2009 National meet in Texas planning

[OP]

Just starting a thread to keep everyone updated on the planning of the June 2009 National meet in Texas.

As Phoenix already posted:
The next meet for a National Run is tentative set for June of 2009. It will be held somewhere in the hill country. That is as much as we have stated at the Laughlin Run this January.
When the information is ready to be placed in the forum a thread will be started with it. Watch in the next several months for it. It is being hosted by the Texas SSR's.
Johna


As the last line states, those Texas SSR owners interested in helping plan/organize this event should step up and throw your name in the hat.

So far there are about 4-6 including myself that have been actively working to try and find a suitable location for this auspicious occasion, but more are needed. I know as I used to do these type of events on a corporate level in a previous life and many times I had to plan them alone and it is not an easy task.

So I am sure those already involved would welcome any and all participation on the planning and organizing of this event.

I believe several members are heading to Kerrville the weekend of April 12th to stay at, view, and discuss a location at the YO resort

Y.O. Ranch Resort Kerrville, Texas

I am sure they will post here more details so we can get as many Texas SSR members to rally around and visit as well. So what say you San Antonio bunch. Can you make the 2 hr trip that weekend?

Hope I am not stepping on anyones toes by posting this info but I had not seen anything posted yet and I know this is going to be a concerted effort of the Texas SSR contingency. It would not be fair to lay it all off on only a few individuals. It is a huge task.

And FYI, I have visited the resort at Horseshoe Bay in the Marble Falls area and spoke with sales to try and see what they could offer.

Horseshoe Bay Resort™ | Resort Accommodations

I will update this post on this thread as more info comes to me. And a BIG TEXAS thank you to EVERYONE who has stepped up so far and made the efforts and volunteered their services!!!!!!!!

[HotRodGirl]

A few questions that I'm sure others are thinking also.......

How & whom picked Texas?
I thought Springfield was the Central Location for the National Run???

Was this voted on and I missed it???

The need to know

[OP]

Originally Posted by HotRodGirl

A few questions that I'm sure others are thinking also.......

How & whom picked Texas?
I thought Springfield was the Central Location for the National Run???

Was this voted on and I missed it???

The need to know

That is VERY good question. I'm sure others can elaborate, but in Estes Park last year at that rally, it was asked of the Texans that were there by those that planned the 2007 natl meet if we would care to host the 2009 national meet and that is how I learned of it as I was within earshot. It then blossomed and was discussed even further at the 2008 Laughlin event.

Please someone else with more knowledge, chime in and answer hotrodgirl's question.

[RUN ROD RUN]

How do I post something without sounding grumpy?

Question, Isn’t the National event suppose to be centrally located so that it about the same driving distance from either left or right coast as well as the northern and southern areas.

Regardless of what location you Texans pick, I’ll give it my best effort to be there.

[HotRodGirl]

Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN

Question, Isn’t the National event suppose to be centrally located so that it about the same driving distance from either left or right coast as well as the northern and southern areas..

That's what I thought too

I wasn't able to make Springfield for reasons out of my control ...God knows that was a heartbreaker for me.

Please don't get me wrong I'd be happy to go to Texas but keeping it centrally located is what I thought we had all agreed upon and spent months negotiating back and forth with when Springfield was finally developed. If memory serves me correctly many did not want anything other than a "central location" for the National Meet .

So does this mean that the "National Event" will be rotating every other year?

If it does that will be cool as there are some area's of this great land I haven't been to. But I also can't help but wonder how many will come depending on the travel miles , lenght of time from work....etc.

[blueroadster06]

We, the SA group, planned the Run To the Beach that weekend......I believe it was planned before this "planning meeting" My suggestion is move your planning session so all wil have a chance to join in......In my opinion,this is not good planning since all the SA group will be at the beach that weekend

[artsmart]

Y.O. Ranch Resort Kerrville, Texas

Horseshoe Bay Resort™ | Resort Accommodations

The two places OP mentioned as being possible for the National Event in 2009 appear to be fairly centrally located in Texas. They are between 10-12 hours from Springfield, MO which would mean +/- one day driving depending which direction you are coming from. I would say Texas is still somewhat centrally located for most. Perhaps the Texas fanatics might be able to locate an area further north that would be accommodating as well as interesting as Springfield.

Lloyd and Gerry put a lot of time, energy, and money into arranging the last National Event long distance and unless there are folks in that area to take it over, it seemed fitting that someone else pick it up and several Texas fanatics agreed to do just that. Who could blame them for moving it to Texas.

[Focks]

Originally Posted by HotRodGirl

So does this mean that the "National Event" will be rotating every other year?

If it does that will be cool as there are some area's of this great land I haven't been to. But I also can't help but wonder how many will come depending on the travel miles , lenght of time from work....etc.

I think it was talked about rotating the National Event. As for how many will come,.. well with a 2 year break between each rally, I would think that gives people enough time to plan on attending.

We know that not everyone will come. Everyone did not come to Springfield, Mo. nor did everyone come to the the SSR Homecoming in Lansing, Mi., or even the last Laughlin, Ne. event.

I think its good to switch it up a little, it gives us all a chance to do something for the club and with the club.

[RUN ROD RUN]

I think having the National Event in Texas would be great.. but I think you should move it up a month or two when the weather is more comfortable as we all know how hot it is in the southern part of Texas in June.

[waysouth6speed]

Here we are a year later and going over the same thing we did before Springfield... We all have an opinion. Sorry, here's mine...

It's very nice of our Texas fanatics to take on the work to put together a national meet next year. I thank-you in advance and offer to help in any way I can. That being said, I wish we would stay in a more central location too. Shoot, northeastern Texas is still Texas and is closer to the center of the U.S. than central Texas. Another day driving is two more days to the trip. I'm sure the Ca. and Az. fanatics won't mind the central Texas location as much as us eastern and southern fanatics might. It seems a bit fairer to hold a national rally in a central location.

Ok... phew! I said it.

I'll will try to go, even if it's farther away, but I expect I'll have a better shot at the longest distance award this time.......

[artsmart]

Originally Posted by Focks

I think its good to switch it up a little, it gives us all a chance to do something for the club and with the club.

Chances I'll make it to Texas are slim regardless of the time of year...didn't make Springfield or Michigan and lord knows I'd like to go to Maggie Valley but its out of the question until I can retire. Did make it to THREE Laughlin events, tho and barring any unforeseen circumstances will be there again next year.

It would be great if everyone could go to every event but that's just not possible. With the cost of fuel going up, taking the time off work without pay (in many circumstances), along with lodging, and meals there are few that can afford it all the time...I know I can't.

You are right Anne, central Texas would probably add 2 days to you and lessens it by 2 days for me...hope you can make it, chances are I won't.

RRR after driving through the Mojave Desert heading toward Texas...it'll probably seem pretty cool to you by the time you get there

I've voiced my opinion, so I'm out of it now...good luck Texas, in your endeavor.

[Focks]

In the last couple of years, June has been a heck of a lot cooler than July, August, or even September. (last Septmeber our electric bill was over $600)

[Nancy24]

Our reasoning for holding it in central Texas is that it is one of the most beautiful parts of the state with spectacular cruising roads while being relatively close to some larger cities. There really isn't any place in North Texas that provides the cruising and scenic beauty that the Hill Country has.

While Dallas or Fort Worth might be a little more centralized to the US, I don't think they are as appealing as host cities due to the massive traffic that would have to be dealt with wherever you wanted to go. Having the rally partially during the week means that you would have to deal with rush hour traffic for those 2 days and the traffic jams here can make any cruising virtually impossible during the week.

We would prefer to have the rally in the spring, but for those with kids in school that presents a whole new set of problems, thus we opted for summer. June in central Texas can be quite warm and yet it can also be quite pleasant.

The bottom line is; as with Springfield, there will never be one location and/or date that everyone will be happy with, so we have to make the best plans to satisfy as many as we can. With all the runs we have throughout the country; Laughlin, Maggie Valley, the Colorado run, etc, basically someone sets the place and time; if you can make there, you do; if you can't go, you wish you could be there. The same will hold true with this one and we hope that everyone can make it to the 2009 National Rally, but if you can't we understand and still wish you were here.

We want to make the 2009 National Rally one that you want to attend; fill it with events, cruises and friends to make you want to come back and do it again.

[pfisterlevel]

Well said Nancy24 !!!

It's meant to be a vacation not a required sentence. Enjoy it!!!

John

[HotRodGirl]

That's a 23hr drive or more for me If I could make it....I'd fly in instead of bringing the taking away from the idea of getting together with as many "SSR's" in one location.....Blue got an extra seat? I have many runs up this way where I already use most of my vacation time.... not leaving much extra for long trips. So a quick fly in and fly out might work for me

Keeping it central in one location for more than one year would have given us a greater chance at increasing the SSR numbers at this "National Event" after all it was only the first year in Springfield.

I am surprised that it wasn't brought to a vote. While I know Gerry & Lloyd do a wonderful job at hosting this past event and others I'm sure this could have been taken over by others to give them a break. I would have volunteered!!

I still would like to know will this event be rotating every other year ???


I've pretty much asked and said my piece.....time to move on .....

going to the 10,000 post thread

[blueroadster06]

Originally Posted by HotRodGirl

That's a 23hr drive or more for me If I could make it....I'd fly in instead of bringing the taking away from the idea of getting together with as many "SSR's" in one location.....Blue got an extra seat? I have many runs up this way where I already use most of my vacation time.... not leaving much extra for long trips. So a quick fly in and fly out might work for me

Keeping it central in one location for more than one year would have given us a greater chance at increasing the SSR numbers at this "National Event" after all it was only the first year in Springfield.

I am surprised that it wasn't brought to a vote. While I know Gerry & Lloyd do a wonderful job at hosting this past event and others I'm sure this could have been taken over by others to give them a break. I would have volunteered!!

I still would like to know will this event be rotating every other year ???


I've pretty much asked and said my piece.....time to move on .....

going to the 10,000 post thread

Your seat, is always welcome in my SSR seat........::

[Doug Allen]

There is no venue that will please everybody. It doesn't have to be every other year - somebody pick up the ball, and run with it. If you need help, ask. We'll be there to help.

I'm betting no matter where the National events are held, if you plan it, the SSR's will come.

Deb and I will be in attendance in Texas in '09, wherever it's held.

[Mike in AZ]

Debbie and I will be there in 2009, no matter where it is. We wouldn't miss it.

Besides, somebody has to caravan with Doug...

Count us in.

Mike & Debbie

[smokey]

I was also under the impression the natonal meet was going to be Springfield and I was happy with that I like southern Mo. That out of the way I love the Hill country and have wanted to play at Horseshoe Bay for years, We will be there and we are still 1000 miles and it will be an easier drive for WaySouth and PP and THE ONE and only NOSE PICKER.

[lloger]

Well, I guess it's time I put my $.02 cents worth in.
As any of you who have put together an event knows, it takes a lot of work and time. Gerry and I enjoyed doing it, but as much work and time is involved in putting together an event in your own area, it is much more difficult to do it long distance. As it turned out, we got very little response from the SSR owners in the central area, so trying to find someone else to take over in that area didnt seem like a strong possibility.
Texas has a very active group, and they are located centrally between the East Coast and West Coast, so Gerry and I decided to ask them if they would take it over for 2009. They agreed so we said, "Go for it."
We will be there in '09 and are willing to help the Texas Group in any way we can.
I'm sure that if anyone from the Missouri area would like to take it over in 2010 or 2011, the Texas Group would be glad to turn it over to them.
Thanks to all who did support the Springfield Event and I hope Texas gets the support it deserves...................

[1luckydog]

Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN

I think having the National Event in Texas would be great.. but I think you should move it up a month or two when the weather is more comfortable as we all know how hot it is in the southern part of Texas in June.

I tend to agree w/ RRR.

Originally Posted by Focks

In the last couple of years, June has been a heck of a lot cooler than July, August, or even September. (last Septmeber our electric bill was over $600)

What's your idea of cooler? We get a few nice 80deg days in June here in Tennessee. Usually it's high 80's - some low 90's & humid.

I think if people are willing to invest their time planning these events (for everyone) we should do our best to try & attend, no matter where it is.
(my .02)
JTR

[RAD-SSR]

My hat goes off for the Texas Group for stepping up to another national event. Mine and Nancy's SSR we bought to drive and enjoy count us in. Like many others who have already responded we are willing to help.

Larry and Nancy

[Gina]

Originally Posted by lloger

Well, I guess it's time I put my $.02 cents worth in.
As any of you who have put together an event knows, it takes a lot of work and time.

I'll second that.

[WOW_FCTR]

Well we can see that any event can turn into a National Event.

Examples:
Woodward Dream Cruise
Laughlin
Maggie Valley

So we really have more than ONE national event already.

So the question I think to be asked is:

Do we want one event to be designated as "The National Event"?
This is a nice "concept", but is only viable if we have one group of people in charge willing to do it...and willing to do it in a "central" location.

What I see here is a bunch of different people willing to step up and make a bunch of different events all over. Some of these events become "national events" and that is due to the effort put forward by the organizers.

Even though having a "The National Event" seems like something to be done, I think that because we have so many people willing to create events and so many people willing to attend them, that by having one "The National Event" we will be limiting ourselves and missing out on other great places to visit and cruise.

I like the way someone is willing to step up and create a local event which becomes a national event.

I personally don't want to see ONE event labeled "The National Event"
I want to see a bunch of National Events....

[WOW_FCTR]

PS:

I just put in a request to see if dascrow can give us a better calendar...specifically a calendar that shows events for the next 3 months with links to the Forum thread that talks about it and have this calendar put on the front page........

Even though I don't think he will be able to do ALL of this...maybe he can do something to make it easier to find event dates....

[wildcat66]

WOW this hasn't gotten any easier than the First National Event Planning thread that started over a year ago.
My understanding was there would regional meets, where fantics who wanted to drive or fly could attend but there would be a central location for the "NATIONAL FANATICS"
and I have to commend Lloyd and Gerry who spent their time and money to fly to another state to promote it, but I will say this for them they were a little dissappointed about the amount of people who didnt' show up from the Northern part of the country. More people seemed to come from Florida, Ca, Az, Texas than any of the other states, and yes being in Texas this year will cause a little more driving than you would have before, and the committee that is working on this so far has put in a lot of thought and effort into having as much weekend time to get here and back home.

We also didnt' think having 50 people from the area show up for the planning session would be possilbe for many reasons, such as timing and costs, etc. We aren't trying to leave anyone out of the planning and we were going to discuss this with the Texas local group as soon as we knew more.
Owen really should have waited or at least talked to us about what and when to post.
We want as much help as possible but can't let everyone plan something on their own and then expect it to run as smoothly as possible and when dealing with a large group someones nose is always going to be out of joint, over pricing, accomodations and any thing else they can come up with

I have already gotten PM's from local people who knew we were in the planning stages.
God knows we have already stepped on toes.

So I am requesting that this thread be locked, and we can post some polls first. to discuss each option first before we take any further actions to hold this event in Texas. But know this no matter where the event is to take place, hotels are getting book
ed NOW for next year and if we wait any longer the quality of hotels will be less and people will not be able to stay at the hotel.

[HotRodGirl]

Originally Posted by wildcat66

but I will say this for them they were a little dissappointed about the amount of people who didnt' show up from the Northern part of the country. More people seemed to come from Florida, Ca, Az, Texas than any of the other states,

That's inevitable.....there are many more SSR's in those area's so of course the numbers will be larger.


The general consensus in this thread are leaning to having it in Texas so not so sure it's gonna change by putting a vote at this point.....just run with it!

[RUN ROD RUN]

Originally Posted by wildcat66

Owen really should have waited or at least talked to us about what and when to post.

Poor Opey… signs of early side effect from felling off a bicycle.

[Doug Allen]

No harm no foul.

[wildcat66]

when we were asked to take over the National Event we had no idea that it would cause problems. I am sorry that it has and I think we should take a vote about where? I think there is enough people who would like to vote.