Peppers at the Beach Event 2010
It looks like we have a new chilehead event for you to place on your events calendars. We have made the trek to Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches in Delaware when we lived in Maryland, and it’s worth the trip both for the scenery and the chance to visit the Peppers store. This event offers all that, and more. Thanks to John from DEFCON Sauces for all this great info.
PEPPERS AT THE BEACH EVENT
May 15-16, 2010
Greetings,
As the year begins, I know everyone is picking and choosing which events they may or may not attend with their products. Well, for about the past month, I have been in contact with the legendary Chip Hearn at Peppers in Rehoboth beach, Delaware. I had received a number of requests from both customers and other manufacturers that we should have some sort of gathering there, considering they carry virtually everyone’s products and are in a pretty good location. Add in the fact it’s always a lot of fun when a bunch of chileheads get together, we decided to plan an event this coming May 15-16 at the Peppers location. The hours will be around 10am until 5pm both days.
This won’t be a formal trade show, but more of a large-scale demo, where manufacturers can sample their products to the masses, join in a few eating competitions, and just hang for a weekend and have a lot of fun. All products shown at this event will be available for sale inside the Peppers store, so bring extra stock in case they run out. This is also a great way for newer companies to get their name out and to get on the shelves at this very well-known location. We are also toying with the idea of getting sponsors and making up some very cool t-shirts for the event.
The plans are to have this 2-day event in and around Peppers, in the parking lots outside. It’s only going to be mid-May, so the temperatures should be quite nice. There will also be a Blogger Booth setup for those that are part of the Chilehead Nation, and for specific hot sauce blogsites to get their names out as well. There will be no charge for setting up for this event, unlike the larger trade shows. There will also be discounted rooms at a nearby hotel, and Saturday night, there will be a big party for everyone in attendance at a nearby drinking establishment. Myself and Chip are in contact with various TV networks, and are trying to get a couple food personalities to join in the fun as well, as there will be a few eating competitions throughout the days. Chip is also contacting many local news stations and will be promoting this gig very well.
This is a good chance to get some cool exposure, not to mention having just a plain old-fashioned fun weekend. I’m trying to get an idea of the number of people/companies that are interested, so please email me at john@defconsauces.com or give Chip a call at Peppers, 800-998-3473 if you are interested, and we’ll put you on the list. If things go as well as I think they will, this may turn into an annual event. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. If interested, I will be sending out updates from time to time, as I find out more information.
John Dilley
President, Defcon Sauces, LLC
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Commented at January 21, 2010- 10:59 am
So, I wonder, John, what have you and Chip decided to do about hot sauce companies who are interested, but whose hot sauce Chip won’t carry?
Inquiring minds would love to know.
Commented at January 21, 2010- 11:57 am
Won’t or doesn’t? Best bet is to call Chip at Peppers, 800-998-3473.
Commented at January 21, 2010- 5:38 pm
I’m trying to save up to make it to this event!
Commented at January 21, 2010- 9:41 pm
Saving our pennies here as well. Sure hope we can make it.
Commented at January 21, 2010- 11:20 pm
Anyone passing through VA, come by for a visit or to park and ride with Eric and I. I have tenants, otherwise I would put you up for a night before the show and drive with us in the morning. You can always sleep on one of the couches.
Commented at January 22, 2010- 7:15 am
I’ll be meeting with Chip hopefully tomorrow, as we have to run a large order down to him. If/when we meet, I should have a few more details (hotel info, Saturday night party info, etc.)
Commented at January 22, 2010- 10:42 am
It’s killing me that I may not be able to go to this one. Where’s a big lottery win when you need one?
Commented at January 22, 2010- 10:54 am
John, see if you can get Chip to commit to carrying products from vendors coming to the show. It would carry a lot of weight for the people on the fence about coming. Makers like Tina have contacted Pepopers in tghe past and got the cold shoulder. I understand they can’t carry everybody, but it would be nice to see them payback for the show/tasting event support.
Commented at January 22, 2010- 11:53 am
That’s one of the questions on the slate.
Commented at January 23, 2010- 4:52 pm
Ok, just got back from Peppers. Spoke to Chip about manufacturers getting their stuff on his shelves. He said any questions pertaining to that should be emailed to him at chip@peppers.com.
Commented at January 23, 2010- 6:05 pm
In otherwords, Chip says, “F&$k that.” How about he come make a statement since he wants people to attend? I am all about supporting events that support this industry. Email my ass. I like Chip, but come on tell us the way it is.
Commented at January 23, 2010- 7:18 pm
I find this event to be interesting and eciting for the East Coast fiery foods companies as I go back a long long way with Chip, so I am not really interested in people writing about this post claiming I am trying to “bash” his event. I am not AT ALL!
I state up front this is merely MY observation-nothing more, but something to think about.
First, it appears that DEFCON Creator, John, is the one organizing this event. I believe he is involved: (1) for the industry, (2) for the fact that this is nearby, (3) that Peppers is a good customer, (4) that it is fun to be with those who have a similar interest and (5) that this is an event that won’t cost him and anyone else in the area a fortune to get to (we ALL need more of this). I applaud John for wanting to make the Peppers event a success.
And…it appears that it is an event geared to the suppliers of Peppers-fair enough-it is their show. A point to think about…If Peppers wants participation from vendors that they do not purchase from and which at this event, is also the only way the public can get the product it tries…
through the “show” itself, i.e., Peppers store, then it is an event catering to Peppers clientele and suppliers.
That makes it tough for new vendors or non-Peppers suppliers to really want to get involved or too excited about it.
I hope it does well-but, even more, I hope that Peppers picks up even more items and allows the manufacturers it does not carry to participate on an equal playing field with the existing manufacturers.
Example: I am not a Peppers supplier (used to be) so I will not be in attendance, as it does not benefit me whatsoever. I cannot justify the time and cost to do a show that is featuring manufactureres it already carries.
Money does not grow on trees and to do an event without much likelihood of any return is: (1) not a smart business decision or (2) a vacation. Since I just had a vacation, this is not a good business decision for me. However, regional events geared to fiery foods are lacking (other than the 3 Texas events, Albuquerque, Columbus, New Orleans, and Cincinnati, et al)
The market is incredibly tough and I understand Peppers incentive to put on an “industry” event.
I also understand that no matter what anyone says, business is not up to par and that no one is making a killing, although we all know that everyone is “doing great and business could not be better” according to them.
We must support all events whether we are physically in attendance or not-I hope they all succeed to bring greater awareness to spicy foods, but staging events is a slow process to assimilate and grow an industry. It is one event at a time and one year to the next. Hopefully, Peppers will encourage greater participation in the future to expand the viability of their show.
It is even more cumbersome for small manufactureres to push this industry into the public eye, especially when the corporate barons (PACE, Herdez, McIlhenny, Frito-Lay, Ortega, Old El Paso, Frank’s RedHot, et al) do NOTHING to further the industry except copycat products by controlling 90% of the market, i.e., money=greed.
I think that/hope that events such as Chip’s promote the uniqueness and passion of the manufacturers he chooses to purchase from so they get to participate in a financial return as well. Everyone should remember that without the VARIETY of DIFFERENT small creators and companies, everything would be the same at EVERY show. The lifeblood of this fiery food industry is the ever-changing and creative variety of sauce types (different blood-types).
We should applaud the new “gamblers” in this business and welcome them with open arms. I hope that Peppers promotes those it does not carry to continue growing an industry that they were involved with from the early days 20+ years ago.
Without the old and the NEW, there is no fiery foods industry. Good luck with the show John and Chip!
Commented at January 23, 2010- 9:54 pm
Well said Emperor.
I have a suggestion which may help this event. It also may not. Chip may want to consider contacting vendors, ordering product, then inviting them to participate in the show. It sounds like fun, unfortunately I need to start making some money while having fun! For me personally it would make more sense to attend a show where people already want my products rather than call and try to sell something to make it maybe profitable to attend/vend at their event. I think the call me or email me if you want me to consider carrying your products strategy is a little backwards? Just my take.
Have fun, be safe!
Commented at January 24, 2010- 7:31 am
Well stated Aztec. As stated, this is a VERY informal event. It’s more of a huge-sized tailgate. Considering the store is right on a main drag, the exposure that time of the year will be very good. The fact that besides getting to the event, there are no added costs, which was the focus on having this, makes it very reasonable at the same time. Large trade shows costs multiple thousands of dollars to do, many smaller companies cannot afford this, or have serious trepidation not knowing what will happen. These kind of events help cushion the blow a little bit.
It’s all about having fun, I wouldn’t have it any other way. If people want to put some weird bad spin on it, go ahead, no one is forcing anyone to attend. The event is free to attend and free to set up as a vendor. Perhaps events like this will start catching on in other areas, who knows. With the fun-loving people, that make up a vast majority of the industry, that I’ve met, events like this will be a good time had by all.
“Chip may want to consider contacting vendors, ordering product, then inviting them to participate in the show. It sounds like fun, unfortunately I need to start making some money while having fun! For me personally it would make more sense to attend a show where people already want my products rather than call and try to sell something to make it maybe profitable to attend/vend at their event.”
Agreed. It was briefly discussed yesterday. I understand if it’s a long haul to get there, and going to cost a good chunk of change, it might not be the best option in practicality. But again, smaller companies, trying to get their name out, may find this free event quite satisfying, and a chance to increase public awareness of their products.
“In otherwords, Chip says, “F&$k that.” How about he come make a statement since he wants people to attend? I am all about supporting events that support this industry. Email my ass.”
WTF? Buddah, what are you talking about? Chip wants people to contact him to discuss carrying their products. Ummm, last time I checked, that’s how business is usually done.
Commented at January 24, 2010- 8:53 am
“First, it appears that DEFCON Creator, John, is the one organizing this event. I believe he is involved: (1) for the industry, (2) for the fact that this is nearby, (3) that Peppers is a good customer, (4) that it is fun to be with those who have a similar interest and (5) that this is an event that won’t cost him and anyone else in the area a fortune to get to (we ALL need more of this). I applaud John for wanting to make the Peppers event a success.”
Well said Aztec, and right on target. I think the industry needs events like this, as they are extremely low cost and is a great tool for newer companies to get their name out to a larger audience, without having to spend multiple thousands of dollars on the large-scale trade shows. Anyone that is trying to spin this in any other way is wasting their time.
Perhaps this type of event will spark others in different areas of the country.
“For me personally it would make more sense to attend a show where people already want my products rather than call and try to sell something to make it maybe profitable to attend/vend at their event.”
Understood. And for some newer companies, just getting their name into the heads of the public is their focus. If someone never heard of you, they will never buy from you. I’m thinking some here are reading WAY too much into this event. It’s like a large-scale 2-day tailgate, NOT a formal trade show. That’s why the event is free to setup at. I’m going down more for the fun, to cook up a ton of wings, hang out with everyone, and just have a good time.
“We should applaud the new “gamblers” in this business and welcome them with open arms. I hope that Peppers promotes those it does not carry to continue growing an industry that they were involved with from the early days 20+ years ago.
Without the old and the NEW, there is no fiery foods industry. Good luck with the show John and Chip!”
Thanks man. Hey, I CHOSE to kind of be the ringleader in this. Trust me, I’m not getting paid for doing all the work, I’m putting in the time because I WANT to. Hopefully, this event will spark others in other areas.
“In other words, Chip says, “F&$k that.” How about he come make a statement since he wants people to attend? I am all about supporting events that support this industry. Email my ass.”
WTF? Let’s see, last time I checked, a company had to contact a store to see if that store wanted to sell their products. Am I missing something here? Your right, he can’t carry everything, and maybe, just maybe, he says no to a few people. It’s his choice, not mine. People are emailing me, so what is so wrong about emailing him with a few questions?
Commented at January 24, 2010- 9:55 am
“WTF? Let’s see, last time I checked, a company had to contact a store to see if that store wanted to sell their products. Am I missing something here? Your right, he can’t carry everything, and maybe, just maybe, he says no to a few people. It’s his choice, not mine. People are emailing me, so what is so wrong about emailing him with a few questions?”
John, this is nothing against you or your company, you know how much I like your products. I wave your flag wherever I go. Yes, it is a free event, and maybe it is just a tailgate. Yet it is a tailgate to promote Peppers. I have not seen one person from Peppers come here or some of the other fine blogs also promoting this show to even say hi. I think if you want to bring in people in an industry that you represent, then you come make your presence known some how.
When you make a statement for Chip, I think it is fine if an actual backbone is behind the words.
Why not come out and speak the truth? “We carry a lot of products, and we can not carry everyones.” “We have carried your products, and they did not sell.” “I am sorry, but the event is more a Farmer’s market than a trade show. I wish I can say we will be inclined to carry your product after the demo, but the truth is I do not know.” Making a simple statement like that carries a certain dignity and respect than “email me” does.
John, you are in their store, so this product sampling so to speak works in your favor. I want to see you succeed, so I will do my part with the resources I have to promote the “tailgate” because of you. Yet, I would love to come and see a lot more vendors because it would be even bigger and better to attend for those willing to travel long distances. It is a great store, and I will be spending my money for sure. In the end, it is just a street sale to promote Peppers, and a company better be in the store if they wish to grow from their sampling giveaway. Even if the setup is free to do.
Commented at January 24, 2010- 1:53 pm
There’s not much to add to this that’s not a rehash of what’s already been said. Except to address what Buddah said about Chip not getting online to talk about this event. I think some people (especially older folks) aren’t as heavily into the internet as much as younger people are, so the idea of promoting and discussing matters on the internet doesn’t cross their minds immediately or weigh as important. I can’t pretend to know Chip all that well, but I think he’s warming up to the web a bit more, and he’s even posting frequently on Twitter nowadays. Maybe Chip figures that since John is the unofficial spokesperson on this event and gives frequent updates on the subject that he doesn’t need to jump into the discussion as well.
At least issues are being somewhat addressed (I hope) and a channel of contact has been opened. I can think of a few cases where certain parties have totally shut off all communication with the online world so everyone is left in limbo for literally months on end wondering WTF is going on.
Commented at January 24, 2010- 6:03 pm
For what it’s worth, I’ve already been all through discussions with Chip and Luther. Chip made it quite clear that he wanted the product, Luther wanted me to give it to them at below cost, because they didn’t like our prices. As far as I’m concerned, Peppers doesn’t want it. One doesn’t ask a Tete de Cuvee to lower their price. You can either afford it or you have no clue about its value.
As you say, John, in the end it is just a street sale to promote Peppers and since Peppers won’t carry my product, I won’t promote their store. Simple as that.
As much as I love a good party, I have far too much work to do getting peppers out of Haiti than to traipse off to a tailgate party that has no benefit to me or my business.
Have a good time.
Commented at January 25, 2010- 11:39 pm
I think I found a good reason to go:
http://www.rehobothicecream.com/
This is Pepper’s ice cream place. Check out the flavors. You will smile. I am so there!
Commented at January 26, 2010- 10:08 am
Bacon Ice Cream and Beer Ice Cream were the only two that caught my eye.
Commented at January 26, 2010- 1:36 pm
You make it sound like you can get that around the corner.
Commented at January 26, 2010- 6:10 pm
Nope, but I can make it myself if I wanted to