French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

[William B.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Maybe we should rethink the 200, 300, and 400 awards and give them out at regionals like the 100 point award for judges?

[Chris E.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Maybe we should rethink the 200, 300, and 400 awards and give them out at regionals like the 100 point award for judges?

This would have two benefits. First, the members that choose not to travel to the convention have an easier outlet to receive their award. Second, more of their chapter friends would be able to witness the process.

[Harry S.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

I'm wrestling with this. In the New England Chapter we have Master Judges:

1. 14 at 100
2. 7 at 200
3. 1 at 300
4. 14 at 400
5. 2 at 5-star

The more I think about it, I like it the way it is. Yes, traveling is always a concern, but recognition at a National is significant.

[Tony S.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

- Schedule it in the spring or fall. It's a more enjoyable time of year with moderate temperatures, and much easier on our vintage cars (and drivers) during the road trips. I attended San Antonio but it was a HOT unpleasant drive to get there. And I demurred on Palm Springs and Mobile because of the expected heat. On the positive side, National is an indoor event. By way of comparison, this July I attended the Oldsmobile National in Murfreesboro, TN. Over 200 cars sitting in 105 degree heat in the Holiday Inn parking lot waiting to be judged. Everyone looked miserable. So kudos to NCRS for its indoor venue.

- Make it more than a judging event. Offer more educational workshops (I haven't been to a Bloomington event in a long time but they used to do a good job with this); hook up with a Corvette Expo like event to attract more vendors.

- Get the host community involved. It seems like National is a well kept secret to locals. Consider coordinating with a local festival or fair to raise the club's profile. Participate in a parade through town. Schedule a cruise-in event at a popular venue. Organize these events so cars can participate before or after they are trapped on the judging field for two days.

I agree Mark. The last two national events have been held in July at locations where you want to be in January. My kids are grown, so the idea of a family vacation to a Corvette convention has passed. However, I wouldn't want a national convention to interfere with the Frisco Regional.Tony

[Patrick H.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

I don't mind summer at all, but I've said ever since I attended San Antonio in 2017 that I'm not going to any more conventions in hot weather locations. And yes, I let my Regional Rep know.
Hampton in VA and Greenville SC are as warm as I want to get.

[Tony S.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

I agree Pat. But do you remember how hot Novi was in 2011?
Tony

[Patrick H.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

I agree Pat. But do you remember how hot Novi was in 2011?
Tony

I was too busy working it to remember that.
However, you KNOW that Nevada, south Texas, and south Alabama will be hot in July.

[Tony S.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Yep. I do KNOW that.

[Gary C.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Patrick,

Sorry, you missed out on both San Antonio Conventions. Both were well attended. Many members complimented the Texas Chapter.

Both Conventions broke even and/or made a small amount of money. Best of all we were able to negotiate with the Alamo for two private tours and dinners for the 2017 Convention.

Gary
....

[Tony S.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Patrick,

Sorry, you missed out on both San Antonio Conventions. Both were well attended. Many members complimented the Texas Chapter.

Both Conventions broke even and/or made a small amount of money. Best of all we were able to negotiate with the Alamo for two private tours and dinners for the 2017 Convention.

Gary
....

San Antonio Nationals was one of my favorites. The Texas chapter did a heck of a job with hospitality.

Tony

[Patrick H.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Patrick,

Sorry, you missed out on both San Antonio Conventions.
Gary
....

Reread post #21.
I was at the 2017 San Antonio and baked with everyone else.

[Mike D.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

The best awards are presented at the national convention, Duntov, Bowtie, McClellan, Hill, Founders, 200, 300, 400, etc. Members that receive these awards understand the sacrifice a member makes in the pursuit of the award. A chapter member with 4 judging points going to a nearby regional will not understand the significance of the award being presented. I will never forget Grant Wong running up the aisle hollering in Palm Springs after 20 years of judging cars, being awarded his 100 level master's judge hat. It was a special moment for him and his friends. I don't see an upside to diluting these awards by presenting them at a regional. That 1 minute of fame on the big stage is important to us.

[Michael J.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Agreed Mike, and that Grant Wong moment was a classic. Chuck Gongloff getting his 400 pt. award after 40 years at Mobile was pretty good too.

[John W.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

The ncrs.org/convention page is still a work in progress. I did update the year to 2023 though. Hard to believe it is coming up so fast.

[Mike D.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Yes, recognition at a national is the best! Look at me, I achieved my goal!