I was only able to attend the Press Conference for a few minutes, but what I saw was very impressive. The placed was packed and the stage set-up was impressive. Almost liked like a million dollar set from a high ranking TV game show.
I was also impressed by the Expo. My only complaint there was the cost involved getting the gear from the loading dock to the booth space site. Most products could have been carried in by the vendors but since it was a union operation, everything had to be carried in by the union personel and that got rather expensive.
Rumor was that it cost $25 to carry one case of drinks from the loading dock area to any of the booths inside. Any truth to that one?
Bob, you guys did one hell of a great job making that expo work for one and all. I made the complete tour/rounds at least six times over the two day period.
The most impressive thing I saw was the little 4 year old karate kid doing warm-ups in the ring by jumping four feet into the air and landing on the deck in the split position. Cocky little kid but he did impress everyone.
I still feel that women's bodybuilding has gone overboard, but I gotta admit that I still have lots of respect for their efforts. I didn't agree with the Jay decision and discovered soon afterwards that there were many other who thought that Martinez should have won it.
Best dude in the whole damn expo has to be Noah Steer! One who never seemed to crack a smile was Ferrigno. Milos was always busy talking business. Cena was super polite to all his fans. Chick was touring the place and speaking to eveyone as time allowed. Ron was having a great time soaking it all in. Lift was shooting pictures and shaking hands.
Soloman (mon?) was a great guy to talk with and has the kind of voice that the movie industry is always looking for... brings back memories of Stirling Holloway. Jeff Everson towering over the crowd and shaking hands with just about eveyone in passing. Robby Robinson still looking younger than he did 30 years ago. Quincey appeared to be the most generous pro giving ample time to each of his many fans for conversation and picture taking. James "Flex" Lewis and Peter Putnam and Brandon Curry (the future of bodybuilding) making new fans at this expo with courtious talk and photo ops. I know and have met lots of fighters since the days of Joe Lewis and Jack Dempsey, but the one fighter who most amazes me is the one fighter whose name I can't remember, so I'll include his photo at the bottom. Talk to this fighter for just two minutes, and I know that you'll agree 110%. He brings class ot MMA.
I'm forgetting many others and some beautiful ladies who made every guy feel like he was the only person in the place.
One lady in particular knows what I mean.
Had a great time! Thanks to all who made that possible.
Sorry for this blurry shot.....
