Having joined the P.O.G. in 1998, and going to VMD for the last 15 years, this year was a little different for me. I mostly sat around the POG tent for the week-end. Having turned 77 years old with a bad knee and a worn out ticker I didnt do any buying or selling. I did make some observations. Some I already know. Every year there are two people I feel dont get enough recognition at this event. The FIRST is PAUL DANIK. This man eats and breaths the Penton experience. He is TOTALLY DEDICATED to this Organization. I dont know anyone who could fill his boots. I got tired watching him and had to go to bed at 8:30 Friday night. THANKS PAUL FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO. The SECOND is DALE BUEHNER. This man spends his WHOLE WEEK-END in the back part of the POG tent in his homemade kitchen with no electric and a gas grill. I dont know how he comes up with so much food for so many people by himself doing everything. He is UNBELIEVABLE. THANKS DALE FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO. A couple other guys that deserve a THANK YOU this year are DALE FISHER. He sat all day every day doing his Membership duty and selling T shirts. I dont think he saw anything else except the inside of the POG tent all week-end. THANKS DALE. The other person was Paul Danik's right and left hand man JEFF BORER. He was doing something every minute. THANKS JEFF.
I know there are alot of other guys that put in alot of labor for our group, setting up and taking down. A BIG THANK YOU TO THEM.
We all take this for granted, showing up and going home, enjoying all their hard work.
I think I am ready for bed again, See You All Next Year.
Bob Gilman