Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Reflections of a first-timer to GMCMI Convention
| [GMCnet] Reflections of a first-timer to GMCMI Convention [message #78488] |
Mon, 29 March 2010 20:15  |
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For those of you that have never been and are interested in attending, read
on. Those of you who have attended, delete this and move on.
Martha and I returned last week from our first GMCMI convention. Here are a
few of my "caught thoughts". They are in random order.
A few people said, "Have you ever seen so many coaches in one place before?"
My thought was, "Duh, that's one reason I came."
There were about 135 coaches scattered about the large campground. It is
gratifying to see so many in one place. (Misery loves company, you know.)
While this was a large gathering, it wasn't the largest in recent history.
Still, it was significant.
Texas and Texans -- need I say more? They were all over the place. The
Classics were there in full force helping support the event. They also enjoy
partying. I appreciated being able to get better acquainted with a few of
them over some card game I've never played before.
The bulletin board -- more posted than at your typical convention. There's
the schedule, the campers and campsites, notices, etc. What is especially
appealing is the photos and bios that Carol has collected and posted over
the years. Many people stop by to read about others and to read something
besides "we have a blah-blah-blah coach." She posts interesting, personal
stuff.
New people -- there are many there who realize that the life of MI is in the
people. They also realize new people are needed and are always glad to meet
new folks. There are, unfortunately, a few that don't care if they meet
anyone outside of there group of friends they already have in place. May
their tribe decrease. May the tribe of those actively interested in
newcomers increase. Really, we met so many nice, good folks. We now have
more friends. A person is rich that has friends.
Pinewood Derby -- was a great activity. The arrangement of the raceway into
the middle of the audience worked. Last convention, I understand, it was a
bit confusing. The Great Lakers got a great thing going with those racers.
Now to sand and paint my own. I'm hoping it'll roll well. There were some
very nice looking entries.
Equipment -- in case you didn't know, GMCMI owns a lot of equipment that
gets shipped from convention to convention. I figured there was a lot of
property but I had no idea that it included several chest freezers, many
toasters, and some significant coffee-making equipment. On top of that is
enough electrical infrastructure to support the toaster, freezers and coffee
makers.
Volunteers -- this was the really nice part. Many people volunteer to do
specific tasks that add to the enjoyment and success of the convention. Many
other take advantage of that. However, I noticed that no one complained
about either. Martha and I signed up to help with two breakfast times and
one of the ice cream times. It's a great way to meet people and get better
acquainted. We'll do it again because it's the responsible thing to do.
Worship experience -- more than half the group was present on Sunday morning
for the service. Dan Stuckey, the unofficial chaplain, did a great job with
the message (homily for others of you). It was personal and real. The choir
had nearly two dozen in it. That was fantastic. I've heard better but I've
not heard more enthusiastic. Attitude counts more than ability. Thank
goodness for attitude.
Seminar -- technical and non-technical. I have to tell you, even though some
of them are repeats, I heard guys saying "I learned some more again even
though I've set through it before". The session with the "experts" was
great. Though I don't plan on putting a new engine in my coach, just knowing
others have and know how to is amazing. And, knowing other things about the
coach is a plus. Shucks, even my wife got something out of the women's
session on driving our coaches. I enjoyed the "show and tell" session. It
included a lot of variety and I learned stuff there, too -- told my wife
about it.
Breakfast -- I get tired of donuts, bagels and muffins. I think I'll set up
a concession for eggs and sausage next time. I'll charge and make money. I
just won't get rich. Of course, I'll want a concrete area outside my coach
for "Byron's Breakfast Place". I fear DuQuoin won't have such.
Vendors -- glad many were there. Others will be in place for DuQuoin. Not
everyone comes because it isn't handy for all of them. I also realize they
don't get rich at these events. They are a necessary evil for bean counters.
Thank goodness the vendors realize they also are there to generate good
will. Dave Lenzi convinced me to buy some front-end parts from him. Easy
sell. Next on my list are new windows and a macerator. I already have
Eagles. A new dash would be nice -- Mac will be at the ES rally in April.
Timing -- this was an experiment to see if having the bulk of the seminars
over the weekend would draw more folks. Well, I don't know what the
expectation was but there were several folks present for the weekend that
came just for the weekend. I call that a good start and a good level of
success. I understand the issues with scheduling, etc. but I encourage the
MI leadership to give it another try in the near future. It will work to
help bring in owners that have jobs and don't want to devote a whole week of
vacation taking their family to a motorhome convention. Thanks, however, for
making the effort. Yes, it confused some regulars that were used to a fixed
schedule. Personally, I didn't know what day of the week it was anyway so it
really didn't matter to me. Those of us used to change are also used to
adapting.
People -- I have to tell you, it seems that "the salt of the earth" was in
attendance. I met so many, interesting people. As I said before, Martha and
I have new friends. Really, this is the most important part of the
convention; renewing acquaintances and making new ones. People are so
important. As result of so many being in one place, there's a great pool of
knowledge and experience there just waiting to be tapped.
The facility -- this has to be one of the larger if not the largest KOA. It
was a great facility. Though the weather wasn't always cooperative, we had
places to meet and eat. Administratively, the KOA folks could have been a
bit better but I didn't have to deal with that. Jeanne Slaten did a great
job of working things out.
Convention Management -- the Ray and Carol are great folks. They had a good
couple to follow in Emery and Michelle. I'm trusting that a great heritage
will be carried on in 2012.
Martha and I felt it was a positive experience and are looking forward to
others. We would have gone to other but there is this thing called "job"
that kept us from doing it sooner.
OK, guys. Those of you within range of Southern Illinois start making your
plans to attend in September. It's gonna be great.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
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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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