Trying to find Computer Hardware Shows

[mbigna]

I have recently moved to Racine, Wisconsin having lived near Philadelphia, PA for nearly 7 years. Out east, there are many computer hardware shows that were very close to where I live (one convention center was less than 5 miles away!).

Now that I am back in the midwest, the nearest shows are in Milwaukee--about a 45 - 60 min drive. The distance isn't so bad, but Milwaukee isn't exactly a nexus for the digital revolution, so to speak, and I only know of shows being staged there about once every 4 months.

I'm looking for information or a web site that lists the major conventions that occur in nearby cities like Milwaukee, Chicago, and even Indianapolis, IN. I know that there are several regional convention companies that put on various shows in different areas of the country, but I'm not familiar with any of them around here. I know of BlueStarShows(.com) and KGP Productions, but I know that there are others. There are probably plenty more shows being put on that I'm just not aware of. Any information would be appreciated.

[nihili]

I just did a google search for "computer show illinois" and turned up several results including one at the College of DuPage this weekend. I would think you should get similar results with similar searches.

nihili

[Mr B]

nihili,

Great post! Worthy of making this thread a "sticky" for a while, IMHO....:)

Thanks for the tip!

[Jon]

I'm heading to another next month in Reseda.

Same one I went to last time and got the parts for my TBird system.

Not sure what to get this time...

[Monaco]

check out any convention centers in your area, just give their booking agents a call and ask away. There are 3 places here in Denver that are rented out by companies at least 5 times a year for computer shows. Pretty much any concert hall or such will have space availible for rent, tech shows usually take them up on it. For a last resort, call your city's chamber of commerce and ask them. After all, they work for you!:)

[Jon]

Guess I could give the address for those who live within a few hours of L.A. This computer show moves 4 times a month to different areas surrounding L.A.

LAComputerFair.com (http://www.lacomputerfair.com).

Definately worth going to.

[HotDogg]

Originally posted by mbigna
I have recently moved to Racine, Wisconsin having lived near Philadelphia, PA for nearly 7 years. Out east, there are many computer hardware shows that were very close to where I live (one convention center was less than 5 miles away!).

Now that I am back in the midwest, the nearest shows are in Milwaukee--about a 45 - 60 min drive. The distance isn't so bad, but Milwaukee isn't exactly a nexus for the digital revolution, so to speak, and I only know of shows being staged there about once every 4 months.

I'm looking for information or a web site that lists the major conventions that occur in nearby cities like Milwaukee, Chicago, and even Indianapolis, IN. I know that there are several regional convention companies that put on various shows in different areas of the country, but I'm not familiar with any of them around here. I know of BlueStarShows(.com) and KGP Productions, but I know that there are others. There are probably plenty more shows being put on that I'm just not aware of. Any information would be appreciated.

Mbigna,

Try this link:

http://www.chicago-computer.com/events.htm

I have not gone to any of these events personally so I can't comment on the variety, prices, or quality. If you go to one please come back and let us know if it was worth the drive.

[mbigna]

Thanks for the tips, guys(/gals?). I did, in fact go to the College of Dupage show and I thought it was very good. As far as the searches themselves go, the majority of the links returned referred to vertical market type shows and not discount hardware shows. Things like "Tools to automatically normalize your Oracle databases [gag]" and "Discussions of the benefits of CRM software and installations [snore...]" abounded.

If you are in the Chicago area and are interested in local hardware shows, here are two links that I bookmarked:

http://www.computercentralshows.com/showinfo.htm

http://www.giantcomputershow.com/

[T. J.]

Here are a couple of others:

KGP Productions (http://www.pcshow.com/) Northeastern US
NCShows (http://www.ncshows.com/schedule.htm) New England
Marketpro (http://www.marketpro.com/) All over

[mbigna]

Originally posted by T. J.
Here are a couple of others:

KGP Productions (http://www.pcshow.com/) Northeastern US
NCShows (http://www.ncshows.com/schedule.htm) New England
Marketpro (http://www.marketpro.com/) All over Thanks, T.J.--

Unfortunately, I don't live out east any more. I used to live in Horsham, PA (near Philly) where I would attend these shows all the time. In fact, I lived 5 min. away from the Fort Washington (,PA) Expo Center where many shows were held. I attended shows at King of Prussia and the big Rariton, NJ shows all the time.

Now that I live in Wisconsin, there isn't much around. The Milwaukee shows are rare and Chicago is where I see the most opportunities.

[Superman53142]

I live in Kenosha. :p

"Keep Kenosha clean, throw all your trash in Racine!" :D

I never see any but KD Computers in Waterford are pretty nice and carry the 120mm 108CFM Sunon and Computer Adventures in Kenosha has a really nice owner/manager named Eric. Hope this helps!! P.S. How about this unseasonably warm weather? I need it to get down to -10C :D

[Genoide]

Well I have gotten to an expo center pretty much a little bit higher prices then online stores.... but what the heck I went to one on Fridays it was @ The Medowlands.. bad thing is u have to pay for the entrance otherwise i would attend and steal some stuff...

[Spartacus51]

I'm also from WI, and am slightly in the same boat as you, Milwaukee is a 45 min. drive, however Madison is only 30 min. BlueStarShows are decent, although they seem to be going down hill. It's a risky business buying there though because most often the good deals are recerts. You don't always knowwhat you're getting into. I have bought from the shows though. In fact my last two computers plus a mobo/proc have been from there...

Another tip, should you go into Milwaukee for a show, be sure to stop and look around in Brookfield, it's the closest thing to a computer district in WI.

[hunter00]

yeah check marketpro, i always go to their shows (real close to me)

[Mike K]

Every 4 months?

The last one I heard of was over a year ago.

I live in Chicago.

It was at the Rosemont.

[arhines]

I live in seattle, and have heard of these computer shows pretty much only on ocers front page in the news...heh, I mean there are some liquidation expos here ([announcer voice]"BUY A WORKING 486 WITH MONITER AND DOT MATRIX PRINTER FOR ONLY 75 DOLLARS!"[/announcer voice]).
What exactly are they like? Is it a lot of more mainstream stuff, as well as some vendors with stacks of cpus to look at or what? Anyone know of any shows in the northwest?

[mbigna]

Originally posted by arhines
I live in seattle, and have heard of these computer shows pretty much only on ocers front page in the news...heh, I mean there are some liquidation expos here ([announcer voice]"BUY A WORKING 486 WITH MONITER AND DOT MATRIX PRINTER FOR ONLY 75 DOLLARS!"[/announcer voice]).
What exactly are they like? Is it a lot of more mainstream stuff, as well as some vendors with stacks of cpus to look at or what? Anyone know of any shows in the northwest? Expect to find a wide variety of new and used equipment. Though these shows vary from area to area, you will usually find several vendors selling complete systems. Some will be prefabricated standard combinations, but most just bring a truck load of various parts and let you choose the items you want to put together.

You can also find a lot of 'white box' items. 'White box' refers to new components that are not in standard retail packaging. You will pay less, but you will not get perks like extra software or cables and such. These items are usually how they are sold to companies that buy in large volume.

There will also likely be plenty of 'grey market' (between white and black, so to speak). These items--both hardware and software--refer to sales not specifically sanctioned by manufacturers. Vendors acquire these items from liquidations and other questionable sources. While these items are usually new and can be purchased at lower prices, be aware that the manufacturers may not honor warrantees for them.

As always, exercise care when buying from these vendors as they are usually smaller and not all that established. They may not even be doing business in the same state.

[Athlonman]

Any Computers shows in canada?

[MaximusGladius]

Thanks for the information. I never thought of looking for local computer shows through GOOGLE. :D

[Cluster]

Well for Canada there's

COMDEX in Vancouver Mar 19-21st,(booking plane ticket now) Full Pass is $795. See ya there.

[Mike K]

Full Pass is $795

!?!? What does the full pass include?

[Cluster]

Full Pass Includes all exhibits($50), confrences($595), and tutorials($395)

[MaximusGladius]

Is that in Canadian Currency?

[Cluster]

Ya that's in Canadian

[NeoJapKid]

try marketpro.com for starters.

[Challenger]

. BlueStarShows are decent, although they seem to be going down hill.

That's an understatement.Last one in Madison was a Golf\Computer Show with more printer ink displays than anything:mad: :mad: :mad:

[Grande Juan]

I usualy find them listed in the classified ad section of the newspaper. A lot of times the ad itself is a coupon.

[thorn]

also try http://www.supercomputersale.com/Schedule/schedule.html. I found a few steals at these shows, but you have to shop around and when going to any show bring cash as some of the vendors charge extra for credit cards. You can find some things around the pricewatch price minus shipping.

[arabarabian]

Nice job, thanks for the post.

[CaliKev]

If anyone is in the Bay Area (california) the computer show to Attend is www.robertaustin.com sign up to get free tickets..

[Jab-tech]

NY NJ CT

http://www.tri-statefairs.com

I'm a vendor there... Might do some marketpro shows later in the year too. Hope to see some of you guys there.

[Jamesdsl16]

Originally posted by arabarabian
Nice job, thanks for the post.
As god is my witness i will go to that show.:D

[Ratinfested]

for us CT,MA people

http://www.coganfairs.com/

[rlemieux]

I am fixing to move to the Pittsburg area, anyone know of any around there?

[PLtNmHeLiX]

how about new york city? Thank you in advance

[Jab-tech]

Originally posted by WiNnErPL
how about new york city? Thank you in advance

http://www.tri-statefairs.com

Newberg tomorrow .... Lookout for Bronx next Sunday although I won't be a vendor there... Then Casper Kill after that and Albany a few weeks later... Anyone attend these shows lookout for me, we're the only ones with AX7's :-)

[Deltree]

:confused: The fair in Las Vegas is a bust. They lost their original show at the end of last year now their are shows with as little as 5 venders. I'm going to the next pamona CA show.

[Guero]

I haven't seen anyone mention that there is a Computer Show in Rosemont, IL this weekend. Thought I would throw that out there. For more info go to www.supercomputersale.com

[metallica0421]

Any shows in arizona-phoenix or tucson area???
ive checked the above links but nothing.. GOOGLE turned up nothing either.

[rlemieux]

Pittsburg Area???????

[EyelessFace]

I went to a computer show in the Beckley WV area - one vendor, crappy computers at extreme prices. For example: P166 and 16 MB of Ram was $160! I laughed at them and walked out.

I wish I could find a decent show in my state :(...

[Wolverez]

Originally posted by Jon
Guess I could give the address for those who live within a few hours of L.A. This computer show moves 4 times a month to different areas surrounding L.A.

LAComputerFair.com (http://www.lacomputerfair.com).

Definately worth going to.
Say hello to Jeff Levy, when your down there.

[ElroyCarbon]

By the way KD Computers is NO LONGER in Waterford. I use to get all my cases and stuff there. Now he is in Illinois battling, PC Progress, Accubyte and Spartan.....Oh well it rocked while it lasted! We still have Milwaukee PC :( :o

[Lusankya]

Illinois/Chicago

The city of Gurnee also has a computer show every now and then.. I know they had one recently.. I'll ask someone about it.. may be a monthly thing like the Dupage country show is

[Lusankya]

OK I checked... for Chicagoans, Cheeseheads and cornfarmers

DuPage Computer Fair: College of DuPage. Last weekend of every month. So thats this weekend people 8/24 - 8/25

Gurnee Computer Show: Gurnee Holiday Inn. First weekend of every month. would make it either 8/31 - 9/1 or 9/7 - 9/8 not sure which.

[palee72]

Originally posted by rlemieux
I am fixing to move to the Pittsburg area, anyone know of any around there?


In monroeville, just outside of pittsburgh, at least once a month (2x this month) is a marketpro show...

I've picked up some steals there, and some duds....It is a 2 day show (sat and sun). My advice is go on saturday, go home and test it ASAP, if it doesnt work, return it on sunday.

[bubba gump]

well jon thx for that one to the computer fair link u posted, i live withing a hour of la, and they have shows in santa barbara soon so i might go to one. thx :D 8)

[miketay89]

Columbus, OH area anytime soon?

[nobluo]

http://www.tri-statefairs.com/
whoever posted this first.....thanks. ive been looking for it for days. and im just in time for this sunday's fair. i'll be there definately

[Batman@]

there is one coming to Mississauga, Ontario Call computer fest
http://www.compfest.com/index.html

[darkversed]

Originally posted by nobluo
http://www.tri-statefairs.com/
whoever posted this first.....thanks. ive been looking for it for days. and im just in time for this sunday's fair. i'll be there definately

did you ever check this out how was it?? im thinking about going to the next one

dv.

[captain_amd]

Anyone ever find one in or around Grand Rapids MI. Id like to check out a computer Show. Sounds like there are some pretty good deals at them. Do they have any tshirts/stickers/freebies? at these shows?

[snowus]

Hey CaliKev thanks for the Bay Area Post will be attending a show 12/21/2002 thanks to your post.Regards.JS

[Guero]

There is a Computer Show in Rosemont, IL this weekend. For more info go to http://www.supercomputersale.com/Locations/Chicago/chicago.html

[Wickedinterface]

Originally posted by Jon
Guess I could give the address for those who live within a few hours of L.A. This computer show moves 4 times a month to different areas surrounding L.A.

LAComputerFair.com (http://www.lacomputerfair.com).

Definately worth going to.


Pomona is my favorite out of the bunch got a 17 inch LCD monitor last show for $189

[orion25]

Anyone ever heard of one in the Southeast, or is it all just Gun Shows?

[Guero]

Originally posted by orion25
Anyone ever heard of one in the Southeast, or is it all just Gun Shows?

The Blue Star Shows have them in Raleigh and New Orleans.
http://www.supercomputersale.com/Locations/New_Orleans/new_orleans.html

[Tim974]

$7 for the Meadowlands shows? haha. Anyone know of any good NJ/NY(not upstate)/CT computer shows?

[Dj]

For Southern New England, Mass. and Connecticut shows, check out http://www.coganfairs.com/ , i've been going to those for a while now and they've done me well.

[Tim974]

k. I went to the Meadowlands one... wasn't tooo bad... 80 gb maxtor for $70 was all I ended up getting. I really wanted some fans... 20, 40 and 80 mm... they were charging $5 (at the cheapest place) for 80 mm grills (the standard ones) and the fan prices were outrageous.

[Dj]

Yeah, unfortunatly you're not going to get any really crazy deals at the cogan shows unless theres someone having a big special on something. They tend to just be the same as retail price after you pay the hefty admission charge..

[XeRoFuN]

Originally posted by Wickedinterface



Pomona is my favorite out of the bunch got a 17 inch LCD monitor last show for $189

Dangit I missed the last show! Oh well, I'll go next time. I'll have more money then.

[Susquehannock]

Here in Maryland there is a "Computer Show" at the
state fairgrounds in Timonium about every other weekend. :clap:

[one-silence]

is there any computer shows int he chicago area anytime soon? i heard theres one in orland park and dupage.. are these computer show even worth going to? want to ask before i actaulyl go for a drive thanks!

[Legend911]

Where exactly is this state fairgrounds. I live next to Fed-Ex stadium and i know there is a fairground near laplata, maryland. because i used to live in King George, VA. Where exactly is timonium???:D

[alibubba]

Any know of a computer shows in Houston? Usually I only see postings for Gun shows...

[Cutter]

For anyone in or around the FT.Wayne area there is a show this weekend at the war memorial colesium

Sat 9-6
sun 10-3

[alexr186]

www.ncshows.com

[resoluteK]

For the one above asking about houston.. it's not exactly a show, but there's a directron.com warehouse clearance sale this weekend in h-town. I'm planning to check it out.

[Cyrix_2k]

How are the prices at the timonium fairgrounds? I went the harford county fairgrounds show (the one that's shared with the ham radio's) and it sucked. However, they were selinng 21inch monitors up there for 60 bux a pop. They were flat screen, supported 1920x?(1440maybe) resolution, and the dot pitch was awesome. I think it was .18! The problem is they were heavy and I didn't feel like bringing it back to our SUV.

[4bidden]

Originally posted by metallica0421
Any shows in arizona-phoenix or tucson area???
ive checked the above links but nothing.. GOOGLE turned up nothing either.

I think we're screwed man, I couldn't find anything either.

[The_Last_Don]

MD state fairgrounds are up near Towson. North side of Baltimore, little over an hour from Fed-Ex field (on weekend). They come down your way alot too. Ramada Inn in New Carrolton and Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro. It's all the same company and alot of the same vendors. The website for show dates is http://www.marketproshows.com (http://)

I've been to several of there shows and usually come away with something. I like getting cases from the shows b/c the shipping for them is a beast, same with monitors. You can score some really good deals on monitors at these shows, they don't want to haul them back to truck either :D

[Blotty]

I know that there are some shows at the State fair gorunds in wisconsin every couple of months.

[orionnt]

Anybody know of any shows in North or South Carolina?

[Pitbull2k]

for NY.NJ.CT go to http://www.tri-statefairs.com/ i havent attended one in couple of years but i see them happening all the time, you can get a coupon at the site too.

[MastarPete]

i heard theres one in orland park and dupage.. are these computer show even worth going to? want to ask before i actaulyl go for a drive thanks!
I realize it's been a while since you posted but I figured I'd review them for others in the Chicagoland area.

http://www.greatmidwestcomputershow.com/ College of Dupage, Truman College
http://www.giantcomputershow.com Dupage fairgrounds, Orland Park, Tinley Park.
if you visit the sites you can get $1 off admission coupons and join the mailing list

prices are maybe $20 more than pricewatch but it really depends on what you're looking for, generally it's worth it since you get stuff right then and there.

even though the shows are in the Chicago area, you'll see slightly different vendors at each one.

the COD show is by far the best/biggest. a good mix of used and new hardware and software, but only a few vendors have stuff geared towards overclockers. ;) ie 3500 or 3700 DDR ram I've only seen sold by one vendor.
but you should find everything else you'd need.
since it's a larger show, there's more vendors from out of state.
back in Dec there was a vendor selling Exos water cooling kits and parts.
I forget where they were from, but I haven't seen them there since.

the giantcomputershow.com shows are good. worth checking each one at least once or twice to see for yourself. the number of vendors varies sometimes, and sometimes you'll only see a vendor at one location.
rank..
1 Dupage fairgrounds
2 Tinley Park (not always held there)
2/3 Orland Park

well I hope this helps someone.
if I hear about and go to another show I'll be sure to post.

COD show this Sunday (July 27)
Orland Park Aug 15

[scottmso]

For Wichita, KS and Oklahoma City, OK try http://www.saturdaysale.com/ - they hold them monthly.

[Stones]

anything for atlanta?

[Osirus]

August 14-15 in Pomona, Ca... Computer Show! - Ill be there.

[T1Cybernetic]

For the uk people theres a good one for you http://www.computermarkets.co.uk/
I visit them regular and they have never failed to deliver top quality :D ...

[magick_man]

anything it texas that anyone knows about?

[jackrungh]

Im in Dallas, and searches in TX seems to be fruitless. Bummer.

[Silversinksam]

Just Consolidating some of the stickies folks :thup: