Death at the Trade Show: Target Practice Mysteries 3 by Nikki Haverstock Read Free Book Online

message from Liam saying the food should be here soon and wishing us a nice evening.
    Once Moo was finished and I had responsibly cleaned up, I snapped the leash back onto his collar. Fumbling with the key card entrance, I stepped back into the warmth, blowing warm air onto my hands. I really needed to get mittens.
    Mary was talking with a brunette gal, and as I approached, her Southern accent became clear. The back of her shirt said OIT STAFF. Mary caught my eye and waved me to hurry up. “Di, get over here. I want you to meet Sarah.”
    We exchanged handshakes, and I motioned to the chairs. “Wanna sit with us?”
    She hesitated and checked her watch. “I really should be getting up to the room…” She didn’t make any motion to leave.
    “It’ll be just a minute. In fact, let me get you a drink.” I pulled out my wallet, and she shook her head.
    “No drink, but I can sit for a minute. Just a minute, though. If I stay longer, kick me out. I’ve so much work to do.”
    We sat, and I scooted my chair around a bit to get a better view of Sarah opposite me.
    Mary pulled her bag into her lap and rummaged around. “Work to do? Aren’t you done for the day?”
    Sarah sighed. “No, I am so behind. We brought in some writers to do up the article on the show, like what you did. They are super-talented people that write for the website, but they are not used to the fast turnaround that we need for this event. Say, are you guys busy?”
    “We are here to help with Westmound, but what’s up?”
    “We really need some content. I’ll pay you to write a couple of articles on new Westmound products. Ask your boss. It’s a win-win.”
    “We’ll mention it.” Mary exchanged a look with me, and I nodded back. “We had a question about hunting shows.”
    Sarah rolled her eyes and rubbed her temples. “Ugh, them. Are they bothering you?”
    Mary’s eyebrows rose. “No, why?”
    “In general, the hunting shows get a media pass and use the OIT Show to try and get sponsors, which isn’t technically allowed. It is hard to police, because sponsors like to bring the hunting personalities to the show so pro-shop buyers can meet them and get influenced by their favorite TV hunter into buying the sponsors’ products. It is a bit of a Catch-22; they’re not supposed to solicit sponsors at the OIT Show, only support their existing sponsors, but the best place to get sponsors is at the OIT Show. We double-check that everyone buying a media badge does have a website, TV show, or something then send out information to all the attendants telling them not to try to sell products unless they have a booth.”
    What a strange industry. I leaned in to ask a question. “Why do they need sponsors? Don’t the networks give them a budget when they pick up the show? Is it just for additional money?”
    Sarah turned to face me and shook her head. “Hunting networks are totally different than the rest of the TV industry. They sell their timeslots to hunting shows. Hunting shows pay for the timeslot using money from their sponsors or, if they don’t have enough sponsors, they pay for it themselves.”
    “So anyone can have a show?”
    Sarah laughed. “Maybe. I’m not sure on all the details. They pitch the show to the network, and if the network likes the show, then they might give them a couple of timeslots and prices. Each network is a bit different. I have no idea what they are looking for. We have a couple of networks here; they have booths on the south side of the secondary pavilion.” She raised her eyebrows at me then turned to look at Mary. “I could set things up for you to get some interviews. It sure would be a great article to talk about how hunting shows are set up.”
    Mary laughed. “Oh, I like that idea. We’ll see what we can do.”
    Sarah stood up. “I really wish I could stay longer and chat, but I better go. Get ahold of me anytime if you can do the article.”
    We waved good-bye. Mary pulled out her notebook and