Traditions at TBN gatherings

[E'sBird]

Since the club has been going for around 10 years, I would assume there are traditions around gatherings. We are looking to a Heartland gathering in the fall. I am new to the TBN and a couple of us are wishing to organize an event in Kansas City, Topeka, KS area. I would like someone to give me an idea about basic information, fees, length, and anything else that might help us get started. Both KC and Topeka are rich in a lot of areas. I understand that several vets are members. Hey, I am an old VA chaplain. Thanks for our service to our country.

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Traditions at TBN gatherings

Yea, Earl! We've been after that bunch in Kansas City to put something together for quite awhile. Sounds like they might finally have someone that is willing to head it up! You can't get much more centrally located in the US than the KC/Topeka area.

You have some guys in that neck of the woods that have been to several TBN events with the leader of that pack being the Bunny himself, Mr. Lou. Events have varied drastically over the years. They have been as long as 5 day and as short as a few hours. They have been planned down to the last minute with activities and they have been set up with lots of free time for people to explore on there own. Some have been set up as charity events while others have been set up strictly for the pleasure of those who attend. It all just depends on what the event planners want to put together. Make the plan, figure out what it will cost and make fees that will cover your costs - expect to break even but you can probably also expect to have a little anxiety along the way as you are waiting for folks to commit to coming.

If there is one tradition that all events have, it is that folks will have a great time no matter what is planned, because after 10 years it really is more about the people than the car or the place. Other than that the events have been varied and not very predictable as to content. The most predictable thing about the events seems to be that we will eat a lot and often - its always great to check out the local cuisine! KC BBQ will be a natural.

The other thing you should know is that all you have to do is ask and many of us that have organized events in the past will be glad to help in anyway we can, especially those of us in the Heartland Chapter.

Fall sounds like a great time for a gathering and it doesn't appear anyone else has announced anything for that time frame.

Can't wait!

[R-04-Merlot]

Re: Traditions at TBN gatherings

Earl,
First I suggest, looking through the details of the past and upcoming events. Second, I suggest talking with some current and past planners.

IMHO some of the things that make a great event are:
* - Have a central gathering spot. A spot where during the day or evenings attendees can gather together, enjoy a beverage or two, and just talk with each other. My best event memories are of the time I spend talking and getting to know other members better.

* - Have a good mix of scheduled activities and free time. This gives everyone some time to explore on their own and gather their thoughts. Things always take longer than you think they will.

* - Have a mixture of pay in advance and pay as you go food options.

We make a new memory and new tradition around here every day. I would love to attend every event. Work interferes with that plan. Therefore, I attend all I can that fit our schedule. I've never left an event wishing I had stayed home. I've been to events lasting one day and to events lasting five days. I'm sure you read about the event Frits pulled off across the pond which last several weeks. A trip of a lifetime for some lucky members who were able to go.

We all like to explore an area together and most importantly spend time together.

I hope this helps.

[E'sBird]

Re: Traditions at TBN gatherings

Good info, I want to get at least a couple of TBN'rs together in December. There is a lot to do in the area ranging from Art Museums, Combat Air Museums, Worlds of Fun Amusement Park, cruise locations to include Heartland Park site of many NHRA and SCCA events. Heartland may make a good gathering spot if I can work out the details, if not, some car dealerships may be willing to host us at various days. Lots of ideas, many options to examine. I will keep on keepin' on.
Thanks,
EARL

[darsinewman]

Re: Traditions at TBN gatherings

Earl, as far as the central gathering spot Rhonda mentioned, the "host hotel" you choose for the event will probably have a meeting room or something like that that you may be able to reserve for our group for the duration of the event. That's usually a good place for people to get together in the evenings after dinner, etc., so it's pretty easy to get back to your hotel room when you're ready to rest up.

[Rondor]

Re: Traditions at TBN gatherings

I agree with most comments here, especially about a common gathering place and free time. One activity pertaining to the cars is all that is really needed but a common parking area keeping them together and secure is essential. Optional lacal tours etc. are nice but not overly structured. Biggest part of attending is spending time with and getting to know other T Bird owners.

[DavidA]

Re: Traditions at TBN gatherings

Earl: I still suggest you attend one or 2 of the upcoming events to meet some of the people and talk and learn. Try to get to Hot Springs in March. It will be a great experience for you and we'd love to meet you.

[jayred1]

Re: Traditions at TBN gatherings

Earl - Here's an idea (don't know if it's possible or who to contact, but ...), see if we could take the birds around Kansas Speedway on the west (Kansas) side of KC metro! The Legends complex next to the track has lots of dining/shopping opportunities. Depending on the time of year, there is a water park, a brand new professional soccer stadium opening next year, easy access from the airport if anyone wants to fly in from a distance, short drives to Lawrence/Topeka, and haven't been there, but heard nearby Weston has a winery, brewery and some unique small-town shops/architecture http://westonmo.com/visit/main.html. Of course in KC, the Plaza for shopping, Power/Light District for nightclubs, and much more.

[Ski]

Re: Traditions at TBN gatherings

Anything that you can add to the itinerary of events that is 'car related' is always a plus.

[E'sBird]

Re: Traditions at TBN gatherings

Earl - Here's an idea (don't know if it's possible or who to contact, but ...), see if we could take the birds around Kansas Speedway on the west (Kansas) side of KC metro! The Legends complex next to the track has lots of dining/shopping opportunities. Depending on the time of year, there is a water park, a brand new professional soccer stadium opening next year, easy access from the airport if anyone wants to fly in from a distance, short drives to Lawrence/Topeka, and haven't been there, but heard nearby Weston has a winery, brewery and some unique small-town shops/architecture http://westonmo.com/visit/main.html. Of course in KC, the Plaza for shopping, Power/Light District for nightclubs, and much more.

Hey, Guy, wanna be included in the planning process? I see you are in Olathe. The more we can get involved we can begin to designate and divide the project into pieces. Interesting, I was thinking of a gathering place being a "car related" location like Heartland Park at Topeka, Kansas Speedway at KC, etc. I was not thinking of a hotel as a gathering place, humm, may need to rethink. Got any time in early December?
EARL