Go ahead.
Have you seen what he does to station wagons? 
Putting together "annual ride in" to the Huntsville Polaris Slingshot facility.
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I have been so busy at work I have not had a chance to do anything for this event or the events I run in Clarksville.
Display MoreI mentioned this a while back about the factory tour and some sort of ride in.
I spoke to the plant manager last year and he said it would be fine to have people come and tour the facility. He didn't have any issues with that... He even said that when we narrowed down the dates he could arrange a more detailed floor level tour of the assembly line. The only thing I have to know is what days it will be and how many would want to tour the factory. So as he pointed out he can authorize that portion of the event and Polaris wouldnt even have to be involved.
But I would want Polaris to be involved.....so here is where I got sidetracked. He said that if we wanted Polaris to acknowledge it and provide things like swag and demo rides and basically show up I would need to present Polaris's media group a breakdown of what we would expect from them and what they need to have available.
That is when i started thinking....How do I know how many will attend.. And how do I keep all these people busy during the few days that the event last. I know that people would want vendors to be onsite and that would be easy to arrange. I'm sure all the vendors would love to be involved. Another thing is the group rides that we have at other events. I know many places to ride to around Huntsville. But I am not even sure there would be time for group rides... maybe one to Lynchburg TN to the jack Daniels distillery.
Then there is the issue of where to have this event. It can't be at the Polaris facrory. Or at least i wouldnt think it could be. But that isnt a real big issue. There are many many places around that area that could hold that many people for sure.
And there was the issue of "when" it should take place. I had people telling me as early as April and as late at Sept. And each person had a good reason for their suggestion.
I have not dropped the ball on this event. I just don't want to a poor job with it. I will get with my contact and see if I can get the ball rolling again. Spencer at Champion Power Sports in Athens was helping me work with the facility. And about that time last year he had a new baby born. So he had his plate full also. I'll get back with him and see if he will be able to help now.
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I am sure without a doubt that it will be a daunting task. There are so many things to be considered. One thing is for sure, you cannot do it all by yourself. I know you didn't ask me but I'm going to put in my .o2 anyway.If I were taxed with the responsibility of being the "Chief Manager" of such an event the first thing I would do is put together a small group of people (5-9 but always an odd number) to be the executive committee to assist me. Each of these people should be in charge of certain aspects of the event ( tickets, media, food etc) and may invite other people as necessary to be a part of a larger group called the coordinators committee. The people on the coordinators committee will be the "boots on the ground" folks that are directly involved with each task.
The first thing on the agenda is the date. Accept from the beginning that you are not going to satisfy everyone with your choice of dates. There are many things to consider when choosing a date. First and foremost is the weather. Because it is primarily an outside event you want the weather to be warm enough that you are assured that there will not be extreme conditions. In Alabama that is next to impossible but you'll have to do the best you can. Next you want to stay as far away from other events as possible. I'm not just speaking of SS events but other events as well. You wouldn't want to have it the same weekend as the SEC Championship for instance. There are tons of other happenings that could derail your turnout but that was just one that I thought of. If this is going to be an annual event once you decide on your date stick with it year after year so there is never a question of when it's going to be. In example if you decide the event should be the first full weekend in Juvember then it is always the first full weekend in Juvember!
Location, Location, Location!! We understand that it will be billed as the "Annual SS Home Coming Factory Tour" or something like that but we can't spend the weekend at the factory. You could have the factory tours set up for groups of XXX people to go through at XX times. While those folks are touring the factory the rest of us need to be doing something else. This is where "location" is important. The "center" of operations needs to be set in a place that is as convenient as possible not only for lodging, food, etc but access to some good riding destinations also. It is going to be a balancing act to pick such a place. Also in consideration of the location is how many vendors do you expect to have present. They have to have room to set up as well. Another question that affects your consideration about the location of the "center" of operations is is this event open to the general public? If the public is invited you'll need more room for parking etc. The person/persons on the executive committee are the one's that should offer up all their advice and suggestions on all this and then see what is available on the weekend you plan to have your event and go from there.
Itinerary: There needs to be a published itinerary prior to or at least at the on sight registration of the event. People are much more comfortable when they feel like they know what is going on and when and where. It is almost inconceivable but some folks don't want to spend every minute with you and I and will pick and choose from the itinerary the parts of the event that they wish to participate in. The itinerary needs to include every "planned" part of the event including but not limited to :planned rides, planned meals, planned tours(be it at the factory or other locations), group pictures, door prizes,seminars etc.
Media: You will need media and LOTS of it. You cannot depend on FB or the forum to do all the advertising that will be needed for such an event. This is one area where Polaris themselves could really help out. You will need to take advantage of every possible avenue of advertising for this event. Keep in mind that you are not just doing a regional event you are doing a NATIONAL event that needs to be advertised in every state in the union. There are lots of regional rags like "full throttle" that can help with this but you'll need recommendations from all over the U.S.A. if you want national attention.
Early Registration: Early registration is a must. That is the only way of even coming close to having an idea of how many folks will be showing up. The choice is yours of when this can take place but it is definitely key in the decisions that will need to be made as the event takes shape. Most events like this give a discount for early registrants as well as giving them an event package that includes some free gifts etc. You may welcome folks to show up unannounced but they need to understand that the price will be higher and they will not receive the "event package" that the early registrants do.
I could go on and on but I suppose enough is enough! Good luck on the event and let me know when registration is open!
Wow. Sounds like you just put in your resume @Ghost ... lol. You are right here in my neighborhood. So we need to get together and hash out some ideas. Since my Slingshot is in South Carolina I may take this weekend to clean my garage up. If your around tomorrow or Sunday maybe you can come over.
@rabtech I have told you for about a year now that I can help get things in motion. If we don't put this ride on, I will NOT be attending SSITS this year....probably go on a 12 day cruise to the Caribbean or something.
Guess the Admin title by my name is just there to look cool?
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@kenny_h your just a little to far to be able to work with the locals over here. Spencer and Ghost and I are the only ones that can really go out and see the people face to face. And they would also have to go look at all the places that will be considered to.have the event. There will be plenty of things I can put on you to do for sure. But I would take the 12 day cruise. Don't pass up on free food and drinks for 12 days. .....
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Kenny,
There will be many things that can be handled from afar. In fact there will be many things that will have to be handled from afar. I intend to meet with @rabtech this evening if possible and I'm sure after that he will begin to form his army. There will be many battles to fight but we must concentrate on winning the war!
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I would definitely be interested in this event and if I can be of any help getting it put together I’ll do what ever I can.
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@rabtech I will plan on attending the get together. Probably can't do much from Northern Indiana, but would love to come down a day or two early to help with last minute moving all the stuff around. Let me know if there is anything I can do from home. Think Spring.... 50 out yesterday --- road about 100 miles and 40 today got in 30 miles.
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Kenny,
There will be many things that can be handled from afar. In fact there will be many things that will have to be handled from afar. I intend to meet with @rabtech this evening if possible and I'm sure after that he will begin to form his army. There will be many battles to fight but we must concentrate on winning the war!
WTF?
I was just talking about a ride.... didn't know we were at war with anything other than Afghanistan...or the bullshit "War on Drugs".
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Yep, I was thinking the same thing?
Don't want a job there, just a Ride and Tour??? -
We have a forum member who DOES have a job there - @Guardian_Angel...
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Now what if I had gotten my feelings outa the vault this morning. You guys could have hurt them! LMAO
OK, OK, maybe not battles er' warz er nuttin, jes werk'n on gettin it dun!
Gitter Done!
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I would just REALLY like to see this ride happen....weather, a war, zombie invasion...
bout the only thing that would stop me from coming would be...1. The bank is giving out free money that day.
2. A death in the family (well a funeral...they are dead regardless)
3. The circus is in town. (I am 41 and have never been to a circus.)
4. A family member or friend is in town.
5. The 2nd coming of Christ!
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If you are interested in feedback ,I have to second The Ghost, The hardest decision will be the date, no note it will slam the door on some, but it's what opens the door for the rest of us. That committee needs to happen and decide like, yesterday! If your serious about this happening in 2018 . Just my 2 cents worth, oh and ,,,I'M IN !
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welcome aboard @Ga Batcycle - looking forward to pictures of your ride and adventures
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Okay thanks, been trying to figure out how to post the photos on this site?
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Ga Batcycle -- I use my 'full bodies' computer (not a phone) --- probably work close to the same --- in the light gray bottom boxes see attachments and click and than go to upload and search for your picture and open. when it uploads you can click on full image to show picture full size. Hope that helps --- I still use a flip phone. and computer skills limited...
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