CON TRAILS
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Ah, the French Riviera. A summerful of research in southern Europe allowed for several
non-productive days in Monte Carlo. Not Las Vegas, the real municipality: where winter means
minks and Maseratis mingle in sunny seventy degree decadence, summer is conceded to cheap
European tourists, the local fast-food franchise is an oyster bar, and proof positive that you're a
true-blue Monagasque is a frou-frou FiFi shitting at the end of a leash.
A dozen lectures this summer on the superliner Golden Princess were standing-room only.
"Thefts, Cons, and Street Scams" clearly fascinates the public in general. Largest lecture turnout
ever, said the cruise line.
Detroit's Safety & Security Conference began day one with Arno's lecture on September 10. Day
two was canceled.
The video editing studio will be temporary home for the month of October, where over a hundred
thieves, cons, crooks, and criminals will vie for the final cut.
And the year will wrap in Singapore, where opportunity is the watchword, value the strategy, and
strong dividends the reward.
Sour…and Swede
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Best-Performer Diversifies
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TSJ: Travel safety is certainly a timely subject after the horrific attack on America on September
11. Do you address global terrorist threats in your talk?
BA: My expertise does not span terrorism. Violence avoidance, however, is a topic which I cover;
but only after consultation and agreement with the client that it is fully appropriate. Although my
talk focuses on non-violent crime, there is significant overlap and advice on trouble-avoidance in
general.
TSJ: Your lecture must be extremely popular.
BA: It is, with every member of every audience. But it isn't always apparent to the corporate
decision-makers that a lecture on travel safety is suitable as a diversion yet still offers valuable
intellectual content. Based on the high ratings our television appearances receive, and the
thank-you notes we get after our presentations, we believe that it is the non-threatening,
educational manner in which the latest global scams are revealed that gives my address a lasting
impression.
TSJ: How has your work evolved from the old show we knew and loved?
BA: It's clearly the incorporation of more and more intellectual content. My presentations
challenge the norm and repel the cliché. Nothing is taken for granted. I want my audience to think
outside the box while at my show or talk. I had always had a strong comedic component in my
shows--a kind of comic hysteria--but I wanted something more memorable. My goal was to add
suspense, a surprise element along the lines of a gripping crime novel. I wanted the audience to
sense tension and intellectual depth. In this way I now connect and communicate with my
audiences in a more emotional manner.
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TSJ: You're using terms such as "tension" and "suspense." These are hardly the attributes we
associate with corporate entertainment. Why have you gone out on such a limb?
BA: I believe that intellectually passive presentations--complacent distractions, if you will--are a
waste of time. Nowadays, everyone wants to walk away with something: either a strong message
or an advance of knowledge--some useful benefit. As our audience members participate in
demonstrations of current scams and con games, we test the whole audiences' analytical skills and
their ability to see through the scams. Suspense comes from the reality-factor we have
incorporated, and tension from audience participation. Every presentation turns out to be a
page-turner!
TSJ: How do you convince corporate talent buyers that your show is a safe bet?
Arno speaks about unsavories
BA: My strength is in understanding the tone of the event, and then pinpointing, adjusting, and
custom-tailoring each presentation accordingly, while still delivering the awe-factor.
I adjust the edginess to the managements' requirement. As the entertainment requirements change,
we fine-tune our presentation; and it is, of course, always in good taste.
TSJ: The Journal looks forward to booking you, Bob. As soon as we have a staff....
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Letters to the Editor
WIN
Our 1,500 people loved your presentation. I would recommend your skill and humor to any group
looking for excellent family or corporate entertainment. You STOLE our hearts!
George Peintner
World Information Network
ABC News "20/20"
Thanks to your unique videotape footage and well-honed instinct for spotting the criminals before
they do their dirty work, we put together a vivid demonstration of what tourists are up against.
20/20 was the fourth most watched television program for the entire week, and the top-rated
newsmagazine. Thanks for your invaluable assistance.
Glenn Ruppel
Producer, ABC News "20/20"
Teamsters
Heartfelt thanks for your splendid performance for the Teamster's 26th International Convention.
Not only was it entertaining and humorous, but also very educational.
Wallace Clements
Director, International
Brotherhood of Teamsters
Robinson-Humphrey
... a smashing success! You not only entertained this very refined group of individuals, but also
left them with an experience they are certain not to forget. Rave reviews from both our clients and
our employees, who were thoroughly impressed.
Alexandra Leeven
VP Conf. & Event Planning
Robinson-Humphrey
THE TALL SWEDE JOURNAL
is published irregularly by 4N,d and edited by Bambi Vincent. Please address comments and inquiries to Bambi Vincent at: P.O.Box 80177, Las Vegas, NV 89180. Or:
Bob@BobArno.com
Fax: (504)910-0585
www.BobArno.com
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