Thread: So where is next year?

Minnesota.....brainerd international raceway more than enough room for everyone. Short and long roadcourse. Camp grounds with hotels nearby. Absolutely amazing track/ drag setup.....not sure on the price. Heading up there shortlt for another event. Ill do some checking

how bout Alaska????

I met a guy at a vintage race @ Summit Point about 10 years ago or so. He had some really cool vintage vettes he was running. And when I say cool. I mean really cool. Anyway, the cars caught my eye, so I struck up a conversation with him. I had no idea who the heck he was. I got to talking with him about cars and such and he mentioned to me he was involved in car swap events and meets in Central PA. He told me they've been having these events for many years and it's grown into something special, especially for the vette guys. He told me enthuists/vendors plan all year for the event and have been going for years. He actually used the term "reunion" and "family" in describing it. I told him that was cool and I'd have to check it out sometime. As it turns out, the man's name was Chip Miller, founding father of Carlisle Events. They host one of largest, if not the largest Corvette events in the world, Corvettes at Carlisle. Chip was inducted in the Corvette Hall of Fame in 2005. Like I said, I had no idea who I was taking to.

Why do I bring this up? I think we can learn a little from old Chip, rest his soul. I think part of the success of Chip's events is the fact they were kept it in the same location year after year. It takes a lot of the guess work out of the planning of things. And with that, fine tuning of the event can be done and previous mistakes can be avoided. It also makes things familar for the attendees with regard to travelling/hotel stay/places to go etc.

I think our Convention is at a crossroads of sorts. Things have changed in the last few years and we need to change with that...which we've done, to a degree. With that said, I'm on the fence as to what to do. I agree with the thought that I'd like to see different tracks and towns each year. But, by the same token, if we have it in places that make it hard for the core group to attend or price out the less fortunate, we're shooting ourselves in the foot. I think at the moment we have momentum and enthusiasm for the event. There was also the same thing after the Savannah event or so I'm told (sorry I missed it).

I'm keeping an open mind as to other options with regard to locations. But it's really hard to think 2013 shouldn't be in OH or GA. If for nothing else, the tracks seem to fit us well and the local members are hardcore.

2 cents.

Don't go stealing my ideas.

Awesome idea, 100% agree! Even switching it back-and-forth each year would be cool.

Swith back and forth. +1

My thing is, there was talk of just doing Savannah over and over again after 2009, but then we would never have found Ohio...

I don't mind rotating, but at least 3 places would be nice. Maybe as many as 5.

If you incorporate a third, I would advise something more towards the west so it gives an opportunity for those guys to commute to something that seems reasonable for them.

very good point. I think people would really enjoy Indianapolis, I never would have tried really hard to convince people of a KC convention when I was there, or Tulsa.. because its in the middle of the country and most of the SR activity is closer to the coasts. But Indianapolis is very similar to Cleveland in its eastern/centrality.. and the town has a lot of racing history and many tracks and drag strips.

The town is also very well equipped to host huge events, as the Indy 500 pulls half a million per year and the Super Bowl we just hosted set records for the biggest downtown parties before the game..

I have ways to get discounts for a group at the Marriot, there is a JW Marriot downtown Indy that was built primarily to assist with hosting the SuperBowl and the Big 10 Championship game this past winter. There are many places to host another epic picnic.. but in my three conventions, I find it hard to believe we'll ever have a better picnic location than the 106th OVI..

Anyway, the committee will decide what they will decide.. and I will be there.

Don't get me wrong, I'm down for a new place to have the convention, but Hank makes some really good points.

I enjoy the sight seeing of a new place, but at conventions I myself prefer hangin out with everyone either at the hotel or the track. I wouldn't "not" go to a convention because I've already been there before. I am totally open to new ideas and areas, but what it boils down to is LOCATION and PRICE. If we find an affortable roadcourse and 1/4 strip in a decent area, then we are good.

Also the majority is in the North East and I feel its important that we keep it close to them as possiable.

VQMAN I like the idea of having it in Indy and would be willing to help, but on the same note I don't know if that would be to far of a drive for the NE guys.

With all that being said I am looking forward on what we decide to do for next year.