I'm going this year just as a social outing with a buddy from high school. What sorts of unique things will I find that might not be readily available to me from P&C or IRC? I'm not sure what to expect.
Here's what to expect. Take an exhibition hall that's big enough to host Mecum Auto auctions like the ones you see on TV, and then squeeze as many exhibitor tables into that hall as possible with each one manned by someone selling pipes and/or pipe tobacco, accessories etc., and that's what you can expect to see. There's a lot more happening such as the smoking tent, dinners, and seminars as well. If it's your first time you should expect a real treat!
