I think some people are blowing the "commercial" aspect of the show way out of proportion. You realize that there with be a thousand+ people attending who are not commercial? These people (i.e. us) are what make the show, just as much as the gear on display. Just because there isn't an official members room, doesn't mean you can't hang out with members and listen to their gear.
Here are my impressions of the social side of Canjam Socal last year. It should say something to you that I split my show impressions into two posts: one for gear and one for the social aspect. It was my first Canjam and I made a lot of friends. If you read through the post, you'll see that none of the cool people I met or fun memories I made were from meeting someone at an official member table or member area.
And the same kinds of things happened at the Schiit Show and RMAF last year as well. I met and hung out with lots of people. We had meals, we had mini-meets in hotel rooms, we went karting, we sampled various alcohols, etc. These things happen organically if you let them.
My point is simply this: the social aspect is what you make of it. Canjam is a place where everyone you meet shares at least one giant thing in common with you: our love of the hobby. You can walk up to anyone and start talking about gear and you'll be met with an enthusiastic reply from a new friend. Who cares if it's someone's personal gear or you're at the RHA table listening to their stuff and talking to those crazy Scots? The social scene is there and accessible and it's great. Don't knock it until you've tried it.
I plan on using a Sharpie to write my forum name in big letters on my name tag. I hope to see you all there and make some new friends yet again.
Here are my impressions of the social side of Canjam Socal last year. It should say something to you that I split my show impressions into two posts: one for gear and one for the social aspect. It was my first Canjam and I made a lot of friends. If you read through the post, you'll see that none of the cool people I met or fun memories I made were from meeting someone at an official member table or member area.
And the same kinds of things happened at the Schiit Show and RMAF last year as well. I met and hung out with lots of people. We had meals, we had mini-meets in hotel rooms, we went karting, we sampled various alcohols, etc. These things happen organically if you let them.
My point is simply this: the social aspect is what you make of it. Canjam is a place where everyone you meet shares at least one giant thing in common with you: our love of the hobby. You can walk up to anyone and start talking about gear and you'll be met with an enthusiastic reply from a new friend. Who cares if it's someone's personal gear or you're at the RHA table listening to their stuff and talking to those crazy Scots? The social scene is there and accessible and it's great. Don't knock it until you've tried it.
I plan on using a Sharpie to write my forum name in big letters on my name tag. I hope to see you all there and make some new friends yet again.
