The pack of three were (shown in picture from left to right) MAD, Jethro Gump, Masher (Matt, Rob, Jeff). Rob was kind enough to get tradeshow tickets for both MAD and Masher (thanks Rob!), and was the only one who attended the actual conference as well. However, the tradeshow was simply fantastic and we all had a blast cruising the hall, checking out equipment, loading up with free goodies, and talking brewing!

	This is a nice system (one of the few 3 bbl's with a separate HLT), and well constructed. Each vessel is easy to get at and the control panel is very well thought out IMHO. The one flaw (as Rob correctly pointed out) was that the pumps are all underneath and bolted to the rig, making them hard to get at and difficult if not impossible to re-configure on the fly.
	The next rig was from Pub Brewing systems. Note the Mash Tun is the top left vessel, the HLT is the bottom left vessel, separated by 1 1/2 insulation. The kettle (right vessel) is tall and skinny! Everything on this system is easy to get at and can be re-configured on the fly...
	The was a very nice SS rig, but we couldn't find a sales rep to get any info on it! HLT must be sold separately....

	This system was real nice, built for decoction mashing. Nice rakes in the tun, all interiors are lit and have side viewing windows built in. All pumps are under-the-floor. MAD is seen here wondering how much his basement will need to be expanded to house the unit!
Specialty Items were abundant at the show!
A little distilling anyone?	Got a hankering for some Stainless Gadgetry?
There were also many other interesting exhibits I simply did not get pictures of. F.H. Steinbart was there displaying there enormous collection of brewing spices, with sample of heather, licorice root, grains of paradise, etc. etc. Simply wonderful. I counted 6 major hop vendors and 7 major malsters in attendance, and I came home with 4 OZ of sample hops, a couple t-shirts, 2 hats, all the literature I could ask for and various other goodies. Another thing I found which we can all appreciate is that I only counted 4 companies who were not wired and online! Everyone there understands the importance of the web and the benefits it presents them and their customers. In fact, computers were the norm conversation people fell back on after exhausting any brewing talk, and the industry does indeed seem to be embracing the net and the promises it holds.
	I also had the pleasure of meeting brewing icon 'Buffalo Bill Owen's', publisher of American Brewer. Bill was very excited about his newest toy, his digital camera, and the fact that the next cover of American Brewer will be from a photo he took with it! Here's Bill taking a picture of me, taking a picture of him - HA!

Next year the IBC will be held in Chicago, and I'm hoping more RaTs will be able to make it, I know I plan to!