From 2010, lessons learned, suggestions, etc..

[miljeep]

Figured it would be good to try to compile a list of lessons learned, suggestions, and anything else that popped up for a 2010 event.

I will try to keep up with this and add the stuff as it comes up.

1. Redesign campmj.com - allow those planning the events to control the content of their page. Once the even has been completed, put some photos from the event on the page, link to photo hosting accounts with photos and then lock the page and leave it as is so people can go back and look at the previous year events. Maybe add a summary of how things went, how many attended, etc.. (need to wait until I get back from Iraq to do that)
2. Get Trail Guide Shirts sent out earlier - More of a reminder for me than anything else
3. Make the event Fri, Sat and Sun - Would be easier for those that have to travel to attend.
4. Assemble a Board - A group of people with assigned areas of responsibility.
5. Possible Registration Fee - Would help pay for a catered meal, etc..
6. Possible American Legion Support? Maybe for the BBQ. Could bring old and young military together for a good time while bringing the legion to the attention of some that may not be familiar with it.
7. Use ORP for events - Off Road Parks have the basic life support systems in place, have designated trails, are fairly easy to find, they may even help to promote or run the event and may give a discount such as military discount. They may even help provide door prizes. Responsible wheeling and use of the Off Road park could prove beneficial to the local area, ultimately helping to keep the parks open longer.
8. Blue Ribbon, Tread Lightly Support, etc - Get support from BRC and TreadLightly for the events. Maybe even have a local person that is assigned to that organization on site to provide a class or info brief.

[Fred]

I like 1 and 2 for sure.....hint Mrs Miljeep Can you PM me with info about the Mid West TrailGuide Shirts?

Also build and assign a "board" to help with all this and the event coordinator will direct and over see

[Scottie]

1,2,3 are great ideas. I think that this event would benefit from having a dedicated "planning committee".

[jeepinjp]

well I guess this is a good a place as any, as I was going to do a poll on q 3 which I strongly endorse.... Even if Fri. is a half day of wheeling...plus I would like to know and I suggest for the Sat. giveaway event(which I somehow would up mc ing) would folks be willing to pay a registration fee (15-$25) a head to have a catered bbq, pigroast or something similar under a tent on site or at a local VFW etc. (which I already scoped out a little) so weather is not a factor and those of us who are getting soft and staying at a hotel dont have to leave to eat and we can all have a good time together afterwards..I was not there last year so I dont know if it lasted longer than this year or if it just ended so fast because of the weather..

[jeepinjp]

1,2,3 are great ideas. I think that this event would benefit from having a dedicated "planning committee".

I nominate Scottie chairman...........

[Scottie]

AH!

[Big Green]

Memorial Day weekend? For those still active it is already a holiday with a little more time off. And for those with longer drives, it might make it easier to get setup, wheel and break camp with out as many time constraints. Obviously location would need to be planned far out in advance so as to ensure park doesn't already have a large event planned.

If not Memorial Day weekend then perhaps just a little later so hopefully we can have warmer temperatures.

[Scottie]

well I guess this is a good a place as any, as I was going to do a poll on q 3 which I strongly endorse.... Even if Fri. is a half day of wheeling...plus I would like to know and I suggest for the Sat. giveaway event(which I somehow would up mc ing) would folks be willing to pay a registration fee (15-$25) a head to have a catered bbq, pigroast or something similar under a tent on site or at a local VFW etc. (which I already scoped out a little) so weather is not a factor and those of us who are getting soft and staying at a hotel dont have to leave to eat and we can all have a good time together afterwards..I was not there last year so I dont know if it lasted longer than this year or if it just ended so fast because of the weather..

Thats a good idea to get a local legion of VFW to do the BBQ. I think we would have to sit down and look at numbers, but this could be expanded. Example: one event I attended for $40 registration fee a participant recieved a t-shirt, sticker, "all you can eat" bbq and mug (read plastic) for open bar draft beer on Saturday night. The BBQ was held in the pavilion at the campground we all stayed at. In addition, raffles and giveaways we done during the bbq. With the growth of the event something like this is probably possible.

[jeepinjp]

everything is in the works... just got off phone with Senior NCO at the local National Guard Armory. He filled me in on some of the local poop. I am also waiting on a call from one of the fire dept. that has pavillions, a ball field and nice crik to cool off in if hot..
so when I get some firmer #`s I will post options and we can decide.

The big problem is that this is all off site as Rausch doesn`t have any facilities.I am told they will but we will need to think about both off-site and possible on-site, and possible armory tent on site.

[jeepinjp]

Yea that is what I am working on, so far spoke to AL,VFW and one fire company, waiting on a few return calls.. the only unfortunate issue is Rausch does not have a pavillion and renting of big tents gets expensive.