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Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:51 pm

60vwnewengland wrote:
I do think the name of the show should stray away from anything Woodstock related. It draws the wrong kind of attention sometimes.

I just came up with a name for the show: "The Forum: 2012"

Change the year for every show?

The idea for the show evolved from thesamba forums. only seems right?

Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:25 pm

60vwnewengland wrote: 60vwnewengland wrote:
I do think the name of the show should stray away from anything Woodstock related. It draws the wrong kind of attention sometimes.

I just came up with a name for the show: "The Forum: 2012"

Change the year for every show?

The idea for the show evolved from thesamba forums. only seems right? Or the Volksfest Forum: 2013 :D

Sat Jan 28, 2012 11:53 pm

There are some 40+ hotels and motels in the Topeka area so I think between that and the camping facilities there should be adequate space.

I will be checking to make sure there are no conflicting events going on the same weekend.

Sun Jan 29, 2012 11:53 am

Since I'm part of the midwest, this whole idea sounds too good to be true. The shows in the center of the country have always been lovingly put on by the determination of a local club for itself and a handful of nuts willing to travel to the show for a few hours of VW mania. For the most part they are small, funded by entry fees and a t-shirt or two. The work is done for the people involved in the hobby, not for profit. That being said, a huge show dropped into the center of this group of small families needs to include them in the mix. The last thing you need is to detract from what they have been doing without much help, for all these years. That being said, a show that includes all of the locals and has enough draw for fans from both coasts to make the trip could add a new dimension to VW ownership. A caravan from all points of the map to a central spot. The trip to the show becomes part of the show itself. Routes from one club area to another as members add to the train heading to "The Show". I'll swing by Sioux City and join the group heading to Omaha on the way down I-29. See ya there.

Sat Feb 11, 2012 6:15 am

hi Riqs! Making any progress?

Sat Feb 11, 2012 8:22 am

Having read all of the pages for this event, which I hope happens, location facilities, sound great. I would make the treck, no I do not have a camper but bug with a rack. Ya could probably camp but motel nearby sounds better. Kansas City is aprox 70 miles to the east kinda far to commute back and forth.
Having driven to K.C many times (have outlaws there) know some of the back roads to drive on through the small rural towns. Love to caravan a group going east on I-40 from Northern AZ to Tucumcari N.M then start cutting across the two track roads to the event...I am in.

KEEP PLANNING!!!

Mon Feb 13, 2012 6:36 pm

Hello again, i've been away on business but it's good to see the interest still there. I think everyone interested in this show should spread the word and get more feedback.

The facilities at Heartland do sound great as well as the track facilities.

I am gathering all the information that I can and will keep in contact with the staff at Heartland. Please do keep posting ideas and thoughts on this subject as it is much appreciated.

Since there will most likely be several caravans and lots of camping, I had a thought of a sort of registry where people can register info about space in their rides so that other like minded people can join in the adventure. There are people out there without a ride or their ride is not finished that would like to join in on the adventure. I have done it several times over seas and it's a great way to meet other VW nuts, and it's fun.

I have seen so many different clubs across the states and abroad that it would be a nice way to meet others from across the globe. I can only imagine the group photo of the event.

Keep the ideas coming. I would especially like to hear from other event organizers across the globe on ideas and recommendations.

Mon Feb 13, 2012 10:28 pm

Keeping track of this thread. Topeka isn't that far for me...

Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:19 am

OK folks, its starting to look good. I've been in communication with Heartland Park and all looks well.

What I need to hear from all of you out there is, what time of year would be best? What time of year does not interfere with other shows and works for peoples schedules? We all know not everyones requests can be made but we will do our best to make it possible for everyone.

I have had some feedback from various vendors, state side as well as Europe but would like to hear more from vendors as well as racers and the general public.

The track facilities include a 1/4 mile drag strip and a road course that can be arranged into and up to a 2.5 mile road course. There are garages that can be used for pits or vendor sales locations. The track comes with an ambulance with safety crew and safety crew and truck for emergencies.

This particular venue has concessions but we can bring in our own concessions as well so there will be enough food for breakfast lunch and dinner. Camping includes inner area with some hook ups but the majority of camping will be in the outer areas. We will have portable showers and port a potties as well as dumpsters for our trash.

I am tentatively planning this as a four day event. Racers and early birds will be able to arrive a day early for set up, staging or whatever. Additional plans include DJ's, live music and entertainment for the young ones so I am open to all suggestions regarding those ideas.

These are all tentative plans right now but the ideas and concept are in the works. Please feel free to contact me via PM or post here with any thoughts, suggestions or concerns.

Rick

Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:50 am

Here's a great place for you to search for potential show dates: Community>Shows

Thu Feb 16, 2012 3:33 pm

I'm flexible on travelling. Please make it non mosquito season if at all possible :) Are you looking at 2013 or 2014 or? I know nothing can be set in cement yet but hey I have a busy dance card for 2012 & 2013. I can tell you are doing a good job at your project. Thanks.

Thu Feb 16, 2012 9:17 pm

vwracerdave wrote: You are absolutly wasting your time contacting VWoA. There is no chance they will sponsor a event.

They sponsored ours. It took a round-about way to get it through their accounting dept so that it could benefit our charity and they could get their tax break, but they did sponsor us. Everything else they promised us, they backed out on, but they came through on money.

Thu Feb 16, 2012 10:07 pm

Riqs57 wrote: What I need to hear from all of you out there is, what time of year would be best? What time of year does not interfere with other shows and works for peoples schedules? We all know not everyones requests can be made but we will do our best to make it possible for everyone.
It's the Midwest -- make it Spring, Summer, or Fall. Bring "Off" for the mosquitoes. :roll:

Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:05 pm

Let's keep our fingers crossed, i've got a letter going to VWOA. It would be a great platform for them to advertise and present their new vehicles as well as get involved with the ever growing Classic VW community. I will continue to work with them to get their involvement in this event.

I would still like to hear from some of the vendors out there concerning this event as well as all of you to.

Sat Apr 21, 2012 8:02 pm

Riqs57 wrote: Let's keep our fingers crossed, i've got a letter going to VWOA. It would be a great platform for them to advertise and present their new vehicles as well as get involved with the ever growing Classic VW community. I will continue to work with them to get their involvement in this event.

I would still like to hear from some of the vendors out there concerning this event as well as all of you to.

Hi Rick:

At the risk of having stones thrown at me and being accused of creating the new VW 1%ers, I started a brief topic today about a national concours event not realizing this thread was active. My bad.

For what it is worth, I believe the hobby would be best served by forming a national concours event. Such an event would try and draw the best 50-100 VWs across the vintage air cooled categories (splits, barndoors, coach builts, etc.) together for a show, judging, and awards. The national draw would be based on quality, not qty (i.e. come and see the best collection of VWs in the country). You would not try and get everyone to bring their VWs to show - they are coming to see great VWs in the show.

That would give the national event a purpose (to display the best of vintage VWs and judge them accordingly to determine the best). That is very different from all the regional events which are based on an "all inclusive" approach and can only provide regional awards.

I believe the event should probably start on the west coast to give it the best chance of getting off the ground with a quality field.

Just my feedback. I think pulling together the finest show of VWs in our country has a bigger chance of having a sustained purpose then trying to pull together the biggest show (in terms of the number of VWs present).

When you want to see the "best of the best", it requires a national draw. That is why it needs to be a national show. The venue should reflect the quality of the field (i.e. something really nice and well presented).

Again, I very well might be in a minority of one that feels this way! However, I would travel in the states to see a field of fantastic VWs. I can go to my local show to see a field of "average" VWs. No offense... I love average VWs... I have several!

Sat Apr 21, 2012 8:48 pm

Well I like the original idea of a gathering of the clans of all VW, a mammoth affair, poor or rich, in a bug and a tent, etc.... Even tho you are dealing with VWoA, could you not also contact VWoMexico and Canada, and perhaps the mother home of all things VW, especially as you plan to make it an international show? I don't think it is being restricted to air cooled only, been nobody saying that before.

Late late Spring early early summer I think is best so people can plan more than 6 months ahead. Have you decided on the year ie. 13 or 14 yet? Been thinking about this again lately. Oh yes and put the Bus Movie on the agenda, charge a small entry fee for adults 18 and over for a charity. Could be run several times. A good syncro setting would be cool for demonstration/compete whatever. Class racing,.....I'm definitely turned off by "the best of the best", we are doing this for the peole not the companies. Who cares if someone comes in a raggedly old model of something, they came. That's what's important. An elitist event will turn off the general population of people who pour money into their hobby. No I believe strongly that it has to be open to all and all to be encouraged to bring their wash, compound, wax and cloths :lol:

Some people could go around and pick out highlighted air and water cooled vehicles. Preregistration with a pic will be all important for organization of areas and events. Registration Fee can be increased to those who wait too long and want in. At gate, fees should be highest.

Remember this could become a biennial event and grow.

Wed May 02, 2012 1:11 pm

Hello everyone, it's been a while since I was here as I was traveling out of country again and will be again soon. It is great however to see the interest is still there for such an event,

Although I appreciate the idea of a best of the best type of show, that is something I plan to incorporate onto this event anyway. Along with different areas at the show, I believe there should be a special spot dedicated to the rarest, coach built, special interest and concours quality vehicles. Everyone attending the show would have the option to view these vehicles and truly appreciate them for what they are. On the other hand, owners of such mentioned vehicles would also have the opportunity to see what the other 99% drive, vehicles that are used, ratty, custom or stock.

I personally have more appreciation for the vehicles that are full of people or travel equipment that travel distances to attend such a show. It is a true testament to their performance.

The while idea of this show is to bring together everyone interested in the VW hobby. Be it air cooled, water cooler, hybrid or electric, as long as we all have a common interest, VW's. It is more of a celebration of VW and so far, VWOA has shown an interest. I am targeting individuals world wide involved in the VW industry. Manufacturers, vendors, clubs, event organizers, everyone. I wish to make this an affordable event for all to enjoy. Talks are in progress with the venue personal and so far it is looking very promising. I would like to see this happen in 2013 and will continue to plan accordingly.

Please keep the feedback coming so we all can make this event happen.

Rick

Wed May 02, 2012 1:54 pm

I am so happy you are so committed to this, your original idea. Are we still talking central USA and not in any of the 3 coasts, right? I like hearing your news. Thanks

Wed May 02, 2012 2:20 pm

rwmindy wrote:

Hi Rick:

At the risk of having stones thrown at me and being accused of creating the new VW 1%ers, I started a brief topic today about a national concours event not realizing this thread was active. My bad.

For what it is worth, I believe the hobby would be best served by forming a national concours event. Such an event would try and draw the best 50-100 VWs across the vintage air cooled categories (splits, barndoors, coach builts, etc.) together for a show, judging, and awards. The national draw would be based on quality, not qty (i.e. come and see the best collection of VWs in the country). You would not try and get everyone to bring their VWs to show - they are coming to see great VWs in the show.

That would give the national event a purpose (to display the best of vintage VWs and judge them accordingly to determine the best). That is very different from all the regional events which are based on an "all inclusive" approach and can only provide regional awards.

I believe the event should probably start on the west coast to give it the best chance of getting off the ground with a quality field.

Just my feedback. I think pulling together the finest show of VWs in our country has a bigger chance of having a sustained purpose then trying to pull together the biggest show (in terms of the number of VWs present).

When you want to see the "best of the best", it requires a national draw. That is why it needs to be a national show. The venue should reflect the quality of the field (i.e. something really nice and well presented).

Again, I very well might be in a minority of one that feels this way! However, I would travel in the states to see a field of fantastic VWs. I can go to my local show to see a field of "average" VWs. No offense... I love average VWs... I have several!

The "best of the best" as you put it happens every year in Southern California. While there are handfulls of nice cars and collections across the US the majority of them are to be found in California.

I like Ricks idea of the more the merrier. I wouldn't drive my VW to Kansas just to park it in a lot so I could look at some nice cars. just my $.02.

Wed May 02, 2012 2:33 pm

Well I think that there could be a 'community' camping area designated for owners who don't mind people in their mobile home as well as a non public camp. I think it would be great PR to show the campers, the buses and all the VW involved in the International camping/travelling world. (this includes tents, etc... as long as it's VW). . Could create different scenarios ie., hippies, flower children, etc.... the 2013 image. Could also have a 'United Nations type of area with flags from all participating countries.

My $1.00's worth