Bug Run Feedback, Fall '08

[bren]

Well, the fall bug run is now history.
As in the past we would really appreciate your feedback; good and bad, big or small. Our feedback is appreciated by US131. Many positive changes have been made to the bug runs as a result of our feedback. I will be sending a link to this thread to US 131 so they can see what we have to say.
As this progresses I may ask for feedback on specific areas but for now, have at it.

Note:
We had technical difficulties and lost the original feedback thread as we tried to make it a sticky at the top of all forum categories. Please, those of you that already posted, give us your feedback again. Sorry about that.

[Dustin]

It was my bad, I accidentally deleted the thread.

Like I said in the other I like John's idea for a suggestion box at future events and possibly add a questionaire to see how participants would feel about certain suggested changes.

[ghiastein]

How about this for suggestion I really enjoyed helping out for the show. It was not really work it was fun. I knew that we had trouble finding volunteers to fill all of the spots needed. What we need to do have the people that did volunteer to spread the word that it was fun to get involved.

AJ

[Ruffuss]

I feel so deleted, Well anyway, Here it goes my suggestion is to have a top 10/20/ 30 what ever, instead of classes by type(Bug, Bus, Ghia, Square back,Thing etc, etc, etc) that would give everyone a chance and not be included in a class with 20 vehicles in it and two trophys and with another class not having any one. It could be judged by a panel of different interest. And not limited by what one or two feel is cool, neat or different. We could then park as you enter or park next to a buddy with out the hassle of moving a whole class to get one more in. I do think the ribbon idea is a good one, as well as the pictures and should not change. Another idea is to have a non-judged area for VWs parking in an area together so those can be viewed. Last but not least ask for donations from area business' for door prizes this could be run by the club. Any one we as a club do business with be it a parts place, repair shop, resturant, GTG gathering place and other clubs, if they want our business they will give. I think it will work to uor advantage. Later Kenn

[dubfreak1]

As a swap meet seller, I'd say the track is an outstanding facility. The opening of the gates before the posted time is great. The cost to sell is reasonable and makes it worth while to sell there. It would be great to get several new parts vendors to attend, as this draws in more people wanting to buy parts. Anything that adds to the gate count is a good thing to a seller, so the larger show and racer numbers are a plus. I am very grateful to US 131 for hosting and promoting the Bug Runs.

[Ruffuss]

I agree Rudy, The more the merrier. I also think we need to promote next spring and fall events starting now. We got a jump on it last year and I feel we should start pretty soon. What about every one else? Later Kenn

[bren]

I agree, the earlier the better. I mentioned this to Stephanie. As soon as they set the calendar for next year she will let me know. So far they plan to have 2 events again next year, as long as they can work them in with the overall schedule. Right now we need to be promoting the fact that the Bug Runs will continue.

[jmallen05]

I thought the event went quite well, nice weather, nice cars, and a nice complex. I agree with Ken, promoting should start early. I met a guy tonight that went to the may show but forgot about the fall show. Is the only advertising word of mouth? If I can get some flyers once there made up, I'll post them on every bulletin board I come across. Very nice show.


jerry

[Chris]

I didnt attend the show unfortunately, but I do agree that the word of mouth as well as the flier distribution is key to the success of the show. I have been giving out a few cards here and there, hopefully people being on this forum is also a great form of advertisement.

[Dustin]

This forum has gotten some pretty good exposure.

As Rudy said we need more new parts vendors. In the September 07 show we had so many new and used parts vendors we pretty much ran out of room! That needs to happen again and it would be nice if we ran out of room for the show cars as well. If we could have some type of preregistration for a few bucks off that would be good as well since it will give us a decent idea of what is coming and may give people more of an incentive to show.

[bren]

We are a large part of the advertising. We promote every opportunity we get; right Kenn? We are given many flyers and we pass them out at shows and to every VW we see. We also are given electronic copies of the flyer that we post on every forum we know of. US 131 also mails them out to their VW mailing list that they constantly add to. They do other advertising such as posting it on their website calendar, posting it on their poster/calendar that they give out, and advertising in the Auto/RV magazine.
This is a unique event for US131. Typically events are either run by the track or the track is rented by an organization and they run the event. Here the track runs the event but we help in many ways. We advertise, promote, volunteer the day of the event, and we provide feedback and advice to constantly help improve the event. We treat it as if it is our event but US 131 management has the final say. The track puts up all the money. It is really a win win type situation.

[Dustin]

Here is a thead on MIVE about the show, There is some feedback on there mostly about the watercooled judging. www.michiganvw.org/forum/showthread.php?t=43938

[MikeH]

I had a great time, met people I've only traded emails with and saw some real nice cars and amazingly fast machines. I would definately go again. Thanks so much to everyone involved.

Some things to think about for next year:

I thought we had too many classes for the number of cars present.

Entrance fees felt kind of stiff, especially if you came with a few family members and had a car in the show. By the time you pay for fee's, food and gas its a pretty expensive day. I would rather spend my money at the swap meet.

I would love to see an area of the show dedicated to showing exploded views of car parts we normally don't see, for example:

• dis-assembled front beam with torsion tubes opened to show how it works
  
• a rolling chassis with no body on it to show the full pan and suspension
  
• an open transmission highlighting what worn or damaged parts can look like
  

I would love to see a modified street or super pro car on display where you can ask the driver/owner questions. These guys were pretty busy getting ready to race so I didn't feel like I could bug them.

Demonstrations throughout the day are always nice to keep people engaged: like how to lower the rear of your beetle or convert drum to disk brakes.

Any chance the show could move up earlier in the year? I know for me, my energy for weekend events is higher in the summer before the kids are back to school. Sunday's are also tougher because we're in the bible belt.

Once again, thanks for all the work putting this together. Beats driving all the way to Indiana.

Mike

[bren]

Great input so far. Anyone else?

[superprovw]

i dont know if the club has any input on the schedule but i know the mount baldy hill club was the same day which my have kept some car and spectator counts down. all in all it was a good showing in my book.