AQS Grand Rapids Recap

Finally, a little post about my whirlwind experience in the Primitive Gatherings Booth in Grand Rapids last month.  Where to start?  It was crazy busy before I even left for my trip.  Starting with packing.  I spoke with Lisa several times about attire.  I am notorious for over packing and uncomfortable shoes.  I seem to always pick fashion over comfort when it comes to footwear.  Not so this time.  I packed light and comfortable...very important I found when working all day in a PG Booth.

I set off at 6 AM, so A. I could be there by 8:30 to help set the booth and B. I could stop for an Egg McMuffin on the way.  They are my must-have for any early morning road trips. :-)  I had a little trouble trying to figure out how to get in the convention center.  I am pretty sure I worked off that Egg McMuffin running around until luckily, Lisa waved me down and greeted me with this...

Pretty cool.  I have to apologize for not taking a ton of photos.  I was just so busy that I completely forgot to.  Two things I learned.  One, setting up a PG booth is A LOT of work!!  I mean it's a workout.  I was sweating something awful!!  Two, the Bongeans are the hardest working people EVER!  No joke.

This is as the booth is starting to come together.  Lots of hanging curtains, samples...everything. 

You may have noticed...I took photos of samples I quilted. :-)  There are 140 samples in the booth, not including all the fabric, thread, wool, notions....precuts...etc.  In order to navigate through the booth, all the samples are numbered, so then you can find the pattern/kit in the booth.  Genius.  The booth is always preset at the warehouse with a printed layout, so we know exactly how to set it up at the show.  Again...genius.

All set for the big opening day!  Nick and Lisa said it went together quickly with the 3 of us working.  FYI, it took all day.  I told Lisa to just boss me around, so I would know exactly what to do.  I will be honest, I never thought it was going to end...Nick just kept bringing in more stock!!  LOL.  I am so glad I was there to set up because it was a life saver for the show.  I could actually help folks find things because this is what the booth looked like 99% of the time during the show...

Bumper-to-bumper traffic!  Lines to get in.  Lines to pay.  I think poor Nick was blamed if the line got backed up, but he can only go as fast as the electronics do!!  The first day of the show was the busiest!!!  We didn't even get a chance to eat.  The Bongeans and their staff do an incredible job to bring you the best booth they can.  I have an incredible amount of respect for how hard they all work.  

I made such awesome memories.  Even a Toby Keith concert while I was there.  

It can't be all work and no play. :-) Lisa, me and Christy.  She and her husband, Clay had a booth at the show as well, Morgan Hoops and Stands.  Nick even treated us to a bike taxi after the concert.  Genius.  We were waaayyyy too tired for anymore walking that night!

I was fortunate enough to meet so many new people.  Many readers of my blog as well as fellow bloggers.  Wonderful people.  That was one of my most treasured memories of being there.  It was great getting to know Lisa and Nick.  Most of my contact with Lisa is over the phone, so this was a nice change.  We started out as friendly, but definitely parted as friends.  :-)  One last thing...this whole thing was kind of "to get my feet wet" for THE B-I-G one.  Starts with "H"....that's all I'm saying. :-)

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