The things that went on at Internext this year, were somewhat different than other years, because they were done in front of more people. These things have always went on, BUT they were kept under wraps at smaller parties, and usually invitation only. There is really no uproar, when kept between people of the same mindset. It is when they are done in the presense of a 1,000 people that things change. It was totally unexpected by the majority of the attendees who would not have went if they knew this type of behaviour was going to go on.
The vandelism is another story. That has to be chalked up to lack of maturity, , stupidity and lack of respect of other people property.
It only takes a few incidents to sour a hotel, or to make a sponsor decide not to be involved again. I see fewer and fewer of the people that I grew up in the business with, at each show. They have distanced themselves from much of the nonsense. They have matured and the novelty is gone. When they are there, you rarely see them roaming around.
Hopefully some have learned from these threads that some things should be more private and that vandelism is 'not acceptable.
It really makes it tough to book a hotel ! Even though I have had very little problems at our shows, hotels are lury of our Industrry's reputation. One I am dealing with now for June 2004 - raised the rates we had previously discussed, when they sent the contract from Corporate. They either really don't want the show, or they are covering their ass worrying about damage. Yes, a few bad apples can ruin everything...... and everyone pays for their actions.
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