Mini-Rallies Pros & Cons

[Singing Land Cruiser]

Mini-Rallies??? Hello All. Christi and I are thinking about hosting a few Mini-Rallies here at our resort in Ramona, Ca (San Diego). So if we held one what would you as a BUS owner like to see or do? Food? Themes? Size; 10,20,30 rigs? Dry camp, full hooks or a choice? Cost; 1 Price for all or a U-Pick menu? Tag-a-longs. Duration; weekend/days, 2,3,or 7 days? Entertainment; Swap meet, group chit chat, music, show & tell, wine tasting? Free "Sales Pitch" Rally; Companies come in and offer things for sale, you sit and listen and get your mini-rally for free? Any input would help. All the Best, M&C

[TomC]

That would be great!  We live in L.A. and it seems not too many rallies are out this way (I realize the FMCA was just out in Indio-but too big).  I would like to see one with around 50 rigs, then you can actually get to know some of the people.  Also, since I'm still of the working class, have setup on thurs, the rally on fri, sat, sun, with break down on mon.  We do several weekends a year where we leave on thurs and get back on mon-and avoid the delightful weekend traffic L.A. is so known for.  Any activities would be great.  Maybe a few seminars, etc. Look forward to what you come up with.  Good Luck, TomC

[jackhartjr]

The 'Non-Rallys' the Kyle does are GREAT!
Lots of pot-luck dinners.  If you can't cook just throw a little cash in the bucket!
Ed and Ann...I will NEVER forget the Omelet in a bag!  GREAT!
Pretty good musicians playing for the LOVE of it...and they know 'Rock-Top' too!
Kind of relaxing, sitting around talking buses and stuff!
No rally fee, just pay for your camping when you get there.
Bottle rockets that zzoooomm!
Jack

[Nellie Wilson]

Sounds like great fun. And give me a good excuse to see the left coast. I'd go for a big ol' fashion jam session and some down to earth bus talk... maybe somebody who could walk us through various systems. Not plumbing and such, but the running gear, engine and air system.

But that's just me.

Nellie Wilson

[RJ]

Mike & Christi -

Are you going to Quartzsite next week?  (21 - 25)? 

If you are, it would give you a great opportunity to visit w/ fellow busnuts to get a feel for what you're thinking of doing, but on a smaller scale.

Also, the Western GM group holds mini rallies practically monthly during spring & fall, and they do let SOBs attend (SOB = Some Other Brands  )  Might want to touch base with them, they're always looking for rallymasters to host an event.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[luvrbus]

Where in the world have you been RJ lol Christi and Mike are the entertainment for the group

good luck

[Singing Land Cruiser]

Hi RJ, yes we will be at the Q. Larry Hall has us for entertainment 2 nites. I will be picking everyones brain over rallies to BUS systems.
NW; I'm taking notes.
Jack; We have heard good things about The 'Non-Rallys'.
TomC; We were thinking around 20 to 30 Busses for each rally and great input othe other stuff.
Everyone else, Keep it coming. M&C

[kyle4501]

I 'plan' my rallys around what I like to do – Eat & Greet   

There are some who can't commit ahead of time due to the nature of their lives – If I charged a rally fee, they may not feel comfortable gate crashing at the last minute. So, no reservations or fees mean no problem with last minute attendees. I've been most pleasantly surprised at who shows up at dark thirty. 

While you can ask for rsvp's, you'll still have to guess at how many will actually be there. 

I like to socialize with fellow bus nuts way too much to spend any time on side trips. However, there are many spouses that would probably LOVE side trips – the more the better!

So here is my rally recipe:

Prior to the rally, post a menu suggestion & have it pot luck. (Pot luck means the size of the crowd can change drastically without adversely affecting the food supply)

I also try to allow for attendees to post what they wish to bring to compliment the posted menu.

I try to provide enough of the main entrée for all - that way the attendees can bring their favorite sides. (I limit my expenses to what I would spend for comparable entertainment.)

I put out a donation pot so those who couldn't bring food can contribute cash. (Lost easier to make last minute guests feel comfortable – everyone wants to contribute.)

Sunday lunch is usually a total freebie as we are using up all the leftovers.

Put up a sign board with the events written down so attendees can find out without having to hunt you down. )If Ed & Ann attend, you can probably use their dry erase board – It worked really well at the non-rallys.)   

[gumpy]

Plan one for the middle to late January, 2011. We're currently making plans to attend Jack's rally in FL, and then come across the lower states (you know, the cold ones  ) and up the left coast to see the big trees.  So get something planned and maybe we can come. I'd be ok with doing a demo of something for beer!  Maybe plastic welding or some stupid thing like that.

craig

[TomC]

An organized get together in Death Valley at spring time would be fun.  Good Luck, TomC

[Singing Land Cruiser]

Great stuff guys. Thank you. Every hint helps. Anyone else? M&C

[JackConrad]

Mike,
  Let me know if you need any help.  I can send you the forms we use and samples of our flyer. Also tips on neccessary local logistics.
   Larger is not always better, We have had quite a few tell us that our first rally was the best because it was only 45 coaches. Everyone had time to see every coach and meet & visit with everyone.   Jack

[Dreamscape]

Hi Mike,

Jack helped me with the flyer's for TBR, a must to have. It doesn't make any difference on how many people attend, as long as everyone enjoys themselves. Our first one had 13, last year 26. Get some help, that way you can enjoy it too. As for what to do, everyone seems to find there way. The guys in one corner telling lies about their fuel milage, and the gals in the other corner doing what they do.

Have fun.

Paul