Underwhelming Experience at CKC today

[lovetoscrap]

Wondering what CKC is like in other areas?

I think this was their first year at this location (SW VA) and it was underwhelming to say the least. We had a good time and the classes were great but I am afraid the turnout was so low that they won't come back (and maybe grow?) again.

I don't think it was very well advertised. I found out about it last night from a friend that found out about Thursday night--she knows everyone and usually knows everything going on in the area, especially if it has to do with scrapbooking. While I don't watch much TV or read the paper everyday I do have lots of friends that scrapbook and none of them knew about it. Usually there is some definite "buzz" if a big event is happening. Many people we talked to agreed that it didn't seem to be promoted much and they had only heard about it this week. Someone said that there were some ads on TV for about 2 days earlier this week.

We got there 30 mins before Class Registration opened hoping to get into at least one class we wanted-- the parking lot was empty. We were first in line! Only 2 classes were actually full (one being the Disney one!) so we got in everything we wanted and there were 10 or less people in each class. It was obvious the instructors expected more-- hey, we all got door prizes -- sometimes 2 or 3! There were very few volunteers to help out and things did not seem very organized. But the classes were great, the teachers were awesome and we learned so much.

The Vendor Fair was much smaller than I expected and several were selling a lot of junk --cheap things you would get from Oriental trading that had nothing to do with scrapbooking. Quite a few were discount "Everything is $1!" type of places with more clearance items than great new products. Several vendors did say they would be lucky if they even broke even .

I just expected A LOT more from Creating Keepsakes. I was so excited-- there isn't much that will get me out of bed at 6:00 on a Saturday! It isn't like this is their first show-- a convention with their name behind it should have the experience to make sure everything runs smoothly, they have enough volunteers, and that the show is well advertised to bring in the crowds. There were no crowds. I have no idea how many people were signed up for the crops but I would be surprised if it was more than 50 and would probably bet it was closer to 30 based on the show attendance.

Is this normal for CKC? Is this just because it was the first year? I would love to go next year and stay for the crops if I have more than 12 hours notice!

 

[LisaInNc]

I went too and it was lame. I have been the Scrapbook conventions all over the country and this was the worst I have ever been to. CK used to really have big events. I guess it's a sign of the times and the economy.

A year and a half they had one in Va Beach and I went it was a lot bigger. I took 2 classes and they were terrible. Mostly a glorified make and take. I did not learn anything. CK had a really nice area selling off excess inventory and I got some really nice album kits. There was a layout contest and I won first place.

It was not like that this time.

I won't be going to another one any time soon.

Lisa

 

[Lisa]

We had a CKC in Hartford, CT several years ago. It was well attended, classes were full but it was never rescheduled again. Now we go up to Manchester, NH. We have seen vendor participation diminish over the years.

 

[i_love_stitch]

I have been to several CK Conventions. They were pretty well attended in Valley Forge, PA. I think unfortunately the industry as a whole has suffered with the economy. Many companies are closing as our little scrapbook stores are. I would guess that if it wasn't well advertised it had an impact as well. I also attended a CK scrap n play twice. It was packed, but CK did not hold it this year.

 

[Jenn]

I've never been but I have subscribed to CK for at least 6 years and I find I'm enjoying the magazine less and less. I used to love the contributors, idea pages, etc. The magazine is not only thinner than ever, it's now only printed every 2 months! Bring back Lisa Bearnson as editor!