Observations of Vape in the Fort- Vape meet.

[freemind]

I'd like to share my experience, and my observations.
This was the first official vape meet in Fort Wayne, Indiana that I am aware of. Organizers got space from Hotel Fort Wayne.
Door admissions were 5 bucks a person. I had NO issue with paying this, but I heard from others beforehand, they thought it was ridiculous that they were charging people entering. 5 bucks was no biggie to me, and according to the initial attendance, it didn't bother many others either.

First, I would like to chastise SOME of the vapers. There were sign all OVER, stating NO VAPING in the halls. Vaping was only allowed outside OR in the event center. Many chose to break the rule (only ONE simple rule) and thought they were funny for doing it. The fire department was there, because fire alarms were disabled in the event center. Reason being, vape fog sets OFF fire alarms and smoke detectors. (I know this from my own smoke detectors at home)
The rudeness and "who gives a fuck" from these fellow vapors is appalling. Classless dumb shits. We wonder why the ANTZ attack us? For Fuck's sake, get a mother fucking CLUE. Have a little class, Christ.
I honestly wish the fire marshal (who was in attendance) would have started issuing the 500 dollar fines to these dimwits... Apparently it is the ONLY way some shit for brains will ever learn to have some class and manners.
Organizers and hotels staff, as well as the fire department personnel, were very PISSED off and unimpressed with those people. It's nice how a few asswipes make the rest of us who FOLLOWED the simple rules, look like douche bags too. We are our OWN worst enemy....

Second, people were in line before 9:30 am, and the show started at 11:00 am. I really wished they would have opened the doors at ten, considering there were almost 2000 people standing in line. Organizers I think, under estimated the attendance that would be. By a LONG shot, IMO. The event area was only rated for 900 people, if that gives you an idea of the size of this event.
Tables and vendors were organized nicely, but the sheer number of people, made this event unenjoyable. And by that I mean, being able to navigate to vendors and see their wares. ALL vendors and their staff seemed really NICE and helpful. Cool people.

I met Phil B. Shook hands and spoke with him a little. Seems like an OK guy, but I don't know. Maybe just not the kind of guy I would hang around. Kinda seemed hoity toity. Maybe he isn't. Just came off that way to me.
Figured he was a bigger guy too. Not really. Just lots of hair gel.

I hope the organizers pick a LARGER venue next time. This was just WAY to small for my likes. Elbow to asshole with everyone is NOT my cup of tea. I hope next time they also take into consideration, the vape ASSHOLES. They need to figure a way to get vapers in an event, that won't piss off everyone else, like the hall vapers did. Really, that is extremely BAD press for us.

Overall, it was a nice event, but I couldn't stay long. WAY too crowded.

 

[freemind]

I should also point out, MANY people were doing video of this event, Including Phil B. and the Vaping Militia. Perhaps they will be released in the next week or two, so folks interested can see Fort Wayne's virgin event.

I hope to see this event grow, so long as the spirit of today is followed, and not turned into some money monster. It was great to see vapers (mostly good people) come together and meet some of these vendors and juice creators.

 

[Wabah58]

Lot of interesting topics in your post that I would like to expand on and agree with, but really not inline with the main point of your post, The meet itself.
So instead of hijacking your thread, did you buy any juice or product?

 

[Zamazam]

I went to a vape meet once. The organizers blasted hip hop and trap music so loud that you literally had to yell to communicate. I got in early because a buddy who is a vendor invited me and sent me a vendor pass. The venue was packed, I mean so packed that people had a tough time moving down the center aisles while the cloud chasing crowd refused to move, acting like assholes. The same thing happened with vapers outside the venue, they blasted clouds and were really, really , really antagonistic to the organizers and venue security people when they were told to either go into the venue, or go outside. The sense of entitlement was just off the charts.

I spoke to one guy who makes custom wood squonkers. A Great guy named Roger. He was pissed off, three of his mods were ripped off at the meet by a pack of young dickwads (and cuntwads) who did the distract and snatch theft thing. He had 50 to sell, each took him a week to make after working 40+hours at a regular job. I bought one made of Rosewood and Ebony. Best squonker I have owned, dual 18650 parallel. Roger was pretty bummed after the meet, with the cost of the booth/table and getting ripped off, he more or less broke even after selling the mods he made. He won't be going back to another meet, he was even pressured to donate one of his mods to a giveaway/raffle the organizers were promoting.

Some of the people I met were fantastic and great supporters of vaping, some of the people I met were gutter trash looking to make a quick score to flip on ebay, or do outright ripoffs. 2 young women and 1 guy were busted for being pick pockets and stealing a case with 20 custom mods from a mod maker.

Overall, it was a wash - the positives were off set by the negatives. I won't be going back to another vape meet.

 

[freemind]

Lot of interesting topics in your post that I would like to expand on and agree with, but really not inline with the main point of your post, The meet itself.
So instead of hijacking your thread, did you buy any juice or product?

You are welcome to discuss any portion you'd like.

I was one of the first 500 in. I got two bottles free in a give away bag (first 500 attendees) and bought one bottle, which I'll post in other threads. My main issue with other's juice... Taste is SUBJECTIVE. Not may juices I've tried slapped up side the taste buds.

I did however, let one vendor (mod sales and Atty designer. Yes I bought an atty too and will start a thread on it later) try my own juice I coin "woody turk". He thought it was the best tobacco vape he ever had. If he wasn't just being nice.

 

[UncleRJ]

Most likely they will need to find a new venue for future events due to the poor behaviour of some of the attendees. I am with you thinking that it would have been a good thing for the fire martial to start handing out tickets to the "scofflaws" wandering around the no vape areas blowing huge crowds and no doubt thinking they were "Special".

And I am with you in the fact that I like to be able to walk freely around an event and be able to talk to the vendors and other vapers and not have to elbow my way though a crowd.

 

[freemind]

Most likely they will need to find a new venue for future events due to the poor behaviour of some of the attendees. I am with you thinking that it would have been a good thing for the fire martial to start handing out tickets to the "scofflaws" wandering around the no vape areas blowing huge crowds and no doubt thinking they were "Special".

And I am with you in the fact that I like to be able to walk freely around an event and be able to talk to the vendors and other vapers and not have to elbow my way though a crowd.

Well wouldn't you know, the other event at this place, was a convention of bankers? Imagine what these people think of vapers now.....

Bad timing and bad event placing IMO.

 

[Browncoat]

Glad to hear there was a huge turnout. I almost went to that event today, but life threw a curve ball and plans fell through.

I'm sure the event organizers were very busy, but if I threw an event like this, I'd make it a point to talk to security-type personnel beforehand and encourage them to be vigilant in issuing fines or tossing out dickheads. It would only take a few examples for others to get the hint that this isn't the place to screw around.

 

[freemind]

Glad to hear there was a huge turnout. I almost went to that event today, but life threw a curve ball and plans fell through.

I'm sure the event organizers were very busy, but if I threw an event like this, I'd make it a point to talk to security-type personnel beforehand and encourage them to be vigilant in issuing fines or tossing out dickheads. It would only take a few examples for others to get the hint that this isn't the place to screw around.

I plan on e-mailing the event organizer. I'm sure others probably are too, but who knows. I don't know how many people actually attended, but my wristband number was 322. There was a metric shit ton of people behind us. Phil's estimate of 2000 at 10 am, doesn't seem off.

There wasn't much for event staff. So I think that was a mistake on their part.

I didn't realize you were that close to Ft. Wayne. I'm an hour away.

 

[vaperature]

Sounds like a blast. I wish they'd do something like that around here. You'd think in a big city like Chicago we'd have more stuff but the closest we came was the Vape Bash that was held in Rosemont, not even technically part of Chicago.

 

[Browncoat]

I didn't realize you were that close to Ft. Wayne. I'm an hour away.

I'm in west-central Ohio. Ft Wayne is about 1.5 hours from me.

 

[vaping_jake]

No matter what the meet is about; the a-wipes are always present. I have been at audi meets, one vape meet, a bunch of others and always few who ruin it. I have no issues in telling them to stop it and we should all self police these events in order for them to be welcomed back. Also the event sponsors should have had security of their own protecting the hotel. Repeated meets in the same location usually grow with time and get better, but if we allow a-wipes to take control or ignore rules the meet will die off due to hoping from place to place.

 

[ghost62]

I'm in west-central Ohio. Ft Wayne is about 1.5 hours from me.

That puts you pretty close to me then. I'm in Marion. I go to New Haven, IN all the time to visit my daughter- almost exactly two hours from my front door to hers

 

[Browncoat]

That puts you pretty close to me then. I'm in Marion. I go to New Haven, IN all the time to visit my daughter- almost exactly two hours from my front door to hers

Yeah, I've been to Marion several times. Used to go there quite a bit when I worked for the Columbus Dispatch. I live in Sidney now.

 

[MD_Boater]

I went to a vape meet once. The organizers blasted hip hop and trap music so loud that you literally had to yell to communicate.

Do you want to know how not to make money off of me as a customer? Play hip hop music. I leave the minute I hear it. I don't give a rats ass how many people like it, or think that it is an acceptable form of "art". It is shit, a blight on civilization, and the equivalent of a big neon sign advertising to the universe that we are a failure as a culture. Its pathetic.

Oh... Glad you got to experience the vape meet.

 

[freemind]

Today, I saw a report from the local media, the event drew over 3000 people.

Hope the organizer saves some money that they made, and puts it toward a bigger, better venue next time.

 

[Zamazam]

Do you want to know how not to make money off of me as a customer? Play hip hop music. I leave the minute I hear it. I don't give a rats ass how many people like it, or think that it is an acceptable form of "art". It is shit, a blight on civilization, and the equivalent of a big neon sign advertising to the universe that we are a failure as a culture. Its pathetic.

Oh... Glad you got to experience the vape meet.

I ended up going back to my hotel room and got my active noise cancellation headphones I use on the plane. Worked quite well.

 

[InMyImage]

The unfortunate thing is that the hotel will not be inviting them back for future events.

And didn't realize any of you were so close. I'm in Fishers, just North East of Indy off the 69.

 

[OBDave]

Do you want to know how not to make money off of me as a customer? Play hip hop music. I leave the minute I hear it. I don't give a rats ass how many people like it, or think that it is an acceptable form of "art". It is shit, a blight on civilization, and the equivalent of a big neon sign advertising to the universe that we are a failure as a culture. Its pathetic.

Oh... Glad you got to experience the vape meet.

I'm the same way when it comes to newer "country" music.

 

[Robert B]

Just ran across this picture on reddit from Fort Wayne Vape meet.... Glad I didn't drive down there

 

[InMyImage]

Just ran across this picture on reddit from Fort Wayne Vape meet.... Glad I didn't drive down there

View attachment 15916

Okay, I guess I could see cutting some slack to people going out in the halls to vape now...

 

[vaperature]

Just ran across this picture on reddit from Fort Wayne Vape meet.... Glad I didn't drive down there

View attachment 15916

Does every photo have to have Phil poking his head into it? Lol.

 

[DarthVaper419]

Do you want to know how not to make money off of me as a customer? Play hip hop music. I leave the minute I hear it. I don't give a rats ass how many people like it, or think that it is an acceptable form of "art". It is shit, a blight on civilization, and the equivalent of a big neon sign advertising to the universe that we are a failure as a culture. Its pathetic.

Oh... Glad you got to experience the vape meet.

Racist.

 

[MD_Boater]

Racist.

Don't give me that shit. I listen to Bob Marley (and numerous other island musicians), Jimi Hendricks, a ton of black jazz musicians, and the list goes on and on. Rap is a genre, not a race. Just because some "black" (Eminem, Vanilla Ice, etc. ain't black) music just sucks, doesn't equate to me being a racist. It's the content of its character that sucks, not the color of the skin of the "musician" (use very lightly when referring to rap music players) .

 

[DarthVaper419]

Don't give me that shit. I listen to Bob Marley (and numerous other island musicians), Jimi Hendricks, a ton of black jazz musicians, and the list goes on and on. Rap is a genre, not a race. Just because some "black" (Eminem, Vanilla Ice, etc. ain't black) music just sucks, doesn't equate to me being a racist. It's the content of its character that sucks, not the color of the skin of the "musician" (use very lightly when referring to rap music players) .

You did a poor job of veiling your true thoughts. And who are you to say rap isn't "true" music or they aren't "musicians" ? That is beyond ignorant. I have been playing music for 15+ years, and I do not like rap in the least...but if you go read some of the lyrics nas has come up with and tell me it's not pure poetry and just as artistic as any other type of music you are a liar. Jimi HENDRIX and black jazz was viewed in the exact same light you view rap in during their time as well. Rap is made by young men who, more often than not, don't have the means to get or learn an instrument, and they have a story to share, just the same as any other musician. And producing beats is just as creative as writing a riff. And contents of its character?? From a fan of Hendrix and "black jazz" musicians that is hilarious. Those guys didn't sing about and do drugs/gratuitous sex at all I suppose?

 

[BoomStick]

Never thought I'd see New Haven mentioned on here. I lived there long ago and my Dad's still there.

Maybe next time they'll hold it in the summer so it can happen in a bunch of tents at the fairgrounds or something. Split up the mob into smaller, more manageable groups and being outside the fog wouldn't be an issue.

 

[KKen]

Vape meets?

 

[Pauly Walnuts]

So lets have a huge beer party at a venue where we are only allowed to drink outside, makes sense to me. Whats up with having a VAPE meet, in a place where your not allowed VAPE. Im curious why anyone would book such a venue, knowing what will happen and knowing how it looks to others.
I guess money.

 

[DeafVapor]

I was there. The only fun part were watching the fire marshall walk up and down the hallways...and my sister said "Oh my gosh..he looks like Ron Jeremy the porn star!"

 

[freemind]

I was there. The only fun part were watching the fire marshall walk up and down the hallways...and my sister said "Oh my gosh..he looks like Ron Jeremy the porn star!"

LOL. He did too. 1970's mustache and all.

 

[Zamazam]

I was there. The only fun part were watching the fire marshall walk up and down the hallways...and my sister said "Oh my gosh..he looks like Ron Jeremy the porn star!"

OMG, you noticed me and my member? Shit, better hide that rascal better...

 

[Zamazam]

Don't give me that shit. I listen to Bob Marley (and numerous other island musicians), Jimi Hendricks, a ton of black jazz musicians, and the list goes on and on. Rap is a genre, not a race. Just because some "black" (Eminem, Vanilla Ice, etc. ain't black) music just sucks, doesn't equate to me being a racist. It's the content of its character that sucks, not the color of the skin of the "musician" (use very lightly when referring to rap music players) .

Dude, you were baited and bit. I don't like hip hop nor trap music. Big deal, not my style. So what? my parents thought the Grateful Dead was a satanist rock band....

 

[Echamberlain]

I am new but I find several comments in this thread interesting. It seems to me that the organizers did a poor job of putting on this event. When the event went over hall capacity the attendee's should have not been allowed into the building, if you have that many people waiting to get in it is no wonder some of them started vaping. As far as the many comments that those vaping should have been fined. Was that a possibility even, I know in my state it is not against the law to use e cig products. I agree that they could have been asked to leave, but I agree if you invite people in and then do not let them have access to an area they can use vape products you are asking for trouble. I would not have done it but the problem could have been avoided. The comments about playing hip hop music I find interesting. There are many other forms of music that would evoke a similar rexponse from people. I know many people who view playing of country music to be racist and it makes them very defensive. I guess in certain area's of the coountry bars and other places try to play country music when they think the audience has to many black people. So, I guess we are going to have to quit playing music in public or maybe all of us could become a little more tolerant of things that we may not like. There is a meet coming up in my state and am already making plans to go. I hope organizers have learned from some of the mistakes made in Indiana

 

[Pauly Walnuts]

It seems like some of these events are thrown like raves. Find a big venue, pack the people in regardless of fire codes, and promote activities that the venues do not allow (vaping at vape meets, drugs at raves).
But honestly, id love to go to one.

 

[upstate]

If I go to a concert I expect to hear loud music. Any place else especially when conversation is expected,I don't care what type of music they play but it should be background music ONLY! I would love to attend one of these vape shows someday but if I can't carry on a conversation with someone I would be gone in 20-30 min. Throw in asshole to bellybutton crowds and I wouldn't last that long.

 

[Zamazam]

I am new but I find several comments in this thread interesting. It seems to me that the organizers did a poor job of putting on this event. When the event went over hall capacity the attendee's should have not been allowed into the building, if you have that many people waiting to get in it is no wonder some of them started vaping. As far as the many comments that those vaping should have been fined. Was that a possibility even, I know in my state it is not against the law to use e cig products. I agree that they could have been asked to leave, but I agree if you invite people in and then do not let them have access to an area they can use vape products you are asking for trouble. I would not have done it but the problem could have been avoided. The comments about playing hip hop music I find interesting. There are many other forms of music that would evoke a similar rexponse from people. I know many people who view playing of country music to be racist and it makes them very defensive. I guess in certain area's of the coountry bars and other places try to play country music when they think the audience has to many black people. So, I guess we are going to have to quit playing music in public or maybe all of us could become a little more tolerant of things that we may not like. There is a meet coming up in my state and am already making plans to go. I hope organizers have learned from some of the mistakes made in Indiana

It's not the genre of music I dislike, it's that it was played incredibly loud and with huge amounts of bass. When juice vendors have bottles of juice walking across their table due to the bass vibrations, than that indicates it was too much volume and bass.

 

[Zamazam]

If I go to a concert I expect to hear loud music. Any place else especially when conversation is expected,I don't care what type of music they play but it should be background music ONLY! I would love to attend one of these vape shows someday but if I can't carry on a conversation with someone I would be gone in 20-30 min. Throw in asshole to bellybutton crowds and I wouldn't last that long.

When it comes to "asshole to bellybutton" crowds, that situation kills the fun for a lot of people. For people who like raves, well, no big deal, but to those of us who wish to have a conversation with a vendor, perhaps discuss a mod of interest, the volume of the music matters greatly. Vape meets need to attract a large cross section of vapers and to-be vapers. By blasting music and cramming people into a venue, the organizers are essentially making the event a no-go for some people above 35. People in their 30's, 40,s, 50. and 60's have been smoking for a long time, some times longer than the age of the organizers. It's these people with the $$ to spend on vape gear that the organizers and vendors of vape events are losing out on because of a desire to be cool, hip, and cater to the younger crowd only. Older folks may be more cautious in what they buy, but when their mind is made up, they are willing to drop some serious coin on mods and attys that are reliable. The vendors should consider this when signing up for a booth at a vape meet. Provari sells more mods to people above 50 than any other manufacturer in the world.

 

[kingworm]

i would love to go to a vape meet but i kinda hate people...so i need to go to a really unpopular vape meet lol

 

[BigNasty]

i would love to go to a vape meet but i kinda hate people...so i need to go to a really unpopular vape meet lol

I do as well.. those crowds with that level of noise I start throwing elbows.

 

[Whiskey]

If I can't get close to the display tables because of so many people, I would have been very disappointed to have made the trip to go, I agree the music should have been at a reasonable volume set to be considerate of all in the crowd.

 

[UncleRJ]

I guess I am an equal opportunity music bigot.

In the order they pop into my mind I do not care for..................

Country and Western.....

Rap.

Hip Hop

Polka

Heavy Metal

Punk

Techno

Most but not all Jazz

And that weird ass Cajun music that begins with an "X" and sounds like a pick up truck driving over a mile of Accordions!

And also anything with Accordions and Banjo's

Almost forgot............

Salsa (sp) but at least Salsa does not have banjos!.

And Any Kind of Music at all that is so freaking loud that I cannot talk to the person beside me!

 

[jack]

Thanks ,great article , we got a good look at it . As for the guy you met , he is here and there , doesn't spend a penny of his own to get there (nothing wrong with that tho ) and his nose is stuck in the air ? Only because I saw him about a year ago and got the same impression .

 

[Echamberlain]

I agree totally with the fact it should be background music no matter what type of music it is. I can hadle most any music if it is played at a low level. If I was to organize one of these events I would keep it low and mix it up across a wide genre of music. As far as who is spending money on vape gear not sure it is the Generation X'rs wich I am one that is spending the most (I am 46). When at vape shops around my town I see a lot of people in their 20's walking out with 150 dollar or more equipment purchases, while people my age are buying an Evo coil and a bottle of juice. I know that I have and will spend a sizable amount of money in the next year. And this can be biased by the fact that maybe the younger generation is supporting local businesses better then ours I am not sure. But you point is still well taken that their is no reason to make any one not want to go to a meet because of the style of music they are playing. It might help if the organizers started getting a second ballroom or meeting hall that has music and cloud blowing contest etc for the younger crowd and kept it out of the main vendor hall.

 

[ej1024]

Do they even check the ages of the participants??? Tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk...
BIGBOYVAPER

 

[Just Me]

I have been reading threw to get ideas on what NOT to do. A friend of mine is a promoter (he owns the company) Put on a lot of events here in Illinois. He would really like to do a few Vape shows a year probably 3. Any in put you guys have would be appreciated as I have a feeling I will be assisting him in putting this together. I do 6 of his events a year currently and he is really organized.

 

[freemind]

Do they even check the ages of the participants??? Tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk...
BIGBOYVAPER

They did at Vape in the Fort.

 

[freemind]

I have been reading threw to get ideas on what NOT to do. A friend of mine is a promoter (he owns the company) Put on a lot of events here in Illinois. He would really like to do a few Vape shows a year probably 3. Any in put you guys have would be appreciated as I have a feeling I will be assisting him in putting this together. I do 6 of his events a year currently and he is really organized.

I'd have him join the forum and ask questions.

 

[Just Me]

I'd have him join the forum and ask questions.

I did tell him that as well

 

[Zamazam]

I guess I am an equal opportunity music bigot.

In the order they pop into my mind I do not care for..................

Country and Western.....

Rap.

Hip Hop

Polka

Heavy Metal

Punk

Techno

Most but not all Jazz

And that weird ass Cajun music that begins with an "X" and sounds like a pick up truck driving over a mile of Accordions!

And also anything with Accordions and Banjo's

Almost forgot............

Salsa (sp) but at least Salsa does not have banjos!.

And Any Kind of Music at all that is so freaking loud that I cannot talk to the person beside me!

You forgot Ukelele's