I had an opportunity to demonstrate at the Craftsman’s Corner of Vancouver Train Expo yesterday. Despite having organized the predecessor of this meet for several years in my twenties, I’m not really into train shows. Sure, I love seeing all my hobby friends, but there is little to buy from the trade tables here at the far end of the country, and the displays are aimed at an, ahem, younger demographic. The Craftsman’s Corner, that is for me.
I enjoy teaching the eager youngsters who bump up against the table such hot tips as “wipe your glue bottle after you close it up,” or “keep the bits you don’t want cut off behind the blade.” The more mature modellers in the second row might learn how to set the stop on a NWSL Chopper, or they may ask questions about adhesives, and I enjoy that too. Yes, the Craftsman’s Corner is the place to be.
Now, I don’t ever get much done when demonstrating. Between the distractions and the missing tools (thanks for the clamps, Bob), it’s not efficient modelling. Even so, I had six hours at the table, and that was enough to add the cross-braces, stringers, and all the decking I had to the coal dock.
Pembroke:87 
My experience at train shows and the like was much like yours. The NMRA Craftsman’s Corner offered a variety of model rail endeavours and techniques. It’s a learning experience I think as much for the exhibitors as the public. I didn’t get much modelling done at them, nor did those I was alongside. This is a quirk known on “the other side of the pond”, too.
UK modeller and author Phil Parker writes in his blog “….my feeling is that if you get any modelling done at a show, then you’ve had a poor demo. I take a board and a kit more as a prop than to get the thing built. As such, I consider my lack of progress very satisfying!”
http://philsworkbench.blogspot.com/2023/11/brake-van-update.html
Steve Lucas
100% agree, but there are enough lulls that you do get some stuff done at VTEX.