EOM2009 / NAFO2010

[jwilly]

I have held off discussing EOM 2009 primarily because of Wayne and Annette's accident. Wayne and I had a conversation about next years EOM while we were in Lewisburg. Wayne asked me if I would be interested in being the rally master next year and I told him I would under one condition. I can't do it myself! Wayne said that he would help any way possible and I hope that the other people that can read this section will step up and help as well.

I know the big question is Location!! At this point I have no news but I'm gathering some information to narrow it down to 2-3 locations so we can decide which way to go.

As we all know EOM 2009 will have some direct ties to NAFO 2010. I have had conversations with several people including a few of the forum admins about NAFO and if you guys are comfortable with it I will commit to being the rally master of NAFO 2010 as well. Again the only reason I would commit to heading this up is knowing some of my brothers and sisters here in the East will step up and make the event a huge success!

The NAFO committee will be very similar to what Iggy has described in other posts. Start out with a few key people to get through some of the initial steps and then add committee chairpersons to handle specific areas of the event. (banquets, tshirts, printed materials, security, etc..)

One of the things that I would like to also accomplish over the couple of events is to document everything we do so that it will make future events easier to plan and execute. Also try to get some newer folks within the community involved so they could help plan and run future events.

Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?

If you don't agree with this strategy, speak up! You won't hurt my feelings, no one else has stepped up and I felt compelled to do so because I really enjoy these events and want to see them continue and improve.

Best Regards,

Jason

 

[ngarider]

I think it's a crap strategy.

I'm in. Should be fun.

 

[Scab]

I'm in. However the collective would like it done is fine by me.

...as long as it's my way.

 

[thompsonian]

Count me in as well! I'm up to help in any way shape or form! As long as I don't win the " Fencer " award!

 

[Fencer]

I think it's a crap strategy.

I'm in. Should be fun.

+1

 

[luvtoride]

Jason, have you read anything that I've written? Or are you saying that I am pushed to the side no matter what I think?

 

[jwilly]

Jason, have you read anything that I've written? Or are you saying that I am pushed to the side no matter what I think?

Huh? No i have read the posts about this and nobody was stepping up to lead so I did. Is there something I missed? If I run the event I would want you to be a key player in the planning and running of NAFO.

Your quote:

Well, as professed by myself... I'm not a natural leader. If that's what would make a good rallymaster, then I should probably step out now.

 

[jwilly]

Jason, have you read anything that I've written? Or are you saying that I am pushed to the side no matter what I think?

I also don't understand why you feel like I'm pushing you aside? I have offered to be the Rally Master. I don't want to try to run and plan this on my own. I have a lot of experience negotiating contracts and working with hotel and convention centers for large events. That's what I do everyday in my professional life.

This event is going to take 5-7 people committed to making it a success to go anywhere. I offered to head it and find those people so we can have a hugely successful event.

JW

 

[luvtoride]

As opposed to writing in here, I am going to send you an email.

 

[ngarider]

Not to take anything away from the rally master title, but the real work is done by the other volunteers. The HMFIC post is one of massive coordination and scheduling, and making the fundamental, final decisions with input from advisers. You can have more of an impact on the event by lending your skills to the area in which they're best suited.

If you're not a natural leader, then a leader you should not be. If you're spectacular at making routes, do that. If you're an expert at dealing with venues and negotiating, then we want you for that.

The rally master should be able to assess and assign tasks and areas of influence based on the skills of the individual volunteers.

Having never been an event coordinator myself, this is what I've learned through years of helping and volunteering for car and bike events like NAFO. In fact, for 3 consecutive 500+ car events with the Impala SS Owners, I was picked to run the judged car show -- cause I'm friggin good at it.

My $0.02 in the kitty....

 

[luvtoride]

Dom, please be aware that the original post about a natural born leader & me stepping out was made in jest. If you are not aware, I had made a commitment to NAFO1 staff & intended to follow through. In the original post there is a joking smilie. I though that it was clear. Apparently not.

So, how did you get in here, anyway? Someone unlocked the door?

 

[ngarider]

Sorry, missed the smiley.

Yeah, I have compromising pictures of Jason and Jeff.....

 

[Fencer]

Uh Oh, I see a pissing match coming.

I said I would do EOM 08 at the same time (literally) as Wayne, ( I stepped out)

I said I would do 09 Others have indicated they wish to ( I again, step out)

I don't really care one way or the other.

I can lead, follow, committee, or just show up as a participant. makes me no nevermind, one way or the other (my southren is showing)

What I have read already is that Wayne, Heidi, and Jason all have some sort of plan for 09 and or 10.

(note I do not include myself, as I have ideas too and had been in contact with TWN as well, but see 2 lines up)

Its great someone wants the reigns (several as it turns out).

Several strong folks should make for a great event('s)

Take that and run with it B)

 

[Scab]

Uh Oh, I see a pissing match coming.

All this can easily be resolved with a simple ad in "Soldier of Fortune" magazine. May the highest bidder win.

 

[jwilly]

There are some days that my Avatar is more appropriate than others? :lol:

JW

 

[HaulinAshe]

Well, I was all busy making a living as this unfolded. Looks like I missed the excitement again. Darn!

Usually I'm really good at stirring the pot, but I don't own a spoon that would dip in this swirl without instantly rotting off.

If y'all want any opinions or observations about how the Left Coast folks view events as compared to EOM, feel free to ask. I'm full of **** opinions and love to share.

I know a few things from having been to a recent Left Coast rally. Example, event needs to be within reasonable driving distance of a significant airport because more than just a handful of them fly to these things rather than ride. Big sponsors like Yamaha want the same travel options for their key people.

Try not to spill anything over the side of the pot, will ya?

 

[Violione]

Well, I would like to help also and I think that I threw my hat in ring a few days ago as well! I too, like Jeff have a good feel (easy Scab) for what the "Left Coasters" are like and are looking for in a rally too. I sat in at several NAFO (2008) meetings this year while in CO with TWN, Warchild, BigChiefStinkyPants & Iggy, so I have that info/knowledge as well.

I hate pissing matches because nothing gets done and everyone gets wet! This is not a pissing match! We all know each other as friends and we all have our strengths and our weaknesses. Let's take advantage of this knowledge and work together.

For me; I am not asking to be involved so much for the recognition, but for the knowledge and fun of planning an getting to know new people. I don't care to be the chief, although the perks are nice ; I just want to contribute.

Like I said in an earlier thread; there are some things that we could start doing now to not only promote NAFO2010 but to make this an even better rally (not to say NAFO (2008) wasn't a success it was awesome). And YES, we most definitely need to document and "package"this so that it can be handed off to the next region every other year. I surmise that by 2016 the MANUAL will be pretty much set and all the "best practices" will be in writing. I like the idea of NAFO and if we look at other groups (BMW, GOLDWING owners, TRIUMPH-RAT, HOG, etc...) regionals might go away and the National might become the yearly event. Just saying.

 

[luvtoride]

I hate pissing matches because nothing gets done and everyone gets wet! This is not a pissing match!

You are correct, Jay. This is not a pissing match... nor was it ever.

And, I don't think that any one of us have planned an event for the recognition.

 

[extrememarine]

I just read through both of these posts. I am so glad to see so much discussion already about EOM & NAFO. This is good.

Disclaimer ** the follow is the ramblings of someone who has been out of the loop in a semi-drug inducted fog for the past 30 - plus days **

My thoughts on these two topics are just that; EOM 2009 & NAFO need to be 2 separate topics. 1st on the plate should be EOM as it is closest. Then NAFO. The first step with both are selecting the date and location. Once that is done, the other requirements can be laid out on a calendar with due dates that are manageable for that staff member. But we have to know when & where first.

Heidi & I (and fencer) had spoken quite a bit about eom 2008. I jumped in because things were just getting so late in the game last year that i wanted to get it moving. At that point, Heidi had already committed to NAFO2. We all know these events are not "one man (or woman) shows". It takes a dedicated group with a central focus on the end result.

Location, location, location. I think we all agree that some of the best riding in American can be found anywhere between WV and N.GA. I firmly believe that the key to these events is where we plant the flag pole. Lewisburg has provided an excellent base of operation, with great roads less than 10 mins in any direction. I spent 5 years in SC enjoying the Western NC/N. GA roads. I think we could have just as many good ride loop options in and around W NC & N. GA. Franklin, NC or Maggie Valley come to mind, but, again, finding a hotel with the amenities needed is still the challenge.

In 2004, I attended the Honda Hoot with friends in Knoxville, TN. From Knoxville, you can touch all the famous roads (dragon, cherohala, devils triangle) and have the city. It has worked well for the Hoot. They moved from Ashville due to complications with the city. Either location offers easy access to good riding. Chattanooga is right there in the running as well. If anyone has a copy of the MADMAP for eastern US, take a look, there are so many good rides already maped out.

As far as HMFIC (head mo'fo' in charge). I like iggy's description of it. Flexibility is key, and the ability to motivate people to get along and work together. I'm that guy at work, sometimes its "i need you to do this" and sometimes it's "GET IT F'IN DONE NOW!". I prefer to put that person in the closet with the uniform at the end of each day. it's how my family has survived 16 yrs of the Marine Corps. I'm there support in any way possible, I just want a more low key mission this year. That being said, since no one else seems willing to through anyone under the bus, here's how I read things: how about Jason leads EOM 2009, and Heidi has NAFO 2, with the rest of us provide support as required. (give us time to ride because no one will be asking for us, only the hmfic!!!!).

rambled on for long enough, I think. I just need to know how far south Annette and I are riding to see you guys next year!!

Wayne