What do you want in a rally??

[Jack R]

I have seen this question ask a couple of times but haven't seen a post on this subject so I thought why not start one. Intent is to get different answers. Not to take anything away from current or planed rallies. Wagonmasters have done a great job putting them together.

1. Stick a flag in the ground, let all know where flag is, and invite all to RALLY around it.

2. Attendee should announce they plan on attending so name tags can be made.

3. None to very little structure. Potlucks, Happy hour, area for meeting others.

4. If I want to go somewhere I have toad to do this!

5. I am interesting in meeting others and listening to their travels tales, and the talents of those who are DIYs.

I hope others add to this thread... 26 out of over 40,000 members, ouch.

[GaryKD]

Hi Jack R,
For me, the answer is it all depends. The larger the rally the more I expect.
For a several hundred coach rally:
1. after market vendors
2. entertainment
3. catered meals
4. seminars
5. dealers demoing new coaches
6. tours
7. etc.

For a medium size rally (about 100 coaches):
1. entertainment
2. catered meals
3. info on things to do in the area
4. optional organized tours
5. etc.

For a small rally (under 30 coaches):
1. catered meal
2. pot luck
3. info on things to do in the area
4. CG games and activities
5. etc.

I belong to several local chapters of large clubs. Some chapters are noted for "do nothing rallies". And some have a reputation for several activities at their rallies. This is why we belong to more than one chapter. Both methods are valid. Variety is the spice of life.

[ralper]

All of the above and:

People go to rallys to socialize, have a lot of laughs, tour the area and learn something they think they need to know. Outside experts and vendors are not necessary but are nice. There is enough knowledge in any group to be passed around.

I just attended the New Horizons Owners Group rally. 30 rigs and 59 people. I gave the solar workshop and learned as much as I taught. Others passed their knowledge along too.

I laughed more than I have in a long time.

[TXiceman]

I don't care much about new coaches, but do like informational seminars for the RV. Other than that lots of chances for good friendship.

Ken

[StStg1]

Like GaryKD says, it depends on the size. However even at at our smaller (135-150 rigs) Good Sam area minirallys we have some aftermarket vendors, new rv's, and seminars. Catered meals are not a necessity as we enjoy doing our own thing like cooking in or at the RV, or ocaisionly gong out to eat. The most important thing is meeting old friends and making new ones.

[RedneckExpress]

I think when ya start bring in After Market Vendors and RV Dealers with new units and what not, you're crossing the line between an RV "Show" and an RV Rally.

Case in point, NATCOA, used to have a yearly SHOW which also had a Rally that ran along side it. The two were separate entities and you could either just come for the show and visit, or attend the rally and also participate in the show as well.