Stroke of Genius at the 2003 PSOA show
 

Thought I'd share a few photos from the conference with everyone. I had a silly little throw-away camera, so they are not great photos.

Here's my booth. This is the first year I really went all out to create an impact with my booth. I did make a big difference and was well worth it. It probably doesn't look like it from the photo, but it was a lot of work and planning, starting a good two months ahead. At one point, Daniel Greene was just standing there silently looking and taking everything in and gave me his card.

Figuring out how to make and hang those web site screen shots along the back wall was a challenge. I finally found the right hardware on the web and then it all had to be painted black.

Of course, it would have been much easier if I'd not been so darn picky. I even brought my own floor lamp, which is peeking out behind the easel with photos of SOG members. I also brought the rug, easel, tablecover and the bamboo folding chair with a zebra cushion just to add to the ambience. The tablecover and cushion were custom-made.

Each night I took my laptop to my room and unfortunately, I forgot to set up my laptop before I shot this photo. It's supposed to be on the dark stand on the table.

The booths were very narrow, so on the right, you're seeing part of the Wallis booth and on the left, part of the Genesis booth where Karin Wells was demonstrating.

Almost forgot that on the left front of the table are the paintbrush pens I sold at the show. However, SOG members got one for free at our Thursday night dinner.

What a terrific presentation!

My favorite part is the tablecloth, n'est-ce pas?
(Is that a French fry I see over there?)

Here's another shot. Yes, Chris, French lettering on the tablecloth and a fleur de lis easel. I was already down the French decor path when things went awry with France. It took the chance that no one would hold it against me. If anyone did, no one said anything. I actually think that the overall look was enough that no one focused on the French theme. From a marketing standpoint, the picture on the easel with member photos and the screen shots on the back wall of my web designs were winners.

Next door was the Genesis booth where Karin Wells demonstrated. Here is Karin with SOG member Wanda Kemper.

Moi at the booth. Photo is copyright Karin Wells. Just teasing, but she did take the photo.

John de la Vega

Peggy Baumgaertner and John Solie

Cynthia, I think your personal touches, really show your attention to detail, plus it looks much better than "trade show" decor! :thumbsup:

Thank you Chris and Beth for the compliments! The main purpose is to share with those who could not attend.

We ended up with about 25 people at the SOG dinner and the final roster was:

Peggy Baumgaertner
Karin Wells
Tom Nash
John Solie
Ned Bittinger
Shari Ford
Ned Bittinger
Jill Cohen
John de la Vega & 2 guests
Annette Ellingwood
Cathy Muhly
Michael Shane Neal
Dean & Joanne Paules
Denise Racine & mother
Mary Reilly & guest
Jim Riley
Enzie Sharmiri
Johanna Spinks
Wanda Kemper
Paul Dinwiddie

If I've overlooked anyone, please call it to my attention.

Looks great, Cynthia. I'm glad the show was a success for you!

Michael Shane Neal looking dapper

Hi Cynthia,

Your booth looks tres chic! All your hard work really pays off. It looks like it was a wonderful event and a fascinating dinner.

Thank you Michele and Linda.

Dean Paules (left) at one of the show booths.

Hi Cynthia,

I have banned myself from spending time on the forum, since I have a show coming up and gotta get some paintings done. BUT, since it's coffee break time I was thrilled to see your post.

Karin took a very nice photo of you and the booth looks great. I can't wait to see who came aboard and whose new work you will be posting next.

What a great time! Someday I'll make it to an event, promise.

Jeanine Jackson and I finally caught up at PSOA conference. Jeanine is the one with the long blonde hair and I am the one with the short brown hair. Karin said we were like salt and pepper, kind of funny, eh?!

Jeanine shared her scrapbook about her portrait chapter, which was wonderful to look at.