Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Summer Rally
 Summer Rally [message #143633] |
Sat, 17 September 2011 08:22  |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Byron this is your post it got buried in the Goshen thread
"Not wanting to hijack a thread, I decided to start a new one in response
to what has been said.
First, I've heard it said that finding a place large enough for the
quantity of coaches would be difficult because it is the summer season. I
believe this to be old information from one or two individuals. I believe
the reality is that a venue would be glad to get anyone's money regardless
of the time of year -- travel season or not. To a facility, business is
business and booked business preferred business. For instance, other
motorhome clubs, as I recall, have secured space for up to 500 coaches
during July. The real issue is planning far enough in advance to secure
such a venue.
Second, the question is how many people of what type would come to a
motorhome convention/rally in July? Would regularly employed people
actually take their vacation time to go to a convention/rally or would
they rather go somewhere else for vacation? It's like building a business
case. GMCMI would need to know how many would go to a convention in July
versus the number that is attending in April or September. If it turns out
to be the same, retired crowd, then trying to schedule for a younger set
who won't commit is futile.
Camping facility charges -- so what if they're higher during the summer
season. Anyone going anywhere in the summer season is going to pay more.
This is a moot topic. Of course, if you don't go anywhere during the
summer then I suppose your point is valid. Yes, a summer even may cost
more but those who would attend would expect to pay more wherever they
plan to go.
The primary issue is anticipated attendance preference. That is, how many
people would plan to attend a summer rally? There are two ways to find
out. One way is to plan an event and see. The other way is to put in a
concerted effort to poll the membership for feedback. Polling the
membership at one of the existing conventions isn't valid. Only a poll
taken via random calling or via the newsletter would reach the variety of
members.
The Rally, largely sponsored by Camping World, Good Sam and Preferred, is
always in the summer and draws as big a crowd as FMCA. I went to the one
in Louisville last year. That it was held in July didn't detract from the
thousands in attendance. It involved dry camping and expensive power
unless you wanted to run your A/C during daylight hours only. It was
expensive but it was an opportunity for RVers to get together.
One more thing. We just discussed this yesterday in a meeting of officers
for GMCES. We came up with no conclusive decision because we have no valid
data on which to make a decision. Hunch or hearsay isn't valid data.
Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
+++++
Ken Burton wrote:
Here is the problem with scheduling in the summer.
1. Finding a site that will accommodate 150 to 300 coaches. Most do not
want to block out that amount of space in the summer.
2. Convincing GMCers to give up their vacation time to attend a convention.
3. Camping facilities charges are much higher between Memorial day and
Labor day.
I understand your complaint but because of the above three inhibitors that
time frame just doesn't work. They try to schedule the fall rally as
close to summer as possible without actually getting into the US Memorial
day to Labor day dates.
They tried a new thing this time. They started the convention on a Friday
and ended on a Thursday. This allowed some people to come on the weekend
or an extended weekend.
I saw quite a quite a few Ontario and one Nova Scotia plates. We needed a
Quebec one there to fill in the gap between those two.
+++++
John H. Bell wrote:
Hi the conventions are great but as this group attracts younger members we
are going to have to have conventions that allow younger working GMCers to
attend like in the summer when their kids are not in school and when us
working folk usually take vacation as most are limited to onea year. Just
my thoughts I have owned and driven my coach for 7 years now although a
member of GMCMI I have yet to attend a convention.
+++++
Roger Black wrote:
What a convention! Lots and lots of coaches and great GMC folks. A
really great time. Thanks, Kim, for putting together another great one.
For those of you who missed it, start planning now on Shawnee in the
Spring.
Roger
Burns, TN
77 Birchaven
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Byron
Your idea of a poll is a sound one it could be conducted by GMCMI on there website and announce thru GMCnet both email and forum over a period of about one month or so as to get the widest possible exposure. As I said in my original post somewhere in the middle of the country is probably ideal being able to attract people from all corners. I could probably find a campground around Montreal that would love to host a rally towards the end of summer end of August as all the summer festivals are over and the campgrounds have thinned out. I do not know if the US contingent would be willing to drive up in sufficient numbers! Passports no guns etc...
John H. Bell
77 Royale
Montreal Qc.
Report message to a moderator
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143638 is a reply to message #143633] |
Sat, 17 September 2011 10:37  |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Here's a suggestion:
Byron Songer and John Bell and anyone else that would like to help should get together and investigate sites that would have at least 200 campsites, a room for dining that will hold 400 people with tables and chairs, two other rooms or buildings for seminars and all sites with water, electric and sewer. In order to keep the rally cost below $350 the sites would have to be $20 or less per night for a total of eight nights (6 rally days plus the two days that we have for early arrivals). In addition the place would have to agree to let us take over the buildings for 5 or 6 days prior to the start of the rally at no charge so that we can set up.
When you locate such a site for a July rally let the Board of GMCMI know about it and I am sure that information would be well received.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM
On Sep 17, 2011, at 9:23 AM, jhb1 wrote:
>
>
> Byron this is your post it got buried in the Goshen thread
>
> "Not wanting to hijack a thread, I decided to start a new one in response
> to what has been said.
>
> First, I've heard it said that finding a place large enough for the
> quantity of coaches would be difficult because it is the summer season. I
> believe this to be old information from one or two individuals. I believe
> the reality is that a venue would be glad to get anyone's money regardless
> of the time of year -- travel season or not. To a facility, business is
> business and booked business preferred business. For instance, other
> motorhome clubs, as I recall, have secured space for up to 500 coaches
> during July. The real issue is planning far enough in advance to secure
> such a venue.
>
> Second, the question is how many people of what type would come to a
> motorhome convention/rally in July? Would regularly employed people
> actually take their vacation time to go to a convention/rally or would
> they rather go somewhere else for vacation? It's like building a business
> case. GMCMI would need to know how many would go to a convention in July
> versus the number that is attending in April or September. If it turns out
> to be the same, retired crowd, then trying to schedule for a younger set
> who won't commit is futile.
>
> Camping facility charges -- so what if they're higher during the summer
> season. Anyone going anywhere in the summer season is going to pay more.
> This is a moot topic. Of course, if you don't go anywhere during the
> summer then I suppose your point is valid. Yes, a summer even may cost
> more but those who would attend would expect to pay more wherever they
> plan to go.
>
> The primary issue is anticipated attendance preference. That is, how many
> people would plan to attend a summer rally? There are two ways to find
> out. One way is to plan an event and see. The other way is to put in a
> concerted effort to poll the membership for feedback. Polling the
> membership at one of the existing conventions isn't valid. Only a poll
> taken via random calling or via the newsletter would reach the variety of
> members.
>
> The Rally, largely sponsored by Camping World, Good Sam and Preferred, is
> always in the summer and draws as big a crowd as FMCA. I went to the one
> in Louisville last year. That it was held in July didn't detract from the
> thousands in attendance. It involved dry camping and expensive power
> unless you wanted to run your A/C during daylight hours only. It was
> expensive but it was an opportunity for RVers to get together.
>
> One more thing. We just discussed this yesterday in a meeting of officers
> for GMCES. We came up with no conclusive decision because we have no valid
> data on which to make a decision. Hunch or hearsay isn't valid data.
>
> Byron Songer
> Louisville, KY
> Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
>
>
>
>
>
> +++++
>
> Ken Burton wrote:
>
> Here is the problem with scheduling in the summer.
>
> 1. Finding a site that will accommodate 150 to 300 coaches. Most do not
> want to block out that amount of space in the summer.
> 2. Convincing GMCers to give up their vacation time to attend a convention.
> 3. Camping facilities charges are much higher between Memorial day and
> Labor day.
>
> I understand your complaint but because of the above three inhibitors that
> time frame just doesn't work. They try to schedule the fall rally as
> close to summer as possible without actually getting into the US Memorial
> day to Labor day dates.
>
> They tried a new thing this time. They started the convention on a Friday
> and ended on a Thursday. This allowed some people to come on the weekend
> or an extended weekend.
>
> I saw quite a quite a few Ontario and one Nova Scotia plates. We needed a
> Quebec one there to fill in the gap between those two.
>
> +++++
>
> John H. Bell wrote:
>
> Hi the conventions are great but as this group attracts younger members we
> are going to have to have conventions that allow younger working GMCers to
> attend like in the summer when their kids are not in school and when us
> working folk usually take vacation as most are limited to onea year. Just
> my thoughts I have owned and driven my coach for 7 years now although a
> member of GMCMI I have yet to attend a convention.
>
> +++++
>
> Roger Black wrote:
>
> What a convention! Lots and lots of coaches and great GMC folks. A
> really great time. Thanks, Kim, for putting together another great one.
>
> For those of you who missed it, start planning now on Shawnee in the
> Spring.
>
> Roger
> Burns, TN
> 77 Birchaven
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> Report message to a moderator
>
> Byron
>
> Your idea of a poll is a sound one it could be conducted by GMCMI on there website and announce thru GMCnet both email and forum over a period of about one month or so as to get the widest possible exposure. As I said in my original post somewhere in the middle of the country is probably ideal being able to attract people from all corners. I could probably find a campground around Montreal that would love to host a rally towards the end of summer end of August as all the summer festivals are over and the campgrounds have thinned out. I do not know if the US contingent would be willing to drive up in sufficient numbers! Passports no guns etc...
> John H. Bell
> 77 Royale
> Montreal Qc.
> Report message to a moderator
>
> --
> John H. Bell
> 77 Royale
> Montreal Qc.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143643 is a reply to message #143638] |
Sat, 17 September 2011 12:13 |
Kimberlea Weeks
Messages: 675
Registered: July 2010
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Actually if you find such a location, request a GMCMI facility worksheet available from Kim Weeks. Thank you.
On Sep 17, 2011, at 11:37 AM, Emery Stora <emerystora@mac.com> wrote:
> Here's a suggestion:
>
> Byron Songer and John Bell and anyone else that would like to help should get together and investigate sites that would have at least 200 campsites, a room for dining that will hold 400 people with tables and chairs, two other rooms or buildings for seminars and all sites with water, electric and sewer. In order to keep the rally cost below $350 the sites would have to be $20 or less per night for a total of eight nights (6 rally days plus the two days that we have for early arrivals). In addition the place would have to agree to let us take over the buildings for 5 or 6 days prior to the start of the rally at no charge so that we can set up.
>
> When you locate such a site for a July rally let the Board of GMCMI know about it and I am sure that information would be well received.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Santa Fe, NM
>
>
> On Sep 17, 2011, at 9:23 AM, jhb1 wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Byron this is your post it got buried in the Goshen thread
>>
>> "Not wanting to hijack a thread, I decided to start a new one in response
>> to what has been said.
>>
>> First, I've heard it said that finding a place large enough for the
>> quantity of coaches would be difficult because it is the summer season. I
>> believe this to be old information from one or two individuals. I believe
>> the reality is that a venue would be glad to get anyone's money regardless
>> of the time of year -- travel season or not. To a facility, business is
>> business and booked business preferred business. For instance, other
>> motorhome clubs, as I recall, have secured space for up to 500 coaches
>> during July. The real issue is planning far enough in advance to secure
>> such a venue.
>>
>> Second, the question is how many people of what type would come to a
>> motorhome convention/rally in July? Would regularly employed people
>> actually take their vacation time to go to a convention/rally or would
>> they rather go somewhere else for vacation? It's like building a business
>> case. GMCMI would need to know how many would go to a convention in July
>> versus the number that is attending in April or September. If it turns out
>> to be the same, retired crowd, then trying to schedule for a younger set
>> who won't commit is futile.
>>
>> Camping facility charges -- so what if they're higher during the summer
>> season. Anyone going anywhere in the summer season is going to pay more.
>> This is a moot topic. Of course, if you don't go anywhere during the
>> summer then I suppose your point is valid. Yes, a summer even may cost
>> more but those who would attend would expect to pay more wherever they
>> plan to go.
>>
>> The primary issue is anticipated attendance preference. That is, how many
>> people would plan to attend a summer rally? There are two ways to find
>> out. One way is to plan an event and see. The other way is to put in a
>> concerted effort to poll the membership for feedback. Polling the
>> membership at one of the existing conventions isn't valid. Only a poll
>> taken via random calling or via the newsletter would reach the variety of
>> members.
>>
>> The Rally, largely sponsored by Camping World, Good Sam and Preferred, is
>> always in the summer and draws as big a crowd as FMCA. I went to the one
>> in Louisville last year. That it was held in July didn't detract from the
>> thousands in attendance. It involved dry camping and expensive power
>> unless you wanted to run your A/C during daylight hours only. It was
>> expensive but it was an opportunity for RVers to get together.
>>
>> One more thing. We just discussed this yesterday in a meeting of officers
>> for GMCES. We came up with no conclusive decision because we have no valid
>> data on which to make a decision. Hunch or hearsay isn't valid data.
>>
>> Byron Songer
>> Louisville, KY
>> Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> +++++
>>
>> Ken Burton wrote:
>>
>> Here is the problem with scheduling in the summer.
>>
>> 1. Finding a site that will accommodate 150 to 300 coaches. Most do not
>> want to block out that amount of space in the summer.
>> 2. Convincing GMCers to give up their vacation time to attend a convention.
>> 3. Camping facilities charges are much higher between Memorial day and
>> Labor day.
>>
>> I understand your complaint but because of the above three inhibitors that
>> time frame just doesn't work. They try to schedule the fall rally as
>> close to summer as possible without actually getting into the US Memorial
>> day to Labor day dates.
>>
>> They tried a new thing this time. They started the convention on a Friday
>> and ended on a Thursday. This allowed some people to come on the weekend
>> or an extended weekend.
>>
>> I saw quite a quite a few Ontario and one Nova Scotia plates. We needed a
>> Quebec one there to fill in the gap between those two.
>>
>> +++++
>>
>> John H. Bell wrote:
>>
>> Hi the conventions are great but as this group attracts younger members we
>> are going to have to have conventions that allow younger working GMCers to
>> attend like in the summer when their kids are not in school and when us
>> working folk usually take vacation as most are limited to onea year. Just
>> my thoughts I have owned and driven my coach for 7 years now although a
>> member of GMCMI I have yet to attend a convention.
>>
>> +++++
>>
>> Roger Black wrote:
>>
>> What a convention! Lots and lots of coaches and great GMC folks. A
>> really great time. Thanks, Kim, for putting together another great one.
>>
>> For those of you who missed it, start planning now on Shawnee in the
>> Spring.
>>
>> Roger
>> Burns, TN
>> 77 Birchaven
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>> Report message to a moderator
>>
>> Byron
>>
>> Your idea of a poll is a sound one it could be conducted by GMCMI on there website and announce thru GMCnet both email and forum over a period of about one month or so as to get the widest possible exposure. As I said in my original post somewhere in the middle of the country is probably ideal being able to attract people from all corners. I could probably find a campground around Montreal that would love to host a rally towards the end of summer end of August as all the summer festivals are over and the campgrounds have thinned out. I do not know if the US contingent would be willing to drive up in sufficient numbers! Passports no guns etc...
>> John H. Bell
>> 77 Royale
>> Montreal Qc.
>> Report message to a moderator
>>
>> --
>> John H. Bell
>> 77 Royale
>> Montreal Qc.
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Santa Fe, NM
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143688 is a reply to message #143633] |
Sat, 17 September 2011 22:00 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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John
GMCMI has discussed the possibility of having a convention in Canada. The
passport requirement is the least of the problems: You're probably not
aware that 20 each 4'x4'x4' boxes of equipment (including chest freezers,
tables, fork lift, tools, etc., etc) and supplies (paper goods, table
covers, kitchen utensils, etc., etc.) are shipped to EVERY GMCMI convention.
It's a LOT of stuff to transport anywhere. Across an international border
and back, with customs inspection in both directions, would be a total
nightmare. There's no way we could even provide a sufficiently accurate
inventory for a customs declaration, much less survive the unpredictable
delays involved, without even considering costs.
It doesn't appear to be at all feasible to have a convention there,
unfortunately.
Ken Henderson
GMCMI VP Southeast Region
John H. Bell wrote:
> ...I could probably find a campground around Montreal that would love to
> host a rally towards the end of summer end of August as all the summer
> festivals are over and the campgrounds have thinned out. I do not know if
> the US contingent would be willing to drive up in sufficient numbers!
> Passports no guns etc...
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143692 is a reply to message #143638] |
Sat, 17 September 2011 23:10 |
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What a great challenge! Some questions, however, are in order.
1) Has the membership stated that $20 per night is the maximum that
attendees are willing to pay?
2) Who among us stays at a campground with water, electric and sewer for
less than $20 per night?
3) Why was the requirement for sewer thrown in since we didn't have
sewers at Patterson or DuQuoin?
Everything else is totally understood since this is the typical procedure
for larger groups and the tradition of GMCMI -- advanced setup and
teardown.
As I stated, it may not be easy to find a place but if other groups have
done it then it surely must be possible. However, as I implied there would
Be no need to look for a summer site if the projected attendance wouldn't
Make the effort of a convention worthwhile (see my second point in the
Original post and the paragraph that began "The primary issue isŠ"). The
Research needs to be done first before the other leg work is done. In other
words, why look for a summer site if there is no intention of holding a
summer GMCMI convention or the attendance wouldn't warrant?
Hey, I'm not trying to take sides. I'm just trying to raise points I
believe to be valid. That is, if there would be a good response for
attendance at a summer gathering then a facility could probably be found.
Thanks for the conversation. I meant no offense and am taking none. Good
discussion keeps a group healthy.
Until then, there is the job of getting the word out about Shawnee and
Amana Colonies so there can be a tremendous response at these conventions
which are planned.
Byron
-----Original Message-----
From: Emery Stora <emerystora@mac.com>
Reply-To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2011 11:37:33 -0400
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally
>Here's a suggestion:
>
>Byron Songer and John Bell and anyone else that would like to help should
>get together and investigate sites that would have at least 200
>campsites, a room for dining that will hold 400 people with tables and
>chairs, two other rooms or buildings for seminars and all sites with
>water, electric and sewer. In order to keep the rally cost below $350
>the sites would have to be $20 or less per night for a total of eight
>nights (6 rally days plus the two days that we have for early arrivals).
>In addition the place would have to agree to let us take over the
>buildings for 5 or 6 days prior to the start of the rally at no charge so
>that we can set up.
>
>When you locate such a site for a July rally let the Board of GMCMI know
>about it and I am sure that information would be well received.
>
>Emery Stora
>77 Kingsley
>Santa Fe, NM
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143694 is a reply to message #143688] |
Sat, 17 September 2011 23:12 |
 |
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Ken,
So a GMCMI Convention in Australia is probably a no go too, eh? ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Henderson
John
GMCMI has discussed the possibility of having a convention in Canada. The
passport requirement is the least of the problems: You're probably not
aware that 20 each 4'x4'x4' boxes of equipment (including chest freezers,
tables, fork lift, tools, etc., etc) and supplies (paper goods, table
covers, kitchen utensils, etc., etc.) are shipped to EVERY GMCMI convention.
It's a LOT of stuff to transport anywhere. Across an international border
and back, with customs inspection in both directions, would be a total
nightmare. There's no way we could even provide a sufficiently accurate
inventory for a customs declaration, much less survive the unpredictable
delays involved, without even considering costs.
It doesn't appear to be at all feasible to have a convention there,
unfortunately.
Ken Henderson
GMCMI VP Southeast Region
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143695 is a reply to message #143694] |
Sat, 17 September 2011 23:16 |
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No wonder your mom called you "sun". You are so bright!
But, wait a minute. GMCMI could have a convention in Australia. There
would be no need to ship the boxes since only two or three members would
make the trip. If more did there would be a need for a hotel. Hotels have
cooking facilities and meeting rooms. Seems like it would work.
But wait. That would cost more than $20 US per night. Nope. Definitely out
of the question.
Byron
-----Original Message-----
From: Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
Reply-To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:12:42 +1000
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally
>Ken,
>
>So a GMCMI Convention in Australia is probably a no go too, eh? ;-)
>
>Regards,
>Rob M.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Ken Henderson
>
>John
>
>GMCMI has discussed the possibility of having a convention in Canada. The
>passport requirement is the least of the problems: You're probably not
>aware that 20 each 4'x4'x4' boxes of equipment (including chest freezers,
>tables, fork lift, tools, etc., etc) and supplies (paper goods, table
>covers, kitchen utensils, etc., etc.) are shipped to EVERY GMCMI
>convention.
> It's a LOT of stuff to transport anywhere. Across an international
>border
>and back, with customs inspection in both directions, would be a total
>nightmare. There's no way we could even provide a sufficiently accurate
>inventory for a customs declaration, much less survive the unpredictable
>delays involved, without even considering costs.
>
>It doesn't appear to be at all feasible to have a convention there,
>unfortunately.
>
>Ken Henderson
>GMCMI VP Southeast Region
>
>_______________________________________________
>GMCnet mailing list
>Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143696 is a reply to message #143694] |
Sat, 17 September 2011 23:40 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I thought we were holding the Ken H. convention in Australia. I sure would not want any conflict between that one and GMCMI.
| Robert Mueller wrote on Sat, 17 September 2011 23:12 |
Ken,
So a GMCMI Convention in Australia is probably a no go too, eh? 
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Henderson
John
GMCMI has discussed the possibility of having a convention in Canada. The
passport requirement is the least of the problems: You're probably not
aware that 20 each 4'x4'x4' boxes of equipment (including chest freezers,
tables, fork lift, tools, etc., etc) and supplies (paper goods, table
covers, kitchen utensils, etc., etc.) are shipped to EVERY GMCMI convention.
It's a LOT of stuff to transport anywhere. Across an international border
and back, with customs inspection in both directions, would be a total
nightmare. There's no way we could even provide a sufficiently accurate
inventory for a customs declaration, much less survive the unpredictable
delays involved, without even considering costs.
It doesn't appear to be at all feasible to have a convention there,
unfortunately.
Ken Henderson
GMCMI VP Southeast Region
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Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143708 is a reply to message #143692] |
Sun, 18 September 2011 09:32 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Byron
Since you seem to be one of the resident web guys is it possible to put together a poll/survey that would ask a few questions about this.
ie...
1) Would you attend a summer rally
2) If so what would you be willing to pay, 20/night 30/night etc.
3) How far would you be willing to drive
4) Would this be combined with vacation
5) Would you bring anyone other than your spouse (children) ages
Etc.. You get the point after a month or so of responses we should know if this is worth following up on
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143715 is a reply to message #143708] |
Sun, 18 September 2011 11:16 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Just as a point of information: I was the 'Wagonmaster' for the Saguaro Jetset for a year and a half, and I can attest to the fact that it can be difficult to line up facilities at certain times of the year. Here in Southern Arizona, the rally season runs through the winter, so does the tourist season. We have been wanting to plan a rally in conjunction with the Renaissance Festival, in Apache Junction (near Phoenix) for the past few years. The trouble is that ALL the RV parks in the area are full at that time of year, with long term guests. They will NOT reserve a block of even 20 or 30 spaces for a three day weekend rally. This makes perfect sense from a business point of view. Why would they risk loosing long term customers to accommodate a small group for a weekend?
Most GMCers insist on having full hook-ups because of having things like electric water heaters, all electric refrigerators, having replaced the gas oven with a microwave, etc. So, dry camping is out, for a group like the GMCMI. Some of us have set our coaches up for dry camping, and would not have a problem with it, as long as there was a dump station available to accommodate our somewhat small holding tanks.
Two years ago, Kathy and I went down to Amado, on I-19, about 25 miles from the Mexican border, and found a wonderful RV facility for a rally. We had hoped to have a spring rally there, maybe in March. but the owner said she was always booked up then, and they would not be able to reserve spaces for our group, for the same reason as stated above. We were able to change the schedule around and have our Christmas Rally there instead. It has become our preferred site for that rally, but there is no way they could have us there in the Spring. The same thing happened when we planned a Spring rally in Yuma. Although we managed to pull it off, there was very limited availability during those months.
If the membership wanted to put up with 100+ degree daytime temps, the GMCMI rally would have their pick of rally sites here in Southern Arizona, in the summer, but in an area where there is more desirable weather, I doubt that we would find a facility that would accommodate 200 - 300 coaches, with hook-ups, and meeting rooms, that would be willing or able to set aside a week for a group such as ours.
Side note to the GMCMI board. The DeAnza RV Resort, in Amado AZ. might be a perfect place for a Fall rally. Great facility, although not very centrally located. Maybe Western States???
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: Summer Rally [message #143741 is a reply to message #143633] |
Sun, 18 September 2011 16:23 |
pzerkel
Messages: 212
Registered: September 2007
Location: Salisbury, IL
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I am reluctant to comment since I was an advocate of the Fri-Wed format, but as it turned out. A work project came up and I was a unable to attend this fall anyway. Unfortunately, I think everyone realizes that is always a possibility.
I have only been to one-and a half conventions.
All the points about the challenges about a summer vacation do make sense.I do wonder if having a shorter ( maybe 3 day) summer convention would make sense?
As for hookups, electricity is nice.My Onan works now, but I never know if it will next week.
Especially For a three day convention I could easily get by without sewer hookups. Our coaches are much easier to get to a dump station than say a trailer where you have to hitch up, tow RV to dump, and then possibly back trailer into campsite again.
All the catered meals and ice cream socials, etc. Were very enjoyable at the week-long conventions I have attended. But I wonder if they could be scaled back for a shorter convention, possibly negating the need to ship so many crates cross-country?
Even though I have only been to a couple conventions, They have both been well-planned and well run. I have to complement the GMCMI leadership. Clearly they know how to run one of these. So please take my comments with a grain of salt.
Paul Zerkel
'78 Eleganza II
Salisbury IL (near Springfield)
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143753 is a reply to message #143694] |
Sun, 18 September 2011 17:50 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Sun, 18 September 2011 00:12 |
Ken,
So a GMCMI Convention in Australia is probably a no go too, eh?
Regards,
Rob M.
|
Rob,
I see one serious issue.
With the cost of a FHO slip being a serious limit, this will probably be real tough to do since airfare to Sydney is about 3k$. This doesn't keep me from thinking about (thinking being one of the least expensive things to do), but that will most likely be as far as I ever get.
Matt (at home after a successful 300+ mile tour)
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143757 is a reply to message #143754] |
Sun, 18 September 2011 19:09 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Emery
What I was getting at was not the dollar amount just the type of questions that could be asked hopefully from someone more knowledge on the requirements and costs of setting up a rally.
For me I tend to drive 5 to 6 thousand miles every summer going on vacation. Summer holidays have been the norm for me while I had the kids at home and now the better half works at a university holidays are still in the summer. So if I spend a couple of hundred at a convention or just at a campground and entertain myself it will probably come out to the same. I would prefer to see some GMC's but this is only possible if the convention were to be held in the summer. I have put about 75000 miles on my coach in the almost 8 years that I have onwed it and only ever seen 2 or 3 GMC's on the road seen a few in the fields.
| Emery Stora wrote on Sun, 18 September 2011 19:14 |
The $20 per night or $30 per night must be combined together with all of the other costs of a convention.
$20 per night is only $120 for 6 days. There are a lot of other things such as meals, sometimes rentals of tables and chairs, etc. and many other things that must be included. So just asking $20 or $30 per night would tell us nothing.
Emery Stora
On Sep 18, 2011, at 08:32 AM, jhb1 <jhbmjk@gmail.com> wrote:
Byron
Since you seem to be one of the resident web guys is it possible to put together a poll/survey that would ask a few questions about this.
ie...
1) Would you attend a summer rally
2) If so what would you be willing to pay, 20/night 30/night etc.
3) How far would you be willing to drive
4) Would this be combined with vacation
5) Would you bring anyone other than your spouse (children) ages
Etc.. You get the point after a month or so of responses we should know if this is worth following up on
--
John H. Bell
77 Royale
Montreal Qc.
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John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally [message #143778 is a reply to message #143708] |
Sun, 18 September 2011 21:21 |
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The simple answer is yes, it is possible. All that is required is the
knowledge necessary in putting together such a survey and the fact that
PHP would need to be active on the web server. Both aren't a great
limitation. It's more a matter of the will than the ability.
I agree with Emery, quoting a nightly rate is immaterial. Perhaps the
better way to state the question would be "if the cost were 20% greater
for a summer convention, would still be willing to attend." Otherwise,
those seem like great questions.
John, I commend you on trying to think outside of the typical GMCMI box.
That needs to be done once in a while to be sure that things are on track.
Frankly, a group can hypothesize about why people do or don't do something
or go someplace. I've done this with respect to GMCES rallies. But, the
truth is, I don't know why without asking members individually.
Speculation is just speculation. It isn't fact. Intuition isn't always
accurate.
Byron
-----Original Message-----
From: jhb1 <jhbmjk@gmail.com>
Organization: GMCnet
Reply-To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2011 09:32:04 -0500
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Summer Rally
>
>
>Byron
>
>Since you seem to be one of the resident web guys is it possible to put
>together a poll/survey that would ask a few questions about this.
>ie...
>1) Would you attend a summer rally
>2) If so what would you be willing to pay, 20/night 30/night etc.
>3) How far would you be willing to drive
>4) Would this be combined with vacation
>5) Would you bring anyone other than your spouse (children) ages
>
>Etc.. You get the point after a month or so of responses we should know
>if this is worth following up on
>
>--
>John H. Bell
>77 Royale
>Montreal Qc.
>_______________________________________________
>GMCnet mailing list
>Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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