Return to Roswell 2013 Pre-Planning discussion

[marvins_dad]

Please feel free to discuss all matters discussed at the Banquet: Awards, location, events, host hotels, eating establishments...etc in this thread.

We will be looking at this thread to plan the next Roswell show in 2013. If enough people find an idea exciting and it is feasible, then it just might make it to the next show. Other discussions will help us know what everyone felt worked and didn't work so we can make sure that the next Roswell just gets better!

I will come back and put out a list of items that were discussed and things I have thought about this past week when I have time...but feel free to start posting and even repost discussions from the last couple of pages from this year's Roswell's thread, especially trophies and stuff....

[scarabY2k]

subscribing to the thread!

Props Antione for your spot-on advance planning I like it!!!

[kcfoxie]

I think the show lacked...kittens. We need more kittens...

Nah joking.

However I do want to say that my "Hard Luck" award is living up to the name. It's come unglued 3 times now... once the (really big) UFO came undone on the trip home (probably from the same hard braking event that scraped up some of the red interior of poor Phoenix... stupid jack stands); once on the bus ride to work; and then again when a coworker touched it and it fell to the ground....however it's an easy fix. I happen to own a hot glue gun

I think these trophies were the bomb, but perhaps such elaborate things should be kept for the "top categories" and we can borrow from another show near-and-dear to my heart's approach: Bug-a-paluza. They use aircooled connecting rods for their tropies. I happen to have 3 good connecting rods from a TDI I can donate to this cause! Also an injector (Best TDI? We had a lot of them... and I predict more and more as the years creep on and fuel prices creep up).

Or just in general, using older parts in themed-awards. "Brightest of show" can win a plaque with a turn signal assembly (and battery op'd blinking light?), best bud vase should TOTALLY get a bud vase on a plaque (painted with glow in the dark paint), etc etc.

I'd be happy to cook up some crazy award ideas.

Photo scavenger hunt: use twitter to find staged items during Roswell and "commonly seen" items on the interstate drive to the show (like a purple semi... I saw 10 of them....and several in West Texas and two in NM). I'll volunteer to be on the committee for this... There's lots of cool ideas I have in my head about this, but using Twitter to find "the big point" pics ... yes, that's a must.

I think the donations thing should be made a perm staple; and a "suggested donation" amount came up with ... this can be the expenses we didn't anticipate divided by the number of booked rooms... and if folks pay it, great, if they pay a little great, if they pay nothing also great.

I liked how we did judging but I do think we should separate stock from non; and perhaps park the cars accordingly. Stock beetles this side of the park, modified this side. You can let the attendees decide if they're stock or not -- this was always the hardest thing to decide when we did NBEast and decided that 3+ changes made the car modded. So Turbo S wheel spokes, after market rims, and a stereo was all it took. Against a car with flames, airbags, or a custom installed Inalfa ragtop... they stand no chance. And if given the option, they'd probably want to go stock. This is obviously up for discussion and just my opinion after a few years observation of VW shows.

I'm out of ideas for now.... but will have more and dump them into here like BP does Oil into the gulf as time permits.

[Pushing Fifty]

Originally Posted by kcfoxie

I liked how we did judging but I do think we should separate stock from non; and perhaps park the cars accordingly. Stock beetles this side of the park, modified this side. You can let the attendees decide if they're stock or not -- this was always the hardest thing to decide when we did NBEast and decided that 3+ changes made the car modded. So Turbo S wheel spokes, after market rims, and a stereo was all it took. Against a car with flames, airbags, or a custom installed Inalfa ragtop... they stand no chance. And if given the option, they'd probably want to go stock. This is obviously up for discussion and just my opinion after a few years observation of VW shows.

I agree with the Stock and Modified classes 100%. My club just held its annual show yesterday, June 18th. Of 52 VW's registered, there were 2 New Beetles; mine and a beautiful 2010 Red Rock Edition of which only 750 were built.

At our show, entrants vote for their 10 favorite cars, regardless of type or model. Of those, the Top 25 cars are awarded. This is a very air-cooled dominated show, so I try to spread my 10 personal favorites over the entire spectrum of VW models and eras. In other words, I'll pick 5 air-cooleds and 5 water-cooleds, provided there's an adequate balance. Unfortunately, it is said you can't teach old dogs new tricks, and within the realm of air-cooled people, this is painfully obvious.

That Red Rock NB was my very first selection, and is owned by the club VP's wife. Needless to say, neither her NB or mine even made the top 25. In fact, some of the cars that placed included an old Bus with more rust than visible metal and an old 60s era Beetle with scratches and torn upholstery. Ever since I switched from air-cooled to a NB, I've been asking myself the following question:

"What's wrong with this picture?"

Alas, to no avail, and this is precisely why the Roswell gathering meant so much to me. Yes, like-minded people tend to interact in a positive manner, but I felt like I was part of a family that I had known for decades at this event. This was by far the best VW-related get-together I have ever attended, and I look forward to 2013.

Moreover, I feel that other "modern" Beetle owners (including those who will have 2012+ models) need to know what they are missing. If some kind of low (or no-cost) online as well as personal recruiting efforts could be implemented, the Roswell event could once again slowly grow; particularly if such spreading of the word is done as early as possible.

[usa bug 03]

I will help with getting to word out to the shops on main street. I talked to the owner of Hippie Chicks and she said not to use news paper to use the Raido station they own 3 in Roswell and will do what ever we want they love to PR events.
I can help do this starting about 6 months before next show.

[usa bug 03]

I will help with getting the word out to the shops on main street. I talked to the owner of Hippie Chicks and she said not to use news paper to use the Raido station they own 3 in Roswell and will do what ever we want they love to PR events.
I can help do this starting about 6 months before next show.

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by usa bug 03

I will help with getting the word out to the shops on main street. I talked to the owner of Hippie Chicks and she said not to use news paper to use the Raido station they own 3 in Roswell and will do what ever we want they love to PR events.
I can help do this starting about 6 months before next show.

Definitely - we need to get the shops folks excited and know that we are coming so they can print up the shirts that they used to...I know they missed out on lots of revenue because the folks that were supposed to inform them dropped the ball.

We had, in the past 2009, dealt with the same folks we contacted this year. So, for them not to have come through for us was a shock and I appoligize to everyone for them not knowing we were coming.

I got some contact information for the shirt shop across the street from the UFO museum (side street) - that I can pass off to semi-local folks to contact closer as well. He said that they would have kicked in some money had they known to help out with publicity....as they did in the past (but not this year) - he said they were starting a UFO vendor group that would work independantly of the Main Street folks. Would be someone worth contacting early as well to see what he could help us out with ...the shops and Hippie Chick sound like a good addition to the UFO Museum for next time.

[marvins_dad]

Let's see -

What Worked...
Everything! LOL - I thought everything went well, but I'm sure there could have been some improvements made...but all in all, I was pleased with the turnout and for the events we had.

Breakdown
Host Hotels - My experience was that Hampton Inn was awesome! Other than the elevator going out, which they did move folks rooms around as needed. The breakfast was good and the front desk staff was very nice and helpfull.

Tia Juana's - was better than 2009, but I still think they understaffed the patio. Not sure what can be done to assure that they have extra wait staff on hand...we did warn them that in 2009 they were understaffed...but I believe some folks still had issues with the amount of time taken to get waited on and food.

Parking Lot Olympics - Ray and Connie did an amazing job. I was glad that Howie and my dad jumped in to help out to make things run smooth and quick. I don't have much to say other than I liked the event, not sure we would be able to find an empty lot as accomodating once the Sally Port is back up and running, but for the first time of putting on the event in years, I thought it went really smooth and was surprised that the turn out was so good for a mid hot afternoon...good thing there were a couple trees around. BTW - didn't you just love the snowbox toss!

Farley's impromtu Dinner - I really had no idea who all would show up, we didn't warn Farley's...but all considered I was pleased with the service and their being able to accomodate everyone. I hope others had a pleasant experience.

UFO Museum - Thought they were generous again with opening up the shop for us.

Night Glow Parade - I believe everyone enjoyed themselves. Getting the pods glowing was fun, running from car to car chatting with folks. We definitely need to coordinate via Radio getting the parade going and together.
Ideas have been thrown out for possibly different route, or even going up and down the strip a few times to make our presence know to the locals.

Parking lot hanging out - always love this after an event...I believe folks were even talking about making something like this a scheduled event somehow in the future. It is much cooler and really nice in the desert at night. No mosquitos, cool air...is there any wonder why I wash and detail my car starting at midnight?

Show at Cahoon Park - defintely better than 105 degrees in a parking lot. Next time I will be making sure we divide up the duties so I could look at the cars, I spent way too much time running around doing show stuff...but from what I saw folks were having a good time checking out others cars and communing.
Negatives - I was told there was food close by, even if I didn't have time to eat, I really didn't see anything...the park did seem to be in a run down area. Would like to know what other folks thought about the park, food, etc...

Hot Wheels Races - I think they were a huge hit!
We needed to find a little better place to hold it and a little more planning, but all in all, felt folks had fun running card down a plastic track. Sounded like Chris was interested in creating a larger scale track for next time, I know Danny had found one that was really nice that I will send Chris' way as well...but I could see this become a bi-annual event within the show.

Banquet - I felt it went well, food was good. I liked being in the room better than the pool deck! Sorry about the wait to get another table. It really is important that we get a count leading up to the show...we expected 50 folks for the banquet based on the polls and had to turn in the numbers 3 days before arriving to Roswell. So, 56 wasn't a big deal - I think there ended up being enough food.
Raffle - Think that went well. It was a bit confusing, but trust me...you don't want to hear numbers called out for 1 hour! LOL - I thin Earl metioned that we could put out a call ahead of time for folks to bring something from their state/city that would be unique to contribute to the raffle, that would add a little extra something to the raffle event.

MC's - They were amazing! LOL, did anyone notice I was nervous? I thought Earl was great as usuall...we missed Jerry, but I think it went off okay considering. Thanks to Jacob for helping out at the last second and for Sue delivering Lisa's message (we want pictures of the display Lisa!)

Awards - I think they went off well. BTW - if anything falls off, sorry - but invest in a cheap hot glue gun! Maybe they should have been screwed down as well...hindsight, right?

I know there will be discussions on the Trophies given out in the future - I felt that it was a great mix for this year. We still had light numbers. Having folks participant vote the majority of the awards seemed more fair this time around.
I will continue my thoughts on trophy subjects later in a separate post.

Photo Scavenger Hunt - I thought it went off quite well. Not sure if the Flickr thing kept some folks from entering, but at the last minute and Shonnel not being able to make the trip - we thought that was a pretty good option to still have her doing the voting remotely. We'll have to look into if we want to do the Flickr thing or have a download party at the Hotel Friday night or something else. Did seem that a bit of the stuff on the list could be found in Roswell! I just didn't have time to play, but it was fun taking photos on the list when I had the opportunity.
Not sure about a time specific deal, but using Twitter having folks tweet stuff within a few hours of the Return2Roswell tweet request would be fun, just not sure how that would work with the hunt itself.

[kcfoxie]

I own a new beetle, Antione... a hot glue gun came with purchase! haha. I've fixed the award, but yeah I think screwing the UFO down might have been a better option -- what's that thing made of anyway? If it's clay then screwing might not work for fear of cracking. The toy beetle would have to be glued down (it didn't pop off till the award was knocked off a 7ft high shelf... so I think that's an OK attachment method).

Just pointing out the things I've seen, I love these awards even if they come undone from time to time. It's kinda like the car itself ... hehe!

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by kcfoxie

I own a new beetle, Antione... a hot glue gun came with purchase! haha. I've fixed the award, but yeah I think screwing the UFO down might have been a better option -- what's that thing made of anyway?

Resin - it was a two part resin that turns to resin/plastic. Heavy duty stuff, but if you are going to screw attach I would suggest a pilot hole.

[kcfoxie]

Ah, ok, I have some experience with this type material from MIG's GPS Budvase mount. I'll toy with it... I've got all the necessary tools.

I LOVE the UFO, btw, I can't give you enough kudos for that. Wickedly cool.

[Cameron_Talley]

I love the idea of a twitter-based photo scavenger hunt--I'd even be down with helping coordinate/tweet that.

Also, Keep the Return2Roswell twitter account going...link to the NB.org threads or even other people's photos. It can keep enthusiasm up and even act as advertising.

That reminds me..I have the entire "You might be a new beetle owner" routine on Video..need to get that online.

More thoughts as time permits!

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by Cameron_Talley

That reminds me..I have the entire "You might be a new beetle owner" routine on Video..need to get that online.

E-gads! Some of that could be embarrassing.

[Cameron_Talley]

Hmmmm....A little blackmail may be in order!

May just make it a private YouTube Video.

[kcfoxie]

You know I just got back to my desk from lunch and found a bag from a very expensive chocolatier labeled "A bribe - Todd" .... and now there is talk of blackmail. Very funny coincidence!

I really want to teach our new Mascot, Talula, to say "New Beetle Owner" on command... so she can participate in the banquet in 2013. I'm actually so serious about it, I've started looking at local parrot trainers ...

How cute would that be? You might be a... "new beetle owner! Want a nut." (and you probably would have to treat her after every time she does it, and I'd expect her sassy butt to say want a nut after she did the 'trick' each time, just so you don't forget.)

[marvins_dad]

Discussions at the Banquet.

As Earl said at the banquet - this is a show for the people...we listen, the previous organizer wouldn't. In 2009 we heard 3 things that people complained about the most were: the heat, no night glow event, raffle went on too long during the banquet.
The heat was still here, but we did change the date by two weeks and move the show to a park with some shade (rare in Roswell).
Glow Event Friday night was added and seemed that most folks liked it.
Raffle was changed to allow people to mingle and look for the items before instead of calling out numbers during the banquet.

Keep Roswell in Roswell for 2013 or move the show?

Trophies - Awards, did we like the categories...should we have classes and do 1st, 2nd, 3rd...how would we judge these...are fun trophies the only ones we want to continue and have no top awards...just a top 20 New Beetle awards???

The Beetle - do we invite the new design to join in on the fun?

(I think those were the 3 major topics discussed, if someone can jar my memory I will post other topics discussed at the banquet)

There was much discussion about all of these topics, just wanted the opportunity to continue the discussion and allow for potential 2013 attendees to have a say in the next show.

[Cameron_Talley]

I still feel that if we move the show it will no longer be Roswell, it will be some other show. Whilst that isn't necessarily a bad thing, I think it would be kind of foolish to ignore the history and also the rapport that we have built over the years with various places in town.

As for the heat: I think it should be pointed out that the temp on the day of the show was around 97-98. That's still hot, but the Temp the following weekend in Roswell was 107--and the heat index was probably around 110. I think we really did stay cooler by having it earlier this time.

[kcfoxie]

We could also do it in the spring or fall; before or after the 'established' show seasons? Perhaps we can coordinate with ToD and let ToD do spring and we do fall; and then we're all free to go to non-NB events in the summer?

[marvins_dad]

Linda Jeffries (our alien baby-momma) emailed Sue and gave me permission to post her email. She's having problems logging in, but will be checking the Org for responses and I will attempt to get her on to contribute to the discussion...

After spending lots of time on the org trying to get Topica to remember me or at least accept a new "identity", I give up. I wanted to post some ideas re future "conventions", i.e., in 2013. If you think they are workable, could you post them for me?

First we need to decide if we want a get-together or NB car show/convention. If we want just a get-together, then we should leave things as they are.

However, if we want a successful show/convention, we need NBs - lots of them. To that end we will need a more central location.. perhaps someplace in the midwest in a small or medium sized city. Muskogee, OK would be a good example. It is easily accessible, the town is large enough to support a NB show, and it is small enough that NBs will not get lost. We can adapt our NBs to the town theme.
-
Second, I think we will need a professional organizer, similar to what we have had in the past. Of course, that means fees will be charged and collected. This was done in the past and it seemed to work.

Third, if we go this route, VW of America may want to get involved again.

Anyway, what do you think?

Linda

[marvins_dad]

I think one of the points is really good...

"...if we want a get-together or NB car show/convention..."

The past two shows 2009 and 2011 have been "get-togethers" in my opinion. I added the trophy idea in 2009 because we had trophies left over from our last canceled TNBRU show...thought it would be cool to continue the trophies in 2011 because people liked the idea. But realistically, I would classify them more as get-togethers.

An organizer - ie: David Allen...I'm not sure what to say about that. David is a great guy, he gave us Roswell for 8 years - but he came from organizing VW shows and had a passion for his New Beetle...took on the task and did it until he burned out. I don't know that you will find someone like this again.

It costs somewhere around $10,000 each year to put on Roswell 1-8. That was a big reason for the Sponsors...at least two VW dealerships and VW of America...then the vendors. But, with big sponsors comes big expectations. VW of America required 5 years of the show and something like 150 or more vehicles showing. In the latter years of Roswell, I only counted 63 New Beetles showing...something that I believe was the reason VWoA backed out in year 9. (if David is still around and wants to correct my math, I would be open to changing this paragraph...but I believe this is what was told to me a few years ago)

I estimate that the Get-Together we have done the in 2009 and 2011 probably costs around $1000-2500.

Right now I am not taking a position on this, but thought I would give some supporting data for discussion.