There is talk now of doing a HUGE all years meet with members from a large number of states. I will start this thread as a place for us all to voice our ideas. Places to host. Sponsor ideas. Etc. Spread the word and lets see if this can be a realistic idea. It has the potential to be nuts! :two:

----------UPDATE----------
It is July 10 & 11, 2010. In downtown Loveland Colorado. I think she said it is called "Summerfest in the Rockies". There is fireworks planned around 9pm on Saturday night. Food, Beer garden, local vendors, etc. The will be a whole car show area and we can have as much room as we need. They would just block off as many streets as we can take up. She said if we have 50 or we have 250, it is fine with them.

Bob, is there a way to get this linked into the main truck discussion boards?

I'll post a link in the Oklahoma Section. I think this will be awesome if we can pull it off.

I guess the first thing to do would be to designate a location that is large enough for everyone to attend. This will need to take into consideration the amount of parking spaces (for all the sweet trucks) as well as lodging for the masses. I also think it would be cool to find a spot that is fun to drive to (sorry LA, that means you are out). Vegas would be fun but I am afraid that we would have too many distractions.

How about Durango Colorado? As a regional event, (I am assuming the south west as the region) Durango is not too far, the driving is sweet (mesa verde, arches np, grand canyon all are close) and the town can handle large group of truck guys flocking to it.

I'm game for attending pending dates and locations. We have the Midwest All Truck Nationals in KC every year which is a blast! I'm originally from Colorado and there are definitely some awesome spots throughout the state to have a meet. If I can do anything to help out, let me know. I would suggest to get a couple people together to set things up just to avoid confusion and make sure things get arranged. Subscribed! :)

I wonder how hard it would be to get a fairgrounds somewhere? And, how much $$? Has anyone been involved in organizing something like this before?

I can get a hold of the lady that organizes the Midwest show and find out some specifics...if you're wanting a large show, may try to secure some sponsors and vendors.

That would be awesome. Pm me about it. I guess I will go ahead (with help) try to head this up. Anyone interested in being heavily involved with this please let me know. I think that the Denver area would be a good central place to have something like this. Or Good-Guys has the Colorado Nationals in Loveland, CO every year. That is a great spot, has tons of space, hotels close, maybe "The Ranch" would be an option. I would love to get some help in securing a location and some sponsors and vendors. I will talk to some hot rod guys around here for some help too.

GM Trucks in the Rockies?
Would that be Legal?

I will get some information and let you know. Figure out a location and just set a date. I have found it works better to get the date set and let people schedule for it, if you try to schedule around each individual it will never happen. :) Not very familiar with northern Colorado, grew up in Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Had some friends in Denver, but haven't talked to them in years.

GM Trucks in the Rockies?
Would that be Legal?

May run into copyright or trademark problems without GM's consent...

That is what I was thinking.

I am making a phone call tonight to a guy who puts on some shows in the Denver area. A guy I know gave me his info and said he might help us out. This has some huge potential.

Should we keep this all GM trucks of all years? We may be able to contact 4wheel parts too help too. Just an idea.

Defintely keep it all years, but I would also keep it open not just to GM trucks, but any member here on the board that may have something different they want to bring. Some guys on here don't have trucks, but enjoy them. If they have something different to bring we wouldn't want to exclude them.

Well, I spoke to the guy who I was referred to who has a promotions company in Denver. He would be willing to meet with us and consult us (for a fee) and give us information as to getting the show put together. He had alot of negative stories to tell me, as I would expect someone in his position to do. But he did say that we seemed to be on the right track and that a good show tends to take at the least 1 full year of planning to pull off. But, he would be more than happy to meet with us to consult the group in the way to go. He said to be sure that everyone involved with the planning knows what everyone else is doing. That is the biggest cause of failure for alot of shows he sees go wrong.

good idea!
and you know.....Okc is the crossroads of America ;)

here... i just copied and pasted because i gotta get to work and i wanted to get subscribed to this!

great idea guys! the gto guys do it every year... from all over the country they all meet in las vegas. its kinda hush hush because they dont need any unwanted attention from the law but they get huge turn outs every year. they even put a pot together for anyone that gets tickets on the way! theres a guy that does hats w/ user names on the back and others that make a regerstration kits so the cars are numbered to user names so they all know who's who and the money is donated for the track time and events.

just throwing out ideas here!!

Sounds like it could be a crazy good time guys, Gerald, let me know if need help locally and I will try to do what I can or see if I can get it done for me! LOL

I don't think we need to pay someone to consult regarding the event. With a little planning and organization we can pull it off.

The largest problem that I can foresee is the cost associated with the venue. We will need to raise funds early in the game for a deposit on a venue. It may also be a good idea to set up a non-profit business entity to conduct the event. Once the event becomes popular (many years down the road) the event can have a value of its own. The non-profit business should be the owner of the event and the revenue that is generated.

Just some thoughts from the legal side of things.

Dang Sean...you are good for something aren't you? ;)
Tony: What is the possibility of using the horse property for this? I kinda like the idea you had of something with "horse power".

I think the first priority should be finding a location for this. Somewhere with room for a few hundred trucks. Then we can start figuring out things like sponsors, vendors, etc. I am sure that there are some restaurants that would come out and sell food for the day. (I would assume) And then we can get ahold of a couple of vendors to set up booths with things on hand. But even that isn't even nessecary in my book. You guys tell me otherwise though.

I agree. As far as the vendors and restaurants. It would be cool, not a necessity, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. I would look at what kind of area we are trying to pull from, and try and look somewhat centrally located. Then again if you are taking the reigns it would make sense to have it in CO for your convenience in setting everything up.

Well my thought with states is as follows: Not too limit it only to that but focus in that area.

I'll throw this out there. I have ties with the national motocross track located here in Lakewood CO. The asphalted pits alone is 10 acres. It's 90 seconds off the interstate. Ten hotels within 5 miles, power water, internet. We could probably have some dirt time, ie, mud bog, hill climbs, etc. Best of all it would be very cheap.
Just a thought.

How cheap? You got my attention quick! Dirt, mud, hills, not gonna help me out much but 10 acres of asphalt! Now we are talking.

Depends on how many people (both entries & spectators) and what time of year and for how long. Do you have any idea?

A friend of mine works with the city of Loveland, CO, with all the exhibitions that go on. I'll ask her if the city would have any interest, or at least how to go forward. She would know particulars for goings on at the Larimer County Fairgrounds. (The Ranch). I think she worked with the Good Guys show also.

Sweet thanks Mitch.

Mitch, that would be huge help! I am really thinking that this could be great.

Depends on how many people (both entries & spectators) and what time of year and for how long. Do you have any idea?

If ya can't answer these questions, nobody will take you seriously.

Well so far the discussion has led torward the summer of 2010. Exact goal for a date? Not sure yet, that is why we have this discussion about the idea of having the event. This will also give us an idea of how many people we might expect. My guess would be a couple hundred trucks...just my guess for it. Being the first try at it. I kinda thought a Saturday & Sunday event would probaly work best with some people heading in on Friday for set up or something.

That's kinda what I figure. I'll ask how the other shows and events get going. The county or city may actually have some document or brochure that somewhat outlines the process.

I was involved in a third gen f body national meet several years ago we had it at Noble at the track had a show and shine and were able to run on the track we could do that herre in Tulsa at the drag strip and we also have Hallett raceway close by for a road course

You need to look at several venues, narrow it down to say 4 Look at their event calendars see whats open. Look at other competing events that might take away from your event on certain weekends. Look at the national car show events see if there is a an off weekend between other big shows. Best case the traveling circus has to drive right through your show town to get to the next big event. Based on those key points pick your facility and weekend. There are many other factors, but those are two main ones.

Then shop for some sponsors. The first thing are going to ask is "how many people" You have to be able to produce a defendable number. You can say "last year this show did this much. Or based on the input were getting from this website we think this # is realistic.

Once you have a commitment from a few sponsors and vendors things start to roll faster and your event will start to take shape.

Unless you take this approach it's just shop talk.

cobinder: It sounds like you have a firm grasp on putting something like this together. Would you want to head it up and really help get it organized? So far this has been an idea that alot of us would like to make happen and don't really know how. If you have the know how and are willing to lead the way I know you would have help. We just are trying to figure out the best way to make this happen.

We may also be thinking too big for our first one also. We may want to make it somewhat low key for the first year. Then we can go from there, and have a little more info for a bigger event after. Just a thought.

John, you think we should just make this more of a get together and then work to turn it to a show in years to come?

That's my opinion. There are a lot of ifs, and estimates. I think if we have more of a regional meet get together thing, and get an idea of who is interested in a bigger better meet next year we would have more concrete info. I'm not saying if we can pull it off this year I wouldn't be pumped. Just maybe we need to start small. I would hate to give estimates to vendors, and get a venue, and then not be able to produce on the numbers. That is the only reason why I say start small. Then if we have good turnout we know we're good to go from then on. Just my thoughts. I want it to be a huges success, just don't want us to get in over our heads.

A startup event is a big gamble. Unless you have a surefire way to attract spectators and sponsors it's tough. There are so many different events for people to do in the summer you gotta be special. If you can get Elvis to show up, I'd say have your own event right off the bat. If not, work up to where he wants to come to your event.

At any event like this you will always get about 30% of your crowd for the hardcore followers, rain, shine or hell freezing over, in this case Chevy & GMC truck owners & junkies they will show up. Unfortunatly if only the 30% shows up your event will be considered a bust and won't make it to the second annual. If just having the trucks owners there and nobody else is enough for you, and thats fine, you just have to realize what it really is.

My suggestion would be to find a show or event that is existing. Contact the promotor of that event and ask them if you can have a section for your club. Get as many of your "members" to show up, make as big of an impression as you can. If you can get 60 nice trucks all together that's quite a statement about your club. Take pics of the event and your trucks in the event. This will become your marketing tool for future events. And remember always downplay your limitations. If 60 trucks show up, tell the promotor and sponsors "this is only a small part of our club" even if you only have 61 members.

While your at this event talk to the vendors and sponsors. See if they would be interested in working with you on an event in the future. Find out what they are looking for in an event.


ps I use the word "club" for lack of a better one, please don't be offended.

Makes perfect sense. I do agree with the idea that we could make it one big get together. I think it is still a great idea to see if we can have a venue for a weekend and we can all just plan to get together and hang out. We could schedule a couple cruises, maybe I could get a couple trophies made (or make them). Kinda make it the start up event with the hope of turning it into something bigger every year. Just one huge hang out!

Trophy ideas:
"I Shine" Best paint
"Creative Genius" Most innovative idea
"Traveler" Long distance
"Set Low" Lowest static drop
"Under The Dirt" Lowest of the low
"High Rise" Highest of the high
"Thoroughbred" Horsepower monster
"Transplant" Best motor Swap
"General's Choice" Most like original off the factory line
"Baby Builder" Youngest owner
--->Those are just some ideas that I came up with on the fly. I think it would be cool if we all got a card to vote each category on Saturday and total up votes Saturday night. Then we could announce winners on Sunday.

I agree cobinder, and I don't know that we wanted it to be a "show" so to speak as much as a place for a bunch of us here to get together from all over, and hang out. At least that was my thought on the event. Now if it grows into that then that's an added bonus, but I think starting small and growing into it would make more sense for the first year.

Gerald those are hilarious, and great trophy ideas. However we are going to have to get someone else to get a LSX swap under their hood so Bob just doesn't get a free trophy. :lol:

...However we are going to have to get someone else to get a LSX swap under their hood so Bob just doesn't get a free trophy. :lol:

:haha: That is funny! :haha:
Maybe someone has a turbo diesel out of a VW laying around that they can through in to give him a run. :rolleyes:
I am willing to do the trophies if you all like the idea of doing some.

I like the idea. Just hope I can make it there for it. Just meeting some guys from other places, and shooting the bull about all the trucks we see on here. That's all I need.

When do you all think...June? July? Lets start narrowing down a time frame and a place so we can work to make this reality. One huge GTG rather than a show. I say lets forget about sponsors & vendors. Lets focus on all of us getting together for a weekend. I am sure enough of us could bring out BBQs and everyone can figure out what to eat. I want this to work.

Does anyone think they can lock down a place to use? If it is gonna cost we need to figure that out early.

This far in advance just about any time works for me. You guys know the weather more up there. So anytime in June or July sounds good.

What day is the 4th of July on in '10? It might help some travelers out with a long weekend, but July can be hot!

Sunday. So, I will have it off!!!! Chris, hot to us may not be too bad for the other guys. That might be a good time to have it.

Yeah rub it in why don't ya. "July just isn't that hot here" :lol:

I guess that's true, hot here is just hot, not hot and humid!

So... July 3 & 4? :flagw:

I think that would be an awesome time of the year, and you know that people will have the day(s) off in advance, sounds like a plan to me!

Crap, I just remembered I might be going to Wagoner Ok. over the 4th for a family reunion.

The only problem with the 4th is that all the facilities will be advance booked and double-packed for that weekend. That's one you have to plan for WAY in advance. Probably best to decide on where we'd like to do it and then decide when based on when they have available. Obviously there will be conflicts for some folks no matter when we have it...

Tony

Very good point Tony. You have any idea of if the facility up there would be available to us? Is it big enough for us, if we could get it?

Should we maybe look into June instead?

Very good point Tony. You have any idea of if the facility up there would be available to us? Is it big enough for us, if we could get it?

Should we maybe look into June instead?

I don't think Medicine Horse would be right for a (hopefully) large, multi-state event. I was thinking more in line with a well attended local event for the Colorado/Wyoming crowd. For a big event I think the County fairgrounds would be the ticket and for folks who live in the county, I'm pretty sure it's free to use the facilities. You just have to book it in advance. I'll have my wife ask around and see what it takes. The place we met in Longmont would probably rent facilities/space as well.

Well, lets see if Mitch can help us get hooked up with the Fairgrounds in Larimer County or somewhere else with enough room.

The only problem with the 4th is that all the facilities will be advance booked and double-packed for that weekend. That's one you have to plan for WAY in advance. Probably best to decide on where we'd like to do it and then decide when based on when they have available. Obviously there will be conflicts for some folks no matter when we have it...

Tony

I agree. The 4th will also increase the number of conflicts for the people who will attend.

I posted a feeler poll in General Discussion. To get an idea of how many people would attend this.

Guys cobinder is spot on with what he is saying. It takes a lot of resources ($$$) to book a location to have a first time event.

You are much better off doing a group get together. As mentioned it can be coordinated at an existing show such as Goodguys, a back yard affair like C-10 King just hosted or something in between.

Having been an event coordinator, show promoter, and show judge for many years I can tell you it's best to start small unless you have the knowledge to go big.

In planning your dates, you mention 4th of July but that is a traditionally a time spent with family and close friends. It's also prone to be hot no matter where you are. Couple that with established events that you will be competing with and I don't see it as a good date.

Please don't take this as an attempt to discourage your event. It's more of a word of warning from someone who has been there and done that.

Guys cobinder is spot on with what he is saying. It takes a lot of resources ($$$) to book a location to have a first time event.

You are much better off doing a group get together. As mentioned it can be coordinated at an existing show such as Goodguys, a back yard affair like C-10 King just hosted or something in between.

Having been an event coordinator, show promoter, and show judge for many years I can tell you it's best to start small unless you have the knowledge to go big.

In planning your dates, you mention 4th of July but that is a traditionally a time spent with family and close friends. It's also prone to be hot no matter where you are. Couple that with established events that you will be competing with and I don't see it as a good date.

Please don't take this as an attempt to discourage your event. It's more of a word of warning from someone who has been there and done that.

I will speak for the rest of us when I say - thank you for the honest input.

I agree that we should focus on an event that is modest and easy to coordinate. We should focus on a local place that is flexible on size + inexpensive. The date should not compete with established holidays.

BTW - what an amazing day! too bad I had to spend it inside. :waah:

The Midwest guys got together at the Midwest All Truck Nationals in KC. The event was already organized by the KC truck club and has been around for 10 years. We signed up as a group and made a banner to put by our area. It was an awesome time and definitely some good exposure for the site and club. You may want to look into something like that for your first meet. I know after talking to the President of the KC truck club that A LOT goes into organizing a large event. She spent the week before the event doing a ton of running to get all the last minute details done as well as a large amount of time the entire past year organizing and setting up. I say this not to discourage as well, just trying to help out. A lot goes into a larger event/meet, just make sure you research every aspect, pros and cons, and see what route would be best to take for you guys. I will definitely try to make it out depending on date. I really miss Colorado and the beautiful scenery. Good luck guys!

The Midwest guys got together at the Midwest All Truck Nationals in KC. The event was already organized by the KC truck club and has been around for 10 years. We signed up as a group and made a banner to put by our area. It was an awesome time and definitely some good exposure for the site and club. You may want to look into something like that for your first meet. I know after talking to the President of the KC truck club that A LOT goes into organizing a large event. She spent the week before the event doing a ton of running to get all the last minute details done as well as a large amount of time the entire past year organizing and setting up. I say this not to discourage as well, just trying to help out. A lot goes into a larger event/meet, just make sure you research every aspect, pros and cons, and see what route would be best to take for you guys. I will definitely try to make it out depending on date. I really miss Colorado and the beautiful scenery. Good luck guys!

Seems like I've heard that before somewhere. lol

Glad to have the input. I agree 100%, as we have started leaning back torward, we need to start out as one big open invite get together. Lets continue to find a venue and pick a date, then put it out there to everyone.

Seems like I've heard that before somewhere. lol

Ummm, did I say that before? :lol: Forgot...

Well guys, I just talked to Kim Vecchio with the city of Loveland. She doesn't actually have anything to do with the Ranch, but she does have contacts there. She suggested that since it is a first time, and we're not sure of attendance, to be part of another get together. If interested, Loveland does a weekend thing, July 10-12, that includes music, beer gardens, car shows, etc. Also, since the city sponsors it, they would take care of any advertising. We could have a whole street for trucks, or whatever we needed.Sounds interesting. What do you all think? She did agree that a joint show my be a good idea for a first show/ get together.

To me...sounds great! We could get the space we would need depending on planned attendance? Where do they have that?

City of Loveland, Colorado. Right downtown, I think. That way, there are restaraunts, bars, etc. close. Hotels near I-25, and up in Fort Collins. I really do not have the time to do much, but I'll do whatever I can to help the cause. Whoever wants to head this up can contact her at the city of Loveland.

Sounds perfect. That's kinda how Vettes on the Rockies started...

I am willing to contact her and see about details. Downtown would be nice. I would bet we could do a road cruise in the hills. And there is some decent wheeling half hour up the hill that a group could probably go do too.

Does everyone else like the idea of going to that event if we can get the space?

Sounds that could be perfect to start out with, I would be interested in more details, lets see what we can arrange...

Mitch can you get her info to me next week so I can contact her?

Will do.

PM Sent to get this going.

I will call her tomorrow and see what we can work out.

I called her and left a message. Just so you know I am doing something. ;)

..........HUGE UPDATE!!..........

I just heard back from the gal in charge of the event in Loveland. It is July 10 & 11, 2010. In downtown Loveland Colorado. I think she said it is called "Summerfest in the Rockies". There is fireworks planned around 9pm on Saturday night. Food, Beer garden, local vendors, etc. The will be a whole car show area and we can have as much room as we need. They would just block off as many streets as we can take up. She said if we have 50 or we have 250, it is fine with them. They would charge us $5 per vehicle to help with costs. All we have to do is help spread the word about the event and they will do all the local promoting!

There is plenty of places to see and things to do. We could still roll out in the afternoon and do a couple cruises. And there are hotels within short drives of the event for the "out of towners". Let me know what you all think.