Another Chaser Convention

[Scott Weberpal]

Instead of a full-on convention, I'd be more than happy to have a larger chaser get-together the weekend of September 18 as that's the same weekend as the Wakita 15 year anniversary.

I think it would be a blast to party it up and watch videos somewhere Friday night (maybe Wichita), then head to Wakita Saturday. If there's a chaser car show in the plans, that can happen in Wakita which would give much more public exposure as well.

If this convention happens in October, I'll probably have to decide between Wakita or it.

 

[Jason Foster]

There is one big benefit to the date. The chasers have already spent their money, so it's only a matter if they have it or not. Those that sell footage will likely already have recouped.

Every year with Denver, I do see a lot of folks say "I would go, but I'm saving my money for chase season".

 

[Bart_Comstock]

The location is great but the timing is just a tad off. If you do change it I would try to not make it around the middle of October. Pushing it into November would cause it to be too close to the National Weather Fest in Norman. The current date you listed isn't a conflict for me but I know some people with children wont be able to attend due to it being so close to Halloween.

 

[Jeff Duda]

When I read the first post or two I thought this was a great idea. It would only be about 3 - 4 hours away from me and I have no big committments during that time so I would be very able to attend. However, as I read more posts I became less enthusiastic. See, I was initially under the impression that this would be a very informal get together without all of the rigmorole that comes with planning and administering a "conference". As others have mentioned, there is no reason to imitate something like Chasercon, which you would be doing if you started inviting speakers and holding a dinner banquet etc. I would say if you're serious about this, keep it very simple. It may be just a matter of people meeting at another chaser's house or meeting in a park pavillion for a BBQ. Of course, something like lodging would have to be considered, so the number of people attending vs. lodging options (such as a 3 or 4 star hotel vs. camping in a local campground vs. having people sleep over at one's house) would also have to be considered.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Robert Edmonds]

Sorry, that's even further away...

 

[Shane Adams]

The individuals who are serious about this and are willing to put forth the effort, IMO, have the say in when/where.

Kinda like the Denver thing: build it and they (who can afford it) will come.

Otherwise, this is just going to turn into a 34-page thread with 200 reasons why it won't work on the date/place suggested in the previous post.

 

[James Wilson]

Since I live in KC you bet!

 

[Ric Burney]

Thanks to all who have commented so far. The date is very much still up in the air and this gathering is meant to be informal. All sorts of possibilities still exist depending upon location, timing, number of people, etc.
I do like the idea of getting together at Wakita. I know several people who will be there this year. They kick things off in town at 9am and there is a parade at 4 pm. I'm sure an impromptu chaser car show wouldn't be frowned upon Here is a link to the event:

http://www.twistercountry.com/

Also as Ben mentioned, the Weather Festival in Norman is a good gathering in it's own right. There is already a chaser car show, vendors and many in attendance. We just need to get the word out for more chasers to try and make it to Norman that day.
I'm not sure why the NWC doesn't have this on it's calendar yet but there is a listing for this year's event here:

http://eventful.com/norman/events/national-weather-festival-/E0-001-027624440-8

 

[MatthewCarman]

I was just wondering what the average was for tornado outbreaks during the month of October. October is also Hurricane season. The weather could keep some people from going.

 

[John Farley]

Since it is close, I'd come except that I have a commitment on Sunday of that weekend that might make it difficult. I would suggest avoiding Halloween, though - some of us are already pushing the limits by being gone to Denver on Valentines weekend, and both Valentines and Halloween would definitely get some of us in the doghouse!

 

[Jason Foster]

It appears from the poll there is interest. Now if something actually got planned...might be a decent little crowd.

Good luck guys...which ever direction you go...and I'm sure you'll keep us up-to-date if it is a "GO".

 

[Shawn Gossman]

What would you all think about some sort of national online chaser convention? Like instead of meeting offline in a hotel, we can all attend online with video presentations, sponsors and the works... I know it sounds a little futuristic but it is 2010!

 

[Adam Lucio]

LOL chasers already spend too much time online and not in the real world, hence all the drama. Keep people meeting face to face, at least most of them don't have the balls to talk smack in person and the event can go off peacefully

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Talk smack? LOL... Like a storm chaser soap opera or something?

I think its a reasonable idea mainly because more people could attend due to not having to take off work to travel a long way to a hotel somewhere.

 

[Jeff Duda]

What would you all think about some sort of national online chaser convention? Like instead of meeting offline in a hotel, we can all attend online with video presentations, sponsors and the works... I know it sounds a little futuristic but it is 2010!

There already is such a thing. You're on it right now.