What makes shows so successful?

Well, sorry for the novel but I know a little something about creating a good show and it's not about "who you know, and ass kissing." No disrespect but going to lots of shows is only a part of "knowing the ins-and-outs."  Also, don't think you've got to be a national club with hundreds of members to do it. ASSORTED or Assorted Miniatures as we used to go by, only has about 8 members and we built a little show called Showfest.   IT WAS A LOT OF WORK. We spent probably 2 years just studying other shows and gathered together what made a good show in our eyes—basically what we liked most. We looked at the pros and cons of doing a one day show vs. a two day. We studied locations. We investigated insurance, trophy, t-shirt, and general costs involved. We chose a local charity because we wanted to benefit our community in some way. We did car washes to raise start up money, we tried to get sponsors, we invited magazines to come see what we were building, and we wrote down a plan. We contacted other clubs and got their opinions and invited them out. Some of what made Showfest a success just 'happened' on its own. Don't ask me how. It just became.   There's been other threads asking this before but the bottom line IMO is make a written plan first. Most importantly, you gotta' have members who care about the show and will do the hard work. Do your homework. And just start the darn thing. Nurture it and let it grow slowly. It took 4 or 5 years before ours really took off. But be careful what you wish for. It could become a monster you can't control that rolls right over you and destroys your club. Good luck even though luck has noting to do with success.

You know i think location has alot to do with it, centrally located helps alot, but aside from that i think its how the club or organization putting on the show presents themselves. I know when we do the RA All Star Event in Memphis you all of our club is very professional an fun. You gotta learn to have fun with it and not look at it as a business. Don't worry about the show being big, if you get 100 vehicles make sure those 100 have a very good and fun time an the word will spread. We had like 200 our first yr and we dont grow huge in entries but we do grow alot in spectators because of how the show is run and presented. now we're working on yr 7 and we had 400 last yr. It takes time, u gotta have entertainment an things for people to do and see at a show. Club games are always a big hit, traveling trophies, good nightlife and f\people need to feel safe and not be worried about any kind of trouble from locals or whatever. Thats what happened at showfest. If everyone in attendance has fun they will talk and you will grow through the years.  Jason Missouri(Official Club DJ )

---------------------------------------------Originally posted by KAOSSA huge factor is who you are and who you know. If our truck club Too Mini Obsessions were to throw a show here in Amarillo, No one would come. Even though we are smack dab in the middle of the world with tons of big cities within 5-8 hours of us. We could offer everything everyone has mentioned in this thread. We are just a small club, and no one wants to kiss our ass for any reason. Sadly, there is a bit a popularity contest that goes with throwing a show, and everyone wants to hang out with the cool kids. --------------------------------------------- I have to completely disagree with this too.... How many people outside of California have heard of Spectrum Minis? Probably not many, but they threw one of the biggest shows in the country (at that time) with Spring Splash.  All you have to do is believe you can do it. And if youre positive its going to be a small show (70-100 vehicles), then make sure you dont overspend on yourself. This way you wont get discouraged forfuture years, and will be able to grow... Also. PLANNING and ADVERTISING. Now I dont mean spending money on advertising, but just getting the word out... I see a few shows that could be ALOT bigger than they are, but they have crappy advertisement. PLANNING is a big thing. I cant stand having to sit in line to register for a show for 2-3 hours, especially if its a one day show.... -JamieSTSOCAL

---------------------------------------------Originally posted by svrdwgn---------------------------------------------Originally posted by KAOSSA huge factor is who you are and who you know. If our truck club Too Mini Obsessions were to throw a show here in Amarillo, No one would come. Even though we are smack dab in the middle of the world with tons of big cities within 5-8 hours of us. We could offer everything everyone has mentioned in this thread. We are just a small club, and no one wants to kiss our ass for any reason. Sadly, there is a bit a popularity contest that goes with throwing a show, and everyone wants to hang out with the cool kids. ---------------------------------------------I have to completely disagree with this too.... How many people outside of California have heard of Spectrum Minis? Probably not many, but they threw one of the biggest shows in the country (at that time) with Spring Splash.  All you have to do is believe you can do it. And if youre positive its going to be a small show (70-100 vehicles), then make sure you dont overspend on yourself. This way you wont get discouraged forfuture years, and will be able to grow... Also. PLANNING and ADVERTISING. Now I dont mean spending money on advertising, but just getting the word out... I see a few shows that could be ALOT bigger than they are, but they have crappy advertisement. PLANNING is a big thing. I cant stand having to sit in line to register for a show for 2-3 hours, especially if its a one day show.... -JamieSTSOCAL---------------------------------------------Seductive, Spectrum, Bon Ton Vans, Even Sunset.... Before the internet these clubs had huge shows. Word of mouth, promotion etc build events. First events may not be big but a first impression does wonders. Jamie went from a little parking lot to California speedway with the Octoberfest. Long lead time on promotion helps. If you event is just a month or two away thats really not enough time to get an event that is large. Just know you won't be retiring from the money brought in on the events.

I do agree with the statement on, it depends who is throwing the show. Maybe you know that person, there attitude and intentions.  But like everyone else has said. Location, atomosphere, how well it's organized, and what time of the year it is. Does it for me. Layd out at the park and Indy truck bash have to be my 2 all time favorite shows. Layd out at the park, is so laid back and chilled with a great location and very hi quality rides. The city people show the up most respect to the truckers, and dilliard recognizes a problem and puts a cease to it. To prevent it from happening next year.  I would love to throw a show one day, I have been involved with a year round meet for 3 years now and it's a blast seeing all the guys come together to shoot the shit over the weekend. I have really been considering throwing a show, because of the location I'm at. Right smack in the midwest, it's awsome to see so many people wanting to lend a hand and share there knowledge, we need more people like this today to keep our scene alive in the future.

---------------------------------------------Originally posted by Chopped Mazda---------------------------------------------Originally posted by hennyI like weiners---------------------------------------------thats whats up!---------------------------------------------i don't even know what to say... nothing but you're gay comes to mind, lol.  just joking.....i think.