Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

Video/Story

This is exactly where we loaded/unloaded 2 weeks ago for the World of Wheels show... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif Makes me glad to have my car home in one piece!

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

Wow...that's crazy https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

Yeah, to be honest, just one more reason to never attend the Pittsburgh WOW show again. This last edition was awful and you can count on the SCW and the sYc never attending again at least not with me planning it. They are not interested in musclecars. NOT ONE PERSON from the staff even thanked the group of seven cars for coming and when we had a problem, the responce was "write a letter" thats right, a letter. I'll save the time and money next time and they can fill the space with air. Filthy bathrooms, $2.50 candy bars, and a staff that was more interested in their snack and rest area than the cars on the floor, screw that..BKH https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

I would have to agree with BKH, it was a long pull in 20 degree weather - then when we pulled into the unload area, we got bitched at by some guy in a golf cart for pulling into this area! I asked him where we were supposed to unload, he pointed somewhere, so I asked him why there wasn't a signal man there to enlighten us - heck, there were 4 other rigs in front of ours, what a screwed up mess.

These WoW shows should be well-oiled machines by now, but you could tell that their attendance was down - plenty of spectators, but poor car attendance. There was a brand new tri-axle dump truck in there - huh? Plenty of empty space, junk vendors, etc...

The best part was a prior owner of Glen's T-Z walked by - the only reason to go to this show!

Nice floor!

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/blush.gif WOW....... (and I don't mean THAT WoW!)

Sorry to hear you guys had to endure that kind of treatment, but I'm happy this didn't happen while you were there.

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

I CAN AGREE WITH BKH AND YDR 100%. IT JUST CONFIRMS WHY I GENERALLY HAVE SUCH A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE FOR CAR SHOWS, AND MAKES ME EVEN MORE SELECTIVE WHERE I WILL DISPLAY ONE OF MY CARS. I CAN TELL YOU IT WONT BE AT ANY WOW EVENTS ANY TIME SOON. ITS ALL ABOUT THE GUYS THAT RUN THE WOW SHOW CAR TOUR, NOT THE GUYS THAT COME 5-8 HOURS TO DISPLAY CARS ON THEIR OWN DIME. JUST MY .02 CENTS.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif KP

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

We made the best of it though! BKH put together a stellar group of no less than 7 cars for the event, that's 7 rigs in a row gettin bitched at - so I told the guy that we would unload outside to help unclog the jamb. We did just that, he got happier - till another 10 rigs came into that area who wanted to unload inside! If that floor had given way while me and Tommy were unloading side by side, we'd have 'deuce junk' https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

THE WHOLE PLACE COULD FALL IN AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED.... AFTER THE WORLD OF WHEELS SHOW A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, I DON'T CARE IF I EVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN.... IT'S NOT WORTH THE EFFORT OF GETTING A CAR THERE IN THE WINTER WEATHER, JUST TO WATCH THE PEOPLE THAT TRAVEL WITH THE WOW CIRCUIT, TAKE ALL OF THE BIG AWARDS.... THE PROMOTERS OF THE SHOW, SIT THERE AT THE AWARDS, BEGGING FOR SUGGESTIONS OF HOW TO GET LOCAL PARTICIPATION, AND SAY TO LET THEM KNOW IN PERSON, OR BY PHONE, ANY SUGGESTIONS, OR COMMENTS... WHEN YOU APPROACH THEM, THEY TELL YOU TO WRITE A LETTER !!! WE HAD SEVEN CARS IN OUR DISPLAY, AND ONLY ONE JUDGED, BUT IT WASN'T A CAR THAT TRAVELED WITH WOW, SO IT GOT KICKED ASIDE TO KEEP THE TRAVELLERS HAPPY. THEY WANT THE LOCAL'S SUPPORT WITHOUT HAVING TO RECOGNIZE THEM. I HONESTLY THINK THAT'S WHY THERE IS LESS AND LESS LOCAL SUPPORT. THEY JUST DON'T CARE TO SEE THE KIND OF WORK THAT WE DO.... IF WE WERE SLICKING FIREWALLS, CUSTOMIZING INTERIORS, CHROMING ENGINES, INSTALLING AIR RIDE, AND 24" WHEELS, MAYBE THEY MAY GIVE A SECOND LOOK. MAYBE WE SHOULD JUST DESTROY SOME OF THESE RARE CARS WITH SOME OF THIS NONSENSE. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/Charley.gif JUST MY OPINION

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

Another reason I won't show in our local (KC) WoW show. When I first moved to KC, the show was in the American Royal building complex. Poor lights, and very dusty (You can never clean up all of the hay and litter from the American Royal and the B&B circus!) For the past few years, it has been at Bartel Hall (where we have our 'Auto Show') but it is moving back to the pit of the American Royal this year. I was nervous when I had to leave my car open over night. Now, it just won't happen. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

I tend to agree Frank but unfortunately cars that we care for don't draw the big gate crowds that these promoters look for. That's what makes shows like VetteFest and our own SCR so special to us. I quit attending shows like WoW quite a few years back. Although I respect the variety of vehicles these shows attract..... they just aren't my kind of stuff.

Just another humble midwest opinion; "The Pro-Street, Pro-Touring, Bling-Bling, Whatever-comes-next movement all have their days, but a correctly restored car will always be in demand somewhere!"

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

[ QUOTE ]
...Just another humble midwest opinion; "The Pro-Street, Pro-Touring, Bling-Bling, Whatever-comes-next movement all have their days, but a correctly restored car will always be in demand somewhere!"

[/ QUOTE ]

... 'cept at WoW https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif I wanted to go to the P-burgh show only because of it's proximity to Canonsburg. We were hoping some folks would walk by who had seen/bought/driven deuces back in the day. We weren't lucky this year. We were wondering what happened to the Canonsburg show, wouldn't mind going there if the show is still on.

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

"The Pro-Street, Pro-Touring, Bling-Bling, Whatever-comes-next movement all have their days, but a correctly restored car will always be in demand somewhere!"

[/ QUOTE ].......I AGREE,....... BUT NO MATTER. {{{ VERY LITTLE }}}//// *** ATTENTION :+++ ....IS EVERY GIVEN THE POOR <<<< CORVAIR >>>> IT'S *** REAL LONELY *** AT '' SHOW'S '' I DO... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif...KASEY

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

First off; WOW, am I ever glad this didn't happen when our show (or any other show for that matter) was going on.

I am very sorry to hear that the sYc group did not recieve the respect you have all earned. I know you had a good experience last year, and even took home some great awards. So what happened this year?

I have not been directly involved in the Pittsburg show for the past two years, but when I was, I truly enjoyed working with the Ulanowicz family and I know they were very committed to putting on a great show.

Help me out here....what happened this year?

With any luck, I would like to return to this show and you know if I get involved, the sYc will get the repect you all deserve.

Once again, on behalf of Championship Auto Shows, Inc. please accepy my apologies.

BA

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

Can you help us understand the procedure for judging - ie; do circuit cars get a head start? Is it a complimentary 1st place in order to ensure they get the money award to offset their travel costs? How does the second place car win 2x the amount of 1st place detail awards (interior, engine, paint...) but then not win 1st place overall? It's just confusing, and when questioned, those in charge duck the questions by telling people to write a letter! This show can't be a traveling circuit - and - a local show.

From the turnout of cars at the P-burgh WoW show, it's not just these 7 owners who have had enough with it. When they have a new tri-axle dump truck in there to take up space - that should be a really big warning sign. (it wasn't customized either, unless the excavator/owner's name counts!).

I liked the museum tour that Benjamin and I went to, all about P-burgh sports and history. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Can you help us understand the procedure for judging - ie; do circuit cars get a head start? Is it a complimentary 1st place in order to ensure they get the money award to offset their travel costs? How does the second place car win 2x the amount of 1st place detail awards (interior, engine, paint...) but then not win 1st place overall? It's just confusing, and when questioned, those in charge duck the questions by telling people to write a letter! This show can't be a traveling circuit - and - a local show.
+++ MARLIN +++ I HAVE HEARD THE SAME COMPLAINTS IN PART'S OF MY COUNTRY.. TN. GA. ALA. AT THE ''WOW'' SHOWS, THE GUY'S AROUND HERE DON'T GO, IT'S A SHAME THAT THIS CAN'T BE CORRECTED .. AND "" WOW "" ////TREATMENT //// OF PEOPLE, SUCKS !!!!!!..........KASEY

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

Knowing Bob Ashton, the ball is already rolling to see what the heck happened...

And I'm sure that if he has anything to do with those shows mentioned...he will "get it right"!

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

We have supported the "Burgh's" WoW show since the days they begged for cars. We know the drill and have been doing it for 15 years. Sometimes we have cars judges, sometimes not. If we have a real fresh resto, and it's never been there before we will have it judged. We rarely win, and in the past the restored cars were never really given a venue to show off anyway at a WoW event. If on a rare occasion a traveling ISCA car in restored shows its automatic you will not win no matter what you bring. We just know it and its never been a big deal. Three years ago we showed a fresh gold Yenko Camaro and Dana Nova. One of the guys at the show is a vendor friend of ours who was showing his super GTO in the traveling ISCA. He knew we would be there and would have something strong. He told me he "playes" the ISCA game and installs parts on his GTO he hated just for ISCA points. When he takes the car to the "real" shows he changes the car back to stock. He told us even though we bring killer stuff, we would not win because he travels. He was right. No big deal, but you know its fixed. This year we showcased one car only. And as usual we could not beat the traving circus ride. Was he better? hard to say, but we never saw a judge or even have one approach us during the show. This is not a sour grapes deal, but I'm sick of it. Really totally sick of the ISCA. And we are not alone. The crap that was featured and talked about over the PA was tragic. A stupid "Phantom Caprice" with 30" wheels that didn't even have an interior, just a shell with black out windows..There where others like that, but it takes all kinds at a show. This years car count was way down, and they made a plea for cars. Begged for cars to come out and support the show. After this year I'm done. They really don't care, we are just filler for the show floor. The draw are the celebrities that people come to see. I understand a NASCAR driver, but they bring people in that are non car related stars. That's fine, but why am I here? I guess after all these years it has sunk in. They need cars for a car show, but its really all about the gate and who is getting an autograph from a star, not about the cars we bring...Duh...BKH https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

Sounds just like the Super Chevy Shows...... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif


Steve

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Can you help us understand the procedure for judging - ie; do circuit cars get a head start? Is it a complimentary 1st place in order to ensure they get the money award to offset their travel costs? How does the second place car win 2x the amount of 1st place detail awards (interior, engine, paint...) but then not win 1st place overall? It's just confusing, and when questioned, those in charge duck the questions by telling people to write a letter! This show can't be a traveling circuit - and - a local show.

From the turnout of cars at the P-burgh WoW show, it's not just these 7 owners who have had enough with it. When they have a new tri-axle dump truck in there to take up space - that should be a really big warning sign. (it wasn't customized either, unless the excavator/owner's name counts!).

I liked the museum tour that Benjamin and I went to, all about P-burgh sports and history. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Absolutely. I spent 8 years as an ISCA Judge and was directly involved in Judging at the Detroit and Grand Rapids Autorama's along with several other shows.

First off, there is absolutely no rule, written or otherwise giving preferance to "Circuit" cars. What happens is that those who are involved on a regular basis showing the "ISCA Way" know how to play the game and they adjust accordingly in order to win the cash, as you mentioned with your friend who showed his GTO.

As far as staff ducking questions, did you talk to Show Chairman Bob Ulanowicz or Co-Chairman Sean Ulanowicz? Not trying to make excuses, but I know these guys and it is not their style to blow anyone off or tell someone to write a letter.

The ISCA Judging procedure clearly is not set up to accommodate properly restored cars. In fact, a car that is truly restored to as born status would not do well at all on the ISCA circuit. Cars with factory "flaws", as in orange peel or low gloss in paint, runs, etc and everything else that truly represents the way they really were, would mean lost points. Since the basis for the judging is cleanliness and attention to detail, restoring a car to true "as born" status would obviously go against what the ISCA rulebook calls for.

Since it is virtually impossible to put together a judging staff that would be truly knowledgable in all of the potential makes shown, this is how the ISCA judges all vehicles. Indexed bolts, ultra shiny (as in far better then ever left the factory) paint, lack of factory undercoating etc etc would be pluses under ISCA judging. Obviously, this is not the case with properly restored cars and any type of concours or similiar judging procedures.

As far as the Tri-Axle Dump truck...hmmm, since I didnt see it, I am not sure what was up with that. The Pittsburg show has always been a good show for us and when I was there several years ago, a great show.

Sorry to highjack this thread and as always, in the interest of having a long lasting career in this field, I am always open to comments good or bad, as I strive to improve our shows, whether I am physically there or not. There is no future for my job if we don't have shows to produce!

It is indeed a dufferant way of judging and as I often say, not for everyone. I personally feel there is a bit too much subjectivity, I mean, maybe you like red and I like purple...so which one is better? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Thanks/BA

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Knowing Bob Ashton, the ball is already rolling to see what the heck happened...

And I'm sure that if he has anything to do with those shows mentioned...he will "get it right"!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the kind words; you know I'm not the type to sit on my hands!

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

BOB U WAS THE GENTLEMEN THAT TOLD US TO WRITE A LETTER TO ISCA, BUT WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO ANNOUNCE AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY IF YOU HAD OR HAVE A PROBLEM OR CONCERN TO COME SEE HIM PERSONALLY.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif KP

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

[ QUOTE ]
We have supported the "Burgh's" WoW show since the days they begged for cars. We know the drill and have been doing it for 15 years. Sometimes we have cars judges, sometimes not. If we have a real fresh resto, and it's never been there before we will have it judged. We rarely win, and in the past the restored cars were never really given a venue to show off anyway at a WoW event. If on a rare occasion a traveling ISCA car in restored shows its automatic you will not win no matter what you bring. We just know it and its never been a big deal. Three years ago we showed a fresh gold Yenko Camaro and Dana Nova. One of the guys at the show is a vendor friend of ours who was showing his super GTO in the traveling ISCA. He knew we would be there and would have something strong. He told me he "playes" the ISCA game and installs parts on his GTO he hated just for ISCA points. When he takes the car to the "real" shows he changes the car back to stock. He told us even though we bring killer stuff, we would not win because he travels. He was right. No big deal, but you know its fixed. This year we showcased one car only. And as usual we could not beat the traving circus ride. Was he better? hard to say, but we never saw a judge or even have one approach us during the show. This is not a sour grapes deal, but I'm sick of it. Really totally sick of the ISCA. And we are not alone. The crap that was featured and talked about over the PA was tragic. A stupid "Phantom Caprice" with 30" wheels that didn't even have an interior, just a shell with black out windows..There where others like that, but it takes all kinds at a show. This years car count was way down, and they made a plea for cars. Begged for cars to come out and support the show. After this year I'm done. They really don't care, we are just filler for the show floor. The draw are the celebrities that people come to see. I understand a NASCAR driver, but they bring people in that are non car related stars. That's fine, but why am I here? I guess after all these years it has sunk in. They need cars for a car show, but its really all about the gate and who is getting an autograph from a star, not about the cars we bring...Duh...BKH https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I totally understand how you feel and I appreciate your long time support of the show.

I have known John (and his GTO) for a long time and as you stated, he knows exactly how to play the game. It wasn't a matter of his car being "better" than yours or anything being fixed, it was a matter of his car meeting the ISCA Rule Book criteria better than your properly restored car. BTW; that Gold Yenko and the Dana Nova were my absolute favorites from that show and you may not remember, but I personally Thanked you and several of the others who were there for bringing them. (That was the last year I was at the Pittsburgh show).

As for the 30" wheel Phantom Caprice...well, surely not my thing either but believe it or not, there are some people that actually like that stuff and that is part of the World of Wheels/Autorama success, having a very wide and often unpredictable variety of entrants. Heck...I personally wear several hats as my Son Ian is way into his 300+ horsepower $30,000+ Honda CRX and as far as I am concerned, that is fine with me and I will continue to support his passion as I know he will eventually be a musclecar owner as his income increases and he is able to afford what he really wants, which is a convertible E-Body Mopar.

No secrets here; the non automotive attractions are designed to increase the gate and get the guys to bring in their wives or girlfriends and kids, thus more tickets sold. The rent and expenses continue to escalate, just as they do for all of us and we have to do whatever we can to be successful in the very competitive field of family entertainment.

Thanks for hearing my rant and hopefully I have shed some light on this.

And (once again, switching hats) remember, Championship Auto Shows, Inc, does offer another type of show; Chevy Vettefest, and I can assure you, there will never be any wrestlers or soap stars there and the Judging will always be handled by knowledgable experts.

BA

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

[ QUOTE ]
BOB U WAS THE GENTLEMEN THAT TOLD US TO WRITE A LETTER TO ISCA, BUT WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO ANNOUNCE AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY IF YOU HAD OR HAVE A PROBLEM OR CONCERN TO COME SEE HIM PERSONALLY.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif KP

[/ QUOTE ]

Kenny, did you get a chance to talk to him personally?

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

YES I DID... KP

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

That is absolutely unacceptable..$2.50 FOR A CANDY BAR! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif





https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

Not to mention trailer parking and car parking every day without a break in price for the exhibitors. They did NOTHING for you. We talked to Bob U right away, he told us to "write a letter". https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif..BKH

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

[ QUOTE ]
YES I DID... KP

[/ QUOTE ]

see next post

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Not to mention trailer parking and car parking every day without a break in price for the exhibitors. They did NOTHING for you. We talked to Bob U right away, he told us to "write a letter". https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif..BKH

[/ QUOTE ]

Kenny & Brian;

I'm not going to try to make any excuses for Bob U. as I wasn't there. I do know Bob is a gentleman and has always been extremely committed to the show and the comfort of the exhibitors.

As for the parking situation, this is always an issue in nearly every city we deal with. I can assure you, we battle with the cities and the buildings over parking issues and we usually don't win.

Most of the cities convention centers are really not interested in public shows, as they can generate much more income with trade shows.

On a more positive note, I was able to arrange FREE trailer (only) parking INSIDE for sYc Showcase participants at the March 3-4, 2007 Chevy Vettefest show at McCormick Place.

Perhaps sometime in the near future I will get a chance to work directly with the Pittsburg WOW show.

Thanks/BA

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

As we walked the show, the big draw, a WWE westler was in the far corner of the floor. Joe and I had just ate a $10.00 hotdog {no lie} and wanted to get a look at the cars by that corner. We were cut off ant told in a VERY rude manner by your show chairmains son WE were not permitted to go near those cars because of the line for the WWE Star. Again, we were there for the CAR SHOW not the dude in a mask...You want more, cause we got plenty...BKH https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

Re: Pittsburgh Convention Center Floor Collapse!
 

BA,
BOB U DID INDEED SEEM LIKE A GREAT GUY AND WAS ALL ABOUT THE SHOW. HE MADE A POINT AT BOTH AWARD CEREMONIES THAT IF THERE WERE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO PLEASE SEE HIM. THE RESPONSE WAS "WRITE A LETTER TO ISCA". HE ALSO ASKED IF WE KNEW OF ANY GOOD CARS THAT MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO PLEASE ENCOURAGE THEM TO BRING THEM OUT FOR FUTURE WOW SHOWS. AFTER THE TREATMENT THAT WEEKEND I WOULD BE HARD PRESSED TO MAKE THAT RECOMMENDATION TO ANYONE. DONT TAKE THIS PERSONALLY BOB A., YOU DID A GREAT JOB AT FALL VETTEFEST. THIS SHOW WAS A LOSER FROM THE WORD GO... JUST MY .02 CENTS.. KP https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif