Had the opportunity to attend the Ct expo both Friday and Saturday as I was Happy to finally have something in my neck of the woods
I have been to many NPC Show, biggest one being the Southern States but nothing of this magnitude. The were a good amount of booths, giant companies like VPX and BSN as well as some smaller ones trying to get their name out there
First up Bob Chick...Bob was manning the BSN booth so I walked over and introduced myself as littleguns from the board. Bob laughed and said I know your posts. We chatted maybe 15 minutes or so about the ass clowns on GB, PBW and some of the older BB'ers out there like Jimmy Quinn and such.Saturday we chatted again as he was nice enough to take a pic with my son.
Few things I would like to dispell...
1. Bob is not the same size as Lee Priest, a garbage can or Verne Troyer. I am 5'8 and you can see Bob has a few inches on me.
2. That is Bob's hair, not a toupe, chia head or anything of the like (Yes Bob I was looking)
3. Pics don't do Bob justice, Chick may not be at 4% BF but IMO he is big and fairly lean.
He's a good guy who gets a bad wrap. Don't judge the man until you meet him. He truly loves the business and cares about the fans.
Next up was Kai at the Muscle Meds Table. Kai is one of the humblest and most spiritual person I have ever met. We chatted for a while, his BBing philiosophy, NY (as we're both from there) and life in General. He was definitely huge, hands engulfed mine when we shook hands. Told me he was 292 (let the flaming begin). Signed a free autograph for me. WHat he does in his personal life is his business, as long as he's not hurting kids, and animals...he's alright by me.
Then tried to chat with Victor Martinez but he had to jump into a training session, signed an autograph for me. Definitely big, huge arms, and mid section seemed in check. I was also impressed with Gerard Dente of MHP, he is still a pretty big guy.
Was also fortunate enough to have a picture with Gaspari...He is an all business type of guy, not too much interaction with the fans.It was interesting that in talking with some of his reps, they said Hide was asked by Gaspari to take a break from competing and let his body recover but he wouldn't!!! And of course we know the outcome....
Last was Branch, definitely see why he called the "people's champ", very receptive to all fans and actually asked each persons name before taking a picture with them. He is big as heck also....you can't fathom 260, 270 etc on a person until you meet them in person.Trish Warren was also there and she is a little tank as well (mean that in a good way) Still femine but good muscle size.
Also saw Andy Haman at Dymatize....these guy is Bonkers..44yrs old and seriously ADHD!!
Also from Xero Limits, can't remember his name but looks like a smaller Stan Efferding. He is a lil tank.
All in all I think it was a great event with lots of goodies being given out. I was hoping to see more Pro's but all and all very Happy. I wish I could have stayed to see the Pro Show but my little guy was getting antsy.
Bottom line, get out to the shows, support the economy. It was $20 to get in and the samples I received were worth much more than the admittance!!!! Who cares who is in the show, stop hiding behind the keyboard and meet the Pros...