Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion The Iowa Gas and Bettendorf meets...A comparison?

Much of the talk at Iowa Gas this year centered on the impact the relatively new car show and swap meet in Bettendorf, Iowa had on it this year, and possibly would have in years to come. The Bettendorf event is a car show, general interest swap meet, and large gas/oil auction. It was organized by one of the American pickers, and began about a day after IG ended. There were observations at IG this year about the vendor count being down (that was obvious), with the reasoning being these gas/oil vendors had chosen to go to Bettendorf. So, I'd love to get some observations here from guys (either vendors or buyers) who attended Bettendorf....and perhaps even more interesting...from people who attended BOTH events this past week.

I guess I'd like to find out if Bettendorf wound up having that many strictly gas/oil vendors, which might have impacted this year's IG, as some had been predicting. That would also be helpful to sellers and buyers thinking about attending EITHER or BOTH events next year. Thanks, guys. John

Uh oh John......crickets!

Yes, Darin, I'm surprised at the lack of comments, too. Especially since the Bettendorf "threat" was all the talk among vendors and buyers at IOWA GAS this year. True or false, but Bettendorf was being blamed for IG being short a fair number of regular vendors this year. John

I did not attend Iowa Gas this year - but it had nothing to do with the Bettendorf show.

I also did not attend the Bettendorf show.

Jim

I have attended every Iowa Gas Show since 1990 and over the years, attendance has gone down, as well as the number of vendors. Some of this year's decline probably was due to Bettendorf, but the number of Facebook and Live auctions has risen in the last 3 years, having a negative effect on many shows. Iowa Gas has gotten many negative comments about the starting date of the show and this year it was moved back to Monday, reflecting what has been going on for several years. Still, some continue to complain about the starting day. Having 2 shows in the same week is tough, but doable if you have the funds and time off. I think time will tell if these 2 shows can prosper in the time slot they currently offer. Don't write-off either show just yet.

100 percent the reason of the decline in vendors at the Iowa Gas show is because of the promotor, plain and simple. I attended/vended Iowa gas each year for about 20 years. I quit vending there about 5 years ago, and quit attending a year or two after that for many reasons.

I did attend the Bettendorf show and had a great time. The Bettendorf venue is 10 times better than Des Moines, the Bettendorf promotor is 10 times better than Des Moines. The Food is 10 times better at Bettendorf.

I talked to quite a few vendors that said they were approached at Bettendorf by either Robbie or one of the staff thanking them for being there. They were also asking for feedback on what to do in order to make the show better for next year. I can tell you I was never asked in 20 years for any kind of input from the folks that put on Iowa gas.

Sometimes it takes a threat of something greater for people to get their ***** together. I am looking forward to Bettendorf next year!

Ryan Underthun hit the nail on the head. Everything he said is 100% accurate and the reason why.

I can talk because I’ve been to BOTH shows and I stopped going to iowa Gas because it is over before it starts and no one knows when to get there. Vendors are literally leaving Iowa Gas on the day it’s supposed to start. Robbie had a strict set up time of Thursday at 11:00 (just like how Columbus is run) for vendors and opened the public gates at 1:00pm.

I am not driving 10 hours with a trailer full of stuff to buy and sell (I’m a vendor also) at Iowa Gas only to find out a bunch of people already snagged the deals and the cool stuff a day or two earlier. This has been a constant problem for years and it has been voiced and criticized for this and yet the show promoter(s) do nothing about it and don’t listen to the people who count .. the buyers and the vendors.

Robbie’s show was a blast, especially for a first year show. Car show was light, but sold out on vendors, tons of porta-potties, live music, and I counted 5 food trucks and a drink truck.

He is also sending out a survey to all vendors next week on what he could do better. Not to mention he personally thanked us all for coming and asked if we needed anything. One couple couldn’t turn their trailer around so he grabbed a lift with a hitch and got it turned around. A lot of people on this site tend to bash Robbie and the show, but I’ve known him for years and he is a class act. Always taking pictures with kids (and adults), he donated $17,000 to charity by auctioning off three signs (which got matched to $34k), hell, even a few garbage cans were full and he took care of them himself. So overall I thought this show was excellent. I will be going back.

As Ryan & Steve said, Iv been going to iowa gas 7 years in a row(i know im young in this hobby). It has gotten worse each year. I have talked to quite a few vendors and one told me "iv been vending here for 15 years and im 100% sure the promotor doesnt even know my name". That says alot. Bettendorf was alot of fun and i cant wait for next year, i just hope both shows are not in the same week again because that was a LONG & EXPENSIVE week!

This is the sign of a great leader.

Speedracer, I wish I would have known you were there, I certainly would have visited with you. Maybe I did and didnt even know it, LOL.

I was unable to attend Iowa Gas due to a mechanical break down on the way. After a 2 day repair it was to late....but after talking to my buddies that did attend most said they bought and sold great...several had their best selling trip ever....I'll be back at Iowa Gas next year

Iowa Gas was a staple for me to vend and buy over the years, I have found if you have good chit to sell, it doesn't matter what day you get there, it will sell!
As for the buying now with everyone and their dog plus Facebook auction vendors being "pickers" the deals are pretty well non existent anymore which I'm sure has affected the swap meets at either venue, especially
if your a buyer and no need to sell anything.
With that in mind, cost of travel and lodging I ask myself is it really worth it? I believe it is if your a seller for sure and those days usually come for everyone I guess.
For me Iowa Gas has always served me well for buying and selling and no I don't need a pat on the back or be buddies with the show host, just a space to sell out of as I said
earlier good stuff sells itself even in the room to room which I have always enjoyed after STEAK supper is done...

I went to Iowa once... and that was the last. I showed up and buddy said "dude why wasn't you here yesterday the show is over" and i was there before i thought started! Its like hitting a moving target on the start date. Do to work and vacations i couldn't make Bettendorf but hope to next year!! I like a show that has great promotors!!
On the note of facebook auctions... guys need to go to shows!!! You know the algorithms of facebook watch what guys sell and its a matter of time before uncle sam comes knocking on guys doors wanting money. I would much rather go to a show and pick up items and pay cash and chat with buddies and drink a cold beer versus sitting behind a keyboard and shipping stuff.

Is there room to room and an auction also at Bettendorf?

There was room to room this year but the hotel pretty much messed it up. The auction was hosted by Richmond Auctions which they will be back next year aswell!

How close is the host hotel to the fairgrounds where the swap meet and car show are held? Thanks. John