From: Claudia Yundt,
NCA Regional Director, Region Three (Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois),
Retail Products Committee Chair

There was a big turnout of NCA Member Caves at IGES/SSS this year. 19 natural wonder show caves and 39 cave representatives were present at the NCA Networking Dinner on Sunday evening of the show. At least 4 other caves attended IGES/SSS but weren’t able to stay in town for the dinner. So, there were a total of 23 caves in attendance at IGES/SSS from all parts of the country!

The following quotes are some of the comments I received:

“I thought the show was well set up and liked it being in one location – it enabled me to revisit booths the last day of the show to make final selections.”-  Vicki Boyer, War Eagle Cavern, Rogers, Arkansas

"I tried to go by the various sponsors’ booths and let them know how much we enjoyed the dinner and to thank them. I was able to find several items of interest at some of these booths that I would not have found had I not stopped in after the dinner so for the sponsors, at least the ones that I saw, I think it was worthwhile. I enjoyed the show and it was nice to have a lounge available where we could take a break, have a snack and talk with whoever was there at the time. I hope that they will do that for us again next year.” - Steve Rawlings, Mercer Caverns, Murphys, California

“I have never attended a show before where the staff was so accommodating, from opening the front door, to clean restrooms, the NCA meeting room, complimentary lunch, and comfortable place to buy and eat lunch, etc. Please let Susan and Jerry know how much we appreciated everything!” - Denise Bell, Seneca Caverns, OH.

“I enjoyed the show and the dinner. I arrived just before the dinner, so it was great to have the roundtable and learn tips from everyone else. The dinner was delicious – what a wonderful thing for the vendors to do. Use of the meeting room was good, too – it was nice to have a place to organize paperwork and look through catalogs. IGES did more than the Gatlinburg show ever did and I think everyone was appreciative.” - Patty Perlaky,Raccoon Mountain Caverns, Chattanooga, TN

“Thank you for all the courtesies extended to NCA people at the IGES show in Sevierville last week. We appreciate everything very much, particularly the dinner, goody bags, lunch and a lounge room. We enjoyed the show and look forward to next year.” - Marion Dunlavy, Lincoln Caverns, Huntingdon, PA

“Everything was great! I have always enjoyed the show. Thanks to the sponsoring vendors for a fantastic meal and goodie bags! The break room and snacks were a nice addition and I used them daily.” - Lettie Stickley, Grand Caverns, Grottoes, VA

“IGES/SSS – A big thank you for a great dinner at New Orleans on the River.  It was exceptional!” - Linda and Gretchen, Mark Twain Cave, Hannibal,MO