Issue 23 CHAMPS Show Magazine Jan/February 2021

ISSUE 23 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Winter Show, Orlando March 9th-11th, 2021 This will be the one show you won’t want to miss!

SHOW HOURS: 11am-6pm Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center

Game On! Glass Games Returns

Content Orlando Outperforms

By Bernie Boulders

Shop Shots

By Kevin Dankman

Game On

By Amear Moretall

Winter In Orlando

By Kevin Dankman

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ISSUE 23 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

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Advertiser Index 6

3CHI ABR AFG ATMOS BDD WHOLESALE BENTFISH TRADING BIGBARK BLAZER CANNAGAR CHAMPS GLASS GAMES CHAMPS ORLANDO CHAMPS UPCOMING SHOWS CHOICE COOKIES CBD EARTH KRATOM EMPIRE GLASSWORKS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORS EYCE GLOW TRAY GOT VAPE GOURMET INNOVATIONS HEMP RELIEF ROLLS HIGH ART STUDIOS JETTY CBD JM ENTERPRISES KB ORGANIX KRAKEN KRATOM KRATOM KAPS LEGAL LEAN MAHA-K MOODRITE MT BRANDS MY CBD REMEDIES NU VENTURE OMNI VAPES OPMS KRATOM PARTYNUTS PIECE WATER POWERHITTER PUFFCO ROKIN VAPES RYOT SANTA CRUZ SHREDDER SMOKE HOUSE SMOKE ODOR SOL TRADING SPRAY420 STONED STR8 BRAND SUNSHINE JOY SUNSTATE HEMP SWEETLEAF TOP EXTRACTS UEG URBAN BOTANICALS VAPE IN THE BOX VAPOR TECH VDX VOODOO WHOLE HERBS KRATOM XVAPE ZIG ZAG ZION HERBAL

34 85 16-17, 45 59 31 29 48 51 27 62 94-95 77 INSIDE FRONT COVER SPREAD 38 52 85 81 64 35 8 80 14 75 55 20 72 47 86 32-33 87 9 13 49 93 22-23, 53 39 40-41 25 43 90 26 INSIDE BACK COVER SPREAD, BACK COVER 15 2-3 76 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71 88 74 5 83 58 82 70 91 82 37 28, 50 68 78 56-57 89 18-19 10-11

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

Contacts

ISSUE 23 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Publisher

CHAMPS Trade Shows

Editorial Director Kevin Dankman

Ad Sales:

Kevin Dankman Office 818-616-7424

Credits Writing:

Amear Moretall Bernie Boulders Kevin Dankman

Photography:

420 Studios Nick Gaulin CHAMPS Staff Photographer

Cover Art: Sean Dietrich

Design & Layout: Sixxx

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

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ORLANDO OUTPERFORMS

CHAMPS Triumphant Return To The Show Floor

By Bernie Boulders Photos by 420 Studios and Nick Gaulin

After a six-month hiatus, CHAMPS Trade Shows returned to the real trade show floor in sunny Florida from Oct 23-25th, 2020.

If I were to say it was a success, I would be understating what actually went on. To quote me on a call with el jefe, Jeff, the evening of Day one, "F'n Amazing."

I arrived Thursday evening to help the CHAMPS Team set up and prepare for the show. The atmosphere felt a little surreal. There were very few people in the hotel, and even the bar Continues On Page 21

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closed early at 11 pm. This slow time left time for reminiscing and getting to know some of the early arrivals. I had a great talk with Shristi from Moodrite.

She is an industry veteran, and it was great exchanging stories and business ideals. She is a go-getter and has a great handle on what it takes to keep customers happy. I would buy from any company she was with, but Moodrite is definitely an excellent fit for her.

At 8 am the next morning, the vendors started arriving in droves. Masks and temperature checks would greet them but not slow them down. You couldn't see their lips form a smile behind masks, but you could see it in their eyes. I have to give it up to the attendees; they really put forth an effort to keep everyone safe. Of course, over three days, some masks might have been worn improperly but rest assured the security and staff made sure to remind those that were not in compliance. Everyone was reminded both in person and over the PA system.

One of the things that helped was the easy access to outdoor smoking areas so that everyone could step outside, social distance and get a breath of fresh unmasked air, sometimes polluted by smokeable herb smells and Continues On Page 24 CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

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tobacco. The breeze helped carry away any offensive smells. It also helped prevent indoor vaping. Regular announcements of the no vaping and smoking rules helped as well.

It was clear by early afternoon; the excitement was high, and the turnout would be epic. As 4 pm got close, buyers lined the entry hall spaced for social distancing and patiently wearing their masks.

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With only 4 hours of show time available Friday night to buy, a steady stream of buyers getting their badges and getting to work. Over 450 buyers walked through the doors for a 4-hour buy fest from 6-10. The buzz was real.

The eyes on everyone told the story. Vendors Like Medicali, Just CBD, Rapper Kush, and Njoy Kratom were rocking the whole night. Heavenly Candy stole some thunder and went the distance. They had Darius McRary from 90's sitcom fame as Eddie Winslow on the hit series Family Matters. Most remember the wild antics of Steve Urkle and his catchphrase, "Did I do That?" Not me. Eddie was definitely my favorite since, like Laura, I had a brother named Eddie who always thought he was the coolest cat in town. Tonight, Darius was the coolest cat in the building. I am not sure his Continues On Page 30 CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

sitcom father, Carl, would have approved of him attending, but his presence added some definite Star power. I do know that Raj at Heavenly Candy also brought his "A" game. He was unofficially the best-dressed man on the floor.

Friday night ended with everyone happy, buyers and exhibitors alike. I heard more than one company say they sold their booth out that night.

families had come to workation just like I suggested. As the day’s heat built up outside, forcing everyone inside, the business continued a substantial build-up of its own. Buyers streamed in all day with masks and patience as they waited in the socially distanced lines. Saturday cemented a long-lasting legacy of CHAMPS being a leader of the industry. Buyers were here from all over to buy in time for Holiday sales.

Day two would be the only full-length day, so expectations were high, and so was I. The day started a little slow, honestly. It was, after all, a Saturday in Orlando‌ It was apparent many

You could tell that glass was in high demand. The FAM section did not disappoint. Many artists with big full booths of glass were ready to take orders and Continues On Page 36

AD SALES

CHAMPS

KEVIN DANKMAN kevin dankman OFFICE office 818-616-7424

show magazine

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ready to take orders and sell what they had available. Artists Like Key Glass, Sea Shakes, Glass Distractions, and Black Sands Glass. A Special thanks to RJ at Lost boys Glass often called Trouble.

He and the boys behaved and constantly cross-promoted the show to his store buyers. Many of these booths sold out quickly but took orders all day so they could fill them and their family's pantry for the winter.

As the sunset lit the sky above the Gaylord Palms, Halloween descended upon the resort. As another perk to buyers who came to workation, the hotel throws an annual Halloween light and costume show. Seeing all the kids and families wander the paths through the hotel's immense indoor gardens. Ghouls and goblins haunted the hotel that night for sure. The howling lasted long into the night.

Day 3 was another shortened day of trade show fun, with hours 11-4:20 an appropriate time in our industry to end the day.

trade show itself. To quote Kurt at Zion Herbal, "We exceeded our expectations the first night, and now it has been exceeded ten-fold."

Over and Over again, Buyers and Exhibitors alike thanked the CHAMPS Staff and continually praised their attention to health and wellness as well as doing profitable business.

By the time 4:20 rolled around, you could tell everyone was ready to disperse and finish out another great CHAMPS Adventure.

Many of you may have missed the show for one reason or another, and we honestly understand the hesitancy to attend large events during the nation's current health concerns.

We hope you are happy and healthy, and please call all our exhibitors and request show deals. They need your support in times like this, just like you need the support of your customers.

See you in Florida!

After two days of Tradeshow, you would think that the energy would have waned, and the buyer enthusiasm checked itself‌ NOPE, Another day of improbable high sales. It is like someone fired the improbability drive on the 36

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SHOP SHOTS Ashes Smoke Shop Denton

|

420 S. Carroll Blvd. #105

By Kevin Dankman

|

Denton, Texas 76201 Being a regular part of CHAMPS Trade shows, I have seen JC and Alissa around on many occasions, sometimes even referring to themselves as, “The drunk Texans!” They recently won $1,000 cash at our Las Vegas Show in the Winter of 2020, you know… the pre-covid days.

Since I had them on the phone, I had to ask how they spent the extra $1,000?

They both answered GLASS! Almost simultaneously. They reinvested their winnings in their staff and let them buy $1,000 more worth of glass they thought would sell. From a business standpoint, this is brilliant. It gives their team a chance to buy into the inventory and be proud of what they sell.

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Here is a little something they wrote about Ashes: “Ashes Smoke Shop was established in the spring of 2014 in Denton, Texas. It began and continues to be a local hot spot for premier smoking gear, local art, local music, and several community events throughout the year - preeminently our annual Ashes 420 Festival. Our festival sponsors include a countless number of CHAMPS vendors who often attend the event.

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While the events are important, our primary daily focus is to offer world-class smoking accessories and ensure that each customer receives a personal, friendly, and memorable service!�

We would like to wish them a Happy and Healthy 420 Festival this year from the CHAMPS Magazine Family.

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By Amear Moretall After a year on hiatus for COVID-19, the Glass Games will be returning to CHAMPS Winter Show in Orlando!

The Glass Games team has really gone over...board this year. Matty and the team dropped the best theme you could imagine for this return.

GAME ON! Games, Games, Games.

Any Game they like! Be it a Board Game, Video Game, or Sport.

Artists are required to represent or present a game in their handblown glass creation!

They want artists and buyers to have fun and play with this. They don’t want a single entry to go home with its blower!

I can already tell you this will be exciting. Stores love displays they can draw attention with, and pop culture always draws attention.

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The artists will be competing not only for a ticket into the next CHAMPS Masters Competition but also the opportunity to win some of the cash and prizes in total worth over $10,000.

Cash and prizes‌.

1st Place: $500 + Booth in FAM Village at the next CHAMPS Event. 1 full page ad in CHAMPS Show Magazine to be placed in the Story about the Glass Games (Tiered Sponsor Bags).

2nd Place: $250 + 50% off booth in FAM Village at next CHAMPS Event. 1/2 page ad in CHAMPS Show Magazine to be placed in the Story about the Glass Games (Tiered Sponsor Bags).

3rd Place: $250 + 50% off booth in FAM Village at next CHAMPS Event 1/4 page ad in CHAMPS Show Magazine to be placed in the Story about the Glass Games (Tiered Sponsor Bags).

ALL Players will also receive a sponsor goody bag and a $100 discount at the next CHAMPS Event.

If you are like me, you are betting these artists go crazy with this great opportunity to showcase their skills and highlight some excellent pop-culture imagery.

Don’t miss out on this great experience at CHAMPS Trade Shows Florida March 9th-11th.

Photo by Antonin FELS on Unsplash 60

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CHAMPS show magazine

AD SALES

KEVIN DANKMAN kevin dankman OFFICE office 818-616-7424

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CHAMPS Trade Show is going south for the winter!

We will be returning to Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center for a winter show like no other.

By Kevin Dankman

CHAMPS Magazine wishes you a Happy New Year! By the time many of you around the country read this story you will be 1/4 through your winter season. Cold rain, snow, cold, miserable weather has had you cooped up.

Well, guess what? It is sunny and 70’s in Florida!

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Kevin Dankman Office 818-616-7424

Ad Sales:

Just like Las Vegas, Florida offers beautiful weather in March. The March average temps will be between 75-81 degrees with less than 5 days of rain usually in March. Sounds like perfect weather for a workation in Florida to me!

Located once again at the beautiful and luxurious Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center.

CHAMPS will be taking all safety precautions once again.

Continues On Page 84

I bet many of you have been putting off that trip to a warmer climate all year due to circumstances beyond your control. Well, March 9th-11th is the time to take control and get back to the business of making money at the CHAMPS Winter Show.

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The CHAMPS Staff calls it, “The Bubble” You can stay, eat, play and go to the show without ever leaving the premises. Kinda like the NBA did successfully in the 2020 season. The scenery is beautiful and the food is definitely above par.

There are multiple restaurants for every type of meal you want. If casual is your choice Wreckers Sports Bar is usually a happening spot with indoor and outdoor seating available.

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For something a little more there is MOOR, or even the Sandbar, for that beachy feel. By far the most popular place outside of Wrecker’s is the Coffee shop that serves Starbucks as well as beer and wine, my spouse calls this the place for your morning and evening pick me up.

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If you’re wondering what the kids can do while you work during the day, there is a waterpark on-premises! Ever seen an alligator get fed? Well inside the atrium they have live alligators that are fed while you watch. The Gaylord Palms is full of wonders you wouldn’t imagine finding at an average hotel. I have been on numerous occasions and I still find something new each trip.

new interactive game for the Orlando Show, Artist will be presenting pieces themed on popular culture games. Everything from Board Games to Video games, you can expect some killer pieces and plenty of fresh new glass for your shop.

Speaking of something I know all my friends and NEW, Matty and the family in the industry will CHAMPS Glass Games Crew be there, so I expect has come up with a great

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to meet many new friends there. March 9th-11th, 2021 don’t forget your swimsuit and suntan lotion!

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE