2005 240SX National convention location discussion

[mav1178]

A brief recap...

2001, UNN meet in Kansas City, MO.
2002, changed name to 240SX National Convention (2nd annual), Los Angeles, CA.
2003, 3rd annual in Atlanta, GA.
2004, 4th annual in Las Vegas, NV.

Now, not taking into account the success/failure at each event, realistically I want to know two questions:

1) Where do you want to see it happen, and why? (Please don't name a place near to you just because "it is convenient", but rather give pros and cons such as accomidations, entertainment, venue, etc)

2) Who do you recommend personally that has the commitment and the drive to plan such an event, from start to finish?

If I could get everyone's feedback and approval, I would like to help appoint the person(s) in charge of such an event. If you have any other better ideas please feel free to voice your opinions. No flames or unnecessary comments please.

Oh, and normally it is up to the current convention planner to help select who handles the subsequent year's event, but since this year flopped without a resolution I have taken the liberty of helping find next year's location. And this will only be posted on national forums, no regional forums to remove any regional bias.

And in case you are wondering why I have the right to want to help with this... or feel the need, I planned the 2002 event:
http://www.socal240sx.org/convention2002

Fire away fellows.

-alex

[240Driver39]

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. I remember from the thread on FA, that florida was being discussed, and i think that would be a good possible location, or possibly more a bit more north. And i think the Date is also a important item. Possibly a little earlier in the summer then the last 2 conventions would be more convienent for more people id think.

[holisticbeatz]

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

770,000 square feet of exhibit space
54 meeting rooms
299 seat theater
On-site parking for 5600 cars

The Los Angeles Convention Center is convenient to major points throughout the City with the STAPLES Center located adjacent to the LACC and the downtown hotel community, Financial District and the Civic Center. It's strategically positioned at the hub of major freeways, LA DASH Transit System, Metrolink trains, and Metro Rail & Bus systems. The only problem I see with this venue is that it's not very close to LAX.

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


-Kenny

[mrmephistopheles]

'04 had SO much potential too. :wtc:

[mrmephistopheles]

1.) LA. Has everything - entertainment, lodging, gathering places, moderate distance to track facilities.

2.) Sorry buddy. You know who. Can't think of anyone else who'd put more effort into it.

[nismo2491]

uhh. washington DC. yes its close to me, but at the same time it'd give people a chance to see this nations capital which would be a great trip in and of itself. its about 30-45 minutes from baltimore, which also has a lot of great sites to see. there's fed-ex field that a lot of times will rent out lots so you can do whatever you want there (ie drift, etc), there's 2 1/4 mile tracks within 30 minutes of the city (Maryland International Raceway and Capital Raceway), there's summit point which has several different road courses including a drift track, there's all kinds of stuff here.
as far as nominations, I don't really have any, I'd nominate myself but with USMC not sure where I'll be this time next year.
KEvin

[mrmephistopheles]

well, honestly i think "2" conventions are in order, cause really

So you think splitting the group that will attend a convention would be a good thing?
I don't.
1.) You'll be reducing the buying power and effect of the convention as a whole. A track event will be MUCH harder to pull off, and paying for venues that won't nearly be filled because half of your people are on the other side of the country is a waste of money (and will likely force the convention to be more expensive).
2.) Conventions are about pulling people together from EVERYWHERE, not about seperating them geographically. By saying that 2 conventions is a good thing, you're saying it's ok to have a seperatist community.
3.) Sure, it'll be more expensive and less practical for enthusiasts on one coast to bring their cars. That's the idea behind a rotating convention. If it stays in the same spot every year, most people will get screwed.

[projectRDM]

Unfortunately, we're getting screwed anyway. The number of people seriously interested in these events has declined dramatically.

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.

[MakotoS13]

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

[mrmephistopheles]

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

FUCK Texas.
I've driven across that state four times.
FUCK Texas.
:D :D :D :D

San Antonio wouldn't be a terrible place for it.

Also, FUCK El Paso. Just because afternoon traffic sucks there.

[240Stilo]

FUCK Texas.
Also, FUCK El Paso. Just because afternoon traffic sucks there.

And LA has no traffic?

[mrmephistopheles]

LA has worse traffic.
I'm just saying fuck El Paso in general, not in relation to the Convention.

[AKADriver]

Florida, Texas, Virginia. Those are my suggestions for a place. I kept it generic on purpose.

As VA goes, I think Richmond is a better choice than the DC area. It's just more accessible for the southeast crowd, and VIR (2 hours south or so) is way nicer than Slummit Point. ;) It's also a cheaper city.

DC is more fun as a city in itself, but for convention purposes I just think Richmond works better.

[papershot]

texas would be nice.

[240Stilo]

Speaking of the LA convention center... The schedule for events there is pretty packed. May has the most availability, but you can still squeeze a three day event within other months. Texas sounds alright. Nobody has put in any pros to it other than it's in the middle, which is a good point but not enough on it's own.

[s14slider]

I vote for Virginia! And no, I do not live there.

[ICKY]

I would have to agree with the Richmond area. Even though i live in VA, i think its more convenient for everyone since its somewhat in the middle of the east coast. So that way people from N.Y. and what not don't have to take such a long drive, visa versa for the southern states. And i have to agree, Richmond is a much nicer place and has less traffic than D.C.

[wootwoot]

atlanta is a good place to be at again. im strongly opposed to LA, its to biased to one coast;tucked down there in the south west. i actually think texas would be rather nice, it could be done in winter as well and a bunch of the people could escape from their winter hells. austin texas=bond. i just feel it should attempt to be as central as possible and not a major metropolis such as LA.

[justinhustle]

i say chicagoish area :)

[240Stilo]

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

[mike13]

im from Pittsburgh PA and I would definately attend if it was in the VA area. Texas- i would love to go there but its a bit unrealistic.

[kazuo]

I'm biased (obviously) but I'm going to have to vote for NORCAL.

It obviously can't be FRISCO, cus we ain't car-friendly and there is NO FUCKING PLACE we could accomodate that many cars... so I am going to suggest San Jose or Sacramento (Sacramento becaue of its proximity to several track venues.)

As far as who could organize it up here, you got me chum... I'd make the attempt IF I get commited people to help.

Otherwise, the obvious vote is SoCal. 2K2 one was coo, and the only one of the recent three that actually occured. Why I like SoCal as a venue should also be logical - proximity to vendors/manufacturers, lots of enthusiasts, proximity to tracks, etc etc etc

Same reasons I vote for NorCal, but unfortunately Frisco sucks for cars and the best locations otherwise, IMHO would be San Jose or Sacto (both a little over an hour north or south from Frisco, depending on how you drive).

In Conclusion, NORCAL or SOCAL, and obviously for SOCAL I nominate changbang & co. to organize.

Thank you

[240Driver39]

So you think splitting the group that will attend a convention would be a good thing?
I don't.
1.) You'll be reducing the buying power and effect of the convention as a whole. A track event will be MUCH harder to pull off, and paying for venues that won't nearly be filled because half of your people are on the other side of the country is a waste of money (and will likely force the convention to be more expensive).


Think about this one...honestly, how many people are actually coming from one coast to another for a convention...Russ's posts right below urs said it. 240 owners are cheap, so honestly i would just like to see as many people out as possible. And i just think that would be the way to do it. Sure half the owners are retards anymore, but coming to an event may set them straight. Some of us just cant manage cross country trips, but are very interested in attending an event, i guess im "cheap", but thats just how it is, i wouldnt mind driving a considerable distance to an event, but a day of driving is just unreasonable...for me, just my opinion.

[West]

Chi-Town would be my vote.

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.

[S14DB]

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

[publicenemy137]

I say Northern VA, plenty of drift tracks, parking, and nation's capitol has plenty to do. I don't think Richmond is a good area, it's kinda ghetto

[nismo2491]

hahaha one of my minions from www.midatlantic240sx.com votes with me. hahaha I have pull, bangin!!!



j/k andrew.....

anyways I'm game for wherever. If I can get military leave I'll just catch a hop out to wherever its at and either rent a car or most likely just bum rides from fellow 240 owners and then catch a taxi back to the airport. I would like to see it in dc/richmond area though. also pittsburgh has a decent track with beaverun. and I'm sure there's tracks more centered, like kansas city area and such. what about indiannapolis? where's that at. I kow its indianna but I can't rememebr where indianna is.
KEvin
KEvin

[Brian]

i vote for southern california.

i know it is local to me, so i'm biased by that already :(


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.

[BadMoJo]

Colorado.............

[KiDyNomiTe]

Chi-Town would be my vote.

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.

I wouldnt mind Chi-Town but I am biased, the only good thing about Chicago though that works convention wise would be Route 66. Huge lot that can be split into an autocross course, and drift course. RS*R just happened and there were 2 courses
This
http://www.dzmedia.com/dmitry/Photography/Auto/Dorifto%209-26-04/trackright.jpg

And on the left hand side there was another course that was smaller but there was probably double the space plus pit area for over 30 drivers and vendors and the pro Drivers. Then there is the drag strip thats just behind the stands from which the picture is being taken. Also on the other side of the drag strip there a big lot (not as smooth) but good enough for a car show type thing with lots of parking.


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

Cali always wins for best and most 240s...

[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]

'04 had SO much potential too. :wtc:

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". :D

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. :hs:

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:

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[sideviewcivic]

-as mav1178 stated places to have a converntion at. I was looking at Cali. Speedway. costs 15K to rent the track and facilities. Plenty of infield and outside track space to hold many events. problem is the track is busy 360 days. Personally I would travel across the nation for a convention. To me setting a place and date for next year rite now would benefit best allowng me almost a full year to set aside cash and plan my schedule to be able to go to where the convention would take place.

-D.C. and chi-town im personally fond of attending that would a great road trip very scenic.

-as for my personal views I would like to see the convention as a race track since i like to drive. Tracks I would love to see the convention happen at::: Road America, Mid-Ohio, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Laguna Seca, Portland. I like road courses so have a convention near or at a track, and Im there. the important fact I feel is to give enough time to allow people to set money aside. Having a mailing list that does a bi-monthly e-mail to remind people interested to remember to save money would be great for me keeping on budget.

[projectRDM]

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.

But the first one was in Kansas City, which is nothing near the size of any other venue since, and it was started strictly as a Midwest only meet. It grew quickly because the interest was there. With the same people planning (Louis has disappeared again), it could be done there again even bigger, or anywhere for that matter.

Hell, I had a meet here in Atlanta a few years ago, it was very short notice, a few out of town guys were coming in and I put up a few posts on forums three days before, we had over 60 cars show up that night. With the right planning, support, and avoiding higher costs (my mistake in 03), it can be held anywhere and have a good turnout.

[sykikchimp]

indeed. Texas or Chi-town EVER YEAR is what I think wee should do. I think Chi town would be better because then we could get our Canadian brothers involved more easily if they wanted. :)

If someone in that are would step up to lead, and ask for volunteers to help, I think we could make it happen.

Listen guys, we know Cali has a lot of support, but trying to put the convention there every year only puts an artificail cap on the growth of the community, and alienates a lot of people. Putting the ocnvention in a centralized location forces everyone to bear the same burden, and that sharing of responsibility is what brings people together.

-Charles

[gogeeta13]

If you guys want to get a lot of track time...do it at mid ohio or beaveRun. at beaver, the track time is rediculously cheap, entire rentals including staffing and everything are like half the cost of mid ohio.

[kazuo]

Hell, I had a meet here in Atlanta a few years ago, it was very short notice, a few out of town guys were coming in and I put up a few posts on forums three days before, we had over 60 cars show up that night. With the right planning, support, and avoiding higher costs (my mistake in 03), it can be held anywhere and have a good turnout.

We average over 60 cars out here. On thursday nights. :P I'm not bragging, just trying to illstrate the point.

Why bother organizing it somewhere where people will be reluctant to go, that doesnt have the necessary base # of enthusiasts to make it happen? There weren't as many people into it in 2002 as there is now,I don't even want to think of how many cars will show up if we have another one in Cali :P

Anyway, seems like most people want it out here, so why not...

It may not be "fair", it may "alienate the community", but it will work.

Also, as far as distance, let's make it TRULY fair and have it in Kansas... :P

[kandyflip445]

If one more person nominates Kansas I swear I'll beat you with a crankshaft!!! Seriously...

I'm with Charles, Texas or Chicago every year. If we make it something in the middle and something that is near the same place/time every year then I think it would help the event grow every year. I nominate Alex for the job. You are already showing interest in getting this done and I think you hate the fact that 04' flopped. If you need help I would be with Charles and try to help. I really don't know what it involves so if, later, we could make a thread about it with the info needed that would help.

[mav1178]

How about this?

If you want a meet in CA, do it yourself, just don't call it a national convention.

I will NOT have a national convention in SoCal for '05. My point is even if Vegas was a flop, people in CA are partially to blame for not attending the event. And people in the Southwest have already had their chance to have an event...

Still no one stepping up and still no location. This is going nowhere fast.

-alex

[wootwoot]

chicago or texas. both are around 1300 miles away from me and both seem like good locations. which one has more fun roads to drive on?? thats the only thing i see swaying my oppinon right now

[mike13]

Maybe I will organize the event. Honestly how many of you would show up if the 2005 240sx Convention was in Pittsburgh, PA with a cookout, car show, and track time at Beaverun motorsports complex? (www.beaverun.com)

I would like to incorporate a drive where we bring a train of cars downtown for a photo shoot.
Extra curriclular activities (bars, clubs, strippers etc) I can plan.
I have the skills to promote the event through building a web site and creating advertising materials.

Pittsburgh is an inexpensive city that is a central hub to the Northeast and Midwest. Less than a days drive from so many major cities I havent bothered to count. (New York, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, Washington DC, Baltimore, just to name a FEW)

I have confidence that I could pull this off, and I would love to do it. Timeframe would be August/ September next year when the weather here is warm and dry.

I'm stepping up, and I have a location. Let me know your thoughts.

[StupidGreen87]

i vote for pittsburgh!

[gogeeta13]

I say pittsburg/beaverun too. Beaver run would supply us with cheap track time and even though navigating thru pittsburg sucks(I always get lost) there is more than enough to do in that city.

[Var]

How about this?

If you want a meet in CA, do it yourself, just don't call it a national convention.

I will NOT have a national convention in SoCal for '05.


-alex


IMO this attitude towards socal is unfair. It probably has the most votes. Makes the most sense, but for reasons that seem petty and irrelevant compared to the big picture, which is to have a succesful convention, you refuse to have it there.

Still no one stepping up and still no location. This is going nowhere fast.

You are asking for help, then not taking advice. The person who takes this reponsibility probably doesnt want the risk of a failed event. You are being unreasonable about it. So please give a suggestion. What city do you think it should be in?

[KiDyNomiTe]

For a Chicago thing, would it be strict 240 only type thing, because I am part of ClubFR (working with Go Drift to bring drift events to midwest) and we are allowed to use Rt. 66 for a drift event. But with a Drift comp I would hate to leave out non-240s especially considering the prez of ClubFR has a miata.

I will look into it more and see what other locals have to say about helping out, I'd rather not take the head role but would be willing to do a big chunk of organizing.

If someone could e-mail me ([email protected], or aim = UBettaRecognize5) with a bit of information on what I will be needing to do, I can start to gather information, and get back to everyone. This doesn't mean I am guaranteeing anything so people from other states don't stop trying to set things up.

It'd be a good idea to have everything official in the next month so I'll try hard to gather some people and see what we can do in Chicago.

[mike13]

I personally have no problem with other cars showing up, in fact if the event is in Pittsburgh I will encourage other Nissan enthusiasts to particpate in the gatherings.

I will also support an event in Chicago, if it is decided that it should be held there.

[wootwoot]

why not just have a california 240 meet..... then you can have what you want and we can have what we want. a national convention in a central location

[KiDyNomiTe]

why not just have a california 240 meet..... then you can have what you want and we can have what we want. a national convention in a central location
its been said a few times already. It'd make more sense to have it the other way around..

[mike13]

its been said a few times already. It'd make more sense to have it the other way around..

California people expect us from the East Coast to saddle up and make a 2000 mile trip, but how many of them would do the same in the opposite direction?

The only solution to this is to stop worrying about dividing the coasts and to throw this event where there will be dedicated people to support it. Whether or not people show up is a direct result of how well planned and promoted the event is.

Its rediculous to expect CA people to drive to our coast, and rediculous for CA people to expect east coast people to drive out there. We as a group need to lessen our expectations for a utopian 240sx scene. You will never throw a successful "national" event in a city that is 1000 miles away from over 50% of the population of our country. Kids out east are spread out, but we're here. Just because there is a higher concentration of enthusiasts in California doesnt mean that there are more, or that your enthusiasm is somehow better than ours.

In fact I would go so far as to say there are more posers and wannabe drifter kids in Cali than anywhere else in the world.

My offer stands. If the event isnt held in Chicago, then I will push for a Northeast/ Midwest/ East Coast Meet here in Pittsburgh. And guess what? It's going to be one hell of a time. :kiss:

[SauN]

Chicago is very central place that many mid and east coasters have ability to reach. I just moved here from san diego to go to college here in Chicago (IIT). I think many Californians are too lazy to actually see that there ARE actually things outside of their own state (I was one of them =P). Aside from giving me an excuse to bring my car up here for college, there are plenty of things to do in/around the city. And it's especially pretty around August when it starts to cool down. i haven't personally attended any car events, but they are always holding things down at Joliet from what i hear.

Other than chicago, I think Texas is also a good central location. The ideal time to hold it would be during the summer when many students are out of college and others have the ability to take time off of work. But its either hot or waay fuggin hot in summers in texas.