The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Annual Stovebolt Reunion (Kansas City) Suggestions for next year.

One of the things we discuss toward the end of the meeting is "how can we make it better?".
On the way home yesterday, Vicki and I talked about it and wrote down some suggestions from that meeting and from just talking to people.
I urge everyone to read over these and give us some input, good or bad. More suggestions also, either public or by PM.
We are also interested in the new attendees thoughts on the event.
Don't worry about getting John and I mad, we can take the coaching.
Another thought, send John and Peggy a PM on what you thought about the event.

Here are the new things we did this year:
Pictures of truck owners in front of their trucks.
Kids give away table.
The Stovebolt white schedule board.

New suggestions:
Write up sheets for the booth that explains what the Stovebolt group is all about and hand them out.
Stovebolt business cards added the show's goodie bag.
Hang signs on the seminar locations.
Ticket boxes and a new roll of tickets for the Stovebolt drawing.
Schedule for who will be manning the booth and when.
Designated two people to handle the T-Shirt distribution. Any extras can be sold to the public at the booth.
Vicki said a table for the prizes, but I like using the back of a truck.
Separate table for kid prizes.
Some percentage of Women prizes. (Stovebolt dust masks?)
Seminars for women.
Oh and the best suggestion we got was "Vicki to make more cookies"

PLEASE GIVE US SOME FEEDBACK
Good or bad.
Don

Don, I think we could do a lot to promote our Stovebolt site to the numerous other Chevy/GMC truck guys at the show. Flyers that as we are walking around the show we can drop in the window like the guys promoting the next car show do. I imagine there were at least 100 prospective Stovebolt recruits on the show grounds.

Ask everyone to wear their Stovebolt t-shirts on Sarurday, any year is ok just as long as it says Stovebolt.

At the GabFest (remember we can't have a "meeting") have everyone introduce themselves and spouses/kids and tell us where they are from.

Pocket T shirts (yes I'm going to keep bugging about them)!

I heard some of the kids wanting to pick from the big boys toys not a separate table. Also a couple of the parents made the same complaint. Not sure what the answer is for that problem.

You and your helpers did a great job and I commend you for taking the Helm.

A little feedback from this end.

We did have generic biz cards we handed out to Stovebolters in chunks back in 2014 for them to distribute. We have them already set up with VISTA print but I just didn't get a chance to order more (I thought the design was going to change) before the event. So that is easily do-able. We have even toyed with letting people get some through our order, but they'll need to pay for them. We can put their truck (or something) on the backside, which costs more. But we had kinda talked ourselves out of that figuring people could make up their own biz cards with VISTA print, or the like. Tried to hook-up with them so that people could order directly from them but we would approve them to be sure it was a legit Stovebolt-ish card (you know what I mean). But they don't have that kind of program.

We have flyers and some folks have come across them and printed them out to keep in their trucks. Several to choose from:

Color on white -- if it's YOUR printer, you'll use less color ink. One big 8.5 x 11 sheet

On blue -- geared for the new look - folks who are into the dark color - takes a lot of ink.

John's creative "Metal Burst" -- another one taking a lot of color and 8.5 x 11

Two on one -- this is the most practical - two copies of the same "white" flyer but smaller. We keep this in our '49 and it makes a nice hand-out.

All these are listed in the Event link in the menu bar. It's on the left hand column. I'm sure John will update ... and if anyone feel creative, feel free to submit your artwork. We'll add it.


I really liked the agenda on the white board! We had it printed on the website, but if you didn't know, you had to rely on folks to let you know what was happening next. There was also the schedule of events for the show. So, I really like the white board.

The Kids give away table is a great idea. We can have some more *advance* choices for them. Same way with one for the women -- someone brought stuff for the gals back in 2014 and that was great -- I never thought of that! Didn't the women want electrical tape?

Picture of the owners with the trucks - excellent!

Next year, with more time -- we can have the pocket t's. I know a fellow came up from the Eastern Shore for one Homecoming and he brought pocket-t's. We didn't get shirts made that year (surprise) and everyone liked them.

It seemed from the pictures, most people had a Stovebolt t-shirt on of some kind. The yellow really stood out (great). As someone said, it made it easy to find one another in a crowd!

One thing we'd like to do for the KC Reunion is to get another canopy that will stay with the event, or nearby. Jim Carter / Mike Taylor kept it for all those years but it was always a hunt to locate it.

We brought the white one home back in 2014 and meant to give it to Don when he was here at Homecoming but forgot.

We did some preliminary search on it but need to do more to get a good one at a good price, with the art we want. Plus, we'll need to do a long-term fundraiser for it. Can be done - no hurries.

Peg

Also, Don wasn't too shy to ask for donations, no pressure, but we all realized we got a meal, goody bags, door prizes as well as snacks and water. The social networking and clinics were a bonus.

Martin
I'm going to stick with the meeting. If we are a gabfest, there are no prizes.
I'm with you on the pocket T's and will need to start earlier on the design.
Martin
How about you taking the lead on that.

As for the kids, maybe we need to use a big table with kids toys on it along with the womens and mens prizes.
We will need someone to take the lead on that, I'll have the tables.

As for advertising, I think a flyer in the show goodie bag would cover every body along with an explanation of who we are and what we do, Throw a business card in there also.
I'm sure the hosting club would do that, if we get then to them in time.

Keep them coming and new idea's.
Don

Don, wish I was that talented. I just can't get the hang of programs like photoshop or any of the other art programs. Kathy informed me that I can't even draw flies. The trick, so I'm told, to doing Pocket-T's, is designing the art work to the area around the pocket and not over the pocket. But then what do I know.

The host club putting our flyers in the goodie bag for all entrants is pure genius.

I'm the same way Martin, not artistic blood cell in me.
But put me on a big milling machine and stand back, the chips will be flying.
I'll find something for you to do yet.
How about Stovebolt booth duty?
Really glad you made it and hope you can make it back again.

Don

don and everybody all have good answers to all the new ideas !! my wife pat said somebody from the host club said they might need some help ?? maybe doing there goodie bags ,manning a spot for a couple hrs ? what ever ?? my thoughts on the tee shirts is-maybe we can come up w/ a co sponsor & there name somewhere ???? and ask and see what our group would like to pay for shirts ?? i know we have paid up to $28.00 for "good guy " shirts ! its nice to keep em cheap BUT THESE SHIRTS THIS YEAR WERE AWESOME !! the meal was a nice gesture but i am willing to buy my own??? anyway lots of ideas -im sure we will figure some more great ideas for next yr .also maybe putting "aldersons name ? it was a great event and want to thank them again for the hospitality and great time & meal ! enough for now see ya mike wahl

Willing to man the booth for a couple of hours. That is as long as we can keep it shaded. I look like a Lobster today.
I'm not a fan of advertising on the t-shirts. I know everybody does it to offset the cost of the shirts, but to me it just looks tacky. I really don't mind paying up for a good well designed pocket-t.

I got a double wamey in a pocket t, MG on the pocket, for those who don't know i have a MGA car and then i get to advertise for Steve, even though it is long distance. So whom ever laid claim to the pocket t for me, THANKS.

The prize drawing is fun... maybe we can add a "pink elephant" to the pile by bringing along a Stovebolt related item or two that is sitting on a shelf collecting dust?

Mrs Rod is on me to thin the herd a bit, so I'll be looking for "stuff" to bring along next time I make the journey.

Ron, glad you liked it, hope it fit!!

I like the idea of using the back of a truck as a table for the prizes. Maybe put two of them together so the prizes can be split up a bit. I can appreciate some of the kids wanting to pick from the big boys table (I know there was one young man there that knew more about a GMC 12 cylinder than I ever would) so maybe we could let them. I like the idea of girl prizes as well.
Yes I would pay extra for a pocket tee. And like others I am not an artist. I did try (wanted to try and silhouette the front view of each major truck group, 7 of them I think, across the front with Stovebolt.com across the bottom) but even my kids couldn't help.
I was also ok with the donation request. I know I haven't been keeping up so a reminder does not hurt or offend.
With all of us there it would seem all we would need is about an hour at the table and I think I can handle that, just let me know a time and I can support.

I agree with the "no ad" on the t-shirt. We keep the cost at cost and the shirt is inexpensive but good quality. We even have free delivery with Shelly!

We can do the pocket t. I think we can have some cool designs. Maybe we can have a contest on the site to design the 2017 t-shirt and get them a gift certificate from Jim Carter or American Classic -- I know those two would participate. Maybe I will have time this year to find others, like Jax Wax, etc. Haggerty gave us a bunch of totes in 2014 ... and I left them home by accident. Totes with magnets and some insurance info. Dang, I was giving out totes for two years!

I know we have some graphics people on the site. We'll just have to let it be known when we get to that point.

Rusty Rod, I like the "pink elephant" idea, too. We do that at Homecoming. We actually set up a Swap Meet table -- some of it's for sale and some of it's your's for the taking.

Perhaps expanding that idea some, I know folks have asked on here before "anybody got a ..." Perhaps we can have a thread that addresses that before the Reunion and people can connect with each other and help sell or give away some stuff they have. I know a LOT of people brought stuff for JDL the year he came to Kansas City (and even before just through the mail). I think he even got a camera to take some pictures of his restoration -- Ron will have to correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway ... good idea.

We'll have to check with Mongo about the flyer *distribution.* I think to have them at our tables, at our trucks is one thing. But I'm not sure (but it may not matter) if the KC Club or Chevy Duty (still gotta call them that, sorry), would be too keen on it. But I could be wrong.

Peg

If Stovebolt needs something stored in the KC area, I'm more than certain the Aldersons would be happy to oblige. They plan on doing the Thursday thing for as long as there's an interest in it. The stuff could be picked up that night no problem.
Scott

Thanks Scott
That would be a good place to store the awning and flag.
If something happens to me, someone else could step in and take the lead.
We need a way to copy and save this thread for next May, when we should start getting things ready.

Thanks
Don

Gosh, yea. That's nice of the Alderson's to offer that. Patty is so organized; I doubt it would get lost!

Oh Don, this entire Reunion forum gets saved. So, you'll have all these threads to refresh you mind in two months when you start planning the next one (hehehe).

I think a while ago, I went out and cleaned out up to 2012. I think three year's history is good (for the forum). We'll have to work on more solid stories that will stay in the Events section. I have the start of a good one that goes along with the Reunion. Gosh, it was written about 3 or 4 years ago after the Reunion.

Peg

A flyer to put into the other trucks in attendance at the show is a great idea. I had a couple of other show flyers put into my truck this weekend.
If we could get the seminars scheduled soon enough, possibly have the host group publicize them. This would increase the attendance.
I like the swap table idea, everyone has something they could contribute.

Peggy
What do you mean, When I start planning it?
You can have the ball back next year.

All kidding aside, it was a busy weekend that Vicki and I enjoyed.
All the group kicked in and all I had to say was I need a hand and everyone was right there to help.
Next year when you and John come out, you two can enjoy the event and kick back.
I'll herd the cats for the photo shoot and meeting.
John can take pictures and be Master of Ceremonies.

Don

Just a thought, I noticed lot's of interest in the auction. Assuming that was to benefit Toys For Tot's, maybe we could come up with a special Stovebolt t-shirt, jacket or other advertising piece (Something from the Hoo-Ya) to donate.

It would benefit both the cause and also draw some additional attention to the Stovebolt.

John

don im thinking again ??? we need to come up with some kind of award for most improved trucks from yr to yr ?? and maybe a members best truck award ?? maybe meMbers w/most family there ?? farthest? always crashing gears ? and we have 12 months to build some awards ?? anyway keep all ideas coming everybody ?? mike

I like it Mike!
Maybe homemade trophies of some sort, for a few different categories.
Even if it is a burned out piston for the hard luck.
An old shoe or tire for long distance.
Best truck award, well of course that would be my old ford.
If anyone has some idea's on Stovebolt trophies, speak up.
I think the homemade ones are the best, but if you bring a trophy, you can't win it.
Keep these Idea's flowing.

Don

Here's one the Suburban won. It was the judging club's choice award.

Cletis, you can't post that close-up picture, too political. Lol

Yeah, I thought about that after I posted. Maybe most won't get it.

I got it.
And no, my old ferd will not get a trophy.
But the idea of the home made trophies is good.
I'll see if I can delete the second link.
Keep the idea's comimg.

Don

Cletis, I didn't get it. It looked like Jeff Dunham's Achmed. I guess any skeleton with eyeballs would look like Achmed.

So, if that's not it, I don't get it.

Plus, Achmed is not political. Jeff Dunham is hysterical.

Peg

Peggy, look at the image in the glass at the bottom right. Our current commander in chief.

Sorry Martin
I deleted the picture and you are right, political.
Back on topic.
Home made trophies will be the best.
The swap area would be good, but everything must be free.
Don't want to step on the host club swap meet area toes.
The auction donations would also be a good idea.
Maybe we can plan that into our agenda to attend.

Look Peggy
We are planning next year already!

Don

Oh gosh Don ... you've got THE FIRE!!!