NCRS Judging Retreat?

[Peter S.]

As I see nothing on this years calendar, is it safe to assume we will not see an NCRS Judging Retreat in 2014? Anything in the works for 2015?

[David P.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

I was wondering the same. I can say that there would be several interested from the Miami Valley Chapter... date and location dependent of course.

[David B.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

Nothing is planned at this point in time. We last ran the retreat in Jan or Feb 2013. The three year cycle seems about right to me. I am thinking next retreat will be Jan or Feb 2016. This is a big deal and big cost for NCRS to stage; also a big deal for all of the car owners who volunteer their cars for the garage bay. Dave

[Peter S.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

I was wondering the same. I can say that there would be several interested from the Miami Valley Chapter... date and location dependent of course.

Hi Dave,

They always seem to be held in Grapevine, TX. 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2013. At face value, the year in which the event was held seems very random, but I was not a member at that time.

[Michael J.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

I think the three year time frame is good. I love these, and the Grapevine location is ideal for it all.

[Peter S.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

I think the three year time frame is good. I love these, and the Grapevine location is ideal for it all.

Except those 1,200 miles away.

With a good advanced notice, I will book my plane ticket.

[Michael J.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

True, you can't find a place that is close to everyone, but I was more speaking of the facility. Just a great venue for the retreat, lots of room and well laid out.

[David P.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

Except those 1,200 miles away.

My excuse is that I was 8000 miles away in Afghanistan during the 2013 retreat Sure looking forward to the next one in 2016 or whenever it comes together. I'm sure the retreat must be a great deal of work to put on. I also realize that I have no right to complain that they're not more frequent if I'm not willing to put my enthusiasm where my mouth is and help put one together.

[Michael J.]

[Floyd B.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

I think three years is about right also (if not longer). You need a large number of attendees for the economies of scale to work. I don't know the exact demographics of our membership but I have to believe that the central time zone is the right one. If it's in the winter (which it needs to be b/c the National Convention is in the summer), it needs to be in the south. It sounds to me that Grapevine in the winter of 2016 is the perfect choice. :-)

I'd sign up in a heartbeat no matter where/when it is; it was fun, I connected a lot of faces with names on this forum, it was challenging and I learned a TON.

[David P.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

Thanks a lot, Mike J.

Floyd, you make a good case for Grapevine in winter. Makes sense even though it's probably out of driving range for me in OH.

[Reba W.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

I believe another consideration in the location was the availability of flights into DFW from all areas. The hotel also ran a shuttle so no one had to rent a car.

[Floyd B.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

Yep. Two more excellent points Reba.

There was one logistical issue that affected a lot of people and caused undo stress - IMHO. The final day for group 2 was Sunday and though DFW is an American Airlines hub, that doesn't help those of use who are frequent fliers on other airlines or live in hub cities of other airlines. The organizers of the event were being very strict about people leaving early on Sunday even if the latest flight out would force us to leave an hour or two before the end of the day. That seemed pretty harsh for those of us who have to burn vacation to attend one of these seminars. For me, flying out on Monday morning just wasn't an option - I had a meeting with a client scheduled. It ended up working out in my case because I received a text message form Delta that my flight was being delayed. This allowed me to attend all activities through the end. However, I spent a lot of energy fretting about getting docked ALL of the judging points because I would have to miss the last one hour wrap-up session. I don't know what can be done but a bit more sensitivity to the people who choose group 2 specifically so that we don't have to miss two days of work rather than just one would be greatly appreciated.

[Gary C.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

Planning criteria for a Judges retreat

Location:
- close to an airport with good schedules & fares
- close to equal distance from either coast
- local shuttles provided or available so no rental car is needed to get from the airport
- cost effective participant rooms, classrooms and indoor car room
- variety of good restaurants within close walking distance
- indoor room to house 12 cars
- 4 to 6 local NCRS member volunteers to assist with planning and arrangements
- up to 12 local NCRS members willing to furnish their cars (Bowtie/Duntov/Crossed Flags) for a 3 day training session
- free lift if possible

Participants:
- 96 per day
- 50 instructors

Presentations:
- Written and/or updated to match current Judging Reference Manual

The 2013 Judging Retreat did not completely sell out. Don't recall the final participant totals, but counting instructors there were 224 attendees.

Lots of prep and behind the scenes work. Not to mention 4 stressful days of time management and putting on the Judges retreat.

[Kevin G.]

Re: NCRS Judging Retreat?

Planning criteria for a Judges retreat

Location:
- close to an airport with good schedules & fares
- close to equal distance from either coast
- local shuttles provided or available so no rental car is needed to get from the airport
- cost effective participant rooms, classrooms and indoor car room
- variety of good restaurants within close walking distance
- indoor room to house 12 cars
- 4 to 6 local NCRS member volunteers to assist with planning and arrangements
- up to 12 local NCRS members willing to furnish their cars (Bowtie/Duntov/Crossed Flags) for a 3 day training session
- free lift if possible

Participants:
- 96 per day
- 50 instructors

Presentations:
- Written and/or updated to match current Judging Reference Manual

The 2013 Judging Retreat did not completely sell out. Don't recall the final participant totals, but counting instructors there were 224 attendees.

Lots of prep and behind the scenes work. Not to mention 4 stressful days of time management and putting on the Judges retreat.

Gary,
In my personal opinion it's worth every moment! If not for an unavoidable business commitment, I would have loved to attended the 2013 Retreat. The retreat gave me the confidence that I did have the technical knowledge needed and taught me how to relay this information to the "owner", (Terry McManmon). I'll admit, trying to explain why and how my deductions were made to Mr. McManmon was a bit intimidating! But, played well in my learning! If I could explain to Terry, then everyone else should be a piece of cake? Turned out to be quite true! If welcome, I would be one looking forward to attending the next retreat. As far as the location, it worked perfectly, IMO