[Deptheads] Good Gamex 2011 - Thanks all - and I quit (well, it's to the point).

[XH - R.J. Held]

I am really impressed by how large the show was.  I was hoping that the 
ever-improvements to the shows would boost the numbers (and the weird 
weather) and it really did!  Each show department sure pulled them in 
this time.  This was a effort - it seemed like more was "going on" that 
even at the "big shows".  And man, did I miss out on the auction!   I 
did not realize the estate sales would be so...  impressive is the 
word.  Took a real dent out of the dealer room traffic, but would have 
had an over-full car if I started bidding.   And wouldn't you know we 
would get Nick Casconne back, after all my belly-aching to get him, and 
I don't even get to say hello!   I watched all his deleted scene from 
"The Cell" you know, which sadly was ALL his scenes!  (crazy movie 
business!).

It has been up and down in the dealer room - er - Exhibitor Hall - but 
it has been improving and expanding just like the convention.  We cut 
the costs for doing the room, managed a rate modification and slight 
increase, added dealers, brought back old ones, showcased manufactures, 
and have worked at bringing in alternate products.  It has been a crazy 
amount of work between Cons, from Emails and negotiations, to web page 
modifications.  Who knew?

But among this group, it's hard to complain about hard work, when so 
many of your put in so much time to make the convention run.  I really 
have done a lot or actual work and planning, but I can't even say I am 
close to the hardest worker!  So many of you top me, and so many other 
may do "less" but do so with much more on your "life plate" than I 
have.  You were a great motivator for me - you set a good standard - and 
I am a better person for it.

For the downside, I would have like to have earned more respect from 
some of you - but overall the team supported me in your words and 
actions.  I never would have made it past Con one without that support.  
When you were innovative, you inspired me to be innovative.  We you did 
your job well, you compelled me to as well.

Our dealers have also been supportive to me, and I hope you all continue 
to support them back.  Remember your small manufactures, your odd-item 
carriers, your artists - they have the hardest time of all, and are 
often over their head.  Even your smallest help can mean so much to 
them.   The Wadeys have not been to the last 4 shows, and they had many 
nice things to say - about the improved atmosphere of the dealer room 
and our nice hotel, the layout and activity around the convention.  Like 
a child growing, "we" may not see the changes con-to-con, it was 
interesting to hear them talk about the "leaps and bounds" they saw with 
a years+ perspective, and a history with the Con.

I hope you all continue the good work.  I may come down in the future to 
check things out.  I think I will miss most the regular guests - 
especially the kids that seem to grow-up before our eyes playing at our 
shows.  Even Eli (Neal... Haha!).  And them running around with "our" 
tails on!  haha!

When you decide on a new Exhibitor Hall Coordinator, I have some fairly 
well organized tickle sheets, layout and such, and I can even forward 
"this" email address for a while.  If you are bold enough to accept, I 
can tell you that I have several of the tables already committed to the 
September show (Like half!) - you could sell out if you put your mind to 
it!  It's really is hard work, with lots of trick negotiations and 
hand-holding, but you CAN accomplish something with this task!

I am unsubscribing to the list after this goes through, so I will 
believe you all wish me the best!

R.J Held