Vegas got one, if you ask me. Thank you, thank you very much.

Want more info on the upcoming ASD/AMD MTO Show? Good for you. Go here.

The second Army Navy Military Expo took place last week in Las Vegas at the new South Point Hotel & Casino just outside Las Vegas. It featured the return of most of the previous show’s exhibitor cadre, with a few newbies. A couple of pleasant surprises for both exhibitors and buyers attending that show - the shuttle bus from Mandalay Bay to South Point was a much quicker and easier journey than many had anticipated; and the hotel itself was found to be (relatively) inexpensive, clean and comfortable, a good deal all around. And not many army/navy trade shows get to throw in a free rodeo (taking place in the arena next to the show floor) for attendees’ viewing pleasure. Reports on the show itself was that traffic was light but many exhibitors still expressed satisfaction with the quality of the orders they wrote.

What was remarkable about the trip from Mandalay to South Point is that I believe that it took less time and effort than the walk from the entrance to Caesar’s Palace to the Augustus Ballroom within Caesar’s at the previous (August 2007) show.

In August 2008, the Army Navy Military Expo will operate as an inline component of the well-established Off Price Apparel Specialist Trade Show. The event is scheduled for August 23-26 in Las Vegas (Sands Expo Center), almost two weeks after the ASD/AMD/MTO Trade Show, also in Las Vegas. The ANM Expo/Off Price Show will overlap with the Las Vegas-based MAGIC Show (August 25-27) for two days, giving army/navy buyers an additional reason to be in Las Vegas.

In our opinion, partnering with the Off Price Show, especially as a combined unit rather than a stand-apart show in another venue is an interesting, creative and positive development for the ANM Expo.

We will offer more details on this development in our March issue. Meanwhile, for further information, click here.

The American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, NY is the creation of Jeff and Jacky Clyman of Cockpit, USA, a supplier of authentic vintage military and military-style jackets, t-shirts and other apparel based in New York City. The museum features not only famous military aircraft from the past (many in airworthy condition), but also a comprehensive historical recreation of a World War II-era airfield hanger and barracks on the grounds of the museum.

The museum, and Jeff Clyman are featured in today’s New York Times. Please go here for the article; and go here to learn more about the American Airpower Museum.