Exhibition Etiquette

[Skyline2uk]

Watching the crowds at TINGS yesterday I have to say that anything carried on the back is a downright liability.  Getting clouted by a back pack doesn't bother me too much, I'm big enough and ugly enough to withstand a bit of a battering.  But I saw someone carrying a baby on their back, who nearly knocked an old lady over.  Luckily it was only nearly but I know I'd feel pretty bad if I accidentally knocked someone over.

Precisely why I have long since ditched the backpack.

New tactic is to only carry what I need on me (wallet, keys, guide, small camera). I take food with me too but this year left it in the car and just popped out to the car when I was hungry.

This works well at most shows with a car park nearby, or when its not raining! It would not work at Warley (yes I know this is a less than popular show on here, but I love it as its now a tradition for me), so will probably carry that in a plastic bag. Backpacks don't work.

Skyline2uk

[Portpatrick]

Backpacks are a hazzard in other places.  I say this having commuted to and around London (main line and underground) for some decades until I retired.  However the issue is that these, and by extension child carrying versions, are often used by those who have no idea how to "drive them", no sense of geometry.  Goodness knows what they might be like as car drivers.  So they swing round and if you happen to be in the wrong place it is your fault.  On one occasion I lost my cool and shoved it back hard.  I leanred some new words!  I think procreation and doubts abpout my parentage was involved. 

So by all means use them but only if you are able and willing to allow for them as you move around.

for myself at larger shows I do use a small rucksack, usually over my shoulder.  It avoids using too many single use carrier bags.

[GeeBee]

Having just exhibited at the West Cornwall Model show another 2 frights became apparrant 1 Large ungainly handbags precariously balanced on one shoulder and under no control what so ever (5 Tornado's in dire danger of being smashed on to the floor) and 2 4 year old fingers when parent says "ooh look he wants to touch every thing"  GRRRR    does make a display quite stressfull which is a shame as it is my hobby and should be enjoyable 

[d-a-n]

at larger shows I do use a small rucksack, usually over my shoulder.  It avoids using too many single use carrier bags.

We collect N gauge, surely we can't buy enough to fill the space of a single carrier bag?!!   

[kevin141]

Reading through back packs etc are a pain but having done Grantham show i would ask the operators on some layouts to lighten up and engage more with the paying public even with my exhibitor badge on they were miserable so & so and would talk after all we are playing trains the feed back i got from my was very good because we engaged with the public and when a camera came in sight we asked if the picture taker wanted the trains posing for the picture and that we always had some thing running.My thoughts of many some to rude to put in
Kevin   

[johnlambert]

I know different exhibitors will have different ideas about how they want to run their layout, and how much engagement they want to have with the public, but I have to say (as I mentioned elsewhere) that Castle Brewery is an object lesson in how to run a crowd-pleasing layout. 

The layout featured three running lines with trains continuously circulating on the outer two and the inner loop for stopping passenger and goods trains.  Trains on the outer lines were changed frequently, The inner loop could be run from the front of the layout which allows the person at the front to carry out shunting and engage with visitors.  There was nearly always something moving but it wasn't just the same couple of trains endlessly circulating.  There was always someone on hand to answer questions and even give anyone who looked willing a chance to do some shunting.

Also there was some written information by the side of the layout along with a list of things for people to try and spot in the scenery and on the trains.

I don't have any connection with the people who own and operate Castle Brewery, I'm just a satisfied punter.