HighwaystarRamon and I spoke to Titan Motorsports and to KamiSpeed back in Nov about doing a S2000 Super Meet in May 2011. Both were more than willing to let us use the facility and Titan would let us set up Dyno passes and/or Dyno challenge runs.

However I found that in searching for funding, not many vendors were willing to put in for this type of event to happen.

I am not sure how the community would respond in having to pay to attend or participate in a meet.

I already asked for each CO to get a feel for how many people in thier commiunties would be interested in this and gave my cell # to each of them. Unfortunatley I didn't get any calls and/or feedback (other than from Speedy). So I left it as is....

If other CO's are still interested in making this happen, I can be reached anytime at Leo@stateofstance.com

Hope to hear from somone...

 

I'M IN!!!!!!

 

my inner child is dead regarding this project. we can debate for 6 more pages about who should do what, and where, and when, and who to consult, etc etc...

BUT, it comes down to some very simple concepts (and I think I have said this several times in the past...LOL):

1. who is willing to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING?
2. where and what is the meet going to center around?
3. what is the community willing to support

I have not been very active for a while because of a series of life and health issues, but I do have experience and perspective on what has happened in the past.

The group i was involved with tried TWICE to do something and it was met with abject disdain and contempt. So, the torch is proverbially passed to others. I remember distinctly predicting that nothing would happen.

Besides some kind of gumball style run i was contacted about (thank you LeoGets and crew...my apologies for not being in a position to help in my area), there has been ZERO traffic/chatter about anything since Bandiscoot and I discussed the possibility of something going off in the Ocala area ( I am still on board with that idea for future possibilities BTW).

Now, do we want "real talk" or not? I am not going to lie, this is a sore phucking subject for me.

there are a few people around here that know what kind of effort went into the Plant City supermeet and the planning for what was going to be the big Daddy meet. Real people spent real time and effort on this crap and all we got was static and bullshit from people.

real talk: its time for people with opinions on how it SHOULD be done in their eyes to sack up and plan some shit. If you want or need help there are people willing to help but at this point those people will have to be asked to do so.

after two attempts to do something for the FL community and beyond (reaching out to all the SE states), those who have been shut down so effectively are now leery to get anything new rolling on their own. This is what happens when the good will and helpful nature of others gets trod upon. the outlook hardens and becomes jaded.

It is shame that the attitudes of people that were so gracious and helpful before have been forced to look at this project with trepidation.

 

Primo, I hope you are doing better meng

If you're ready to jump back on board it would be awesome, you were very helpful until your health issues pulled you away from the project.

 

Speedy and all the they guys from Orlando are down (of course the event is in thier backyard).

I've discussed it at our weekly Wed Night meets and there is a toss up, while many are willing to attend, its all based on how much the cost will be.

w/o being able to create a budget for the event, it is basically a guess to say how much each participant would pay.

My inital ideas were to offer several packages:

1. Amature: Entry and parking at the event for you and a passanger
2. Intermmediate: Entry, parking, lunch for you and and a passenger + x1 event tee
3. Expert: Entry, parking, lunch for you and a passenger + x2 tees and a goodie bag
4. Racer: either Amatuer, Intermmediate or Expert pkg with the addition of entering the Dyno Challenge (3 passes)
5. Professional: Entry, parking, lunch for you and a passenger + x2 tees, a goodie bag, and pre meet breakfast

The amount of pre-registration will determain group rates at participating hotels, special offers at local retaurants and the amount of vendors that would want to participate.

 

Cost Cost Cost. That's a problem you will run into. No matter how low or high cost of attendance is, you will find that far too many people will STILL bitch about the COST. Don't know why. Most of us have a car that isn't exactly cheap and we all mod them with parts that COST and drive the heck out of them, which COSTS. I feel for you there.

I personally don't care what the cost is (within reason of course), I'm in. I love to get together with other S owners. I can't for WTD.

I don't think a tiered system will work well. Most of the people are going to go with the cheapest option causing the "higher end" options to be far too expensive, for the people willing to spend a little more, to cover costs involved.

 

I am getting better with everything but i am in full blown SPGP mode for 2011. PM me with a rundown on where you are at on the "run" project and i will see if there is anything I can help with.


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you cannot base these incentives off of pre-registrants. this is backwards. you secure the rates and discounts to entice participation. This is the catch -22.

most hotels require contracts for room blocks and rates. With these contracts come attrition fees if they are not met. Some smaller hotels will do special room rates and blocks for small numbers of rooms say 10 or so.... but rarely.


Take it from someone who has been around the event planning block a few times.... you will not leverage anything waiting for the numbers to actually show up before you move forward.

Vendors are either going to sign or not based on your presentation to them. You project numbers to them based on solid facts (previous events demography and stats).


Just some advice


So are you planning a single location "supermeet" or is the gumball style, state wide "run" still being planned? or both?

 

I've made a few inquiries with our local Honda dealer (Honda of Ocala) and I have a little history with a few folks in management. They have no problem 'throwing something in' (oil changes, swag, etc.) so long as they get exposure (the typical 'handshake') They have been very aggressive with their marketing efforts/dollars since the expansion earlier last year.


I am going to run out to OGP (Ocala Gran Prix Karting) to see what they can do for rates or even hosting. They are attached to a newer, indoor flea market with nice parking and easy access for anyone traveling via i75/USHwy27. This can be an actual location or just a 'stop' on the way during a drive


I'll get some 'hard' numbers and info in the next couple of days and contact the other CO's.


My 2cents in regards to 'packages': I'm against more than 2 choices for packages as that truly complicates the cost matrix (some event/conference planning in my background as well.) It WILL cost something to each person ... but, the initial package should be low/reasonable enough to still entice anyone to even drive up at the last minute. The second package could include either a meal or activity (karting?). That way it still allows everyone the liberty to make the event a little more personal and enjoyable based their specific interest.


Getting the community together just to shake hands and make a personal association with our screen-names should be our first priority (in my opinion.) Everything else should be 'a la carte'. And that shouldn't cost much.

 

Looking forward to it guys. Thanks for putting in the work. Hopefully it will be rewarded.