We've only attended one industry show (as vendors) over the years - the first Bondcon in Queens, NY (just weeks after 9/11). Everything was trial-and-error at the time, but we were fortunate to sell enough merch to cover all our expenses with a modest profit.
Despite the city still reeling from the WTC attacks, the show was a great success for everyone involved. It even had a secondary impact nobody had anticipated. The Crowne Plaza Hotel was hosting an understandably somber memorial reception for the 9/11 firefighters and families in the ballroom across from the Bondcon area - and towards the end of the evening many of the firefighters came over to meet 'n greet with the bondage models and producers. They told us later it really helped take their minds off the tragedy for a short while...and they were genuinely thankful for the brief distraction.
Digress aside - it was a success for us since we were able to finally meet a lot of fellow colleagues we've known online for many years...and interact with fans and members on our sites.
One of the memorable highlights was having Rick Savage drop by our booth and tell us he'd been a fan of our stuff for years.
