Part 1:
Local
Partners will be responsible to arrange for a place where we can
meet and do the presentation. (This can be at one of the local TV stations,
production houses or their offices, if television equipment is
available to demonstrate how the items I'll be bring with do their
thing. This should not be a restaurant; they don't like to
give up tables for our displays and it isn't good to be moving
equipment in and out while their customers are trying to eat.) There
are usually enough local places in each community where we can meet
that won't cost any of us anything.
Where ever we
meet, we will need 8 cafeteria-type tables to put our equipment on
and a nearby outlet to plug into (117VAC/20A). We will bring all
table coverings and electrical cabling. We will need one or two
helpers to set up and to strike the equipment. Contact me to discuss the
details of my needs.
Part 2: It is not fair to
any of us if the local engineering community doesn't show up. We'd
like to see twenty or more, if possible. We notify the National
offices of both the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and the
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and they
have promised that they will notify their local Chapters and Sections
about the trip. We suggest you invite everyone: TV, Radio, Cable, Post
houses and any local educational institutions that have technical
classes. Hams have enjoyed our presentations also. (KA6UTC).
To reinforce this, the Local
Partners are asked extend invitations to the the engineering staffs of all
television related businesses within a 50-100 mile radius and
encourage them to attend. Since engineers do move between different
types of facilities, it doesn't hurt to let everyone know about the
event: management and craft. This is why not only TV stations, but
post houses and cable companies should be on the invitation list. This
is a small world and engineers do talk to each other; especially in
the smaller markets. Look at what those who attended The Road Show - A
Taste of NAB 2004 had to say about it:
http://www.tech-notes.tv/2004/2004_comments.pdf
Part 3:
In
most venues, I will be available the night before through the
morning after the Road Show events to meet with anyone or help with
any promotions. Although I will take care of my own lodging, I
would appreciate suggestions for nearby accommodations where my
wife, who will be accompanying me, and I can stay (We don't need the
Ritz Carlton, but don't want the Hell Motel either.)
Part 4: The
only anticipated out-of-pocket expenses to the Local Partner would
be for refreshments. (Engineers will usually show up if
they know they're going to get fed. -- I know, I was one
once.) It is strongly suggested that you find local vendors who have
been selling to your local broadcast community and put the mussel on
them to kick in for this.
It is expected that the Local Partner, if they are a sales
organization, manufacturer's, service company, integrator or anything
similar, will promote and display their products, services, etc. as
well.
We'll give them room to set up and show their
technology. Please advise them to contact us about details as we
don't want this to end up as a sales blitz on their part.
