I knew there was someone missing in the counting thread!

Congratulations!!

 

It's my first MOTD, so I have no idea what to expect or any expectations built up, but I just wanted to say thanks for having a Vegetarian option at the meals. Means a lot!

 

Well, if it comes to pass that it has to be scrubbed and the vendors have to go to the lot by the Adventure Center, you won't hear me whining. You tried!

Maybe MINIUSA will swoop in as a 'title sponsor' with $ to help have the 'MINI USA pavilion'! A guy can dream...

 

It's still unclear whether the issue is related largely to (1) a bigger percentage of unregistered people who still plan to attend MOTD, or (2) a general leveling-off of the overall interest in the event. That stated, a couple of posters made passing comments deep in this thread about the increased level of competition from other MINI-related events. I think this facet has been under-explored.

As the MINI has grown in popularity and numbers, there are certainly more events to choose from--at the local, regional, and national level. The big, national events seem to have more active promotion and sponsorship with each passing year, each attempting to climb to a unique level of recognition and status. I think this puts them in a natural competitive position with each other.

At the same time there are more local clubs, and each of them is starting to establish its own traditions with periodic local events that are easy for people to get to and tend to draw familiar MINIs and faces who are comfortable in this more closely knit social circle. These locally sponsored events are also attractive to the clubs because they help to establish the club's identity both among the MINI faithful and with the local citizenry. As these clubs flourish and grow, the number of events they host also tends to grow. But--stating the obvious--there are only so many weekends in the year and even fewer that can be dedicated to full immersion in the MINI culture.

I see something similar happening with the professional conferences and symposia associated with my particular scientific career field. The national societies that sponsor these events have expanded their efforts and now hold several semiannual and annual events both within and outside the U.S. Yet, an individual can only produce a finite number of abstracts and papers in any one year, and most employers can't afford the travel costs and time off these days for more than one or two major conferences per year. As a result, the Executive Committees of those national societies are scratching their heads today wondering why their numbers and profits are down.

I've opted for MITM3 instead of MOTD '08 this year, principally because it will be easier for me to take the time off in August. Even so, my personal MINI event calendar is full through September to the point that additional commitments would probably put my marriage at risk. Almost all of these gatherings represent our own local group events or participation in events hosted by neighboring local clubs.

I do hope that MOTD '08 is an unqualified success, and that '09 (when I can attend) is even better.

 

But of course we would have an option for vegetarians! Wouldn't DREAM of it without! Just not fair. Hope you enjoy it!

 

I was wondering if some are possibly on the fence regarding MOTD due to MTTS. Holding off and trying to see if they could do some of both or if they will have to make a choice.

I would like to say that I too, have attended every Dragon Run. I too, have given my time to organize and lead drives, plan and hold TSD Rallyes for multiple years. I brought the first autocross to this event and sought prizes for the autocrossers. I made trophies for the rallyes. I too, have spent my personal funds for the enjoyment of others at the Dragon. I think it is wrong to heavily criticize those who don't wish to be part of the organized activities.

I would like to wish good luck and success to all who are freely giving their personal time and efforts this year.

 

I too mentioned the cost of the event when I registered.
But then I thought about the Porsche Parade cost (I have an old, cheap Porsche) and trust me the difference between MOTD and the Parade is significant. The actual dollar expenditure is relatively equal, but your dollar goes a whole lot further at the Dragon...

 

How can we save the tent if the registration does not climb high enough?
Extra donation? 50/50 raffle? Anyother ideas?

 

It seems like alot of people are waiting till the first week of april to register. Myself mainly because it is when I get paid. I wish Mark could hold off the final desision for the tent till after Registration closes, just to see exactly what will happen.

 

Unfortunatly the tent company requires 5 weeks notice, so it's somewhat out of Mark's hands.

 

How about if ten people pledge to pay a hundred dollars each toward the tent cost if registration does not reach at least 700? Would that work for you, Mark?

Make that nine. In for $100.

 

I'm not really comfortable putting this kind of burden on just a few people. While I'm not happy with the current numbers I'm thinking that I just go with it and hope that the hold outs come through and we minimize the amount of red created by it.

Someone mentioned that they thought there were people holding out until early April. Exactly how many and why the hold outs?

Mark
:crossedfingers:

 

To those "50+ people"- don't be so lame. Show some true MC enthusiasm and support the MOTD with your registration. You'll feeeel better in the morning if you do.

 

BTW, I am one of the hold outs. I reserved my room last year and just didn't think about registration being open until quite recently. I'll register once I figure out which events I want to attend which, in turn, will have to wait until I have time to think.

Good to hear the tent will go up. I think it will make a real difference.

 

I am one that did have to bail on the dragon this year. It's not due to money though that might have become an issue, I found a new job and with being so new and being the weekend before mothers day, my boss basically said job or dragon. I had to choose the job. but next year I'll have vacation . I hope everyone that has a chance to make it , has a good time. I wish I could be there.

Shannah

 

After reading through everything and listening to people in my area, I think there are a number of people who are trying to figure out why they should register, what makes registration so important? Besides that good feeling of doing "what is right" What else are they getting? Last year proved to some that they didn't need the meals (which are not included) since with size limits many could not attend them. I am registered but I went into it figuring I spent $45 for a shirt, vendor stuff (which costs MOTD nothing) and a name badge. I have attended other events with lower cost and gotten more. I applaud the volunteers who have spent days and their own money getting things together, but when it gets down to it I really think there is a contingent of MINI owners who need to be convinced that registration is actually getting them something they want that they won't get by not registering. Think about it, in a side by side comparison what does registration get you? The tent isn't a selling point for many especially if they are not attending any other events.

 

Heck, I'll donate too...even though I'll have to spend $$$ of my own money making copies for the info table.

 

You're only looking at the physical swag and completely ignoring all of the organization and planning that goes into the event as a whole. It's great that you registered (thanks!) but there's a lot more to registration than that.The tent is a selling point for anyone who enjoys the parking lot in front of the Adventure Center.

If you plan on spending any time at Fontana Village while MOTD is going on, you will directly benefit from all of the hard work put in by the planning team.

Registration isn't just about what's in the bag.

If you (or they) don't think registration is important, why not come on any other 51 weekends of the year, or come to MOTD but avoid Fontana Village?

Um, yeah... I thought so. Everybody benefits from the hard work. Some people choose to mooch off that hard work, and it's a shame. The basic registration is only $10. To the cheapskates who can't even imagine throwing $10 in to help with the planning, but still plan on enjoying the benefits... I hope you work hard on something one day and have people take advantage of you too.

 

I probably will not be able to make it this year as I might have to work, This is the reason I have not registered. Even if I could make it I will not know until after the 7th April and the "Reg" will be closed (except the Free Car one)

 

Actually while the Driver Seat Registration will be closed on the 7th the Passenger Seat will remain open until as late in April as we can. Given this you can still register, select dinners, events, etc.

Mark

 

What makes it important is that without the revenue generated by the registration, MOTD in its current form would not be possible. There is alot of time and money that goes into this event. There are negoitiations for lower room rates, negotiations with Fontana and other local authorities for meeting space (you didn't think that Fontana was letting us use all of their meeting space for free did you?), organizing dinners and events, coordinating vendor space, the tent (which not only serves as a dining and vendor space, but allows for the central meeting area that everyone missed last year) and alot of other things that if you were to pay for on your own would cost alot more than $10.

If your finances are so bad that you can't afford $10 for registration, maybe you should rethink the idea of taking a vacation alltogether.

 

Thank you for restating my point- to many out there that is what registration is about, they accept the need for a small fee for administering the event, but the rest of it is "What do I get?" I've been to enough fundraising events where when people leave they don't talk about how good they feel for helping out a cause or what a great job the volunteers did, instead they are bragging about the deal they got on some item in the auction or the dinner. Unfortunately we live in a society where too many think only about the stuff.

Again, I thank those who have put in countless uncompensated hours to make this happen. You all make the rest of us look like slackers. (this was one of the reasons why I volunteered to be in charge of a drive and set up the geocaching event- blatant plug & defensive comment "See, I'm not one of those people" ). But not everyone is going to help, some are just there for the drive, and the fellowship, so unless you start checking badges at the gate, or making registration required when you check in at the lodge this will be a problem... and no, I did not just volunteer to be a badge checker.

 

Thanks for clearing it up Mark

 

Really Scott...... is the job that important???

 

It runs May- Oct so yes