PONSORED RS E B V
Y:
CO
ISSUE 35 - JULY 2022
PAGE 31
Inside:
Independent Independence Day Pg. 20 The Currency of Experiences Pg. 39
Next Shows:
Summer Vegas: July 26-29th Denver Colorado: Sept 27-28th
Wholesale@SmokeHouseDistribution.com (877) 380-2899 SmokeHouseDistribution.com
Content
ISSUE 35 JULY 2022
Sci-Fi Independent Independence Day
20
The Currency of Experiences By Kevin Dankman
39
Summer Vegas: The Details
70
By Kevin Dankman
By Kevin Dankman
4
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Advertiser Index 6
8 MILE SMOKE 5 1836 KRATOM 31 ABR 90 AFG 16-17, 53 AK WHOLESALE 66 ALTERNATIVE HEALTH 73 ANG 38 B2B CANNABIZ WHOLESALER 81 BDD WHOLESALE 30, 77 BEAR QUARTZ 71 BENTFISH TRADING 29 BLAZER 59 CHAMPS 12, 78-79, 88, 92, 93, 106, 110-111 CHOICE INSIDE FRONT COVER SPREAD COLORADO CBD COMPANY 102 DELTA BOSS 34-35 DOOBTUBES 84 EARTH KRATOM 60 ELITE GAS 14-15 EMPIRE GLASSWORKS 90 EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORS 105 GOURMET INNOVATIONS 96 HERBAL SALVATION 21 HORIZON WHOLESALE 97 HOSS GLASS 95 INDICA PUZZLES 104 KASHMIR 67 KR8TOM 42-43 KRATOMADE 82-83 KRAKEN KRATOM 55 L&K LOOPER 56-57 MAHA-K 103 MT BRANDS 13 MY BUD VASE 40 OMNI VAPES 22-23, 61 OPMS KRATOM 62-63 ORANGE CHRONIC CLEANER 89 PARTYNUTS 48-49 PIECE WATER 25 POWERHITTER 51 PUCKER 65 PURO CANNAGARS 91 REPUBLIC BRANDS 10-11 ROKIN VAPES 26 RYOT INSIDE BACK COVER SPREAD, BACK COVER SEAN DIETRICH 36-37 SMOKE BUDDY 98 SMOKE HOUSE 02-03, 5, 68-69 SMOKE ODOR 92 SMOKE TOKES 108-109 SOCIAL SMOKING 86 SOL TRADING 85, 87 STORE DISPLAYS 75 SUNSHINE JOY 99 SWAG 44-45 SWEATLEAF 76 TORO IMPORTS 50 VAPOR TECH 28, 58 VOODOO 94 WAKIT ROLLBOTS 46 WHOLE HERBS KRATOM 41 WORLD OF LOTUS 47 ZAZA THC 74 ZIG ZAG 18-19 ZION HERBAL 8-9
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Contacts
ISSUE 35 JULY 2022
Publisher
CHAMPS Trade Shows
Editorial Director
Kevin Dankman
Ad Sales:
Kevin Dankman Office 818-616-7424
Credits Writing:
Bernie Boulders Kevin Dankman
Photography: CHAMPS Staff
Cover Art: Sean Dietrich
Design & Layout: Sixxx
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
7
Independent Independence Day By Kevin Dankman
People don’t just blow a pinky off; they lose limbs and sometimes even cause massive destruction to surrounding areas. Kinda like that old movie quote… “a cluster fuck!” Continues On Page 24
Holidays have taken on new meaning since the collapse of most societies. It is especially so with Independence Day. What is there to celebrate being independent of? Covid-Z-0m.b1 variant? Crime, Mutants, Killers, cannibals…. Yeah, lots of awesome things to celebrate, right? Ironically it is one of the most spectacular holidays that are still celebrated. The fireworks tradition hasn’t changed. It just got a bit wilder, Real rockets, and not only are they set off on earth, but the satellite settlements fire them off into the atmosphere from low earth orbits. 20
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Independent Independence Day For those that get to witness it, it is a stunning display of colors that spreads across the sky for almost 20 hours each year on the 4th of July. It is less of a celebration and more of a way to blow off some steam, let loose and draw out the last of the brainless covid plagued mutant creatures. The noise draws them out, and they can’t avoid staring at the lights. Finally, they come from their holes and hiding places into the open, staring lifelessly into the sky. This is when it is easiest to separate their heads from the rotting bodies. This is the best and fastest way to retire a brainless zombie. The heads make great rocket launchers! This was a particular year. Our team had made it 5 years on the road. Spirits were higher than expected. Hope and belief had really taken hold. We had made it to Florida in one piece and alive. Florida was riddled with spacecraft debris, patchwork launch sites loaded with scrappers and creeps, trying everything they could to get off the earth. We never really talked about leaving the earth until we hit Florida again. Kev-o brought it up. He was the only one of us that had been there. He admitted he craved it. The rush was real. Continues On Page 27 24
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Independent Independence Day even a single screecher. You could tell others had stopped here, but it was clean. Cleaner than all the places we had been in years.
We had people here; we just had to find ’em. Becca and I had ridden the trails all over Florida from Osceola Forest to the Ocala Bombing Range so we could stay offroad, avoiding the mass populations. It wouldn’t be easy travel, swamps, sugar sand pits, and burnt-out forest. Not to mention the weird mutated animals that have spawned from the many radioactive spills from failed attempts at going to space. Let me describe the first of these creatures we encountered. We were west of Gainsville, Florida, when we stopped for the Fourth and a few days of repairs and charging at an old service station. It was eerily empty, with no moaners, groaners, or
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Rachel was on alert. She kept saying, “her Spidey sense was tingling” Things seemed too inviting. My Admiral Ackbar voice came out abruptly, “It’s a trap!” Or was I wrong? Could it be people were becoming more civil?
When the sun came up, the light shined on the camp and its surroundings. We had company. You could see them in the distance. Three maybe four figures sitting calmly not more than 100yards away. How had we not noticed them last night? It was almost surreal when the one figure stood up and waved his hand, like a neighbor checking the mail… No hostility, no angst, just a genuine friendly wave of greeting. I stood up, instant coffee in hand, waved back and walked toward them. I grabbed Kev-o and Sean to escort me over and assess the situation. Continues On Page 32
It was hard to sleep that first night, but we felt safe with a couple of lookouts stationed.
27
...Independence Day We stopped about 15 yards and called to them. Two men walked over, one tall and strong, but he seemed slightly slow, accompanied by a slender older man with thin, sunken cheeks. He limped noticeably. Something had injured him seriously in the past. The thin man introduced himself as Father Doug and his brother Doug. We started by asking some basics.
Our third day was when we were woken by screams from Father Doug’s Camp. We rushed over, armed and ready for a fight, only to find a mangled and bleeding Brother Doug and his wife tending to his wound. She was frantic, screaming, crying, trying to explain. “Crazy eye’s, wild-eyed, huge teeth.” “Out of the darkness, like it was here whole
“We’re heading South, looking for family and friends. What about you?” Father Doug quickly answered, “Heading North, looking for a settlement to join. We’re tired of living the nomad life.” He continued explaining everything he hated about the new world for a few minutes. Then, finally, he’d explained he found a station on the HAMM Radio that told of colonies and settlements regrouping and starting new governments. Leaders were rising all around, and we couldn’t help but wonder if they were thinking about the people or themselves. “Doug, we just came from up North. We’ve met many people, and new societies are indeed cropping up everywhere,” I told him. We decided to join each other for the day and discuss ways to help each other on our journey. Doug supplied us with all the maps and intel we needed to get clear down the coast. We hooked him up with some secret codes and things to get him into Athens Resettlement. My Niece was a fantastic leader, and they were growing and retaking the surrounding area. I heard a rumor she reopened the Modern Age as a trading post for nomads.
32
time. We never heard or saw it coming. Then, suddenly, dust was everywhere and blood was flying.”
The cut was massive. It was a sure thing Brother Doug wasn’t going to make it. We comforted him till the end. There was nothing we could do… except hunt down this creature. Sunrise revealed a trail easily followed due to blood splatters and what appeared to be hominoid footprints.
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
The trail led to an old Skate park that looked almost like the skaters had just up and left, cars and vans that were rotting around it. If you looked closer, you could see a pile of skateboards half submerged in the deep end. You could barely make out the Independent Trucks Logo spray painted on the wall.
When we found it, it was hiding in an old conversion van. I wish I had a photo of this beast. Its eyes were bright and massive. A wide mouth full of pointed teeth looked like they could easily tear flesh from the bone.
We left it there, alive, scared, hidden in a van. Its weirdly shaped head peeked out the window as we retreated. Once back at the camp, we noticed the Dougs were gone. Not a trace of their base left, just the bloody ground where Doug had bled out. We searched for other creatures
like it only to find its den. One of the trees was hollowed out, and the vines had grown over the entrance. We peeked inside to see 2 tiny bipedal hatchlings in thick translucent sacks.
It was in there waiting in one of those cars; it knew we were coming. We did our best to be non-threatening. We wanted to see it and learn what it was. So why did it kill our new friend?
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
It stood tall but was rather spindly and moved like a cat. It would flatten itself into the walls and seats, trying to look invisible when it was scared. It lunged for us a few times before it decided to passively give up and lay down. Should we kill it? It was a hybrid of humans and animals. Did it deserve a life like us?
It was protecting its unborn young. It was scared. We knew it would be back, so we scuttled camp and started moving early just to be safe. We were glad we had let the thing live. It had a soul, a family, and a new species all alone… Maybe. For this chapter, our caravan has reached a place I cannot continue to write. The danger is everywhere, and so is opportunity. Let’s hope that showing mercy to this being was a karmic step that will help lead us to the end of our journey safely 33
The Currency of Experiences By Kevin Dankman
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Here is a little something we at the magazine thought might be something you would be interested in thinking about for your business. Make your business an experience. In the current world, people would rather experience something unique as a reward over the old standby of cash. What would you rather win, $1,000 Cash or the memory of an experience you will never forget? I know you are thinking, "how can I do this in my store or brand?" It is truly one of the most fun things to do. Find a theme in your life that you love and have passion for. For me, Skateboards, toys, and Art are what I use to create an experience for my guests. I decorate the guest room fully adorned with Star Wars themed linens and wall stickers.
We have a display of hundreds of small toys, from made for the masses to limited edition toys by underground toymakers. There is also an ever-growing collection of new, re-issued, hand-painted one-of-a-kind Skateboard decks and even some original art decks from famous skate art artists worldwide. Then, we can’t forget some 30-year-old Independent Skate-trucks are displayed for towel holders or hat racks. As a team, we at the magazine try every issue to give you an experience. From the initial cover to the informational show reporting and fictional tales, the intent is to entertain you and make it something you want to read for the mental experience when it hits the mailbox. For instance, you may have recently seen the My Colorway Cover we released in May. This is using the power of print to make Continues On Page 52 39
...The Currency of Experiences someone have an experience. It first starts with the classic nostalgia of coloring. This puts the reader in a frame of mind that has been lost by most adults. You can be a kid again. Posting online and seeing the likes and comments creates the second stage of an experience. Finally, when the winner is announced, the experience is enhanced by another experience of receiving a prize and putting that prize into place at your home or store. So, retail owners, think of your location. What can you do to make your place an experience? Curated art? Unique items? Maybe bring your collection of whatever you collect. Don't collect anything? Start a collection of a certain popular thing in the culture around you. Continues On Page 54
52
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
...The Currency of Experiences There is a store in Ohio with an array of succulents as well as antiques picked up through the years in the communities he visited around the country. There are a million ways to separate your shop and be Independent. Oooh, there is another one for you. Easy to get into and fun for many people in our culture. Skateboards, trucks like Independent, wheels, and old skateboard art are timeless. You can also profit on the items you are willing to sell often at way better profits than regular inventory. You can really set your shop apart and highlight some of the fun your customers have at home inside your store or brand experiences. Stores have also brought live art to their customers. Be it a concert, DJ Event, live glassblowing event, or a live painting event. It makes their store an experience. Continues On Page 64
54
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
...The Currency of Experiences Another great and easy way to give your clientele an experience is the classic celebrity meet and greet. These are tremendously successful in most cases. I recall once a Company at the CHAMPS Trade Show in Denver awarded a store winner and a vendor with the opportunity to have an epic 4:20 session with Tommy Chong in the nicest hotel room in Denver. I see the winners from time to time and reminisce about what a good experience it was for them. So, think long and hard about this, and find a way to make your business the experience people are waiting for.
64
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Wholesale@SmokeHouseDistribution.com (877) 380-2899 SmokeHouseDistribution.com
Vegas: The Details By Bernie Boulders
With Champs Trade Shows Vegas Summer show a few short weeks away, we thought we’d bring you some more details about what’s happening in Vegas. First thing, if you haven’t booked your ticket… put this aside for a few minutes and plan your trip to Vegas for July 26-29th. Tuscany Hotel and Casino has a great rate and is where we all stay to socialize. There will be a complimentary CHAMPS Shuttle every 15-20mins going to and from the Tuscany Hotel. Seriously, the Summer Shows are an experience you want to be at and won’t soon forget. One exciting thing we know already is that Sean Dietrich is bringing back Live Painting to the Las Vegas Convention center. In addition, he will be hand-painting a future cover for CHAMPS Tradeshows Magazine. Be sure to stop by and see his progress throughout the show. He might even take a minute to sign a tray or two for a couple of lucky buyers. Another exciting thing, CHAMPS will be giving $1,000 away each day to a lucky Shop Owner. They can use it however they want, inventory, travel expenses, taking me out to dinner, a round or two of drinks… Countless ways you can spend your windfalls! Continues On Page 72 70
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
...Vegas: The Details Rapper T.I.
Celebrities like Jackass famous Wee Man, The CHAMP! Mike Tyson and International Recording star TI are rumored to be stopping in for a tour and a chance to meet some of the great people at the CHAMPS Trade Show. Some other great regulars like Pawn Star Chumlee and Johnny’s Toy shack are usually good for a quick visit during our Vegas shows. Unfortunately, they stay below the radar, so you might miss them in passing. But, they are actually there to work, just like you and me. Continues On Page 80
Johnny’s Toy Shack of Pawn Stars Tyson and CFO Mike G
72
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
...Vegas: The Details Carta 1st Place - Erkles Glass
Hugh and the Crew at Glass Games finalized the list of fantastic games for people to enter. RC Car Demolition is back! Go to the CHAMPS Lounge to see this fun and messy event. 10 Games and 3 locations! It is gonna be one heck of an exciting event. I am excited about the new Sponsored Games like Carta and Dopals Opals. The Glass Games crew involves the sponsor's more direct and exciting exposure. Here is a complete list of the Games for Vegas Open Glass Games. Submission Games: Carta Top Tournament - 30 competitors making tops for the Carta v2. Artists will donate the top in exchange for receiving the new v2 Carta. Smash Off- 18 competitors total, with Best Car winning a spot in Masters and both best car and competition winner winning prizes (This will take place at the CHAMPS Lounge) Live Games: Vegas Bling - 3.5hrs All pieces must include opals & gold, Dopals Opals sponsoring with the opals. Gambling - 3.5 hrs Wet or Dry, it’s about the FUNCTION. BlackJack - 3.5 hrs This game only allows for 20 competitors, each receiving 1/2 lb of Black Jack by Northstar Poker - 3.5 hrs This piece must have some form of a built-in poker. Craps - 3.5 hrs. We want to see dice incorporated into this piece. Roulette - 3.5 hrs This piece needs to be 49% black, 49% red, and 2% green Continues On Page 100
80
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Ad Sales:
Kevin Dankman Office 818-616-7424 Cell 706-380-1858
92
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
...Vegas: The Details Carta - Shayla - Windstar Glass
Spare Change - 3.5 hrs For this game, you are to encase a coin. Baccarat - 7 hrs. No one knows the rules. Make what you want. This will be a spectacular set of events with some really unique techniques. As a fan of Northstar Color products, I am excited to see the BlackJack Event. Such a great color and company. $1,000’s in cash and prizes will be awarded alongside the opportunity for the 1st Place winner in the onsite Games to compete in the Master’s Event, and a Chance at CHAMPS’s biggest ever Prize, $20000 will go to first place! Continues On Page 107 Carta - Ben Burton
100
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Ad Sales:
Kevin Dankman Office 818-616-7424
Jekyl Glass
7
...Vegas: The Details
Let’s not forget the great Sponsors that will be there filling your bag with goodies. Companies like Zion Herbal, Cake, and Drip Drop will have great goodies to go along with great show specials.
Carta - Gnarly Harley
Vegas is a town built on Trade events and Gambling so let’s gamble on our careers and companies and head to Sin City for another great adventure at CHAMPS Trade Show. July 26-29th 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center Halls S1 and S2. Use the Front South Hall entrance. Parking is available in the Silver and Bronze lots. The silver lot fills up first, so if you come after 10 am, I suggest you hit the Bronze lot. If you can take the shuttle that is always the best!
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
107