Gil

How do you explain over 100 cars driving to Asheville, North Carolina for the weekend? Cars came from as far away as North Dakota, Canada, Texas, Florida, New York, etc.

No one knew what that event was going to be like- it was a total unknown. We planned it as we went and it worked out pretty well. In fact, I had such a good time that it may have been one of the best weekends of my life (and I've seen some good weekends).

So, when you take the event that so many people wanted on the west coast and you move it there (and it also has one of the highest populations of S2000's in the country) you would think you could have a big event.

My point is - this is how we came to the conclusion that we could double the size of Asheville.

There are too many factors to point at here to place blame. I could list many of them, but it's water under the bridge at this point.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by s2kchick
[B]I'm not sure what more people want you to do but thanks for trying.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by meat
[B]Gil

How do you explain over 100 cars driving to Asheville, North Carolina for the weekend?

 

meat,

Maybe it was the first time novelty effect. Or maybe the folks out there didn't have the quantity of meets to get to know their fellow owners in the area like SoCal has had (over 50 cars at several gatherings). I know I certainly heard more about last years event than this years (due to controversy? Don't know). Maybe West Coast people just aren't as fervent about the S2K?

Personally, I was all set to go to the track days as Gilbert suggested, but I wasn't interested in the other events. However, it wasn't an option to do just the track events. Part of the problem for me too is that Sacramento isn't exactly a destination spot (no offense to those living there). Having seen 70 or so S2K's at the Orange County event last year and 50 or so at several track events (including Laguna), seeing twice or three times that many wasn't a draw for me (can't speak for others) - so no compelling reason to go and spend money on a hotel.

I do believe the economy is a bigger player in all this than any other factor though. Even those people still employed are on eggshells waiting to see what will happen. The tech industry in NorCal has probably been through the nadir, but here in SoCal the aerospace guys are taking a major beating - so entertainment expenses have to be kept in check.

Hope you guys figure out a way to pull it out. Best of luck.

UL

 

Gil, we also based our numbers to some extent on the number of people complaining about the east coast location last year. If you read back there were a LOT of people complaining from your region, but now all a lot of people want is the track? I hope you understand where we are coming from: we took a lot of heat last year so we tried to cater to your region, just to be met with a relative lack of response.

My deepest thanks to those of you who are planning to attend and have registered and paid. You guys are the finest gold!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sondra S2K
[B]Gil, we also based our numbers to some extent on the number of people complaining about the east coast location last year.

 

I believe last years event was $125. (not incl hotel)

 

The cost of this year and last year's event is different only in the price of food. California costs more than North Carolina. All other costs are flat for the most part.

I think last year was $125/person, but I could be off on this.

The hotel rooms last year were actually more expensive because we didn't reserve a block because we had no idea how many people would come.

This year we got a block and reduced the rack rate by $100/room. We also had a bunch of other goodies thrown in that were deleted from the contract during our last review when we lowered the room count.

 

thanks brad and ry, OK so how many more people do we need to sign up for this go forward?

 

I would be there, but I'm still in a financial hole without a job. I had every intention of going (even without my car ), but times are hard for me right now. My wife has been going up to California once a month lately, maybe she could go in my place! Seriously though, I hope more west coast people sign up for the event. I think this is their best opportunity to be a part of one of the biggest events for the S2000 community on that side of the US. I personally think it would be a blast to meet people from all over the US that share the same enthusiasm for our cars. Good luck to you and I hope everything works out. Maybe next year's event should be in Hawaii!