When Frank stepped away, I did my best to try to keep it going, as no one else seemed to want to do anything. Honestly, many people didn't want anything to do with the show if Frank was not running it, and made that very clear. Many events, meals, boat cruises ect that were planned, were simply ignored, and the "Frank crowd" went and did their own thing. So, What is the result? We are just a week from the show, nothing planned, a forum thread with 6 posts asking what there is to do, and maybe 3-4 Fieros will show up.
Just to be know, there were a lot of people that were very grateful for all the work that went into the show, and we had a lot of fun at the events and such that were planned. Many thanks to those that volunteered to judge, as well as Chuck and Patrick for all of their help making the show the best that we could.
I have an idea! How about next year, the ones that complained that Frank was no longer running the show, and didn't like how it was run, plan the Daytona show for next year! This is your chance to do it right! It's really simple and takes no time at all. If anyone is interested, let everyone know, as we will be happy to attend.
Here is a small list of things to get you started: (Some items are optional for sure. This is just the list I worked from when I did the show a couple years ago)
Firstly, you need to register a domain name, and create a website for the show. Start an email campaign, so you can then email newsletters, create and moderate a Facebook page, create forum thread to share information about the show and answer questions to keep everyone updated. Take care of registrations, get volunteers for judging and create and design the judging sheets, take care of promoting the show, solicit businesses for donations or sponsorship, With the items from soliciting businesses, make up 40+ gift bags. Purchase door prizes, as well as some prizes to raffle off, purchase all the incidentals such as rolls of raffle tickets, pens, clip boards, ect... create custom artwork for the shirts and find a place to manufacture them (They usually require payment for all shirts up front) Keep in mind that you will need everyone shirt size that is registered. Design artwork and source unique trophies and pay for those up front (Roughly 30 trophies in total), plan any and all optional group events. Make reservations for any meals at restaurants where everyone can get together, have a meal, and socialize. Reserve a room block for reservations and continually check on it so you can let people know when they ask about availability on Facebook, the website and the forum. Plan a route for a nice scenic Fiero Cruise. Go shopping and get everything needed to prepare and be able to serve a full lunch for over 60 people track side, Set up a way to collect reservation fees from attendees to reimburse yourself for the trophies, shirts and the catered lunch that you paid for out of pocket up front. All of this to then keep DETAILED receipts for EVERYTHING that you share with 2-3 other people for legitimacy, so you can be reimbursed for the hundreds of dollars you spent up front out of your own pocket. Then, and finally try to figure out what charity should get any left over registration fees. See.... SIMPLE!
I will not be at Daytona this year, however I have my room booked for Carlisle in June, and Possibly going to Frazee for the Tyler Shipman Show at the end of July. I hope to see some of you there!
[This message has been edited by JohnWPB (edited 03-22-2021).]
