Nats location for 2013

[MikeRenz]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I've only ever been to 1 NATS with a truck, but the truck was half broken half the time and was running the event so i didn't spend much time in the truck anyway. I have a pretty distinct view of NATS (and most other syty events) being that i've been to quite a few over the years, and have only ever had a truck at 3 events. A different truck at each event, each in different states. What didn't differ much in all of those events is once i had my truck there the event was no different (for me) from when i did have a truck there. Basically becuase your truck is mostly there for others, not for yourself. Your truck is there to be oogled at by your fellow sytyers - whether they just want to see it in person, check out all the undisclosed mods, see how you did this/that, question why you did this/that. When you don't have a truck there, you get to just look at others and not show off your own stuff.

My point is...you don't have to have a truck at NATS/events to have a good time. I'm never been mad at myself for attending any event. Hell, i drove a few hours after running a marathon basically just to say hi to some friends. I didn't even look at a single truck once there. There is a lot more to the community than some people realize, or have accepted. It all comes down to your openness and willingness to do certain things.

I'm loving all the feedback in this thread. Although we've had threads like this in the past, they tend to die off quickly or not have much GOOD info. This one does. So whatever direction NATS ends up going, i for one feel like we can make some good steps at an even better event.

As for NATS being only a 1 day event - i totally disagree. NATS 09 in BG had lots of stuff going on friday and saturday. 2 full days, along with some side things thursday/sunday hangout, etc. You have to remember that the event is driven by the people, and driven to. Not everyone can take off a week from work, especially for a car show. Others have mentioned about not making this a family vacation. We tried to make it family vacation POSSIBLE for BG, and I thought it was great how much more family particpation we got compared to previous years. We also marketed it that way ahead of time though. i got nothing be rave reviews from the families thanking for the kid events and such. I would have to say that these features need to stay in the event.

just as it was said if your kids don't like car shows leave them at home.....if you don't like kids/kid event...don't participate in them - but i'll be busy playing with the kids and having fun doing so. It brings a whole new level of activity to NATS and gives the kids a purpose to be there - plus keeps the occupied for those "12 hour parking lot sittings"

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I am still going to stand by the hypothesis that if the location is more central towards the east coast, there will be more attendees. Don't want to left coast to feel left out or anything, but if you use Bowling Green as an example, you're looking at a day or less of driving from cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Pittsburgh...not sure about the east coast drive time. Google maps says about 14 hours from NJ, so that's a little bit of a haul.

I can appreciate trying to do a change of scenery every 2 years and give us a chance to experience a place and do things that we generally wouldn't, but it also comes down to logistics. Even if the Sportmachines Registry isn't up to date, it still shows a good majority of owner locations, and that's probably something to keep in mind.

Wherever a NATS is held, it's not going to work in anyones favor. It would be cool to have one in California, but not many people outside of the California area are going to attend that.

If the goal of NATS is to get as many owners and trucks in one place at one time and have a weekend "hangout" and "bbq/good time" event, then even though others will be left out, planning it in a central location would be optimal.

Also, with the advancements in technology, you can always entertain the idea of a simulcast event. It wouldn't be too difficult to pull off actually with almost everyone now a days having a laptop, smartphones with cameras, etc. Setup the 2 events to coincide on the same weekend, have a few at each one that are "techies"...That would be pretty cool actually.

Also, I think that one benefit of choosing a location and keeping it there every 2 years, would be the benefit of being "repeat customers". If we have a good size group show up and the businesses know that every 2 years the event will take place, there'd be a better opportunity to negotiate some sponsorships, discounts, events, etc.

:2cents:

 

[GAShan]

Re: Nats location for 2013

Speaking of cash flow pool, I turned over $3000+ dollars after the 3rd KC event to the organizers of Great Bend. It was what was left over after paying all the expenses of the first three Nats. I never got an accounting of that, and any surplus was supposed to be turned over to the next Nats. No idea what ever happened to all the money. Maybe organizers should be posting an expense statement after each Nats so we can see where our money went. This should not be a moneymaker for any individual(s) in my opinion.

 

[nonova0074]

Re: Nats location for 2013

When we did the goat show it was a week long event, we had a cruise, golfing, there still is a drive-in movie joint here, we had island drag for the track, sat was the show and there was a awards and diner that night. And sunday was track day,when my pops did the show he geared it towards the family so that people could make into their vacation.

 

[crusader8]

Re: Nats location for 2013

Hell, i drove a few hours after running a marathon basically just to say hi to some friends. I didn't even look at a single truck once there. There is a lot more to the community than some people realize, or have accepted. It all comes down to your openness and willingness to do certain things.

Well that hooter's is gone so you dont get to take that drive anymore. But that was a great post. As much as I'd like to see all the trucks at NATS and have mine seen, I'd really like to meet all the people on the board. This is a great community that has some great events.

With that being said, I have never been to NATS or a Shindig. This was the first year I mentioned it to my wife as it was happening,not weeks before wishing I could make it. Im 27 and dont have the cash flow or the time to take off to drive or fly anywhere. And i cant imagine im the only one in that boat. I try and make every local event and have driven to alot of NASTE as far as 6 hours away(who does'nt like hooter's). I think its a transitional period for the syty.net members. Alot of younger guys like myself that arent quite there for the big meets financially. But give it a few years, I think NATS will rebound and be as big as ever.

 

[sytyguy]

Re: Nats location for 2013

SyTy Events have always been (for me) what you make of them. Every single Shindig/FAST-GAST Meet/Nationals that I've attended or planned has left me remembering the fun had with certain people.....almost always without a SyTy in the picture......almost always off the "scheduled path".

Example: FAST-GAST meet 2007......Me, Pope, Adam, and Ian spent 3-4 hours racing 2 pocketbikes (5 lap driver changes) in teams of two from midnight to 4am. Do I remember what ET my truck ran at the track the next day? Nope. Do I even remember the truck count we had at that event? Nope. I remember the fun we had doing something non-SyTy-related.....as FRIENDS.

Same with Nats 2009.....a big group of us racing go-karts.....figuring out that you can remove the marker from the amusement park bracelets to get more rides.....mean-face......5 topless guys in an elevator headed for Renz' room at 2 am......Ian hitting the cigar and then the pavement.....I could go on.

Same with Shindig 2010.....homeless guy burger joint.....drunken grill building at 2 am.....Adam's electrocution.....the not-so trivia......buying rebel flags with Rodney......etc....

Now, I'm not saying we should all fly to BG without trucks, but the event doesn't revolve around them like it did for me back in 1998/1999/2000 (Nats 1-3). And none of the things I mentioned was ever listed as an event on the schedule......it's what we made of it.

More relative.....Adam and I found out that joining your local AutoX club (The Buccaneer Region for the Shindig) cut costs tremendously compared to renting the timing equipment or trying to have the event alone. This may not always be a viable option (for drag racing or larger AutoX clubs), but everyone got 6-8 runs for their money and had a blast. Total cost was was cheap per person.

 

[Blazerspeed]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I'll try to keep from rambling, but I would like to add my opinion to the mix. There has been a ton of great incite from people on the forum, and a ton of really good points have been raised. I can't speak from experience, as I've never actually been to a syty specific event...but I feel that gives me the opposite side perspective.

To me logistically, it makes the most sense to have Nats in relatively the same location each time. This way you can use your same contacts with hotels, food vendors, tracks officials etc. It will always be a substantial amount of work, I don't think anyone will argue that. As some one who has planned car shows and track events in the past - it never goes smoothly, and no one will ever be 100% happy. At least if it is in a relatively similar location every year (or every other year in this instance), people can have a general idea of cost, driving time, provisions, etc. A different location every time drastically changes this, and it makes it hard to judge. If Nats 2013 was held again in Colorado, I would have a good idea on what it costs based on everyone's experience...not to mention I would have an idea of how long it takes to get there, and what to expect...this makes it much easier to plan a vacation around.

I think the idea of opening the event up to outside sponsorship and other clubs is a good idea too. If we were to say link up with a like minded group(s)...EG SRT8 Cherokee owners, Lightning owners or Trailblazer SS owners - you could have performance shoot outs, king of the hill events, etc. On the plus side, you end up building a rapport with the same people/clientele, not to mention you give vendors something to look forward to. From a marketing stand point, they can mark their calendars, and know what products to bring. This could open up the possibility for a weekend track event...but I don't think we're quite there yet.

For example, my buddy belongs to a fairly large, but local, WRX club. Every summer for the last few years (four, I believe) they've held a track event at either Route 66 or Autobahn Country Club. I went with him last year, and it was a blast. A few speed shops that some members had used were invited, they paid an entrance fee, but also brought materials/products that were specific to the WRX club. Forgot to add, they've used the same hotel each time. My guess is this makes it easier to block off rooms because you already have an idea of how many people will be coming.
I don't see why we couldn't do something similar, but simply branch out a bit. Granted it's a little harder because our trucks are much rarer than a WRX, not to mention truck specific vendors are harder to come by, but the idea is the same...basically open it up to sponsorship.

I think it's a good idea to have a sort of committee that could over see this, I don't know who would want to do this, but I would be willing to offer my assistance in any way necessary. I think the best committee would probably be made up of the long standing and well respected members on here, but I don't think anyone should be forced into doing something they don't have any desire to do.

I think I might be rambling, so I'll cut myself off now. The truth is, I really like this forum, and all the people who are a part of it. There is a ton of info, and history within this site, and it would be really great to see it grow and branch out to new members/owners in the future.

 

[Six-is-Enough]

Re: Nats location for 2013

Speaking of cash flow pool, I turned over $3000+ dollars after the 3rd KC event to the organizers of Great Bend. It was what was left over after paying all the expenses of the first three Nats. I never got an accounting of that, and any surplus was supposed to be turned over to the next Nats. No idea what ever happened to all the money. Maybe organizers should be posting an expense statement after each Nats so we can see where our money went. This should not be a moneymaker for any individual(s) in my opinion.

I have been on the previous 3 nats commitees( not Nats 12) and there is a countinued accounting of Nats monies. In fact Renz to the best of my knowledge has a proper bank account set up for the $$$$. Also at the end of Nats 11 there was more than $3000 in the Nats account.:tup:

Nats # 9 the year Robert brought his truck over and there was a big raffle for the prime gears 4l80e was very good for nats monetary fund!

 

[phoonTy]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I have been on the previous 3 nats commitees( not Nats 12) and there is a countinued accounting of Nats monies. In fact Renz to the best of my knowledge has a proper bank account set up for the $$$$. Also at the end of Nats 11 there was more than $3000 in the Nats account.:tup:

Nats # 9 the year Robert brought his truck over and there was a big raffle for the prime gears 4l80e was very good for nats monetary fund!

Our Nats 12 Event/Raffle wasn't near the size of BG, but we are leaving more in the bank account than we started with. In planning, we knew that if we at least broke even, it would be a win. :tup:

 

[ziembic]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I would like to be on the NATS committee if there is an opening.

 

[GAShan]

Re: Nats location for 2013

Good to know funds are still there and that Nats run a small surplus. If it were a money loser for local organizers it would be hard to find people who want to lay out the cash.

 

[92TYPHOON937]

Re: Nats location for 2013

the only problem i see if it were always in the same location and say colorado from me id never be able to bring a truck but maybe once it would just be to expensive and i dont think it would be the same without havin a truck there

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I personally pay tax on the interest the NATS account makes...so aside from donating as a vendor, I also personally lose money every year from NATS. :lol:

 

[phoonTy]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I personally pay tax on the interest the NATS account makes...so aside from donating as a vendor, I also personally lose money every year from NATS. :lol:

In that case, I'm glad you are also treasurer. :lol:

I'm not sure how many times it can be said, but Nats is an extremely unique event and I'm not sure anyone can truly understand it until they've been to one. But there is always a way to grow and freshen up the event.

It really is more about the community than the trucks.

 

[REVEREND HARMON]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I vote for a 4 day syty cruise!...no trucks...just friends and boat shenanigans (say that again and ill pistol whip you).

 

[BigBadSmoosh]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I vote for a 4 day syty cruise!...no trucks...just friends and boat shenanigans (say that again and ill pistol whip you).

there will be lots of shirtless guys making lots of noise..

it would be a hell of a good time :lol:

 

[T-Bone]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I personally pay tax on the interest the NATS account makes...so aside from donating as a vendor, I also personally lose money every year from NATS. :lol:

At .015 interest rate, you won't be paying tax on much of a savings account surplus this year .

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I wasn't saying its a lot of $. But the exact opposite of squandering money. I was just a bit shocked someone thought we were profitting off nats for personal benefit. Def won't happen while I have anything to say about it.

 

[supersports10]

Re: Nats location for 2013

Ok I will try again.....why not have nats on the same city as the last 2 days of the power tour? .........discuss...........

 

[GAShan]

Re: Nats location for 2013

I don't think anyone is profiting. The year we turned over the surplus from the three KC Nats was Great Bend, which was two weeks after 9/11 and somewhat of a fiasco because of it. Travel was almost impossible, many people didn't show up and costs were already locked in. After doing the books for three years and a good part of the planning I know how hard people work to make this happen. I thank all the planners who take this on, my point was it is much easier to get one central location down and just finesse the details each year rather than moving it around. Having surplus funds available is essential, third year of KC the hotel didn't prepare meals for the banquet because "no one told them what we wanted the menu to be". But they had the room and kitchen reserved for us. We ordered $1200 dollars worth of pizza and drinks and it was a good thing we had funds on hand for it.