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First annual STF Get Together

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Jamie154594

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I belong to another enthusuasts forum... one for Volkswagen TDI (Turbo Diesel) cars. We had our first get together in Wilmington, North Carolina in early September 2000. It was a roaring success. There was maybe 40 people from all over the US, Canada, and even Europe! Each year there has been an annual GTG (get together). 2001 was in Michigan I think, 2002 was Park City Utah, and 2003 was Toronto Canada.

And what a time we have! We drag race (on a track of course), rally, talk about our modifications, and of course, eat good food and make new friends. There's lots of car related activities to keep us busy for 3 days (it's usually a long weekend). There's usually an official hotel, so we can all hang out together, and vendors are actually encouraged to attend, so we get to see lots of new products. In fact, the vendors donate things to use as prizes, which makes the event even more fun.

I was thinking, maybe we should do the same thing here! For the car crowd, in order to accomodate the most people we also have what we call mini GTGs. There's less planning and planned activities, it's usually one night, and is more informal. Perhaps we could do the same? I propose we pick a destination, and a time, and just show up.

Here's my thoughts...

Location:
  • Should have lots of photo ops, so we can have informal field trips
  • Should be a place that is fun for non photographers too so spouses and kids can tag along.
  • My first suggestion for STF-GTG-I ? New York City
  • As an alternative, I would love to set something up for the Ottawa area. Our Tulip festival is world famous, and Ottawa is a beautiful city. Might be a little slim on the family destination side though, but I don't have kids so what do I know!
Date:
  • Selfish motive #1: I am still looking for work, so I want it to be next fall at the earliest!
  • Summers are better for most, no?
  • Ottawa in spring is very nice, and if it was in Ottawa, I would organize it.
Activities:
This is the fun one! we need stuff for:
  • Kids
  • Bored kids.
  • Spouses.
  • Group.
Activities can just be a suggested destination... easy to do in a bigger city.

Finally, the car club, like this forum, is run by one guy, out of his own pocket. We paid his way to the first one, and paid for his hotel I think. That would be alot to ask for our first one, but if it was a success it would be doable in the following year!

Thoughts?

Jamie
 
Sounds like a good Idea.

Given that I am currently broke. I vote Bangkok Thailand.

Loads of Photo OPs, Loads of weird and wonderful stuff for the Kids and spouses too, shopping is great - cheap for clothes jewelery, leather goods etc

Loads of fun to be had by all
Jamie said:
I belong to another enthusuasts forum... one for Volkswagen TDI
(Turbo Diesel) cars. We had our first get together in Wilmington,
North Carolina in early September 2000. It was a roaring success.
There was maybe 40 people from all over the US, Canada, and even
Europe! Each year there has been an annual GTG (get together).
2001 was in Michigan I think, 2002 was Park City Utah, and 2003 was
Toronto Canada.

And what a time we have! We drag race (on a track of course),
rally, talk about our modifications, and of course, eat good food
and make new friends. There's lots of car related activities to
keep us busy for 3 days (it's usually a long weekend). There's
usually an official hotel, so we can all hang out together, and
vendors are actually encouraged to attend, so we get to see lots of
new products. In fact, the vendors donate things to use as prizes,
which makes the event even more fun.

I was thinking, maybe we should do the same thing here! For the car
crowd, in order to accomodate the most people we also have what we
call mini GTGs. There's less planning and planned activities, it's
usually one night, and is more informal. Perhaps we could do the
same? I propose we pick a destination, and a time, and just show up.

Here's my thoughts...

Location:
  • Should have lots of photo ops, so we can have informal field trips
  • Should be a place that is fun for non photographers too so
spouses and kids can tag along.
  • My first suggestion for STF-GTG-I ? New York City
  • As an alternative, I would love to set something up for the
Ottawa area. Our Tulip festival is world famous, and Ottawa is a
beautiful city. Might be a little slim on the family destination
side though, but I don't have kids so what do I know!

Date:
  • Selfish motive #1: I am still looking for work, so I want it to
be next fall at the earliest!
  • Summers are better for most, no?
  • Ottawa in spring is very nice, and if it was in Ottawa, I would
organize it.

Activities:
This is the fun one! we need stuff for:
  • Kids
  • Bored kids.
  • Spouses.
  • Group.
Activities can just be a suggested destination... easy to do in a
bigger city.

Finally, the car club, like this forum, is run by one guy, out of
his own pocket. We paid his way to the first one, and paid for his
hotel I think. That would be alot to ask for our first one, but if
it was a success it would be doable in the following year!

Thoughts?

Jamie
Click to expand...
--
http://bradm.photopoints.com ,
http://www.usefilm.com/browse.php?mode=port&data=13628
 
New York City would be a great location; keep me posted!
Jamie said:
I belong to another enthusuasts forum... one for Volkswagen TDI
(Turbo Diesel) cars. We had our first get together in Wilmington,
North Carolina in early September 2000. It was a roaring success.
There was maybe 40 people from all over the US, Canada, and even
Europe! Each year there has been an annual GTG (get together).
2001 was in Michigan I think, 2002 was Park City Utah, and 2003 was
Toronto Canada.

And what a time we have! We drag race (on a track of course),
rally, talk about our modifications, and of course, eat good food
and make new friends. There's lots of car related activities to
keep us busy for 3 days (it's usually a long weekend). There's
usually an official hotel, so we can all hang out together, and
vendors are actually encouraged to attend, so we get to see lots of
new products. In fact, the vendors donate things to use as prizes,
which makes the event even more fun.

I was thinking, maybe we should do the same thing here! For the car
crowd, in order to accomodate the most people we also have what we
call mini GTGs. There's less planning and planned activities, it's
usually one night, and is more informal. Perhaps we could do the
same? I propose we pick a destination, and a time, and just show up.

Here's my thoughts...

Location:
  • Should have lots of photo ops, so we can have informal field trips
  • Should be a place that is fun for non photographers too so
spouses and kids can tag along.
  • My first suggestion for STF-GTG-I ? New York City
  • As an alternative, I would love to set something up for the
Ottawa area. Our Tulip festival is world famous, and Ottawa is a
beautiful city. Might be a little slim on the family destination
side though, but I don't have kids so what do I know!

Date:
  • Selfish motive #1: I am still looking for work, so I want it to
be next fall at the earliest!
  • Summers are better for most, no?
  • Ottawa in spring is very nice, and if it was in Ottawa, I would
organize it.

Activities:
This is the fun one! we need stuff for:
  • Kids
  • Bored kids.
  • Spouses.
  • Group.
Activities can just be a suggested destination... easy to do in a
bigger city.

Finally, the car club, like this forum, is run by one guy, out of
his own pocket. We paid his way to the first one, and paid for his
hotel I think. That would be alot to ask for our first one, but if
it was a success it would be doable in the following year!

Thoughts?

Jamie
Click to expand...
 
Not NYC please...

No offense to the New Yorkers out there, but it's hugely expensive, and quite a shock for we who dwell in towns of 3000, and somewhere more central would be nice for those of us on the West coast. I've always wanted to photograph the Bonneville Salt Flats....
Jamie said:
I belong to another enthusuasts forum... one for Volkswagen TDI
(Turbo Diesel) cars. We had our first get together in Wilmington,
North Carolina in early September 2000. It was a roaring success.
There was maybe 40 people from all over the US, Canada, and even
Europe! Each year there has been an annual GTG (get together).
2001 was in Michigan I think, 2002 was Park City Utah, and 2003 was
Toronto Canada.

And what a time we have! We drag race (on a track of course),
rally, talk about our modifications, and of course, eat good food
and make new friends. There's lots of car related activities to
keep us busy for 3 days (it's usually a long weekend). There's
usually an official hotel, so we can all hang out together, and
vendors are actually encouraged to attend, so we get to see lots of
new products. In fact, the vendors donate things to use as prizes,
which makes the event even more fun.

I was thinking, maybe we should do the same thing here! For the car
crowd, in order to accomodate the most people we also have what we
call mini GTGs. There's less planning and planned activities, it's
usually one night, and is more informal. Perhaps we could do the
same? I propose we pick a destination, and a time, and just show up.

Here's my thoughts...

Location:
  • Should have lots of photo ops, so we can have informal field trips
  • Should be a place that is fun for non photographers too so
spouses and kids can tag along.
  • My first suggestion for STF-GTG-I ? New York City
  • As an alternative, I would love to set something up for the
Ottawa area. Our Tulip festival is world famous, and Ottawa is a
beautiful city. Might be a little slim on the family destination
side though, but I don't have kids so what do I know!

Date:
  • Selfish motive #1: I am still looking for work, so I want it to
be next fall at the earliest!
  • Summers are better for most, no?
  • Ottawa in spring is very nice, and if it was in Ottawa, I would
organize it.

Activities:
This is the fun one! we need stuff for:
  • Kids
  • Bored kids.
  • Spouses.
  • Group.
Activities can just be a suggested destination... easy to do in a
bigger city.

Finally, the car club, like this forum, is run by one guy, out of
his own pocket. We paid his way to the first one, and paid for his
hotel I think. That would be alot to ask for our first one, but if
it was a success it would be doable in the following year!

Thoughts?

Jamie
Click to expand...
--
CindyD or SarahD
If one of us is laughing, and the other one isn't, one of us must be wrong...
 
From my experience with a couple other enthusiast forum get-togethers, here is my perspective on how to make it work:

1) One or two of the more respected and charismatic leaders (not necessarily "official") of STF get behind this in a passionate way. Takes a lot of organization and determination.

2) Added value. Getting a couple dozen, or hopefully even more, photography enthusiasts together in one place is a great opportunity for a) teachers who want to conduct seminars and workshops, and b) sponsors looking for a goldmine of a precisely targeted audience. Sponsors help defray the costs, and reasonable rates (group discount sorta thing) on the workshops provide the real value add.

They are phenomenal when pulled off well... I would kill for one on digital photography, even better if it is Sony focused. Even mo' better, if there are photoshop workshops!

Vance
 
Yo! Who would have the time to pull off a convention! Would be great though! Grand idea.
Vancemac said:
From my experience with a couple other enthusiast forum
get-togethers, here is my perspective on how to make it work:

1) One or two of the more respected and charismatic leaders (not
necessarily "official") of STF get behind this in a passionate way.
Takes a lot of organization and determination.

2) Added value. Getting a couple dozen, or hopefully even more,
photography enthusiasts together in one place is a great
opportunity for a) teachers who want to conduct seminars and
workshops, and b) sponsors looking for a goldmine of a precisely
targeted audience. Sponsors help defray the costs, and reasonable
rates (group discount sorta thing) on the workshops provide the
real value add.

They are phenomenal when pulled off well... I would kill for one
on digital photography, even better if it is Sony focused. Even
mo' better, if there are photoshop workshops!

Vance
Click to expand...
--
http://netgarden.smugmug.com/
My new DSC V1 Sony and Mavica FD88
 
1ofUs! said:
Not NYC please...
No offense to the New Yorkers out there, but it's hugely expensive,
Click to expand...
That's an excellent point I never considered...
1ofUs! said:
and quite a shock for we who dwell in towns of 3000, and somewhere
more central would be nice for those of us on the West coast. I've
always wanted to photograph the Bonneville Salt Flats....
Click to expand...
That's near the Grand Canyon, and Park Lake City, Utah, right? Might be enough to satisfy my desire to make sure there's something for spouses and families to do... but it is far away for me to organize. How about Toronto, Ontario, Canada? Big city with lots to do, but without NYC prices.

Jamie
 
Jamie,

When you consider we have folks from all over the world there's no one perfect location. Instead of going so big why not try to get STFers from your area together. If it works it would encourage others to try the same thing and then after you have some experience you can try something bigger.

harry

http://www.pbase.com/hpb
--

'We don't make a photograph just with a camera; we bring to the act of photography all the books we have read, the movies we have seen, the music we have heard, the people we have loved.' Ansel Adams
 
You really have to come to Maine! Its awesome mountains the ocean acadia national park all kind sof summer festivals, cheap hotels and i live here LOL
 
Here's and Offer:

I have managed large conventions (2,000+ for four days) here in the midwest. I would suggest we gather at the Holiday Inn in Collinsville, IL, which is just across the river from St. Louis. The hotel has many meeting rooms for various seminars, a great restaurant -with many more nearby, a water park with many children's rides, etc., a large mall nearby, and of course all the attractions of St. Louis ( the "Arch", a great zoo, etc.).

There are also many other less expensive motels nearby, as there is a large convention center next door to the motel. All-in-all, a good location served by I-64 and I-55, plus the St. Louis airport.

If we can get some of the leaders of this forum on board, I'll be glad to help with the nitty-gritty details. Perhaps the leaders could arrange the seminar topics and set up the presenters, etc. I'll take care of the space, reservations, directions, "brochure", and all the other stuff.

Let me know what you think.

John Woodruff
zzziippyyy said:
You really have to come to Maine! Its awesome mountains the ocean
acadia national park all kind sof summer festivals, cheap hotels
and i live here LOL
Click to expand...
--
Woody
'The absense of alternatives clarifies the mind greatly.'
  • Henry Kissinger
 
Great Idea! But I suggest Las Vegas...Why?

1) Central Location, alot of things to do...best place for night pictures. People can watch shows, gambling in their own time. It's a perfect place for conferences, the hotel cost is very reasonable.

2) About an hour from Las Vega is the famous Hoover Dam and the surrounded areas full with beautiful sceneries



3) 2-3 hours to the north is a beautiful Zion National Park and the world famous Bryce Canyon, great place for photography especially in the Spring. Moving a little further east (about another 2 hours) is a amazing scenery of the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

4) If we keep on going on the state highway 89, the next stop would be Lake Powel, about 5-6 hours from Las Vegas...This place is a heaven for the photographers.

This picture was taken on the State highway 89 in Utah, between Zion National Park and Lake Powell...The scenery on this highway is out of this world.



And this one is about 2 hours from Lake Powel



If we spend about 3-4 days we can cover every things. If we just stay in Las Vegas, there will be more than enough activities and photos for us to take...And the best thing is Las Vegas always has all kind of great deals to attract tourists.

Just some suggestions for you, guarantee you will have a great vacation and at the same time we will have a few days to spend with the best people on the planet.

Antoine
Jamie said:
I belong to another enthusuasts forum... one for Volkswagen TDI
(Turbo Diesel) cars. We had our first get together in Wilmington,
North Carolina in early September 2000. It was a roaring success.
There was maybe 40 people from all over the US, Canada, and even
Europe! Each year there has been an annual GTG (get together).
2001 was in Michigan I think, 2002 was Park City Utah, and 2003 was
Toronto Canada.

And what a time we have! We drag race (on a track of course),
rally, talk about our modifications, and of course, eat good food
and make new friends. There's lots of car related activities to
keep us busy for 3 days (it's usually a long weekend). There's
usually an official hotel, so we can all hang out together, and
vendors are actually encouraged to attend, so we get to see lots of
new products. In fact, the vendors donate things to use as prizes,
which makes the event even more fun.

I was thinking, maybe we should do the same thing here! For the car
crowd, in order to accomodate the most people we also have what we
call mini GTGs. There's less planning and planned activities, it's
usually one night, and is more informal. Perhaps we could do the
same? I propose we pick a destination, and a time, and just show up.

Here's my thoughts...

Location:
  • Should have lots of photo ops, so we can have informal field trips
  • Should be a place that is fun for non photographers too so
spouses and kids can tag along.
  • My first suggestion for STF-GTG-I ? New York City
  • As an alternative, I would love to set something up for the
Ottawa area. Our Tulip festival is world famous, and Ottawa is a
beautiful city. Might be a little slim on the family destination
side though, but I don't have kids so what do I know!

Date:
  • Selfish motive #1: I am still looking for work, so I want it to
be next fall at the earliest!
  • Summers are better for most, no?
  • Ottawa in spring is very nice, and if it was in Ottawa, I would
organize it.

Activities:
This is the fun one! we need stuff for:
  • Kids
  • Bored kids.
  • Spouses.
  • Group.
Activities can just be a suggested destination... easy to do in a
bigger city.

Finally, the car club, like this forum, is run by one guy, out of
his own pocket. We paid his way to the first one, and paid for his
hotel I think. That would be alot to ask for our first one, but if
it was a success it would be doable in the following year!

Thoughts?

Jamie
Click to expand...
--
Antoine - F717, The Mirror Image
http://www.pbase.com/image/6381098

Antoine - F717, The Mirror Images
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291244987
 
Harry Behret said:
Jamie,

When you consider we have folks from all over the world there's no
one perfect location. Instead of going so big why not try to get
STFers from your area together. If it works it would encourage
others to try the same thing and then after you have some
experience you can try something bigger.
Click to expand...
Actually, that's exactly what I proposed... Have a small GTG in Ottawa in the spring maybe, and if it goes well (I see 5 locals plus 3 out-of-towners as "well") then we can use that to sell the idea to sponsors.

jamie
 
... or some other Colorado resort. These resorts are very affordable in the summer due to the access lodging. We rent a 2 bedroom condo for just over $100/night. So, essentially $50/night. And activities gallore, and many free or relatively inexpensive.

I'd be there.

Sorry, I can't do Vegas. Really, I can't do Vegas. I have a very addictive personality. I wouldn't be pretty. lol

Jim
Jamie said:
I belong to another enthusuasts forum... one for Volkswagen TDI
(Turbo Diesel) cars. We had our first get together in Wilmington,
North Carolina in early September 2000. It was a roaring success.
There was maybe 40 people from all over the US, Canada, and even
Europe! Each year there has been an annual GTG (get together).
2001 was in Michigan I think, 2002 was Park City Utah, and 2003 was
Toronto Canada.

And what a time we have! We drag race (on a track of course),
rally, talk about our modifications, and of course, eat good food
and make new friends. There's lots of car related activities to
keep us busy for 3 days (it's usually a long weekend). There's
usually an official hotel, so we can all hang out together, and
vendors are actually encouraged to attend, so we get to see lots of
new products. In fact, the vendors donate things to use as prizes,
which makes the event even more fun.

I was thinking, maybe we should do the same thing here! For the car
crowd, in order to accomodate the most people we also have what we
call mini GTGs. There's less planning and planned activities, it's
usually one night, and is more informal. Perhaps we could do the
same? I propose we pick a destination, and a time, and just show up.

Here's my thoughts...

Location:
  • Should have lots of photo ops, so we can have informal field trips
  • Should be a place that is fun for non photographers too so
spouses and kids can tag along.
  • My first suggestion for STF-GTG-I ? New York City
  • As an alternative, I would love to set something up for the
Ottawa area. Our Tulip festival is world famous, and Ottawa is a
beautiful city. Might be a little slim on the family destination
side though, but I don't have kids so what do I know!

Date:
  • Selfish motive #1: I am still looking for work, so I want it to
be next fall at the earliest!
  • Summers are better for most, no?
  • Ottawa in spring is very nice, and if it was in Ottawa, I would
organize it.

Activities:
This is the fun one! we need stuff for:
  • Kids
  • Bored kids.
  • Spouses.
  • Group.
Activities can just be a suggested destination... easy to do in a
bigger city.

Finally, the car club, like this forum, is run by one guy, out of
his own pocket. We paid his way to the first one, and paid for his
hotel I think. That would be alot to ask for our first one, but if
it was a success it would be doable in the following year!

Thoughts?

Jamie
Click to expand...
--
Jim Fuglestad
You're not in third grade anymore. Take as many recesses as you want!

Why simply live and let live? Live and help live.
http://www.pbase.com/jfuglestad/galleries
 
Well, here's the current problem. Many excellent location suggestions. But to be blunt, I couldn't possibly organize one from afar. Now Woody6 made an exceptional offer, so for the first annual STF gathering, we could do one of thee things:

1) Go woth Woody6's offer.

2) Do it in Ottawa (I've never done this, so Woody6's offer looks mighty tempting)

3) Have a few mini GTGs.. just a bunch of single day outings across the planet and get together on line to share our results afterwards.

I'm down with 3.. just because that might be the easiest one to pull off for now.

Jamie
 
Newfoundland sounded fun :) (just because I've always wanted to go there)
Jamie said:
Well, here's the current problem. Many excellent location
suggestions. But to be blunt, I couldn't possibly organize one from
afar. Now Woody6 made an exceptional offer, so for the first annual
STF gathering, we could do one of thee things:

1) Go woth Woody6's offer.
2) Do it in Ottawa (I've never done this, so Woody6's offer looks
mighty tempting)
3) Have a few mini GTGs.. just a bunch of single day outings across
the planet and get together on line to share our results afterwards.

I'm down with 3.. just because that might be the easiest one to
pull off for now.

Jamie
Click to expand...
--
Sean

http://funktion.smugmug.com
 
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