CougarFest 2K4 ... help make it a reality!

[FastCougar]

I would like to appologize to Steve & Brad for starting all the crap about organization/schedules in this thread (http://www.fastcougar.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=18&threadid=77336). I know how hard he and Brad have worked to save what will be this year's fest. I also don't see why we can't have another next year. I think that TeamNECO, CougarBash and CougarFest should all join forces for next year's event and we should get Fest back to it's roots. Is it possible? Who knows ... once we get back from Fest, maybe the idea should be kicked around. Steve has a VERY valid point about event sponsorship. Only by joining forces can we draw a much bigger crowd and then tout that fact to potential sponsors.

Just because our car is no longer produced and just because Mercury didn't sell 1,000,000 Cougars between 99-02 doesn't mean we have to stop the longest running New Edge Cougar gathering. MANY makes/models with much lower production numbers have annual gathering all the time ... cars that where produced 30+ years ago. These cars have had gatherings ever since. We should all pitch in where and when we can to make next year's event a reality.

Now, I need to get some sleep so that I can get up in 5 hours to join DanG in a trip south the this year's CougarFest!

[PGCougar]

Lets have it in the WEST in 2K4 though!

[JScullin]

Let's make it on the central east coast somewhere....Pennsylvania or similar.

That's the part that sucks tho. The west coast has been left out in the past, unless the members take the 2k mile trip. But after the Michigan drive for CF2k1 I won't do another 900-1000mi drive again, 18hrs is too long :(

[jojolmnop]

either way, someone will have a harder time to get to it. we could try for the east/west thing again. just with more organizers... ones that will volunteer to do so. not that i would. i have no organization skills. i'm a do whatever person. whatever.

[EllenD]

PENNSYLVANIA!!! Like, right in the center.

[CATerina]

Ya Im not going this year because by the time I got there half my car would be rock chips. Its not even worth it.

[MercMobile]

it's got to be more central than PA..

I'm sick of excluding the West coast people..

[EatRice]

Originally posted by: CATerina
Ya Im not going this year because by the time I got there half my car would be rock chips. Its not even worth it.

From Michigan?!? That is not that bad. I have made three trips to Cleveland, Oh and one to upstate New York in the year I have had my car. My car has like a total of 4 tiny chips, and only one of which is from driving to Cleveland. The rest are from driving around this hell-hole.

[JScullin]

I don't see many driving out to Utah or Kansas.... :(

Best thing is to have East/West coast fests at the same time.

[gamiller]

honestly, before you move it out west, you should have a poll to see how many people would consider driving over 24 hours to get there. my personal limit would be 8-12 hours. i think it's OK to have a 'fest on each coast. maybe even one smack in the middle, too. although the big name sponsors might only support one of the events, we could still have sponsors at each event. if given enough notice, we could have had TNT tint on location. we could have had the dyno on location. we could have had rims on display; there were three wheel showrooms in the area, one just a couple miles from the hotel! what i'm saying is that we have better chances getting a local reseller to support an event like this than getting the manufacturer.

my suggestions for next year:
* setup a road course for auto-cross. this is easy and would be an alternative for cars not built strictly for show.
* contact local store owners to see if they want to advertise at the event, sponsor the event, or offer discounts to event attendees
* find a local band/DJ looking for exposure to play at the show

[RiverRojo]

I've already mapped out a few possible locations for next year. They will be posted when I'm relaxed enough to do anymore cougarfest work. It will not be hugging the coast. Expect it to be more central/midwest.

On another note, I don't know why we have 3 events. As Trevor and I were talking at the show, if we put all the organizers from all 3 shows together to plan one huge event-you wouldn't believe your eyes.

[hamill]

If you don't wanna drive your car...dont. I drove 15 hrs to Cougarfest, and 8 hours to indy for HCKC. One more year just means one more year of miles on the car...if I think my car can make it, I'll try it. Bringing the West and east coast to a dead even center would mean a 24 hour drive from either coast to meet in the middle. That would be tough to accomplish for a weekend event. the costs are high and many of us can't afford the time off work.

[Excelcier]

I was working the registration table this year and my wife created a voting / suggestion sheet for preferred locations for Cougarfest 2004 and at this time the highest suggested location is Kansis City, Missouri as it is more centrallized to all the US and isn't a hot tourist area that will overcharge and have too many rules like we dealt with this year. There are still many things to do in the area as well. There will be an official voting post later on as Mcon99 and myself ( and my wife ) will be doing alot of the planning and organizing for 2004 with some side assistance hopefully from people with past assistance like AtomicInternet and Puckpuck and Fastcougar.

We are also going to be getting in touch with Crispy and CustomCougar to see about grouping and sponsoring it as a more universal event to combine the resourses and possibilities together.

More to come as it is just the beginning...

[JScullin]

KANSAS!?

Oi, anyone on the East Coast wanna pitch in & make the caravan a car-carrier on a train? :)

[BatCougar]

Alright 100 car caravan starting somewhere in the west.....................

Not likely but still sounds cool.

Hey Excelcier don't forget about Morph down here in Florida, he puts together CougarBash.

[PuckPuck]

Hate to rain on anyone's parade about location, but I did all this work, wrote a computer program, made a survey asking fairly non-obvious questions, tabulated all the results and you wanna know what I got....

THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL YOU COULD EVER HAVE A LOCATION TO PLEASE ALL!!!

With that knowledge you now please as many as you can inconviniencing as few as possible. The 80/20 rule. If 80% of the people need 20points of effort to get there, then don't worry about the 20% who need 80points of effort.

Put it in Kansas, and your turnout will be worse than HCKC. Put it on the west coast, and 70%+ of the NECO population is excluded. That's why central east coast area was selected. Pigeon Forge, TN (you can't get more central for the eastern potion of the country than TN), then Virginia Beach. Why was virginia picked... because the #2 thing people wanted was sand and water.

Putting it anymore west than TN, and you will have a not so great turnout because of the large concentration of members along the actual coastline...

Figure a 10 hour drive limit... now pick a few points on the map and figure out a 10 hour driving radius for each point... draw your circles... you'll see just how quickly you'll be limited in location....

[carsnrockmusic]

what were the results at cougarfest?....i don't remember what all places were used to pick but i remember i checked off daytona

[Excelcier]

I do agree with your logic Pierre, however, the results at Cougarfest showed the highest vote truly was Kansas City, second runner up was Myrtle Beach.

[JennaJ]

even if you did consider kansas - thats still like 4-6 large states away for CA people to drive
and you can count out any CND or northeast people im sure

how many people are actually centralized around kansas -- TX.....

i still agree with 2 fests - west/east coast

im sure there are soooooooo many things out in CA - that if fest was there - they'd have no problem getting help from sponsors

the east - we'd have to work a little bit - but its doable

[Bobnoxious]

how many people are actually centralized around kansas -- TX..... More than you think Jen. Several of us went to Cougarfest last year.

I suggest St. Louis. Lots of stuff to do, fairly central. 15 Hours from Houston, that is less than last years fest in TN or this one in VA., or MI. I think it would be better than Kansas but I am not familar with Kansas. However, Kansas City is closer to me than St. Louis and I know it is closer to Colorado, Cali, etc. It might just be the biggest Cougarfest yet.

Part of the problem for us is that it takes so long just to get out of the state of Texas.

[Crispy]

I'm still amazed at the turnout that HCKC had in Indy... We have an EXCELLENT if not flawless reputation at the hotel from the event.. I have no probs combining the events if we can work things out to everyones satisfaction... I've never organized an event before this one but I absolutely know what worked and what did not..

Possible locations would be Indy, Ohio or Nebraska if you want to see Central locations.. I have info on Ohio and there were no complaints about Indy... I only anticipate HCKC 2 to be bigger, badder and more satisfying.. we have been asking people where they want it and so far no one has really made a valid point why it needs to move to the west coast... even if we made it center of the united states would they come? my opinion.. NO.. we've been over this many times.. Flat Rock worked... Tennessee did not and I don't think everyone was happy with VA Beach... no one will ever be happy unless it is in their own backyard.... :rolleyes:


Indy was tested and is suceeded - if you want to combine both and make the event longer in duration I am in... I was going to start planning TeamNECO's event for 2004 starting in August already so if you guys are serious PLEASE get with me soon...

I've got sponsors on board for the next event already.. people ready to start organizing -- if you want to plan the mother of all Cougar Events lets do it!

[Madcat]

Cant lie here, I hate OH but to hold the event here would be nice for both sides, IN and OH are both pretty central compared to extreme east or extreme west. I know theres a TON of stuff to do, such as the world renowned(sp) Cedar Point, I mean a roller coaster that goes 120 in like 6seconds? For us cougar people thated be amazing! Seriouslly though, I want to help out as much as I can. I can get any info anyone wants on OH and would like to offer my services to the people who plan this again. I hope I can help somehow, dont be afraid to ask.

[monogodo]

The only places I'd consider attending are in the Mid-West area, Texas, Florida and Los Angeles area (and points in between Texas and those areas). I'm willing to drive 18+ hours. The only reason I didn't attend 2k2 was because I had just gotten married and had no vacation time, and my Cougar had just been in an accident. The only reason I didn't attend 2k3 is because I had just changed jobs and again, had no vacation time. Maybe I'll have time next year, and my Cougar will be running. Oh, yeah, I suppose I'd consider Boston, since I have a friend who lives there, and Atlanta would be cool, since my brother and a cousin live there.

[racerx]

I feel that we should leave this to the planning committee. I place my best interest in the hands of this committee, they will choose the location that best suits the organization.

Brian

[Sunni]

I wouldnt go too much on what results you got from the registration table...I know all I wanted to do was register and get through the line....I didnt even check off a location, the lady who was there just kept going on and on about KC and she checked it off FOR me since I couldnt think (I had no map handy) no offense towards her but I would have preferred NOT to vote, she just took it upon herself to make a decision for me.

[Aries]

Looking at a map, it seems as though Ohio or Kentucky would be a nice central location.. just my two cents...:biggrin:

[Excelcier]

Sunni, we do intend to have an official vote on the Cougarfest Forums shortly though using some of the highest preffered suggestions.

[LeonsCat]

Although for a variety of reasons I have never been able to go to any of the 4 past Cougarfests (timing for time off from job, this year, my father's health) I still have hope to go next year's 2K4 Fest. :biggrin: Most of the population of owners of our cars are in the 'mid-west' USA so a location should be in a mid-west/mid-south location, not on the coast nor in the plains area. Kansas City would be too far west. You also want a car friendly city, with plenty of hotels/motels, some night life reachable by a walk or bus or designated drivers, not a lot of rules (like Va Beach apparantly had), is a major crossroads for highways, fun local roads and maybe something of automotive interest. :)
Two city areas I would suggest are: Indianapolis and Nashville, TN. Indy has The Indy racetrack that you can tour and a nice museum. Perhaps we could meet at the track during the day? Indianapolis is a good sized city, a state capital, with big time sports stadiums, so there must be plenty of restruants and bars. If Anybody reading these posts is from the Indianapolis area, could they probably give us more info as to the party/car scene there? I also suggest Nashville. If I am correct, they had the 50th Anniversary party for the Chevy Corvette there. It is also a major city, with big music scene (mainly country), range of nighlife and plenty of hotels/motels. Anybody from Nashville want to give us more info? Both of these cities have major I-routes in all directions. Would be a long trip for NE and SE, but not much further than VB was. Just my 2 cents...:cool:

[Crispy]

Hard Core Kitty Convention was in Indianpolis this past May... it went smooth and the town LOVED us... I have all the necessary information as well as a hotel that has offered us back with open arms... Indy was great... as it looks HCKC 2004 will be there again unless Cougar Fest and HCKC combine and come to agreements...

[jaged]

The 50th ann corvette show was in bowling green where the car is made and where the museum is. Indy is a great place to have a show, The only thing about the track is that when we had HCKC is was the last week for time trials for the 500 and I think that this past weekend, cf weekend, is the last or next to last weekend for brickyard practices. So there are a ton of people in town for both of those events and places are packed. Out of all the talk for both HCKC2 and CF04 there has been no talk of mid Ill, like springfield, or evansville in southern IN. Metallicougs has made the dirve from there to several places with little or no probs. But in any of these cases its a small trek for me so it makes no difference

[mcon99]

I think St. Louis wouldn't be a bad choice. Indy would be awensome - the tracks and the town ... sweet.

However I'de like to submit that the location is not the only critical factor in determining the success of the event. It is also influenced to how much time, resources and energy are put into planning the event itself.

I guess it comes down to is Cougarfest a group of cougar owners who get together or a real event here (http://www.nopinationals.com/) .... well thats an extreme example but you get the point :)

I'de like to show everyone an example closer to our hearts perhasp.... here is the event schedule from the CEGs 2002 national meet. (http://www.contour.org/branch/Nat2002/). Look at that, events every night, optional stuff to do, cheap hotels, something for the non-car people to do, all kinds of racing...

That is the kind of festival you can sell to people... they'll see whats going on.... want to come... and it would be non-stop fun.

On that note, I'll state my desire to help co-ordinator cougarfest next year. I don't care what city it's in, as long as I could get someone else in that city whom i could trust to run errands, research and lay things out. kind of a secret agent thing :)

then again, no need to make hasty decisions. we have loads of time before next year. lets enjoy what it was.

[MetallicaCougs]

:banana: Indiana would be awesome!

[MercMobile]

The results you received at Cougarfest 2004 mean absolute nothing.. because the people who voted are about 90% from the East Coast.

[Excelcier]

I don't understand that comment. Kansas City is not East, it's more central. That's why it was thought of.

Cheaper hotels, less crowds, less police hastling us, less rules, still many touristy things to see, crusing with less resistance.

I thought the idea of it is "Cougarfest", not "vacation-and-do-things-on-your-own-fest". If the reason you want to go is to hang out downtown and sit on the beach than take a vacation, if you want to go see the Cougars and meet other people in our groups, than go to Cougarfest. Either way you can still hang out and go to bars and have a good time.

[sonza68]

As far as I know we only had one or two people from west of the St. Louis area.

Personally I'd like to see it moved off of the coast. I won't say that I didn't have a great time at the beach and on the strip, but it was a hell of a drive from St. Louis. I liked TN, but I think I would have enjoyed it more had the hotel not been in Pigeon Forge itself. I don't think it should be in the middle of nowhere, but I'd like to see the next event not in a tourist trap. Just my $.02

[MercMobile]

Originally posted by: Excelcier
I don't understand that comment. Kansas City is not East, it's more central. That's why it was thought of.

Cheaper hotels, less crowds, less police hastling us, less rules, still many touristy things to see, crusing with less resistance.

I thought the idea of it is "Cougarfest", not "vacation-and-do-things-on-your-own-fest". If the reason you want to go is to hang out downtown and sit on the beach than take a vacation, if you want to go see the Cougars and meet other people in our groups, than go to Cougarfest. Either way you can still hang out and go to bars and have a good time.Just for the record, I did not choose Virginia Beach. I did not recommend it. I did not vote for it. It was chosen and then I was supposed to plan it after the one who chose it, stepped down.

[monogodo]

Originally posted by: EricF

Originally posted by: MercMobile
The results you received at Cougarfest 2004 mean absolute nothing.. because the people who voted are about 90% from the East Coast.

90% are from the east and the majority of them voted for Kansas City... I don't even think
we had anyone from Kansas at CF2k3.
I say that means a hell of a alot, it means the people in attendance were thinking about others,
and were willing to make the drive.

As Sunni posted earlier, she chose to abstain from voting, and KC was chosen for her. That's going to skew the results, especially if it happened more than once.

Would I attend if it were in KC? Yes, providing I have vacation time and no other conflicts arise.

[mcon99]

Well I have the poll sheets from Cougarfest so here are the totals...


Kansas City, MO 28
Myrtle Beach, SC 24
Pigeon Forge, TN 15
Michigan 11
Atlanta, GA 4

(there were some other suggestions but all had less than 4 votes).

[LadyX]

the lady who was there just kept going on and on about KC and she checked it off FOR me since I couldnt think (I had no map handy) no offense towards her but I would have preferred NOT to vote, she just took it upon herself to make a decision for me.

Just for the record, I never ACTUALLY made a mark for anyone who wasn't interested. AND, I might add, that we had an atlas open to a map of the United States so that we could point out just exactly where Kansas City is, and that it is in fact, in the middle of the United States.

On a personal note, if you prefer not to vote, then you have no right to complain if it ends up someplace you didn't want to go.

[HugNSmile1]

Here we go again! LOL! I think every year around this time the location fight starts again.

I agree that 90% of people said "Sand and water" for the next cougar location. Maybe 75% of the cougar land is on the east coast. I also think about 85% of the cougar people who attended Cougar Fest drove at least 10 hrs to attend the Virignia Beach fun this weekend. Sand and water is GREAT, however, when there is sand and water.. it is not central. Texas is a HUGE chapter... not one person attended Cougar fest. Wisconsin has quite a few cougars, along w/IL and only three IL cougars came. :( Kansas City would be great because it is the center of the US...but remember the cougar population is not central. I wish we could just squeeze the west of the Mississippi in a smaller area so they could go to cougar fest in a reasonable amount of time. I suggest the TN, KY area. Pretty scenery, people would love us and central on the east side.

And no matter what there will be complaints since seems like everyone wants it in their backyard. I think only the people that drove the 10 plus hours to attend cougar fest should get a say on where it is! That is what I call dedication to Cougar Fest!


PS. I LOVE COUGAR FEST!!!

[EdgeCat]

I won't get started on location and the whole "Pleasing 80/20" thing again, but I WILL throw in my support for St. Louis. Lots to do, not overly touristy (compared to other places that have been suggested), and most of all, it's not screwing anybody west of the Mississippi for the 4th year in a row. :)

[FastCougar]

This is being discussed at great length by the planning committee for CougarFest 2K4

[slurpee]

I like the indy idea, it was close and the city was really cool about us being there. The gateway chapter had at least a 15 hour drive to virginia. It kinda got a little long. Tennessee was a good location as far as driving time. There is always going to be people crabbing, but it's for the friends and fun. St. Louis is a nice location, I don't know if it's possible, but there is a drag strip right across the river (gateway).

[Nemesis]

I vote for Tennethee....

[jojolmnop]

but pigeon forge was all imposible to move anywhere in a caravan. let's go to graceland to see if elvis really is gone. i still think it's a lie.

[monogodo]

Keep in mind that "sand and water" don't necessarily mean oceans. There are plenty of lakes and rivers that have beaches.

[SageCougar]

Originally posted by: monogodo
Keep in mind that "sand and water" don't necessarily mean oceans. There are plenty of lakes and rivers that have beaches.

that is true:) there's always a pond in my backyard after heavy rain so why not i throw some sand around it and have CF04 there haha dude im messing with ya :poke: seriously tho guys/gals beach is not that big of an issue i think with most of us...we just need to stop alienating some of our large chapters and move it a little more west than Virginia...Tennessee does sounds like a good start for plans on CF04

[jaged]

if water and sand need to be a requirement then why not in nw indiana or near lake erie. In my hometown of valparaiso indinana we are like 15 min from lake michigan and the dunes state park and like 20-25 from mt. baldie(freakin huge sand dune). In valpo there is a drive in movie theater, a 50's style drive in diner. And fun stuff that is extreamly easy to get to from the hotel areas, no more than 10min tops in traffic. There is a ton of parking at dunes park and even a parking lot that is off of the main park that is walking distance to the water. People could hang out and socialize and stuff could still get modded as long as wireless tools could be used. And hell if the hotel didnt want people hanging around late into the night, we could literally have it in my back yard, 5 acres of grass. just a thought for a midwest sand and water spot

[RichieRich1023]

Why not get each chapter Mod to get a total of their members and post it up. No one really knows how many truly active members there are in NECO. BUt teh local chapters do know who comes to most of teh local meets and would be likey to attend FEST. Then base the location somewhere where the largest number of people from all around who will most likely attend. You can never satisfy everyone and some people will have quite a long trip to make while others will not. Just and idea for tring to get the most number and diversity of people to attend fest. I couldnt make this years since i am having extesive changes made to my car but i definatly am gonna make it in 2004.

[MercMobile]

Not everyone who attends cougarfest participates in their local chapter..

[Zman]

I was the one that orginially suggested Pigeon Forge, TN, for next year. I actually take that back now. I wouldn't want it in that town again, but if it was close by to that location like Sevierville or Knoxville or something that'd be great. I think TN is about the most central location that you're going to get. If not look for something in KY or Southern OH.

[ignernt]

Originally posted by: MercMobile
Not everyone who attends cougarfest participates in their local chapter..

This is true... I live too far West to be included in a lot of my chapter's activities.

[MetallicaCougs]

Yeah plus at Fest I met two guys who have been a part of NECO since 98 and do not even check the boards, they just check cougarfest.com

I think Kentucky or Indy (or even Evansville :tongue: )might be a good place to have it. I love St Louis bunches, I go there often enough, but I wonder what kind of hardship that will make for the east coast peeps.

[spinnburn]

what about Pigeon Forge, TN since it's where alot of our kitty's started their lives. It would be cool kinda like a home coming or something.

[ignernt]

Originally posted by: spinnburn
what about Pigeon Forge, TN since it's where alot of our kitty's started their lives. It would be cool kinda like a home coming or something.

There's no plant in Pigeon Forge, TN! :rofl:

[MercMobile]

No there is no plant in Pigeon Forge, TN.. as we proved last year, the only thing in PF is a nice aquarium, Dollywood, NOPI Mini Nats.. and cars.. LOTS of CARS

Our cars were born in Flat Rock/Dearborn Michigan.

[ignernt]

Originally posted by: MercMobile
.. as we proved last year, the only thing in PF is a nice aquarium, Dollywood, NOPI Mini Nats.. and cars.. LOTS of CARS

The latter being the reason why CF won't be there this coming year. :)

[01blkcat]

Originally posted by: Zman
I was the one that orginially suggested Pigeon Forge, TN, for next year. I actually take that back now. I wouldn't want it in that town again, but if it was close by to that location like Sevierville or Knoxville or something that'd be great. I think TN is about the most central location that you're going to get. If not look for something in KY or Southern OH.

I agree with Ken... while I don't think Kansas City/Missouri is a good idea (due to the 18+ hours driving for a good portion of us), either TN/KY or even as north as OH would be much better.

[sonza68]

Definately. We are less likely to have cops knocking on our doors with noise complaints if the whole floor is NECO people. We're happy because we aren't being hassled and other guests are happy because they aren't being kept up all night.

[BleedBlue81]

Well...I gotta weigh in here. I do every year. But things have changed a bit since CF2K1. I am still 100% for making it the most central location feasible. Note I said feasible that means...AS LONG AS...we get members from the west coast who will drive to it. I want to meet some of the west coasters and see some of those cougars so bad...it kills me every year at Fest. But before we move it from the eastern end, I want to know that the west coast folks will come to a location like Kansas City, Omaha, or St. Louis. BTW...before anyone jumps on me about that being my backyard, I'll be living in Virginia by that time anyway.

Furthermore, anyone who says something like "I refuse to drive more than 6 hours to get there, let's have it in suchandsuch a place" can shut up. I've read that for 3 fests now, and I'm tired of it. If you aren't willing to commit any time to it, then please keep your location opinion to yourself. I have driven 8 hours to Flat Rock, 10 to Pigeon Forge, and 15 to Virginia Beach, and I know a lot of other people have made trips just as long if not longer. I think Tim (nascarsigep) is the only one who drove farther than us this year, and that sucks. If you tell me tomorrow that CougarFest 2004 is in Boise, Idaho...I'll be registered in 10 minutes. I do not mind driving anywhere in this country to attend CougarFest, see the cars, and most importantly, hang out with the people. I think when all this voting business gets started, everyone forgets what is really important. If my car burns tomorrow and I buy something else, I will STILL be at CougarFest 2004 and 05 and 06...because I've gotta drink Tequila Rose with Al, laugh my ass off at Steve's videos, see Don's iWF wrestling matches, listen to Heather sing and dance and yell "I love Cougar buds!" and countless other things that make it all worth the while. In the past, I have been an advocator of a central location, but I would rather see a huge crowd of 150 in Pennsylvania than 50 in St. Louis. I guess what it boils down to is how many are willing to make the commitment. I would love to be able to have it central and see people from both coasts make it, but I guess that's never going to happen. So, have a vote, let the organizers choose, whatever it is, let's do it and have a great time. I'll see you at hckc and fest '04 :)

Sorry about the long rant, hope I didn't upset anyone. I get to go home from work now...see my upcoming post in the Likes/Dislikes thread for more of my insight ;)

[Sunni]

Yeah, what he said! ;)



And for the record, last year as a member of LoneStar NECO we drove approx 21 hours (Khusted drove 24 I think) to attend, and this year FL NECO had a 14 hour trip....and with the caravan and a few incidentals we made the trip in 18 hours.


So blow your 8 hour trip out yer nose :cover:


I have dedication :thumbsup:

[ignernt]

And, if i recall, you have the iWF title beads. ;)

You will put that title on the line next year... bring it! :biggrin:

[Sunni]

Yep, I have to defend my title so I dont care where it is at :biggrin:

[GrandMasterKhan]

a central meet may draw people from both coasts... but over all i feel it would be a smaller crowd.

2 major meets would be best...

west and east.

as for east coast perhaps a mildly centralized meet would be in order... on the beach is nice..but its further for everyone than nessisary.

[OJE]

I dont know how you would find out in exact numbers but you would have to compare how many people moving west would gain against how many people east wouldnt come anymore. If you go far west and it gains 15 people but 40 people from the east dont come then it wont be as big of a meet. This was my first cougarfest and i only had to drive about 6 hours, after seeing how far some people came i was pretty amazed. It doesnt make a difference to me where it is next year, ill be there. If people drove 20 hours this year to make it a good turnout then i dont see why i shouldnt do the same thing next year closer to them to make it just as good of a turnout. Either way some people are going to have to drive far. I dont think i would want it close to home, the caravan was one of the best parts of the entire trip. I dont really have a suggestion on location, just pick wherever you think we can get the best turn out. If thats Cali then move it to Cali, if its Miami then move it there, everyone is never gonna be happy so youve just gotta pick the one that works best for the most people.

[JennaJ]

I vote for OH

thats more kind of more central....... you dont want to have it the same place you did 2 years ago - whats the fun in that...

[mcon99]

I still fail to see why everyone is SO focused on where Cougarfest is going to be????

You are all assuming (and incorrectly) that the location is the final deciding factor on whether anyone is going to show up and whether the event will be a succes.

Thats just wrong.

People will not drive 10 minutes around the corner for a crappy water park, lets say. But they will drive 10 hours to a huge theme park. Because they WANT to go to the park, not because of where the park is.

"If you build it, they will come". If a well planned, event packed Cougarfest is planned, it doesn't matter where it is. People will come because it will be a good time and you'll have 'sold' them on coming.

I don't personally care if Cougarfest is in California - I'll drive the 50 hours. But I wouldn't go if I didn't think I was going to have a good time.

So would everyone stop worrying. And stop complaining. No offense.

Click here to see (http://www.contour.org/branch/Nat2002/) the event that Cougarfest needs to be. If we could duplicate this, we'de have an event that could really be SOLD to people. Look at all the planning, and all the stuff to do!!!!

And if the Cougarfest organizers aren't prepared to go that extra mile (whomever those organizers are, it seems to be a men-in-black kind of organization) then they need to step down and let someone who is willing to put the time and effort into making a great event step up to the plate (like myself).

[ProjectCougar]

CF2K4, if goes as planned, will blow that Contour Meet in Texas out the water.

[mcon99]

Originally posted by: ProjectCougar
CF2K4, if goes as planned, will blow that Contour Meet in Texas out the water.

James,

To hear that come from you is a good sign as far as I am concerned. I know you know how to run a business, and satisfy people.
My confidence that Cougarfest 2k4 will be what it needs to be has just increased quite a bit.

However, this is what you need include to make this event successful:

- Full consulation with the people on NECO to ask them what they'de like to see/do at Cougarfest (polls)
- Layed out plans which are 70% to 80% complete by March/April timeframe next year
- Events running from Thursday through Sunday with at least 2 track events (drag, autocross, road course, or rally)
- Dyno testing - on sight
- Events planned every night including meetups for food an times to meet for cruises or other events
- Other events planned for non-car things, touring the city and such

There are obviously other things such as lots of sponsorships and prizes, but those things will come together if you create an wild event that people are excited about sponsoring because it offers a large venue for them.

If you can pull all that together, I salute you.

One other thing: Best practice - always have the actual 'show' part of the event at the hotel, and get a hotel which can either at beat almost completely taken over by the event itself or at least is seperated from the parking lot and grounds around it. That way the party can continue whenever and wherever with little to no complaints...

[ProjectCougar]

I am not running CF2K4.... I am simply assisting with a great team of individuals....All of those individuals are watching such posts as this to see what the attendees would like to happen. I have only been around for 2 cougarfests, but I can tell you this one is being planned way in advance so we can just glide into the home stretch.

Although all of your ideas are very similar to my proposed plans for a spectactular CF2K4, one thing you have to remember is Funding. Sponsors for the event are going to play a big roll. Only thing I, at this time, do not see happening is a Thursday thru Sunday Show. I also feel as if 2 of the drag events will have to be combined to offset cost.

Finally the only thing I have said in the previous 2 years and again this year is simple. When you give several options, you won't make everyone happy. I can't remember the exact quote by BleedBlue81, but he made the BEST Comment. It was along of the lines, if you plan it, they will come. I look at several other organizations that are much bigger than ours and their planning committee plans the entire event from the ground up and come show date, the turn out is incredible. We will see.


James

[Seth]

Originally posted by: OJE
I dont know how you would find out in exact numbers but you would have to compare how many people moving west would gain against how many people east wouldnt come anymore. If you go far west and it gains 15 people but 40 people from the east dont come then it wont be as big of a meet. This was my first cougarfest and i only had to drive about 6 hours, after seeing how far some people came i was pretty amazed. It doesnt make a difference to me where it is next year, ill be there. If people drove 20 hours this year to make it a good turnout then i dont see why i shouldnt do the same thing next year closer to them to make it just as good of a turnout. Either way some people are going to have to drive far. I dont think i would want it close to home, the caravan was one of the best parts of the entire trip. I dont really have a suggestion on location, just pick wherever you think we can get the best turn out. If thats Cali then move it to Cali, if its Miami then move it there, everyone is never gonna be happy so youve just gotta pick the one that works best for the most people.

well said brotha.


just one thing to remember. cougarfest is infact some people's vacation. not just a car thing. some people are on budgets and cant afford 2 vacations.

[Bexcat]

Originally posted by: ignernt

Originally posted by: MercMobile
Not everyone who attends cougarfest participates in their local chapter..

This is true... I live too far West to be included in a lot of my chapter's activities.


Hey we would let a Steelers fan come to our meets, when we have them....I think your about 2.5 hrs. from Cleve.

[ignernt]

i've thought of that. :) i may do that if you'd do me a favor and settle the Daywalker down... he doesn't seem to like my sarcasm too much. ;)

[LostRacer]

I don't know about he rest of you, but its kinda difficult even fathoming the idea of a 32hour drive(IN THE LEAST). And thats what the minimum is so far with everywhere thats been stated. No such thing as a central location, because nobody wants to drive more than 20+ hours to go. (with the exception of those that already did it) I'd be willing to do it. Hell I'd have to say Texas would be my cutoff point. Unless someone can come up with something like that, I don't believe there wil ever be a West/eastcoast fest.

[DaveW]

Why not stay at a university campus? Set up a 1-2 day convention with them, they will cater, provide a parking lot and dorm style rooms. Sure, dorm style.. but it's cheap, when I did it 10 years go it was about $35/person/night cdn including buffet breakfast.

[Zalec]

Originally posted by: JennaJ
I vote for OH

thats more kind of more central....... you dont want to have it the same place you did 2 years ago - whats the fun in that...

what about at a theme Park. When you think of Ohio you think about Cedar Point. and that is by far the best theme Park in the Country despite all the issues with the Top Thrill Dragster.

www.cedarpoint.com (http://www.cedarpoint.com)

[Bobnoxious]

I don't really think OH is central.
It does matter where Cougarfest is for some people. For me, I am married and soon to be with children. So that limits how far I can go, by the amount of time I have to take off from work and travel time and when Cougarfest is held. I don't expect it to be changed around for my benefit by any means. I am just saying that the statement about it doesn't matter is not true. I think the majority of us would like to go to Cougarfest. I know I had a blast in 2002, but we all have different circumstances. I would like to see something central like St. Louis or KC but that is just my wish.

[EllenD]

I'm planning on going regardless of where it is because I've never even been to a meet of any kind due to money and time constraints. By next year I'll have a better paying job and more vacation time, so that won't be a problem. Sure I'd rather have it in PA or OH or surrounding areas, but if it's in St. Louis then that's where I'll drive. CA might be pushing it since it's like a 3 day drive, but I've never been there so why not? Honestly I think having it in Miami would kick major a$$, kind of a Vice City vibe down there, but again, a really long drive. I think NY city would be cool too, close for me but farther away for others. I just hope wherever it is it's fun and a lot of people go.

[Seth]

Originally posted by: EllenD
I'm planning on going regardless of where it is because I've never even been to a meet of any kind due to money and time constraints. By next year I'll have a better paying job and more vacation time, so that won't be a problem. Sure I'd rather have it in PA or OH or surrounding areas, but if it's in St. Louis then that's where I'll drive. CA might be pushing it since it's like a 3 day drive, but I've never been there so why not? Honestly I think having it in Miami would kick major a$$, kind of a Vice City vibe down there, but again, a really long drive. I think NY city would be cool too, close for me but farther away for others. I just hope wherever it is it's fun and a lot of people go.

OMG NYC? Pot Hole central! but then again i get crash at my own place rather than a hotel. ;)

[EllenD]

I know, not the best roads...but that would be an awesome night cruise.

[Bobnoxious]

So it is just the most expensive place for anyone that doesn't live there.......or you offerning your place for lodding Seth?

[Seth]

uhh. sure. theres a hotel like 2 blocks away. ;)

[EllenD]

Hadn't thought of the cost...I just thought that would be really cool, I've always loved NYC. I've always loved Cleaveland too, especially at night by the lake and the Rock Hall.

[Bobnoxious]

Well again that would be northeast and doesn't really support a some what centeral venue, not to mention the cost. I don't think Pigeon forge was to bad a spot. How about Memphis, TN. We can all go on a tour of graceland and purchase plots next to the king! he he. Don't get me wrong, I would love to go to NY but the distance and cost would exlude me from going.

[EllenD]

LOL Graceland would be cool...about a 13 hour drive for me, not too bad. Ya know, not that I'm thinking about it, there isn't much in the central region...besides St. Louis...Chicago...Louisville...I need a map...Detroit (not really central)...damn geography

[EllenD]

Ha Ha...New Orleans...not central, but what a blast!

[LostRacer]

Anything past Texas from the west coast is at LEAST a 30 hour drive. For a Central location thats what we're looking at...

[sonza68]

If the west coast is included, geographically central ends up being in Kansas somewhere. Ignoring anyone west of the Mississippi it would be around Tennessee.

[LostRacer]

Yeah..I looked into Kansas:29 hours..But whats in Kansas :( So what would be a central point for everyone?

[RichieRich1023]

Originally posted by: EllenD
Ha Ha...New Orleans...not central, but what a blast!


Hell yeh thats the best idea i heard yet LoL. We definatly know how to party down here.

[Madcat]

Okay time for another long CougarFest post by me.
I have discussed with many Ohio members about having it here, due to having so much to do. Ohio is centrally located, its easy to get to, no serious traffic issues and mostly 2-3 lane highways all the way there.
I mean I live by 2 race tracks that are on Speed Channel and ESPN etc all the time, and Dragstrips as well that are on TV all the time. Cedar Point is 1 hr from me, 30 mins from Norwalk Dragstrip, and 1hr from cleveland. I know that the smaller racetrack rents it out, I know that the dragstrip 45mins away will rent out for a few hundred bux for a WHOLE night, as in 5pm-dark, or later for light costs. It wouldnt take much at all to get any of these places as I know my friends focuz club does it often, almost once every 2 months.
I feel that the planners should contact people from wherever they are planning on having it next year to see what is truly around and what there really is to do. I know that this would only help with plans, and times etc. Also I think that making smaller groups with a central leading person from the planning committee would help cut time down and labor from one person into several other people.

Basically I just dont want for all our thoughts to be overlooked and feel the planning committee should grow in size and also include many, many people from wherever the event is being planned to be at. Sorry this is shorter and not as well structured as I hoped but class calls. I m sure I ll add more later.

[Shiva]

not sure if this is the right thread to post this in but I also think there should be a performance catagory if there are going to be awards, there are a lot of members who have done things to make their cougar more powerful rather than just eye candy with no go, sorry if anyone takes that the wrong way but there are other ways to spend a few thousand on a cougar & those that do don't get recognition & should.

[ignernt]

Nope... not really the right place. :biggrin: