Demos and societies at exhibitions

[Clive Mortimore]

Clive,

 

people don't usually volunteer, they are invited. 

 

If you are invited to be a demonstrator then you have been recognised for your modelling skills and expertise. To effectively share those with others requires putting some effort into presenting what you do so that it is clearly explained and understood.

 

 

The responsibility for providing good demonstrations also lies with the organiser. The quality of the demos reflects on their show. They should specify what they want and provide the right environment to enable the demonstrator to provide that.

 

Part of the problem with the demo environment is that;

a - probably no one has given it much thought 

b - all that is to hand at an exhibition facility are tables and chairs.

 

Look at traders. Those that have the best, most noticeable stands usually have a purpose built display, often at counter height and with it's own lighting.  Those that just spread their products along a row of tables don't provide a good or easy experience for the customer. The same applies to layouts.

 

Jol

Hi Jol

 

It is normally the society who is invited, who then look for members to man the stand, they are volunteers.

 

I have been invited to demonstrate my modelling at a society show but not a typical provincial model railway exhibition. Even when invited I still volunteered my services, all because I am invited does not mean I have to attend.  I have demonstrated at loads of local shows representing either my club or a society.

 

Quite a few years ago we discussed what we should have on display on the DEMU stand, some of the then committee were keen on those doing the demonstration on the society stand to have models of all the major scales, as Neal pointed out there is a belief that DEMU is a 4 mm society. This sounded good in theory until I asked for funds to buy some models that I did not want as I was not going to purchase 2 and 7 mm models just to take with me for the DEMU stand.

 

Please remember that the modeller is giving up his time, using his tools and making his models he has purchased. It would be a different story if the models, and tools were provided and he got more than a ploughman’s lunch on a cold day.

[Jol Wilkinson]

Hi Jol

 

It is normally the society who is invited, who then look for members to man the stand, they are volunteers.

 

I have been invited to demonstrate my modelling at a society show but not a typical provincial model railway exhibition. Even when invited I still volunteered my services, all because I am invited does not mean I have to attend.  I have demonstrated at loads of local shows representing either my club or a society.

 

Quite a few years ago we discussed what we should have on display on the DEMU stand, some of the then committee were keen on those doing the demonstration on the society stand to have models of all the major scales, as Neal pointed out there is a belief that DEMU is a 4 mm society. This sounded good in theory until I asked for funds to buy some models that I did not want as I was not going to purchase 2 and 7 mm models just to take with me for the DEMU stand.

 

Please remember that the modeller is giving up his time, using his tools and making his models he has purchased. It would be a different story if the models, and tools were provided and he got more than a ploughman’s lunch on a cold day.

Hello Clive,

 

it's been my experience that the show organisers invite demonstrators (often from within their own club/society ranks or a nationally known "name") in that specific role and invite Societies to represent themselves and their activities. Of course, no one has to accept.

 

If a Society decides that "demonstrating" is the best way to show what they are about, then it is surely in their best interests to get one or more of their members that are best qualified (in all senses) to do it. Perhaps DEMU should provide a display facility for members to use at shows, with a set of guidelines about the best way to go about it.The decision to invest in some display models and material would depend on how they want potential members to see DEMU and understand it's objectives (I nearly used the phrase "mission statement" but though better of it   ). If you are representing an organisation, be it a with layout, as a trader or for a Society, then it is important to do it in the most relevant way.

 

As a member and former officer of the LNWR Society, I know that our stand is manned by "modellers", usually with experience of different scales, when attending a model railway show. Likewise the Society stand at model engineering exhibitions is run by those with the relevant experience. However, we didn't get into demonstrating, as modelling is not specifically what the LNWRS is about, but membership does have many benefits to modellers of the LNWR and LMS with its extensive archives of records, drawings, photographs, etc. 

 

As for "giving up your time", it's what all layout operators, demonstrators, show organisers and helpers all do. Perhaps you don't feel recognised for the effort you put in, but I don't know how to address that.

 

Jol

[Ravenser]

Some of the cross-purposes in this thread raise an interesting issue - what is the best way for a society to present itself at a show?

 

There are clearly designated demostrators at shows. They are invited and specifically designated . For example at Ally Pally next weekend there will be a block of MRC "demons". There will also be tables with "name" demonstrators . And this year there will be a programme of presentations   - which is something that seems to be a growing trend at shows. These all come under the heading of "demonstrations"

 

Then there are societies, and how they present themselves varies. Anything from a pure display stand to a demonstration that happens to have a society banner over it. Line societies normally go for the display boards and someone to stand in front and distribute literature. This kind of static stand can be a little dull - it's a volunteer version of the stand First GE /NXEA used to have at shows , which was not always manned, or the CMRA display which was invariably unmanned except at St Albans.  HMRS are often selling books and transfers . DEMU is at the opposite end of the spectrum - effectively a DEMU branded demonstration. It's only in recent years that they've actually been equipped to sign up a member on the stand (something that to my knowledge DOGA has done from day 1). The N Gauge Society and OO9 Society have historically operated as strictly "static stands" - the S7 and EMGS when I see them seem to be much more of a demonstration  

 

To my mind , having done a bit of stand manning at various shows  under one or two hats, "demonstrating" on the stand  probably works better at a smaller, and therefore more informal/intimate, show rather than a big event -   more effective at Leytonstone and Colchester than at Warley and Ally Pally. Certainly at the bigger shows a society needs to be a branded "trade show" display presence . The whole point of a society stand is to recruit and raise awareness, so your prime task is to get the public to speak to you . A strictly  secondary purpose is for your members to meet and talk to other members and the officers, though this has its dangers as it can slide into the stand crew talking to each other . 

 

Demonstrating on a society stand is strictly for the purpose of drawing in the punters , and providing a talking point . It's an exercise in "show and tell" , rather than an opportunity to crack on with your DJH Pacific. Other things can provide that talking point - the DOGA stand often has a small test track, and at a recent show we had the boxfile on display which proved a successful talking point, especially as things could intermittantly move on it 

 

Invited demonstrators are selected and invited by the show and get expenses. People helping out on a society stand are often a case of "we need bodies to cover X- can old Joe help on the Sunday?" - they get free admission, if that but no more (though you may get a chance at the exhibitors tea urn at a smaller show). Doing things on a stand does require more live bodies. I remember some years ago now discovering that a certain narrow gauge society had sent 1 person to do either Warley or York on his own (I think it was Warley) - I had to keep an eye on his display cabinet while he went to the loo. Cheap certainly but questionably effective  

[Coombe Barton]

Picking up on a previous point, you can get a load more people round a kitchen worktop height demo than you can a desk demo. At a desk demo people crouch over and effectively block the view of others whereas the higher platform doesn't have as much blocking effect. Comparing the two societies of which I'm a member, the S4S has a counter top height whilst the EMGS has a tabletop height stand. At Leamington they were displaying similar things - track. I could examine the S4S stuff without sitting down, no so the EMGS offering.

 

Higher chairs would be necessary - bar stools - for presenters to be comfortable, something that either the societies or organisers would have to provide.

[David Bigcheeseplant]

Although not a society or demo we have always tried to make the club stand at Railex different, a couple of years back we put two of our boards of our layouts high up at an angle but try to avoid the table with heads down, but try to be approachable.

 

We are floating ideas on what to do this year. I thought a area that looks like a bar, with high bar stools flock wall paper framed photos on the wall couple of arm chairs etc. it sounds a bit mad but why not think of different ways to present what you do?

 

Many of the big trade shows companies present themselves in a creative way you won't see them with two seats in front of a table. 

[Judge Dread]

i like that idea

Im sure that the "stting at a desk head down" is more to let the dude get on with whet he is doing rather than actually demonstrate it.... There is something about the "body language" of someone sat behind a table that just isnt approachable at all.....

My point exactly!

[Judge Dread]

It is a bit like being in a bar....you may get talking to others around the bar having a beer, but one normally (well some people do!) dont go up to those sat at tables and start making small talk.........

This is why the person at the table in this case has to net the person who looks like he(or she) would like to ask a question. That is, in essence, why they are there.  A great many "demonstrators" are very good at producing what ever it is they have on their table but useless at persuading anyone to sit down and ask a question. Mind you, you do have to be prepared for the question which has nothing to do with what you are trying to demonstrate. I got, "Do Hammonds* still sell glass beads these days?" 

Hammonds*  Local Hull shop as was before becoming part of the "Binns" empire. They were a "Tri-ang" agent and that's their only connection with model railways as far as I know. 

[Nimbus]

I really hope that I dont fall into any of the categories David mentioned above.

 

Missy

 

No worries on that score!

 

The Nim.

(From the Snorbens catchment area)

[Geoff Endacott]

Something else which hasn't been mentioned is the need for societies to actually turn up when they have been offered free space.

 

When Trainwest moved to a larger (now not large enough) venue in 2007, I allocated space to several societies. They didn't all show up.

 

The only society at Trainwest this year is DEMU due, in part, to the involvement of club members and also to the fact that they can be relied upon to turn up and have something to show.

 

Geoff Endacott

[Phil Parker]

We are floating ideas on what to do this year. I thought a area that looks like a bar, with high bar stools flock wall paper framed photos on the wall couple of arm chairs etc. it sounds a bit mad but why not think of different ways to present what you do?

 

Many of the big trade shows companies present themselves in a creative way you won't see them with two seats in front of a table. 

 

It's going to come down to time and money. At trade shows, for many companies the cost is no object - but they are looking to make sales to recoup that investment.

 

At most model railway shows, the demonstrator isn't normally selling anything, will be lucky to get petrol money (that's why they are usually volunteered from within the club), accomodation or lunch. On that basis, you take what you are given and that's normally a table and chairs. You won't see the show either if you are on your own.

 

Now it IS possible to get the best out of this. I've spent many a happy Warley getting no modelling done but chatting solidly for 2 days. The trick is to keep looking up, smiling and talking to people. Starting a 50 conversations a weekend is hard work but that's the deal. The chats are often rewarding, especially when people are inspired to have a go themselves or bring photos showing similar projects you've inspired them to do in the past.

 

If we want entertaining stands with high tables, bar stools and other display items, someone is going to have to provide them. Societies might consider this a worthwhile investment as they will see a return, but the individual who ins't selling anything? Not going to happen. I can't see that many clubs spalshing out on a superb demo area either - it's another thing to be loaded in to the van and stored at the clubrooms.

 

My feeling is that for many shows, demos are a bit of an afterthought and those behind the tables are there because they aren't anywhere else, not because they are the best person for the job. There are exceptions to the rule but if you see a demo being manned by the top of the head of someone who is more interested in getting a couple of days modelling done than helping others, that's who I mean.

[fluff]

I've both demonstrated and exhibited layouts at many shows over the years. In either case we always try to say hello to those who approach the stand/table. Usually this will get people talking but there are some who simply will not respond and either ignore the gesture or reply with an incomprehensible grunt discouraging further discourse. I agree that you do get the nightmare scenario of someone who sits/stands and regales you with the minute details of life problems, his modelling or (recently) how to get from Reading to Scotland using five different trains

 

I agree with the point that usually only tables and chairs are available for demonstrating. If I get a good crowd around my demo I stand up if possible and try to engage as many people as possible. The ability to do that would depend on what you are demonstrating.

 

We're demonstrating at York - DCC/SOUND: KD COUPLERS: TREE MAKING: 1/48 SCALE BUILDING INTERIORS - and we try to encourage the public to come and have a play with the DCC locos and the couplers as well as chat and obtain help and information. Come and see if we measure up to the desired standard!

[Barry O]

I see a lot of repeats from the earlier thread pinned here.

All I can say is warley this year will have

Shows you how

Hands on

Demos

Society demos

And, of course Maggie and her team on the children's kit building area....

More news soon

But we won't be havong high level tables aa the children and those on wheelchairs can't see

[Jol Wilkinson]

But we won't be havong high level tables aa the children and those on wheelchairs can't see

The question of accessibility for wheelchair users is always an emotive and difficult one, set against the objective of providing the best demo environment for the majority of potential customers.

 

However, why children come into this I can't see. Obviously dedicated displays and hands on activities for children will need to specifically be designed for them, but to use that as an excuse for ignoring the best way to present a demo on soldering, airbrushing, etc. surely is counter productive to sharing these model making techniques with interested modellers.

 

Or have I misread the OP?

[Coombe Barton]

Let's draw the distinction between a 'demo' and 'hands on activities'.

 

• A demonstration is a person showing how.
• A hands on activity is someone leading other people doing it.

Both need the right way of presenting.

 

• A demo can be made accessible to both children and wheelchair users by pointing a video camera at the demo and displaying the result on a screen. The benefit of doing this is that you increase the general audience as well as more people can see what's going on. This also gets over the height of the table problem.
• A hands on activity needs to take into consideration the age/height of the participants. Lower tables (coffee tables) may be in order here.

The presentation of the demonstrator may also have to be considered in a demo

• Demonstrator facing audience - view of top of head.
• Demonstrator with back to audience - view of back
• Demonstrator side on to audience - workpiece and ability to communicate better.

[298]

I must admit that the types of demonstrations on offer are low on my list of attractions at a show, unless there is something specific to my interests. But what I would expect is something different every year, you wouldn't see the same layouts repeated, so why the same demonstrators...? Any they can only work if the person seeking information has the right mindset, from my experience there are a significant proportion who only want to sit down for a chat so you can hear about how they do things whilst telling you you're wrong, or how they can't do something or don't wish to learn. And as for everyone else...? Do people really think that demonstrators or layou operators at shows are unapproachable, I can see the need for some degree of 1 to 1 coaching with certain aspects, but then again who is to say a few minutes in an exhibition hall is the best place when compared to repeat visits to a club or at home...

 

As for Preservation societies, they all need to do a bit of flag waving, and might vary between a specialist rescource with photos and drawings available of specific prototype, to what is essentially a preserved railways displaced gift shop with branded coloured pens and Thomas the Tank Engine paraphenalia. It all depends on the target audience at the show.

[burgundy]

An interesting and thoughtful thread. Earlier posts gave me a useful focus on how to approach the day spent last weekend on a demo table at the Nailsea show. With the benefit of some of the previous comments, I took along not only the intended project, but a couple more completed and part finished items as conversation pieces. I also took along a packet of throat sweets.........

Demonstrating at the EMGS stand at a local show (but see this thread which will give an idea of the quality of the show), I guess that our function was to encourage people to step beyond "plonk and play RTR". We were therefore talking about almost anything that might cause casual visitors to get their hands dirty (between us, we had an etched loco, some wagon conversions to EM and some scenery work on the go). I would be slightly surprised if we converted anyone to model in EM, but I think we did give a few visitors some food for thought that might prompt them have a go.

My personal output was three soldered joints (one more than I expected), I didn't need the throat sweets and I thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Best wishes

Eric       

[ian@stenochs]

Hi.

At some shows the same 'demonstrators' appear in the same spot every year, usually with the same examples of their work and even the same ongoing project. If these shows did the same with layouts do you think they would remain viable?

York at Easter is a case in point but there are others.

Ian.

[Nimbus]

 

• Demonstrator side on to audience - workpiece and ability to communicate better.

 

Didn't do Elton John any harm...

 

The Nim.

[glo41f]

Hi everyone

 

This is an intersting one. At many shows I find the "named" demonstrators are there to push their own services and they will take commissions for work at the show. I also agree that the table and chair is perhaps not the best way of engaging with the public. Often when doing intricate work, folk are reluctant to disturb the obvious concentration involved. I often help out with my society (Gauge 0 Guild) at local shows and there we make a point of standing in front of the display which is usually made up of "local" models or work in progress to show the methods involved. It is then easier to engage with someone who stops to look and often makes comments about the display. This I find enjoyable though hard work if you are not used to standing! I can see little point in hiding behind a display if the objective is to promote your scale or group interest. I guess the more specialist shows can support the demonstration of skills but the average local show for Dad and the Kids really is no place to be messing about with etches and soldering irons! The scenery set up shown earlier in this thread seems ideal for this type of show when new folk to the hobby want to progress from the flat earth train set on board!

 

One of the best demos I have ever done was making track and pointwork using copperclad sleepers. I was interogated all day!

 

Again I have little time for line society stands as if your interest is in the Midland Railway you will already be a member. I do not think that anyone changes their focus just because a line society stand is present at the local show.

 

Regards

 

Martin Long

[Happy Hippo]

The best demo items I have are:

 

A rivet embossing tool, an optical centre punch; A scribe and square, and a small hammer

 

Let a child loose with a riveting tool on a strip of scrap brass and you have a convert to engineering.

 

Likewise, they love learning how to mark out and then use the optical centre punch to pop the indent in right on the 'crosshairs'.

 

So do their parents.

 

The more hands on and 'have a go' your demo can be makes it more interesting for all.