2005 240SX National convention location discussion

[MakotoS13]

san antonio is an awesome city that isn't too crowded. i think it'd be a great place for a convention or whateva. EFF houston or any desert town. SA or dallas gets my vote.

[sykikchimp]

I think 2 conventions on each coast happening at the same time, and maybe even interacting in some way (video conference? I have the goods. ) could work well. Convention in Cali - very few people past the halway point showed, Georgia - no people from the other coast showed. It's all about money. It's more economically feasible to have a "2 peice" convention.

However, I think Texas is a great idea for a single convention. Not too far for anybody really. And we know how well the Kansas convention went. Make it so everyone has to put in the same amount of commitment to get there, and things will run smoother.

My (measly) vote is for Texas. Maybe Robert from Projectsilvia would be willing to put in the time?


On another note, I understand how the roaming convention is a good thing, but I think giving the convention a permanant home would be more beneficial to the growth of the event. It gives you the oppertunity to build relationships with the community that is hosting it, and thus will increase local support which is what makes a convention fun. If it's in the same place every year, even if it's on the west coast, it makes planning easier, and expectations simpler to meet.

[autobahNESSA]

I vote Norcal or Socal. But I think the way 02 convention went was damn good. I commend Alex on his organization and what he did. If Alex were to put together another one in LA I would definetly go. Norcal we have tracks up here, but I good central place to meet would be hard to find. In socal their was the Nissan Headquarters which worked well. Begining of August I think would work best. As most are done with summer school, and have a week before they start fall classes.

My vote is for Alex Chang

[HyperTek]

If everyone was as enthusiestic and dedicated like the guys at sevenstock, i think anywhere would work.. http://www.sevenstock.org

If I woulda known about the recent event, I woulda went, I always wanted to attend one but I missed it.

[Mr. Badlose]

The '02 Convention was very well done. The East Coasters might get into a blind fury for me saying this, but I say SoCal.

Either that or two at once, like others have suggested.

[Andrew Bohan]

what's so cool about a national convention? seems boring to me.

[HyperTek]

how bout having it at a D1 event?? I dont htink anyone would complain about "aww why cant it be at so and so"...

[Var]

I live in Norcal but i say hold it in Socal. In fact i think it's ignorant to have this convention anywhere outside of California. We have the strongest tuning market, the strongest import scene, and simply the most cars by number. And as far as a permanent home to the convention, it should be in Southern California. If it is a logical aproach you are looking for, this is it. If you want to try something different, then go for it.


edit: removed unecessary argument provoking comments
-da chimp..

[zaneithan]

atlantic city perhaps? just need to find a track... we could all drive to englishtown speedway from there for an event from there

i think this would be a great choice because its got all the facilities needed, entertainment other then racing, places to stay, its located where both NE and SE wouldnt have a problem driving, and its got huge convention centers....

-more pointless comments
chimp

[Agent_S13]

Originally Posted by mrmephistopheles

'04 had SO much potential too.

I agree... There was a lot of buzz on this years convention in Vegas. Why not make plans for having it there again? I only suggest having someone else plan for it since we all know what happened w/ the last planner -- and the fallout that's currently a thread on here and on FA.

I think someone suggested doing it during the same week/weekend as the SEMA show, which I believe is a great idea since the majority of vendors are out there -- they would see what kind of market there is for the small 240 population and might realize that we are out there as potential consumers. Even being visible is a start. Might also give us the chance to personally speak to them in the creation of certain products. Its a lot more convincing when you have 100 people asking for more KA/SR support than just 1 person.

As for a time of year? I think it would be possible to pull it off in early August. Sure its hot, but that's why they invented AC. I also remember the Supra guys have that as their central location. We could see if we can get in sync with theirs as to get a greater discount or atleast find out when we shouldn't hold ours if they want to be the only ones in town.

A National Convention doesn't even have to involve a track event -- especially because its going to be a lot of enthusiasts getting together. It could be an Auto-X event or just a series of activities car-related that would allow us to swap stories/information or just hang out. The great thing about Vegas is that there is so much more to do outside of the tunnel vision of a 240 enthusiast. We all have other hobbies besides our car, this is one city that should have something for everyone. Not interested checking out something? Go off w/ a few friends to the casino or "Gentleman's Club".

I was at the 02 Convention and didn't partake in the track event --- but that didn't mean I didn't have a good time. It was great meeting people online in person matching screennames to faces and then asking about updates of cars or seeing the cars in person instead of pictures people update on the forums. That was the best part, seeing a common theme -- our cars, but then expanding upon that thing we have in common to develop friendships and comraderie.

If people don't want to drive out to Vegas from the East Coast --- Don't. Take a plane! Fly in, there will be enough drivers out there that we could plan a group pick up. That would mean 1, maybe 2 people getting into a 240. (Don't get me started on the lack of a backseat haha) We could all roll up to the airport to pick everyone up, then all roll out there again to drop them off for their flights? How's that for a way to break the ice and get everyone together? I'd make the drive out from NorCal and I know a lot of other 240 California/Nevada/Arizona/Oregon/Washington drivers would go. I can't forget about the Canadian groups as well --- Don drove out from Vancouver to LA and I believe to Atlanta the year after... you can too.

I just think we need better organizers and after the wonderful job Alex did, I would put my vote behind him. I know he had help and if we're any kind of community, we would be ask him to head a committee instead of taking on this job by himself.

Aite, I'm going to get off my soapbox now.

-Aaron
'91 240sx coupe

[HyperTek]

i agree with agent_s13!!

[nismo2491]

I'll be at sema already so....

If it is close to me am I still welcome with my e36???

what about somewhere great plainsish, like on the east side of the rockies so that its not as far for the east coasters to go?
KEvin

[mav1178]

First off, before I continue I would like to note that this same topic is posted on NICO, Zilvia, Freshalloy, and the 240-chat mailing list.

I think many of you are confused; this is not really a popularity vote on where it should be, but rather picking a place and making the best out of what we can do. A convention does not have to be like any other convention that we are used to seeing; if anything it could just be an oversized meet. But when one plans an event, they have to think about the "what it is worth" factor to attendees.

Put yourselves in the shoes of potential attendees, then ask yourself: If I lived in SoCal and there was a planned event in NY, what criteria must it have for me to want to go? Do I want to drive or fly there? Aside from hanging out with people, what would the event offer that would make me go? Often you'll find that just saying "meeting friends to hang out" is not enough to make someone go cross country. Things like this are the reason why having a convention in a location that is considered a tourist attraction is desired; aside from the event, out-of-towners can also visit a city they haven't been to, or find their own "must do" list of things in town.

So far, sadly no one has indicated they or someone they know would be willing to step forward to plan the event, but that still does not deter me from wanting to help find someone to lead an event for 2005. I have been asked, both publically and privately, to do a convention for '05, but I must emphasize the fact that I do not wish to have it in SoCal FOR THE SOLE REASON OF KEEPING THE PEACE. Our community is fragmented in many pieces, and there is no realistic way to unify the different groups, except through the convention, and frankly I want to see it as a neutral event that is INCLUSIVE of all the different forums, clubs, and groups that cater to 240SX enthusiasts. And in an effort to appease the rest of the country, I would rather see it somewhere outside of NV/CA/AZ so it can become an unity event instead of just another "west coast" or "east coast" event.

I hope you understand this point, because all I have seen so far are bickering over semantics that have almost no relevance to the issue at hand. Perhaps I am daydreaming too much; perhaps all this is a hopeless cause. Someone slap me if that is the case.

So my original two questions STILL STAND. In fact, I invite you to email me in private and GIVE ME YOUR REASONING and please help find someone to want to plan such an event in your region. [email protected] (or if you want, you can email me at my old and still functioning email address [email protected])

--------------------------------------------------

Now, onto addressing individual issues:

well, honestly i think "2" conventions are in order, cause really, i want one on the east coast, but, i know there is a large potion of the community in california/west.

For the sake of UNITY, that to me is unacceptable. Even if there were two, what about the guys in the midwest? Or Northwest? etc?

1) The Los Angeles Convention Center is a technologically advanced, sophisticated and user-friendly facility designed with:

The LACC also costs over $50k to rent. I can do it, but it would end up costing attendees $500+ to attend. HAHA, still want to do LACC?

2) Why don't you do it Alex. You're a responsible guy and blah. I nominate you!

Again, for sake of keeping the peace, if we plan a major event for 2005 it would be a regional event and not a "national convention".

The newer 240 owners don't have the money to attend a convention, nor do they care. They'd rather drift the mall parking lot after school, then go street race later that night before their parents bust them.

I disagree; if there is less interest in an expensive event, one should adapt and change the event layout so it is more affordable for attendees.

how about a nice central location like say... Texas?

So.... who would step up and plan? So far there have been no volunteers or names thrown out.

This is going nowhere if everyone keeps saying..."it's closer."

My thoughts exactly.

But honestly I think there will be the same few people who talk shit about the convention and stop just enough people from signing up in order to have the event.

Nah... it just has to be done right.

why don't we find out were all the people would attend live? Like a poll?

Then you have "hot spots" of a large concentration of owners, and you can automatically decide if it will be on the east coast, in California, or Texas. That's kind of unfair to everyone.

but the most part. most everybody in the "industry" is located here. i figure you could easily get the most support in socal and we have various places in which to hold events.

But, industry can also support without being there at the event. If an event receives enough endorsements from people within that enthusiast group (i.e. major players, etc) then many companies would be willing to support the event even if it is far away. You'd be surprised at what kind of productsand support one can get from people far away!

But then again Convention has usually been a track event in which Chicago wouldnt be the greatest of choices.

Actually Chicago doesn't sound too bad at all; just needs planning and a track event is NOT needed. But still, no one willing to plan.

Again, keep the discussion going. The mere fact that so many people have voiced their opinion means there is hope. And please do not make it seem like one group is superior to another. Everyone is equal in my view.

-alex

[sykikchimp]

I am willing to help. I don't have the time to do it all myself, but I would be happy to help where I can. If we were to form a committee of volunteers, one person could outline all the tasks necessary to complete the planning and running of the event, and then delegate those tasks to specific volunteers.

[Mr. Badlose]

1) There would be few people willing to drive over 8 hours to attend a convention. Especially poor 240sx owners. If you disagree with this, you're entitled to your opinion and I won't argue about it.

2) Getting on a plane and going cross-country to "hang out" has even less of a chance. Especially since you won't even have your car with you.

3) Remember, you can't please everyone. In situations like this, it's impossible to have a huge amount of unity with such a large country. Wherever it happens, the majority of attendees will be semi-local.

Alex, are you afraid of a SoCal convention due to various people flipping out (for ridiculous reasons) on that old FA thread? There were people who thought that an entire coast full of people were out to get them and make them fail, how dumb. That thread struck a nerve with everyone. So I'll repeat what I said: It's impossible to please everyone with a single meet in a single location.

[rainier]

la area is the way to go. then maybe another on the east coast?

[S14DB]

I think it would be good to swap coasts every year.

[mav1178]

I am not afraid of anything; it can be more summed up by this post:

Originally Posted by S14DB

I think it would be good to swap coasts every year.

-alex

[Mr. Badlose]

Not even spiders?

Well, ok then...have it on the East Coast next year...or Kansas. That was easy to settle!

[NZO]

Since it seems like the largest number of owners are in California and there weren’t even enough signups for the LV convention (which is amazing to me...), I can’t see people being willing to travel outside of the said NV/CA/AZ area. I think realistically there should be separate conventions for east and west coasts because of the ‘lack of commitment’, for lack of a better term, from owners. This isn’t an attack on anyone since I myself would never make a trip to the east coast just for a 240 convention and let’s face it, the number of people willing to drive across the country to a convention approaches zero. Having separate conventions also allows people do drive their cars to the event, which is pretty much the whole point; going to meet such-and-such postwhore from FA or zilvia in person is not a very good reason to travel extensively. And as was mentioned obviously having the convention in a place that has attractions other than the convention itself is vital, though strangely this did not work for the LV convention, I can not imagine why not.

[Rennen]

Originally Posted by sykikchimp

On another note, I understand how the roaming convention is a good thing, but I think giving the convention a permanant home would be more beneficial to the growth of the event. It gives you the oppertunity to build relationships with the community that is hosting it, and thus will increase local support which is what makes a convention fun. If it's in the same place every year, even if it's on the west coast, it makes planning easier, and expectations simpler to meet.

These are my thoughts exactly.

although...

I think the convention should be somewhere centralized(not just because I live here) and it should be held in the same place every year. The first year, it should be held with very low expectations of turnout, only a few hardcore people will venture out from each coast, but much like the UNoN, there will be enough interest from those people do do it again, and next time they might bring a few friends, and the next year even more, and eventually, people will come because its a NATIONAL convention. The point is to meet people from around the country that share the same interests and create a sense of "community". Having rotating coastal meets will not create a feeling of national community, rather the opposite.

If people weren't onboard to go to Vegas, I don't think that any fantastic location will draw enough people out, so just keep it simple. A place with a road course/drag strip/parking lot. I like the idea of Chicago, larger towns in Texas, or somewhere in Colorado with nice mountain drives(where is Pikes Peak?)

-Matt

[S14DB]

forgive me but for clarity. What time of the year will this be?

[gonzoes14k]

VA the middle battle ground of the east should hold it. Maybe VMP make it a total track day dori/drag/auto x ect it whould be cool.

[nismo2491]

In the dsm world we have DSm Shootout every year in norwalk ohio, not saying 240 meet should be there. but every year I've gone there are tons of people that drive from all over, florida, la, canada, ny, md, washington state, to come to the meet. why wouldn't 240 drivers be willing to do the same. most people caravan out there. like 10-20 cars from that region/local club drive out togethor chatting on FRS radio the whole way, makes the time go by a lot faster. stop for food togethor and bs. also the econolodge party at shootout is off the hook fun. why can't 240 meet be like that? we just need to get people more interested I think. they are smart too in that they have it somewhere that's semi-centralized to the USA. lets try something like that.
KEvin

[projectRDM]

Another big thing we've touched on is timing. The later in the year the harder it is more people who are back in school, etc. The earlier in the year you have it, the more opposition there is from the weather. There's honestly not a perfect time to host it to meet everyone's criteria and make it enjoyable also, the Atlanta Convention was held on the hottest weekend of the year for us, but there no way to gauge that 8 months prior.

I'm still leaning torward Texas, juts because it's got a huge import scene, there's Courtesy and Projectsilvia close by, there's several big HP cars and older members around, and it's pretty centralized so all the diehards could make it out. The problem with swapping Coasts every year is people can't always make time, and of course the fact that the average 240 owner nowadays can't afford it and doesn't care to go. I'd love to see someone from Texas step up and take charge.

[projectRDM]

Originally Posted by westboroughpimp

I live in Norcal but i say hold it in Socal. In fact i think it's ignorant to have this convention anywhere outside of California. We have the strongest tuning market, the strongest import scene, and simply the most cars by number. And as far as a permanent home to the convention, it should be in Southern California. If it is a logical aproach you are looking for, this is it. If you want to try something different, then go for it.

This is the attitude we're trying to avoid again. You're openly saying that no one else matters in the Country other than you and those close by. That's ignorance.

[Var]

Originally Posted by R240NA

This is the attitude we're trying to avoid again. You're openly saying that no one else matters in the Country other than you and those close by. That's ignorance.

I'm not SAYING no one else matters, although that's what i do think.

What i SAID was

"We have the strongest tuning market, the strongest import scene, and simply the most cars by number. And as far as a permanent home to the convention, it should be in Southern California. If it is a logical aproach you are looking for, this is it. If you want to try something different, then go for it."


Then i made a joke about ATL and it was erased -- some crybaby probably made a special call to the moderator

[projectRDM]

I just read these last few posts, never saw anything other than what I quoted you on. If you want to get defensive over something you said, fine.

The deal is that the Convention should be open and available to everyone as a community. Telling a group of people that they don't belong at all because they're not good enough or live close enough isn't a 'community' action. And thinking that there isn't any enthusiasts or any good cars anywhere else, or any kind of support from shops/tuners/retailers anywhere outside of SoCal is stupid. Heavy Throttle, Enjuku Racing, ProjectSilvia, Connecticut Import Performance, all are outside of SoCal, some of the highest HP KA and SR cars reign outside of the West Coast also. And groups like Atl, Tampa, Orlando, and the entire upper North East Coast all have between 150-300 members, so you're 'thinking' that none of these people have any bearing or any say on where the Convention should be held? Why so much hostility towards people outside of your region?

Alex is trying to get an idea of what is possible from the community as far as stepping in and moving forward instead of sitting where we are, bashing each other. There are enthusiasts in the smallest towns, in the farthest reaches of the Country. Everyone deserves a chance to participate.

[Var]

Originally Posted by R240NA

I just read these last few posts, never saw anything other than what I quoted you on. If you want to get defensive over something you said, fine.

The deal is that the Convention should be open and available to everyone as a community. Telling a group of people that they don't belong at all because they're not good enough or live close enough isn't a 'community' action. And thinking that there isn't any enthusiasts or any good cars anywhere else, or any kind of support from shops/tuners/retailers anywhere outside of SoCal is stupid. Heavy Throttle, Enjuku Racing, ProjectSilvia, Connecticut Import Performance, all are outside of SoCal, some of the highest HP KA and SR cars reign outside of the West Coast also. And groups like Atl, Tampa, Orlando, and the entire upper North East Coast all have between 150-300 members, so you're 'thinking' that none of these people have any bearing or any say on where the Convention should be held? Why so much hostility towards people outside of your region?

Alex is trying to get an idea of what is possible from the community as far as stepping in and moving forward instead of sitting where we are, bashing each other. There are enthusiasts in the smallest towns, in the farthest reaches of the Country. Everyone deserves a chance to participate.

I'm not getting defensive over what you said, just the fact that part of my post was erased cause of a crybaby.

What you said in this post is completely valid,. I'm not saying that nobody else deserves to have the convention. I just gave MY reasons why it should be in Socal. Simply greater by number and strength. Doesnt mean outside cali is non-existant, but just not as strong. It's stupid for you to say my opinion is not valid especially when there is logical reasoning behind it.

[HyperTek]

westboroughpimps point is that look at the previous attendence and interested people that where gonna attend the 03 and 04 convention, where they a success? 04 didnt even happen. I just dont really see the 240 community is big enough to have it outside of cali yet.