Obviously registrations are still coming in and we still have a number of weeks remaining to gain more, but I must admit that I am somewhat befuddled at the seemingly slow rate after watching the other events fill up so fast. Can anyone give me a clue? Even as a non-gambler, from the very beginning this idea seemed to me like a lot of fun. So, why are folks holding back? The price (perceived value)? The time slot? Just afraid of scheduling too many things? The idea of "gambling" - even with pretend money? The NAM 'superstars' aren't involved in the planning? What?

One of my regrets from last year is that I didn't get to meet as many different people as I had hoped. I was only able to talk with a few people at each event I attended. While I'm not an uber-extrovert, I'm plenty gregarious! At the banquets you meet the handful of people within spitting distance. At the Brew Swap I was focused on running the BBQ and then on the beer (maybe too much!).

It seems that going to more events is the best way to meet more people. So, to me, this is a great combination event that allows me to be entertained with an activity I wouldn't ordinarily do in a dynamic social environment while supporting a good cause and I get even more chances to win prizes! I can't see what's not to like!

So, really, what's the hesitation? Spill it!

 

I don't have any idea. But I do know that some groups are going to "do their own thing" which is fine. In my way of thinking...you can do that all year long. This is the only time when MINI lovers from all over the country are going to be there. I love my groups and I hope to see everybody there..but I'm reallllly looking forward MOTD and the Casino Night!!

 

We have a very ambitious vacation schedule this year and I'm doing the Dragon on a shoestring. We are only signing up for the brew swap and welcome dinner the rest of the time will be spent on the roads and at Fontana drinking. I look at everything double because I'm married . 25 here and 25 there can add up awfully quickly

 

Since this is our only vacation of the year, we have signed up for almost EVERTHING!!! Except the bbq, since neither of us really eat it, we will probably go for a romantic dinner somewhere else. but as for all the other events, we will be there!
Gots to fit in as much as possible and see as many MINI/Mini friends as we can! I can't wiat to do this...and for a great cause too!
COme on 200!!

 

I've also heard from Dragon Vets that alot of people don't think about registering until April For example, of the Rocket City folks, there might be one or two others who got in on the Welcome Dinner before it filled up This year things seemed to have really spiked from the beginning, then tapered off in the "middle" :impatient

 

Good Stuff! Thanks for sharing (and keep it coming).

In contrast to my biggest regret from last year, the thing I enjoyed most was the "bonding" that took place among our Pittsburgh peeps. We all got along famously and the strengthened friendship has certainly carried on throughout the year at our other local events. However, this happened almost in spite of everything else that went on! There was still plenty of time (especially drive time with 2-way radios) to hang with the group. So, I tend to agree with you minivern - but I certainly understand the desire to forge stronger friendships with the people you see the rest of the year.

I too am doing the Dragon on a shoestring, so I understand budget concerns. I recently quit working for "the man" and became self-employed. For now, we are trying to live on roughly 1/2 of what we earned 1 year ago. I am coming alone since the wifey cannot get the time off work, so it is a little less for me. But I hear ya. You gotta do what you gotta do!

I know that all who come will have a blast. I can feel it in my bones. It WILL be a fantastic event. Our hope is that we'll start a tradition and gain a reputation for the event that will attract more sponsors that will reduce the entrance cost and allow us to grow into an even bigger vision of the event that we have. But we have to start somewhere!

 

The only thing I can think that may have hurt is that the registration for the Monte Carlo Night was not up when MOTD registrations started. What was it like 300 people that registered almost immediately & before the Monte Carlo registration was up? I hope even if this years has to be cancelled, that you will try it again next year. MBE have it ready to go so people can sign up along with the NAM registration package.

Also, even though you have made provisions, the event kinda/sorta conflicts with the midnight run. Plus on Sat nite many people are packing & getting ready to leave Sunday morn so MBE it might be better in the future to have it after the welcome dinner on Thursday night Either way, I am signed up for this year & will do so again next. This worthless 2¢ has been brought to you by bamatt

 

Yes we were late getting the registration open, however that was kind of due to things beyond our control. Yes, Saturday night may be a problem, although there are only 157 of 580 total regs signed up for the midnight run. We originally planned on Thursday night after the welcome dinner, but moved it at the request of Mark(NAM), he felt that there would be a better turn-out in terms or attendees and vendors. However, i have never been and still not convinced of that.

You live and learn I guess!

 

Yes, as Steve mentioned, unfortunately we had some issues that delayed opening registration. I wonder if a notice sent to the MOTD mailing list would make any difference? Or do you think it is less of an exposure issue, than they simply didn't include it in their plans when registering?

We also had to make the trade-off in using the NAM registration vs. cutting cost. As we got down to the wire, cutting costs was our only choice. We maintain hopes of getting enough "grassroots" exposure and good buzz to still get the event off the ground. I am an optimist, but I think we still have enough time left to get to at least our minimum.

Live and learn, INDEED!

 

I hope you do because I am really looking forward to the event but if you don't, I really hope you give it a try again next year because I think the Monte Carlo Night will be loads of fun

 

Well, if it is a no go, I will bring a deck of cards or two and we can all just play some card games! I really hope this works out. I think it will be such a blast!

 

If I were doing all this planning work and it got canceled due to lack of interest there's no way I'd do it again the following year. Its a lot of work and it'll leave a bad taste in your mouth when it can't get off the ground.

If anyone is on the fence and is worried about whether or not they will enjoy it, I say take the chance. If you end up not liking it that much then you don't have to do it next year. This event needs the chance to show everyone how fun it can be and that'll only happen with the registration minimum being met.

People complain that they missed out on the welcome dinner...well use that saved money and come join us for this event.

I've urged the Brew Swappers to join us but I don't think the interest is there from them unfortunately. *Edit* Actually, I'm looking at the registration list now and see the majority of them are Brew Swappers. Way to go guys!

 

Holy Craps!! I'm in.

 

Sweet!

That's a toughy. Because we really believe in the concept. We know that it will be a GREAT event for all that come. No question. (We wouldn't have billed as the "Event not to miss" otherwise!) I think the bigger issue is that the financial hit would be disastrous..... This is not a cheap event to put on. It may force us into not being able to do it again even if we wanted to.

 

Any word on prizes offered by the sponsors as auction or door prizes?
You start mentioning some mods or other goodies and people start listening. That might respark interest.

 

Yes I am going to start taking some pictures and posting information regarding the few things we have so far. Most of the vendors are at AMVIV right now, they have not told us what they will be providing for the auction.
Steve

 

One of my main reasons for not going is that it's on Saturday night. I think it would be a lot of fun and I could dig out the tux for it..but....it's the last night I get to hang with my friends before heading back home in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Most of those 'friends' I only get to see once or twice a year so it comes down to that. I think it would have worked pretty well after the welcome dinner as people left they could have wandered right in for a night of drinking and gambling. Maybe next time or if I can convice 'all' of my friends to go, we'll all be there.

 

what better way to hang out and drink with your friends?

 

If you need any help convincing.... we're right here! Really, I think that this would make for an amazing closing event. No reason you couldn't hang out at the casino! It's not like you have to spend the WHOLE time gambling. I expect there will be some drinking, too! (Mind you, not for the Midnight Dragon runners!)

Oh - No tux required in the casino, but suit yourself! (wow, a DOUBLE pun! ). I will likely be in shorts and T-shirt (well maybe a short sleeve collared shirt and jeans).

 

Registration: See Who's Registered

 

all right all right, I'm in.

 

Cool! ...now about ALL those friends of yours....

 

That's the funny part, I looked at the list and half of them were already on there. I'll work on the other half.

 

I've been thinking about what you said though. It occurs to me that we've been working hard trying to "sell" the concept of a casino night. But, really, the entree here is hanging out with friends in a comfortable, fun, laid-back atmosphere with a bit of entertainment, adult beverages, snacks, prizes, and a charity on the side.

As with anything, you get involved at the level that makes you happiest. For some, they'll be whooping it up at the tables. For others, they'll maybe try a little of this or a little of that and mill around watching/talking to others. I think that is part of the beauty of the event - a little something for everyone!

 

I agree. I'll be milling around, playing here and there, but mainly mingling with all the people I know from the previous MOTD and all my new friends from this MOTD. With a drink in my hand of course.