By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s April, 2022 Newsletter edition.
It’s been a busy month for the team that steers the EXPO “ship”! But things are shaping up better than could reasonably be expected for a really big event.
- Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors have snapped up most of the top slots – they KNOW that this is a uniquely special event in the state, and maybe the nation!! Former WWA leaders Don Kirby and Mark Kakatsch are leading this effort and strangely enough, both Kirby and Kakatsch are awardees of the coveted Mississippi Flyway’s Waterfowl Heritage Award; they just don’t know when to stop! (Please don’t!!).
- Presenting Sponsors: Mid-state Marine/War Eagle Boats, Lucky Duck Decoys and Wisconsin Outdoor News knew a good thing when they saw it and quickly signed up to be presenting sponsors again! And we welcome new presenting sponsors: The Fowl Life and onX.
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- Putting our money where our mouth is, organizers WWA and the DNR signed up at the Gold level, joining Vortex
- Sherper’s, Federal Ammo and Milwaukee Tool are in too, as are North County Marketing, Nutro and others.
- There are still a few spots left that come with indoor booth space and marketing…
- … our crackerjack marketing team, led by the Swift-Waters team of Shawn Gibbons and Connie Markham, just launched a new website and ticketing application, and is growing the EXPO’s social presence (1400+ followers and growing) through frequent updates not only on the EXPO, but waterfowling news of all sorts. Follow them at: facebook.com/WaterfowlHuntersExpo
- Meanwhile, we are track to sign up over 100 vendors and exhibitors!!
- The decoy carving contest is gathering steam, and the presenter list is firming up. There is something that appeals to everyone on our list, and probably much more than one thing!
- Well-behaved dogs are still welcome (with collars) and kids too (without collars). Contests and activities will be available for both the two legged and the four legged amongst us.
- And young and old alike should be practicing their duck and goose calling for the state calling contest. Prizes by Sherper’s will only be getting more attractive!
So much more to share on this topic, but so little room (and, I suspect, attention span!!). Want to play a role in this rapidly growing must attend experience?? Write me at bross@wisducks.org.