I just wanted to break off from Rob/Primogens thread so as to not cloud the information. For a first time event the bar is already high ... so major kudos to the Tampa group for that.


I guess we're looking for ideas and information about what you'd like to see at another 'Super Meet' style gathering. I'll post up some basic questions/ideas and you guys feel free to respond to those and bring up anything that i'm missing.

I'm suggesting these locations under the premise that the next meet may encompass 2 days. Which 2 (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday) will be based on responses from you guys. The first day may be the actuall gathering/meet-n-greet with a luncheon or dinner (starting friday or saturday) with festivities planned for the night. Saturday/Sunday would be a day of choice based on everyones individual time-line. I'm thinking it could be a day of a theme parks, shopping, sight-seeing, and maybe a run to the beach (for racers ... the theme park will be a race track or auto-cross )
But, i'm envisioning a few groups doing things together. Racers will go to the track, some may want a fun day at a theme park, and others may choose to relax with some shopping or a day at the beach All are great ideas and i think it would be fun to have them all available in a group format.

LOCATION?
If this is going to be a 'Florida Super Meet' i'd like to see it somewhere where it is as well 'balanced' for everyone traveling and easily accessible within 5-6hours. So, many suggestions (with basis) say Orlando and then between there and Daytona/Cocoa Beach areas. These are areas that lend themselves to simple and easy access because of the major highways that run through them (I95, I4, 528, Fl. Turnpike, ect).
Orlando
this is the most logical answer with a drive of just under 4hrs from Miami (and i'm sure the S. Fl crew would be able to say it takes less than 3! ) Our panhandle and Georgia folks could even make it there in under 7 hours. Orlando has so much to offer and more hospitality than just about any other destination. Hotel rates are extremely competitive and alternative forms of 'non-car' activities for the +1's and family are practically endless. I know the Orlando S2ki Community is strong and with many resources especially with people in the industry like Warpspeed (jim) who has ALWAYS been amazing in assisting us with hospitality at Universal City Walk! Don't ask me how i know

Daytona/Cocoa
this area would extend the drive for the west coast folks about another hour. The Space Coast has some nice places to visit as well with the Kennedy Space Center facilities and the BEACHES! Daytona has a racetrack ... i think and the entire area supports tourism well. Willie Gee would have MUCH more detailed information on this and i look forward to hearing his list


As you may have noticed ... i have left my hometown of Ocala off this list even though it was suggested by others. I truthfully believe that based on location and limited entertainment this may not be the best place for a meet of 100+ cars. This community is not very accommadating to this kind of 'lifestyle' or interests. Trust me There are so few places that even offer this kind of parking without being in a commercial arena. The parks we have are many ... however, they are typically small and limited in accommodations of this size. I would be happy to set up a stop or tour here for anyone who would like to see the area though.


Anything else ... let's hear it



oh ... but, please ... no negative 'bashing' ... i know Ocala is full of rednecks already

 

I second the Oland location since there is soooo much to do there especially with my second of the two day gig (way cool); the start date is a "whatever" to me. Just a side note: I hope you have mental health insurance for planning a two day S event!

J

 

I think Orlando would be a great choice. Maybe someone from Orlando will step up and plan the next meet.

 

the Kami event at that new track area in Otown is comming up... would be interesting to see what it can accomodate.. not so sure a two day would work for many... but... then again.. the dragon event seems to... i do understand why attempting to make this as central for all is a goal.. but it's never going to be perfect and as we all know an saw the super meet had guests from very far away..

 

i don't think any ONE person can do this kind of organizing ... it takes partnering with many to get this to go right.

And there will never be a 'best for everyone' situation. I think the 'fair' way is to keep it within the MAJORITY of our participants.


My theory for having it over 2-3 days may open it up for more folks to attend at least one day of it. And just because we have cars in common ... shouldn't exclude any other mutual enjoyments. I love theme parks, dancing/clubing, and even quiet socials. So ... having some variety i think may cater to more folks as well.

If anyone sees a problem with these locations or ideas let me know.

 

I was hoping to get a couple of PMs out before a thread like this popped up.

here are my suggestions for doing another type of supermeet alltogether:

The one we did was centered around the owners and the cars and socializing...the meet I gather Scooter is thinking about is a very race themed event. Both are great but both are very different in content and demographic.

I suggest doing that type of meet but doing it in the fall or other time of year away from the "Supermeet". I dont want to say we want ownership of the "Supermeet" but there is no reason other groups can not plan other big events.

The team we put together to get this one done is a good one and it worked becasue we were all close at hand. we want to be able to do it again around the same time next year but we cant rove all over the state to do it.

I am suggesting that you guys seem to have a very good idea with the track event and centering a meet around that and should run with it. I and I am sure Barry and the rest of the team will help out any way we can.

I am not trying to sound pushy or selfish in any way but we have momentum going with our team and our contacts and what we are striving to acheive. I feel that what we designed the our meet to be is patently different than the experience you are wanting to provide and therefore they should be separate events. Have the 2009 Florida S2k Redline Weekend or something to that effect.

We will all be on hand to help with whatever it is you need but lets increase the number of events per year and make them unique. More people will get more enjoyment if we give them choices. Making next years event a race themed meet may sway people that have no interest not to come.

I hope what I am typing is making the kind of sense it is making in my head.

I am all for this type of event I just dont think it should replace the Febuary event we got such a good ball rolling on.

I want to help as much as I can but I feel that people that revolve around these racing circles should be the spearheads since they have the most experieince.

Plan it for where ever you feel it would be best done at...to me a centralized location in this scenario would not be as beneficial as a good, willing, and cost-effective track location (where-ever that is). If want/need is there.... the people will travel to where ever it is.

 

What happened to the idea of the meet being at the GIR?
If not there I'd say Orlando. Ocala would be find with me too, but I have no idea where we could fit that many cars and still be in a nice enviroment.

As I said in the other thread, my main suggestion would be to have some of the leaders/senior members/sponsors etc. introduce themselves at the beginning of the meet and possibly tell us a little bit about themselves.

I also think forum usernames on the nametags would be helpful too.

Oh and a earlier group photo so if some of us need to leave early we can still participate.

Other than that, I don't have much else I'd change.

 

I kinda liked the supermeet on Saturday and the Track day on Sunday. It worked out well, because the out of towners can find a place to stay and get two totally different S2K days in a row.

I think it worked out very well.

 

Primogen ...

I guess i may have hinted at the 'racing' too much. For that i apologize. I actually am aiming in the OTHER direction. I prefer the meets which induce social interaction on a more casual level. I am actually thinking that if there is any racing involved i would prefer it to be more on a spectator level just to help in justifying and reducing costs.

I am also feeling like you do want to take some sort of ownership over this 'Florida Super Meet' idealism because of what you and others have done. I don't know if i agree with that ... but, i do respect it and your efforts and will graciously bow out of this effort so as to not infringe. My apologies.

closing thread ...