At the risk of ofending a few folks I will spout off here and give you my opinion of what needs to happen for this show ever to be anything like it was intended.
#1 The show is needs to be moved to Vegas
#2 it should be in late OCT or NOV.
#3 A cataloge needs to be printed with all manufactures listing SHOW ONLY SPECIALS and sent to every dealer 1 month before the show.
#4 the show will be the deadline for all preseason order from all attending MFG's
#5 the show would be 4 days. day 1 media only. 2-4 buyers only!

The only way The FTD will get dealer suport is to make it a TRUE buyers show! If you don't attend it will cost you BIG like 10% on all your rods reels and lines. You also need to have the show some place buyers would like to go. Vegas has a draw that no where else has.

This will take a lot of work on someones part BUT IT CAN BE DONE!
The reason that the show is losing MFG's is not the cost, but the lack of orders at the show. The show was never intended for anyone but buyers (sorry LF and CW) at a good show the media is just a pain and in the way.

REgards
Rich