managers, and many other camp staff members. Many schools, chadorim, and yeshivos take advantage of this great venue and stop in for a visit as well. Principals, resource room teachers, preschool morahs, therapists and extra-curricular advisors join in the fun to get fresh ideas. Organizations like Hamaspik, Chai Lifeline, HASC, Oorah, old-age homes and group homes peruse the booths in search of something to bring a smile to their precious charges. Even bungalow colonies, hotels and resort owners come to check out the latest. They investigate and negotiate, finding innovative ways to yield the highest rates of success for an upcoming summer. Most of the professional attendees of the Jewish Camp Expo do not visit any other trade show for their informative or buying needs. The Expo features over 150 booths demonstrating a variety of services ranging from finance and banking, insurance, equipment, supplies and furnishing, bus charters, personalized gifts and Judaica, pool supplies, kitchen design and equipment, food service, first-aid supplies, arts and crafts, premium incentives and airbrushing, attractions and day trips, shows and performances, and much more. Some vendors have been the proud exhibitors at the Camp Expo since its debut in 2006 and attendees look forward to meeting and greeting them warmly once again. There’s a sizzle of excitement and surprise as attendees encounter a new vendor and get ready to add some fresh, innovative ideas to their program. Satisfied and critical feedback is supplied while vendors and attendees plan the best summer possible for their campers. With over twenty-five years of active community service, Mr. Wassertheil has developed a keen eye to the many unique needs and sensitivities of the ever-growing Jewish communities in the U.S. and abroad. He has been a driving force and coordinator of such noted conventions and tradeshows: World Jewish Expo, Kosherfest, Kosher Food Showcase, The Jewish Business to Business (BTB) Expo, The Jewish Organizational Expo and Fundraising Conference, The Jewish Camp Expo and Conference, The Jewish Marketplace, New York Business Development Network Expo, The Jewish Builders Business Expo and Agudath Israel of America Annual Convention Exhibition, to name but a few. As he walks the ballroom exchanging greetings and handshakes with happy guests and vendors, I stop him for a few quick questions. “Mr. Wassertheil, the Camp Expo is every camp director’s dream. How did it start?” “My expos are always targeted to a specific field. Business-to-business, health, simcha, non-profit organizations and institutions... So, at one point it was brought to our attention that camps and yeshivos need new stuff and ideas every year and they have a hard
time going out there to find it. As one who had attended camp for 15 years, I just jumped into it, and now we had our
11th expo.” “Wow! What changes have you seen over the years?” “Well, we began our first year with only 40 exhibitors… We slowly moved up every year, and the past three years we are at 150 exhibitors.” “That’s impressive! What makes
these exhibitors join, and why is it so special for them?” “The camps love it, because I always find them new suppliers, sources and ideas. The exhibitors love it because they get a chance to meet many different camps, schools and special needs venues. We have exhibitors who are very big, famous companies who have no other way of reaching heimishe camps. Some fly in from the Midwest and West Coast, Canada and Israel!” It’s startlingly impressive to consider. To think, vendors and guests fly in to an event all to create a super, smashing summer for you! Your directors have been planning since March and have a great summer ready and waiting! Make some great memories, refresh and rejuvenate, and appreciate the nationwide effort that’s been made for your enjoyment and pleasure!
June 7, 2017 / THE MONSEY VIEW / 105 www.themonseyview.com / 845.600.8484