French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

[Michael J.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

True, but I didn't see you again at Mobile to say congrats......

[Harry L.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

True, but I didn't see you again at Mobile to say congrats......

Michael,

Mike and his Bride were pre-occupied with a health issue early on. We all missed seeing more of them.

Harry

[Michael J.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

I know Harry, I was just being facetious.

[Tony S.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

The best awards are presented at the national convention, Duntov, Bowtie, McClellan, Hill, Founders, 200, 300, 400, etc. Members that receive these awards understand the sacrifice a member makes in the pursuit of the award. A chapter member with 4 judging points going to a nearby regional will not understand the significance of the award being presented. I will never forget Grant Wong running up the aisle hollering in Palm Springs after 20 years of judging cars, being awarded his 100 level master's judge hat. It was a special moment for him and his friends. I don't see an upside to diluting these awards by presenting them at a regional. That 1 minute of fame on the big stage is important to us.

I agree, Mike! We judges spend thousands of dollars and countless hours judging other members' cars for what? A free ham sandwich? The Society and its members owe each judge and owner a minute of time for recognition.

[Michael J.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

I agree Tony, and I had been going to several Nationals before I ever went to the membership meeting or awards banquet. If you don't want to see all that, and are not getting any award, you can just not attend.

[Mike D.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

We got our money's worth staying in our room..... Maybe I will get my national car awards in Frisco but not staying for the awards dinner..........

[Joseph S.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

- Make the event more than just a judging event - as has been previously stated vendors/ suppliers, tech sessions
- Incorporate activities that will appeal to contemporary Corvette owners and potential owners. Resto-mod, performance products, service providers
-Recognition very important- however meetings could be more efficient. Somehow HS graduations get through 500 graduates in a little over an hour. No need to wait for someone to walk from the back of the room receive award before we call the next name.
my take- Joe

[Shannon U.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Thank you for all of your input!

[Mark E.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Thank you for all of your input!

Thank you for listening. Keep us posted with the follow-up.

[Bob K.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

No to music except in the elevators

National anthem is good

on site lunch choices for non judges

more variety in Judging schools, don't need to hear about C2/C3 paint every time, etc.

Continue welcome reception - only social event at the event where people can mis and talk

Pre-membership meeting buffet was good especially for those running late

Like the idea about on-site interviews to get different prespectives

[Colton S.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

I think that this would be a great idea. I've always enjoyed watching the facebook lives that some members do at meets. It also helps the members that cannot make it to the meet be involved.

[Diane Q.]

[Michael J.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

Tony would be a great add to any program. I credit him with getting me into that segment of the hobby, and his book has been my bible as I restored several of these great cars.

[Tom R.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

I would like to see more judging school offerings.

I agree and would add that those offerings should be stratified to address the classes of Corvettes judged or C1 through C5 (or is C6 now?) and not merely C1-C2. And those offerings could be expanded beyond judging/preservation. For newer classes (C4-C6) why not incorporate seminars that offer fixes for mechanical operations? I am thinking of Paul Koerner (GM technician) who conducts seminars of later generations that are a big draw at both Carlisle and the NCM Bash. But this, more than likely adds to convention expense. Of course, the retired Corvette Chief Engineers always attracts a full crowd and is a draw across all classes.

The entire seminar/judging school offerings would benefit from a deliberate planning effort to ensure those offerings are stratified across the classes...something for everyone. The question remains "does the convention training/education program address the strategic goals currently under review and study?" It would be interesting to learn "who is attending national conventions?" What percentage of attendees are repeats? How many are first time attendees? Are NCRS national conventions attracting new member-attendees? As well as what drew them to attend? Car judged? Judging experience? Seminars? Venue and geographic location?

Terry McManmon does a fantastic job with his Advanced Judging Schools! You never know what it will be about and there is always a lot of active participation in the classes.

The AJS's are offered based on the "best of class" Corvettes that are registered for judging and that becomes the draw for attendees. Of course, one cannot discount the earning of "judging points" in lieu of a judging assignment. TM typically pulls in knowledgeable judges who can underscore the distinct features of those Corvettes that are offered up on the lifts and that becomes an impressive teaching tool.

[David H.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana National Convention July 23-27, 2023

... And those offerings could be expanded beyond judging/preservation. ...

Tom

I personally would like to see expanded "DIY/How-To" schools offered. However, I expect interest level vs expense is prohibitive.

Years back, Bloomington Gold offered "Gold School" courses that did just that. Cost money to attend, but GREAT classes on how to do things - a wide variety of offerings by knowledgeable instructors.

IMO Gold School now is but a shell of its former self. Classes like How to purchase a C1, etc, reflect today's interest level.

Look around, how many members actually work on their Corvettes vs just write checks?

"Free" will always attract folks. Why not? But $100 to $200 extra per student needed to attract a Paul Koerner level instructor to an NCRS event - how many NCRS members would pay registration plus that extra charge? Paul, rightfully so, fills the tent with his Corvettes at Carlisle seminars. However, those filled tents vs CaC total attendance is a small percentage. I expect NCRS would reflect similar low percentage interest levels.

I think, NCRS Technical Discussion Board can serve as a surrogate for DIY interest in schools. How many NCRS members frequent this TB vs how many NCRS members total? I expect that percentage would carry over to National/Regional participation.

What are common questions on this Tech Board? That is a reflection of questions/concerns our members have. Do we offer schools on those interests? Sometimes yes, and sometimes those topics are off limits.

All for having more technical schools.

Dave