FS Expo - worth it?

[Drumcode 1,905]

Did anyone from the forums go? Is it worth it? I missed this year due to an overdue trip to Europe. Also, did they announce the location for next year? I got a provisional blessing from the wife, as long as I take her and my kid with, so hopefully it’s an attractive destination.

[Danno 192]

I didn't go this year but did go to the one in Connecticut (2017, I believe). Its a great event. I'd absolutely go again if it's within a 2-day driving distance. There is a lot to see and many very interesting announcements. I've never heard anyone being disappointed. 

I have not heard where it is next year.

[Wise87 1,286]

I went to the one in Orlando and had a great time. I wanted to go to the Houston Expo as it is driving distance for me also but my schedule didn't allow me to go this year. Depending on 2024 location, I hope to attend. 

[Radpreemo63 26]

Just got back and it was incredible.  According to the folks I talked with who had attended previous Expos, this one was by far the best. I'm certainly planning on attending upcoming ones!

Edited June 26, 2023 by Radpreemo63

[Steve Dra 7,591]

I went, thought it was amazing!

Too many people to list that I met in person that I previously only ever saw online (Twitch, youtube, etc)....but many popular flightsim personalities were there, for example:

Chewwy94, Moosestaffa,  @twotonemurphy, Q8 pilot, CitationMax1 (had no idea he was THAT tall!), @simbol , @Marwan Gharib, @virtuali, Colin at TFDi (Flew on the same fight from Tampa with him), and finally, almost all of the PMDG crew....many of whom I've interacted with over the years on the beta team, but had never met previously. 

I didn't take too many photos, as I knew there would be many displayed by other attendees (I think the count was just over 1800, a new record attendance).   This one, however, made me laugh as it looks as though Mike (Moosestaffa) was about to take out Max (CitationMax1) with his classic Moosjitsu Death Chop®!

I highly encourage everyone who has a passion for flightsimming and this community in general, make every effort to attend a show in the future...get out from behind your computer screen and shake hands with the real people you interact with online every day (oh, and see some pretty cool flightsim stuff at the same time...and get some great show-attendee deals that were practically criminal)!

Friendship and Memories...You'll take them away from these events and cherish them always!

 

[Luis Hernandez 576]

1 hour ago, Steve Dra said:

I went, thought it was amazing!

Weren't you one of the conferencists? 😉

After all the enthusiasm I saw on Friday's seminars, I got the itch. Too bad any expo is a bit far away from here...

[Steve Dra 7,591]

12 minutes ago, Luis Hernandez said:

Weren't you one of the conferencists? 😉

After all the enthusiasm I saw on Friday's seminars, I got the itch. Too bad any expo is a bit far away from here...

In fact I was now that you mention it. 🙂

I gave a very brief 45 min seminar on how to get an MSFS paint project started. (If you're a member of FSA, you can watch the recorded live streams for free)

 

[ZLA Steve 377]

I attended Vegas in '18 and really enjoyed it. Really cool to connect with the community and put faces to names (as well as also come out from behind the keyboard)

Agree that an attractive destination makes it much easier for families to join, but for me proximity is the biggest key. I would like to see them do an east coast/west coast/central rotation every year.

[JGreen5278 21]

Just to chime in we had an amazing time. Unfortunately missed @Steve Dra due to an interview appointment, the number of attendants present was indeed amazing to see. In addition to being very family friendly, I was able to bring the entire clan. Tons of smiling faces and hand shakes, was a short drive for me but planning on happily traveling to wherever the next one is being held.

 

 

 

[simbol 5,832]

It was a pleasure to see you all! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to come to see me and share wonderful moments.

Best,

Raul

[JGreen5278 21]

3 minutes ago, simbol said:

It was a pleasure to see you all! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to come to see me and share wonderful moments.

Best,

Raul

The pleasure was ours Raul! Safe travels home!

[01pewterz28 117]

Any mention of a 2024 location?

[Steve Dra 7,591]

6 hours ago, 01pewterz28 said:

Any mention of a 2024 location?

I actually tried to trick Evan into telling me...as I was leaving the museum on Sunday I shook his hand and thanked him for all the effort and a great show (He really does go way above and beyond) and said "Great show Evan!  I'll see you next year aaaaaat...."  He said nice try. 🙂   Not sure if he even knows yet.  He mentioned that with this year's record-breaking attendance, our little niche hobby actually can entertain Convention Center - level venues...and he's going to look into that in next year's planning, so great things coming!

[Drumcode 1,905]

I’m definitely in next year. @simbol Maybe we’ll get to meet in person next time around! 

[cmpbellsjc 2,963]

13 hours ago, Steve Dra said:

 

Chewwy94

For some reason I thought “Chewwy94” Matt passed away earlier this year. I must be thinking of someone else.