2008 Solstice/Sky at the Dragon Feedback

[Appygirl]

Hello to all those that attended. I hope that everyone got home safe and sound and that all had a wonderful time this past weekend. It sounded that way from comments at the dinner.

We are already in preparation for 2009. On that note, we are looking for your comments on what worked and what did not work. Below are a few questions that we have and feel free to provide comments on other things as well. I do know that we are looking into a daytripper fee and weekender fee. Also having each person's itinerary on their lanyard. In addition, breakfast fees for each day are being looked into as well. Fontana has offered to have a buffet for us each day with grab and go capabilities so that no one has to miss breakfast and the start of their runs. We are also considering dividing down runs to no more than 10 participants with more leaders, and deleting night run on Friday.

Questions we have: Friday runs- did all enjoy? Should we offer more than 2 options? If only have the 2 options-divide rides into smaller groups by driving style?
Was the dinner good?
Was time frame good- 2.5 days? Should it be longer?
Was the Thursday meet and greet a success?
Would you like to have breakfast buffet included in fees for each day?
Daytripper fee for those local and not staying at Fontana?
Registration upon arrival was smooth?

If you would like to be considered as a volunteer to lead a run, please let us know.

[JRinKY]

Friday runs- did all enjoy? Should we offer more than 2 options? If only have the 2 options-divide rides into smaller groups by driving style?

I went on the Triangle run and it was, overall, a good one. Most organizers are recognizing that 7-8 cars make a manageable group. The 9 we had certainly pushed the limit at times, and I cannot imagine trying to handle the 30+ cars that went on the Parkway run. Smaller groups would not be a bad thing, and unless everyone is happy running with the slowest car (which they never are) division by driving style is almost certainly necessary to minimize the differential.

I did hear comments that the runs were too long for some, so availability of shorter runs may be a viable option.

Was the dinner good?

Whithin the limits of a buffet, yes it was very good.

Was time frame good- 2.5 days? Should it be longer?

For this type of meet, the length seemed about right.

Was the Thursday meet and greet a success?

Yes

Would you like to have breakfast buffet included in fees for each day?

If it can be made an option, or is offered at a reasonable enough price.

Daytripper fee for those local and not staying at Fontana?

Does staying at Fontana make a difference ? The dinner required advance notice, but did anything else ? I would think that a "daytripper" registration could be set up for late registrants and others who would then be excluded from those activities requiring advance registration.

Registration upon arrival was smooth?

Mostly. As you have already mentioned, a written itinerary and a printed map issued to each of us at registration would have eliminated pretty much all of the confusion. If everything said at the registration was printed also, more of the uncertainty would have been eliminated.

If you would like to be considered as a volunteer to lead a run, please let us know.

Sign me up.

It would have been very useful to have pre-determined radio channels for each "event", including dinner runs and the group picture, especially given the lack of cell phone service.

Printed run notes and (optionally) maps would be good for those of us that like to know where we are, and where we are headed. I made a start at it while we were driving, and will be glad to help make them.

A list of event participants with contact information would also be helpful, with everyone given the option to provide the information that they wish to make available.

Overall this was a great run, and Judy and I both enjoyed it. Thanks for all the hard work to put it together.

[KYGXP]

bump....

Please give us your feedback if you attended the Dragon Meet this year.... The only way we can make it better for everyone is to hear your thoughts and suggestions.....

Thanks

[lostcause]

---Friday runs- did all enjoy? Should we offer more than 2 options? If only have the 2 options-divide rides into smaller groups by driving style?

I had a blast! I think two options was good. More than that and it might get too confusing. Depending on how many sign up for each run, it might be a good idea to divide into smaller groups based on driving style/preference.


---Was the dinner good?

Yep.

---Was time frame good- 2.5 days? Should it be longer?

I think 2.5 days was good. Any longer and those of us who live far away might not be able to make it for the whole event.


---Was the Thursday meet and greet a success?

Absolutely. One suggestion though - Print the names on the nametags in a larger font! It was tough trying to read them.


---Would you like to have breakfast buffet included in fees for each day?

It might help. IMO, it was a bit pricey. Saturday I ordered the buffet for time's sake without knowing how much it cost. I ended up getting a small spoonful of eggs and some bacon. Was surprised to get a check for $11.00.
On Sunday I tried to order something from the menu and they wouldn't let me. They said it was either the buffet or nothing so I ended up paying 11 bucks for basically a biscuit, a a couple of strips of bacon, and two sausage links which would have cost me about 6 bucks from the regular menu.

---Daytripper fee for those local and not staying at Fontana?

There should be a way of letting locals join in on the runs without paying the full fee. Not sure how to go about this in a fair way though.


---Registration upon arrival was smooth?

It was definitely helpful. I know it would add work but like jrinky mentioned, printed maps of all the runs and a printed itinerary might help.






As for the possibility you mentioned of deleting the night run, I actually like the idea of a night run. I did a couple last year on my own. The only reason I didn't go on the Friday run this year is because it was too long and would have been back to late in order to be awake enough for the early run Saturday. Maybe a 1 or 2 hour night run would work? I'm sure some people would be interested in running the Dragon at night.

Overall, a huge success IMO. Good job and thanks everyone for putting it together!!! If all goes as planned, I'll see ya next year!

[Cajun Sky Turbo]

Originally Posted by Appygirl

Questions we have: Friday runs- did all enjoy? Should we offer more than 2 options? If only have the 2 options-divide rides into smaller groups by driving style?
Was the dinner good?
Was time frame good- 2.5 days? Should it be longer?
Was the Thursday meet and greet a success?
Would you like to have breakfast buffet included in fees for each day?
Daytripper fee for those local and not staying at Fontana?
Registration upon arrival was smooth?

If you would like to be considered as a volunteer to lead a run, please let us know.

Too many questions Appygirl. . . Registration was very smooth, You Ladies did a great job !!

The two runs for Friday was just right, would have been nice to have an "In Between Group" for the Triangel, might have made the Parkway Run a smaller group that would have improved it some.

As for dinner I assume you mean Saturday night. . . Well, hot food would have been nice, the hottest thing on my plate was the Peach cobbler and it was to the point of being too dry. Green beans was over cooked and soggy, potato salad tasted like it was canned and the beef was fatty and cold. The salad however was wonderful.

After the long run on Friday(lengthened only by is enormous size 30+ cars) and the photo shoot right after, the night run to dinner a few hours away was out of the question.

2.5 Days was nice but comming in early is the way to go, next year we are comming two days early. . .

Breakfast included??? No Way. . a Moon Pie and a Chocolate Milk and I am ready for the road. . Need to get the General store to stock up on the chocolare milk though.

Day Tripper fees should be the same as folks that are staying at the hotel. If I am correct, the fees didn't go to cover any of my hotel room fees. . . did it cover yours??

On a final note: You guys did a wonderful job. . . there were a few hiccups but nothing serious. The group of people attending were top shelf folks that knew how to have fun. We met some great people and look forward to seeing them again soon. The Group Burn was great and all I can say about it is "Ya'll Like Me!!!! Ya'll Really, Really Like Me!!!! (I have a whole year to scheme) BTW my latest offer is $750.99

[Darkwing]

I had a blast! Friday's itinerary may have worked out better with alternative shorter runs for those that wanted to spend less time on the road.
All in all the hard work of the planners was very apparent, and thank you, it wasn't unappreciated. Maybe a larger 'For Sale' sign on Cajun's car would have worked out better.

[Cajun Sky Turbo]

Originally Posted by Darkwing

Maybe a larger 'For Sale' sign on Cajun's car would have worked out better.

The sign is on the wall now as a reminder for next year. . . but your right a larger one may have worked out better Had it not be for Brian pointing to it I probably would not have seen the darn thing. . .

[ChiliSky]

Most people don't realize that the Blue Ridge run was not that big and would have been manageable, however when everyone got to the Dragon they started changing their minds and going into the Blue Ridge group. We did not have another person to lead a second group, so hind sight the runs need to have a limit on cars. If we can have some extra people as back up lead cars then we could have more runs that are not so large.
Also for the Friday run next year, I was telling Lee that I will come up and plan a Friday run that will go through some nice area's plus Caesars Head (lookout)and some great twisties. The run would be 3 hours one way, barbecue and pool party for the lunch at my home ( out in the sticks) and then travel back to Fontana. Everyone would be fed and sent on their way back to Fontana with snacks. We wont limit who comes but I will have more lead cars to travel 15 minutes behind the first group and so on.....There will be no charge for all the food etc, just a fun afternoon.

[G8TR]

Originally Posted by Appygirl

Questions we have: Friday runs- did all enjoy? Should we offer more than 2 options? If only have the 2 options-divide rides into smaller groups by driving style?
Was the dinner good?
Was time frame good- 2.5 days? Should it be longer?
Was the Thursday meet and greet a success?
Would you like to have breakfast buffet included in fees for each day?
Daytripper fee for those local and not staying at Fontana?
Registration upon arrival was smooth?

If you would like to be considered as a volunteer to lead a run, please let us know.

First of all I had a great time. Met some good people and except for the problems Barry had with his car we probably would have been more available friday nite and saturday dinner.
As far as friday runs - 2 were probably enough, just need smaller groups for the one, 37 cars were just unmanagable (though it made for good pictures). Yes, and separate by driving styles. Also make sure that all drivers know that the rule about watching the car behind you is there for a reason. The sweeper can't watch everybody.
Can't comment on dinner, as I wasn't there.
Time frame was good, but maybe offer an option to people that are arriving or leaving late (sign up sheet?) for something to do a day before or after.
Thursday was a success as far as registration and a small sampling of appetizers. I agree with the font being bigger for the names so you don't feel like you to stare to figure out who you're talking to.
Don't eat breakfast, so not concerned about that one.
Thought the fees were for the mee and greet, shirts and the dinner. Seemed that applied to everyone. Probably shouldn't change that.
Thanks to all of the organizers and the ones that led the runs, Solstice Wolf, Appy Girl, KY GXP, JRinKY, TwoToys, Chili Sky, and anyone else that I missed, I want you to know that I (and I hope everyone that attended) appreciate all the hard work that each of you did to organize, register, lead, sweep and make all of us that came a long way, feel at home. Can't say I've found a more hospitable group.

[AwsmSky]

Originally Posted by Appygirl

Friday runs- did all enjoy? Should we offer more than 2 options? If only have the 2 options-divide rides into smaller groups by driving style?

Keith & I enjoyed the Friday run (Blue Ridge Pkwy) that we were on very much, and we were quite impressed that we managed to keep so many cars as together as we did. Kudos to our leader and sweeper!

If you want to reduce the number in the groups (which I think would be helpful), then either increasing the options or splitting the cars into groups is the way to go. I imagine it will depend on who is available/willing to volunteer to lead groups.

Originally Posted by Appygirl

Was the dinner good?

Yep! Yummy!

Originally Posted by Appygirl

Was time frame good- 2.5 days? Should it be longer?

We thought the length was fine.

Originally Posted by Appygirl

Was the Thursday meet and greet a success?

Yep! Well done!

Originally Posted by Appygirl

Would you like to have breakfast buffet included in fees for each day?

I'm not a big breakfast eater, but if it was included, it would be fine with me. You might also see if Fontana would be willing to open the Carolina room as a breakfast room for the group then. Any pertinent morning announcements could be made to the group there to keep everyone up-to-date.

Originally Posted by Appygirl

Daytripper fee for those local and not staying at Fontana?

I didn't think that staying at Fontana was a requirement for participation in the event, but a one-day registration might be helpful for those who are local. You might consider offering a one-day registration (Friday or Sat), a full-event registration (Thu night thru Sat), and make the Sat banquet a separate fee. Then you will still have your head count for the banquet guarantee, and anyone who is local and daytripping, or staying at another hotel could be included in the Sat dinner.

Originally Posted by Appygirl

Registration upon arrival was smooth?

Registration both at the lodge and for the event went wonderfully. Kudos to the registration staff! I love my Dragon lanyard...I'm already planning a continued use for it.


Now for some other general observations:

First, if absolutely nothing changed next year, Keith & I would still enjoy it. None of our comments should be taken as any disappointment with the event. We loved it and can't wait to get back. We used the time at dinner tonight to brainstorm a bit...

Communication. It sounded like the group has been growing each year and Keith & I thought that a more central communication system might help things a bit. Perhaps a central bulletin board or signage with announcements for the group in the lodge lobby. Or, just a booklet handed out at registration that includes all the helpful information (Rally maps, daily itinerary, group listings & meeting times, etc) that was posted in the Dragon thread in the weeks leading upto the event. I know that I sat and re-read every post in the Dragon thread the night before we left and printed everything I could. It took a while, but in the end I had a good outline of what was planned.

In working other conferences, I've found that it's good to assume that people have signed up to attend, and then never read another stitch of information on the event before they show up at the desk. Glitches and hiccups always happen, there's no getting around it, but at least everyone starts out with all the original information.

Also, for those new to the event, it would be helpful to post a reminder about bringing a set of two-way radios if they have them.

Friday night run. I enjoyed running the Dragon at night coming back from dinner on Friday night. It sounded like people were just plain tuckered out from all the driving during the day. Perhaps Friday night could just be a selection of runs to nearby restaurants, so that everyone can plan to be back at a reasonable time, yet still have an opportunity to run the Dragon at night. I was also looking forward to the stargazing run on Sat night; it's a shame the weather didn't cooperate.

Driving styles. Keith wondered if it would be possible to shorten the runs through the Dragon that are divided by driving styles so that someone could run one style in the morning and a different one in the afternoon. As an example, in our case, Keith & I have 2 different styles that we are comfortable at. He would have enjoyed the challenge of the Hot Shoes group; especially after having the chance on the in-between run to get used to the Dragon. Not sure if that's really a possibility; just throwing it out there.

I'm very happy to volunteer to help with formatting such a booklet/packet, as well as with Registration if the timing works out that Keith & I can make it next year (definitely have all my finger and toes crossed on that one!). I'm too new to the Dragon area to feel comfortable leading a run, but I'm willing to help in other areas.

Hopefully this isn't too long!
~ Shelley

[ChiliSky]

Originally Posted by AwsmSky

Keith & I enjoyed the Friday run (Blue Ridge Pkwy) that we were on very much, and we were quite impressed that we managed to keep so many cars as together as we did. Kudos to our leader and sweeper!

If you want to reduce the number in the groups (which I think would be helpful), then either increasing the options or splitting the cars into groups is the way to go. I imagine it will depend on who is available/willing to volunteer to lead groups.


Yep! Yummy!


We thought the length was fine.


Yep! Well done!


I'm not a big breakfast eater, but if it was included, it would be fine with me. You might also see if Fontana would be willing to open the Carolina room as a breakfast room for the group then. Any pertinent morning announcements could be made to the group there to keep everyone up-to-date.



I didn't think that staying at Fontana was a requirement for participation in the event, but a one-day registration might be helpful for those who are local. You might consider offering a one-day registration (Friday or Sat), a full-event registration (Thu night thru Sat), and make the Sat banquet a separate fee. Then you will still have your head count for the banquet guarantee, and anyone who is local and daytripping, or staying at another hotel could be included in the Sat dinner.


Registration both at the lodge and for the event went wonderfully. Kudos to the registration staff! I love my Dragon lanyard...I'm already planning a continued use for it.


Now for some other general observations:

First, if absolutely nothing changed next year, Keith & I would still enjoy it. None of our comments should be taken as any disappointment with the event. We loved it and can't wait to get back. We used the time at dinner tonight to brainstorm a bit...

Communication. It sounded like the group has been growing each year and Keith & I thought that a more central communication system might help things a bit. Perhaps a central bulletin board or signage with announcements for the group in the lodge lobby. Or, just a booklet handed out at registration that includes all the helpful information (Rally maps, daily itinerary, group listings & meeting times, etc) that was posted in the Dragon thread in the weeks leading upto the event. I know that I sat and re-read every post in the Dragon thread the night before we left and printed everything I could. It took a while, but in the end I had a good outline of what was planned.

In working other conferences, I've found that it's good to assume that people have signed up to attend, and then never read another stitch of information on the event before they show up at the desk. Glitches and hiccups always happen, there's no getting around it, but at least everyone starts out with all the original information.

Also, for those new to the event, it would be helpful to post a reminder about bringing a set of two-way radios if they have them.

Friday night run. I enjoyed running the Dragon at night coming back from dinner on Friday night. It sounded like people were just plain tuckered out from all the driving during the day. Perhaps Friday night could just be a selection of runs to nearby restaurants, so that everyone can plan to be back at a reasonable time, yet still have an opportunity to run the Dragon at night. I was also looking forward to the stargazing run on Sat night; it's a shame the weather didn't cooperate.

Driving styles. Keith wondered if it would be possible to shorten the runs through the Dragon that are divided by driving styles so that someone could run one style in the morning and a different one in the afternoon. As an example, in our case, Keith & I have 2 different styles that we are comfortable at. He would have enjoyed the challenge of the Hot Shoes group; especially after having the chance on the in-between run to get used to the Dragon. Not sure if that's really a possibility; just throwing it out there.

I'm very happy to volunteer to help with formatting such a booklet/packet, as well as with Registration if the timing works out that Keith & I can make it next year (definitely have all my finger and toes crossed on that one!). I'm too new to the Dragon area to feel comfortable leading a run, but I'm willing to help in other areas.

Hopefully this isn't too long!
~ Shelley

Great suggestions Shelley, I had made a note about your bulletin board at the front for everyone to look at all weekend just to double check on where they needed to be, I think that is a great idea. I remember you suggesting that one day at the dragon to me......

[AwsmSky]

Thanks! We can't take credit for the bulletin board suggestion on-site though. I don't think either of us mentioned that to anyone while we were at the event. Great minds think alike though, right?

[southernSKYS]

We had a great time again this year and can’t wait till next year’s event. Our suggestions for next year would be to have a small booklet passed out at registration with times and locations for each run. This does not need to be anything to complex, just a cover sheet with an overview of the weekends events and then have each event broken down on subsequent pages with the meeting locations, names of the leaders, sweepers and participants in each run. As has been mentioned in most of the previous posts smaller groups will make the drives a little easer on everyone. If a quick grab-n-go breakfast was made available it might solve the problems of spending too much time and money in the dinning room. I would like to see the night runs stay, maybe they could be shortened to a dinner run to Robbinsville or just a run through the Dragon and then a u-turn and run back through. As far as the photo shoot, maybe we can negotiate a price with Killboy or whoever and have them bring a bucket truck. I know they would not want to spend the money to rent one of these trucks without knowing that they were going to make some money on the deal so we could just add $7.00 or $8.00 to the registration fee and everyone would get a picture and it would be worth the photographers wile to rent the truck. Last but not least, I really think that there are a lot of people that would like to help with small parts of the event. If we delegate small portions of the event to different people it will make it more enjoyable for everyone. The last thing we want to see is someone like Solticewolf or Appygirl get burnt out because they are being pulled in too many directions at once.

[Appygirl]

Great suggestions thus far. I think actually last year, I commented on having a write on-wipe off board with daily runs, etc.. Shelley- like minds think alike. I also like the booklet idea.

The daytripper fee would not include dinner most likely. That was what we were trying to achieve there. Some people just want to come up and drive and go home that are local.

We did the separate fees for items in the first year, and it was a lot of work. I personally felt it was less work all around to have the one set fee for everything. Then we weren't chasing people all over for each item trying to get monies, etc.. We have been thinking about having a few separate fees and then showing these via colored name tags, etc. Something like that to make it easy to recognize who paid for what.

Would people be interested in doing the Devil's Triangle in reverse next year? Also, Brian and I would be willing to lead a shorter night run on both Friday and Sat. up to the Foothills and back to stargaze. Sat. night this year didn't work due to weather, but perhaps if we offer the run both nights, then weather won't be a factor.

Looks like we have a volunteer in ChiliSky to divise one long Friday run. If interested, again, I will lead a run on the Triangle but in reverse if people interested. I could come up with a different run if no takers on that.

[AwsmSky]

You might also check with the hotel; they may be able to supply a flipchart (or even the whiteboard). A flipchart wouldn't be write on/wipe