Well, I've returned from the Fatherland where GIFA was held and I'm back in the saddle in the Synchro32 office. Actually, I've been back since July 3rd, but it's been a massive whirlwind since I've been back - catching up, writing quotes, signing up new customers, and contacting all of the hundreds of leads at GIFA. With so many leads to follow-up with that span the all the time zones of the world, the entire Synchro32 global team has been pulling together and burning the midnight oil.
GIFA was an extraordinary experience and many thanks to the Synchro32 management for allowing me to attend as it wasn't cheap. But, it's a CODB - Cost of Doing Business. I wish I could tell you that I explored Germany and went to Berlin and saw the Brandenburg Gate, what remains of the Berlin Wall, ventured into the former East Germany, and stood where Check-Point Charlie was at. But alas, this was entirely business. If you have never done an expo and been on your feet for 10+ hours a day, let me tell you that at the end of the day all you want is some supper and a bed. So, my extent of Dusseldorf was airport, hotel, GIFA, hotel, airport - and some local restaurants. We did venture into the city center one evening for a meal and to exchange some money at a pitiful rate. Dollars to Euros..
GIFA was beyond belief - just the entire scale of it. Imagine ten of the 8th Wonder of the World, the Astrodome, in size. This is CastExpo on super steroids. The exhibits and booths that the megaplayers had were wild - entire working machines.
It was so good to catch up with Team Synchro32 as although we all talk on the phone and SKYPE all the time, it was the first time I had seen Chris in over a year, Richy almost two years, and met Jean-Marie for the first time. I must say, we all spent virtually the entire time together over 7-8 days and got along great! That's Team Synchro32 for you.
I shook so many hands with so many people from so many corners of the world and gave so many demos that it was mind boggling. Shaking hands with those from Germany, Australia, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, India, Holland, Denmark, USA, Brazil, Chili, Argentina, China, and some places that I don't even know where they are at! I really wanted to meet someone from Mongolia, unfortunately such was not the case.
Why Mongolia? I have this "goal" of traveling on the Trans Siberian railway from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok in the dead of the brutal Russian Siberian winter! Along the way, I will make stops and visit places like Omsk and tout the benefits of Synchro32 to every metalcaster that I can discover along the way. Now, the real kicker to this is to pick up the Trans Mongolian railway and explore inner and outer Mongolia.
Anyway, things are hopping at Synchro32 - Richy is getting ready to head once again to the land down under for several new installations and as soon as he returns he will be off to Turkey. Simon, Mr. North America, will be heading my way shortly and just about as soon as he returns to the UK he will be once again back here. Plans are already underway not only for the upcoming ICI show in Covington Kentucky, but we are looking ahead to 2015 and the next GIFA!
Well, until next time I'll see you on down the road - perhaps in Mongolia?
Here are a few Polaroids from GIFA :)
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