Re: Article: NAB 2012 is in the books, final thoughts...

Since Walter mentioned the Supermeet, I'll those who care you a bit of the "insiders" view of what happened.

I actually hate to write this because I've long appreciated the position of Unions in fostering professional standards and protecting workers rights - but in this particular instance the Supermeet problems have to fall specifically and totally on the Tropicana's Union Shop.

Mike and Dan knew they were in trouble when the setup start that was supposed to start on Monday never happened. They burned up their cel phones - but couldn't get a respond from the Tropicana staff or contacts.

The crew showed up a full day late to begin the meeting setup and staging.

Anyone who has worked a show like this knows that without time to fix problems once they manifest themselves, even minor things like a bad cable or a wonky dongle can take down a whole show.

When I showed up to help, things were pretty chaotic and all we could do was try to manage what we could the best we could. I ended up doing rudimentary staging stuff like trying to move the podium aside so that the podium presenters didn't have their heads right in the projector beam for the video.

I will also note that A year ago, I was backstage as Apple did their "big foot" takeover. And say what you like about the content, but the legendary Apple attention to detail was evident and can bet your butt that Apple was ALL OVER every aspect of the presentation.

It may surprise you to know that Mike told me he had actually been in contact with Apple about about their participation at the show this year - but they couldn't come to terms in time.

And the list of companies that did present certainly got hosed by the technical stuff and absolutely none of it was anyones' fault but the Union setup crew not getting their s**t together in time.

Interestingly, another close source also noted to me there's been some change in management structure in the Pro Apps group at Apple recently - with at least one key player promoted and there are some new names in former decision making seats that *might* lead to some differences in how the ProAps team communicates in the future.

Notice I'm being careful with my language here because this is purely my speculation based on hearsay - not anything that I know to be factual - but just what I heard from "usually reliable sources". We'll see.

All I know for sure is that this year was vastly more stressful than any other Supermeet I've helped to put on. And that those issues need to be put where they belong - on a union crew shop that didn't deliver to the professional standard that a paying client should expect.

Many here know what it's like to be backstage responsible for "the show." Be thankful this wasn't one of yours. It belongs to two of my friends and they did NOT enjoy the evening - trust me.

FWIW.

"Before speaking out ask yourself whether your words are true, whether they are respectful and whether they are needed in our civil discussions."-Justice O'Connor