So Where's the Next SegwayFest? [Archive]

SegwayUtah

11-08-2003, 03:51 AM

P.S.

Manchester, NH does seem to be the logical choice for a SegFesT! either in 2004 or sometime soon. It would be like a homage to the homeland :)

These are enthusiast-organized gatherings. We are very lucky to get a few of the Segway LLC staff out though. I think it would be appropriate to hold an annual gathering in NH; the year to hold it should probably be in the next 3 years.

Also, the Annual Gathering (SegFesT!) is only going to get bigger. It will be bigger and more complicated to organize every year. I'd really like to see this coordinated at the national SEG level in coordination with the local SEG group, once national SEG is organized.

Chris

11-08-2003, 04:11 AM

vegas baby vegas.

cheers,
pt

SegwayUtah

11-08-2003, 06:10 AM

And may I add . . .

Thank you to all those in Chicago who made SegwayFesT! 2003 so awesome.

It'll be hard to match.

Chris

opti6600

11-08-2003, 07:24 AM

I think Manchfest would be sweet. Really, Really, Sweet.

I remember a while back before SegFest, Pam asked me what I'd arrange if we had SegFest Miami. I thought it was a funny idea and that she was out of her mind for the concept - after actually evaluating the idea, it isn't too bad whatsoever.

I'll post back later with details when they become available, but I can ask this much - who would be interested in SF04 in the swamp?

pam

11-08-2003, 08:48 AM

I thought Houston was going for the honors? Robert? As much as I love New Hampshire, and as great as Manchester and Bedford are - once you've seen the factory and ridden down the (not so long) nature trail, there's not a lot to do. Non-gliding spouses would have to go an hour into Boston to shop, etc., and I'm not sure there's a hotel big enough, with a convention hall with enough room to handle all of us. And, there's not a local users group to take over the responsibility. SegFEST! was a success because of the massive amount of work done by our local Chicago enthusiasts. Segway was supportive, but the work on the ground was done by the local guys. If it were in Manchester, it would be more something run by Segway than by the enthusiasts - all things to keep in mind.

I'm for Houston or Vegas - or another big town where there's things to do within gliding distance.

Pam

gotseg

11-08-2003, 09:08 AM

Id go for Manchfest, I may accualy make that one.

gotseg?

SegwayLongIsland

11-08-2003, 09:30 AM

From a logistics point of view, it'll have to be whereever the organizers are. You can't organize something this big from afar.

Chicago had a lot of advantages: central location, big city with choices of large venues that could accomodate that size gathering, good riding, shopping, airport, etc.

If someone other than the Chicago group undertakes the next Segfest, it will almost certainly be where they are.

As an aside, there was a guy in upstate New york who started a motorcycle tour rally about 15 years ago in Lake George (of all places!) and called it Americade. It's certainly not centrally located but people do come from everywhere! http://www.tourexpo.com/

This rally now has over 60,000 people PRE-REGISTER and injects over $14 Million to the local ecomony during the first week of June every year!

Anyway, Segfest should probably be in, in a big city like NYC, Chicago, Houston, Miami, LA, etc. during it's good weather season.

Perhaps secondary cities would do like Ft Lauderdale, Boston, Ft.Worth, New Orleans, etc. It’s all going to depend on where the organizers are.

ElectraGlide

11-08-2003, 10:05 AM

quote:Originally posted by pt

vegas baby vegas.

cheers,
pt

YES !!! Cant think of a place better than VEGAS (other than Chicago) I prefer the casinos over a factory. PT you got my vote!VEGAS ! BTW ....where is SegFest Chicago's DVD ???

Steve

Itsi Atkins

11-08-2003, 10:43 AM

I think Dean Kamen should host the event in his backyard. His house is big enough and it could be turned into a "bed & breakfast". The overflow can campout on the grounds. The factory will be enough to keep us all focused and a timed relay ralley from Manchester to Boston could finish the Fest. Of course, the relay race will require charged Segways alone the course, but with the surplus LLC machines this might not be a problem.

ElectraGlide

11-08-2003, 11:07 AM

quote:
I'm for Houston or Vegas - or another big town where there's things to do within gliding distance.

Pam

Yep...IMHO there's more to consider than a glide and a seminar. There's good food, drinking establishments and clubs,world class shows (no tigers), gambling, sightseeing, Grand Canyon, The Dam, and those cheap Vegas Airfares. Miami or Fort Lauderdale would be great if it's done before the heat and rains of early summer ( before April ).

Steve

segwayowner

11-08-2003, 11:08 AM

I really like the idea of manchester! i might accaully be able to come this year! the factory will be cool, and theres tons more to go in mancheser. (people could even go down to boston, pretty quickly, not by seg, tho)and i like the idea of late summer.
Another possibility: Boston!!! (i think) there are close to 20 privatly owned seggs in boston and the area.... we have great hotels, great convention centers, and a great night life.

DES: Segway owner

Murray Fisher

11-08-2003, 11:21 AM

Hawaii-Waikiki-Honolulu-Convention Center
No weather problems

Murray Fisher

wayne

11-08-2003, 11:24 AM

I'm for Vegas or Houston.
Lets make this an owners convention.
LLC moves too slow. Look at the "P" and the DVD hold-up.
As for a mini-fest or a SegFest in Florida would probably be a good idea since there seem to me a lot of Segs in Fl., somewhere around Disney World.
I would almost bet that there would be more Segs show up in Fl. than at the first Fest.

Wayne

Lohja

11-08-2003, 11:35 AM

How about on a cruise ship. No refunds if you fall overboard. We could take a 4-day cruise to the Carribean. The room, meals and entertainment are included in the cost. I'd estimate the cruise itself would cost an average of $125/passenger/day (double occupancy). We may get enough participants to take over an entire ship. I'd say about 2,400 passengers would be enough to fill one of those very large ships. Could we get 2,400 people? Some of the newer ships have large open areas for gliding and plenty of meeting areas. We don't really need to have our HTs along to have a Segfest.
Byt, we could probly bring them. I don't much like gliding in the sand. That fine sand gets into everything.

Jeff Allen

11-08-2003, 11:38 AM

Count one more for Vegas

Onward!
Jeff Allen

Sal

11-08-2003, 11:58 AM

I like the NH, or Vegas Idea.

-Sal

Think Different
www.apple.com

Answers that Matter
www.lilly.com

SegwayBill

11-08-2003, 12:34 PM

Manchester for me

Bill

Sunday

11-08-2003, 12:45 PM

Vegas! I've never been there, but I've heard lots of good things about it.

Sunday

Segway-more fun than you can stand!

opti6600

11-08-2003, 12:49 PM

I love the Manchester idea dearly, however a good point has been made that there isn't so much to do. It's too bad we can't, and won't, do Chicago again - nice city, but the mechanics behind the scene aren't worth the return of a bunch of nice folks like us.

Celebration would be my second choice behind Manchville personally. We need to find somewhere that is receptive (like Chicago) and a good destination as well. Oh yeah, and financials play a big role.

Let's have a SCL meeting on this tonight, say 9 PM EST? By then I might have an interesting proposition. I think each locaton has its merits and negative aspects, but IMHO it's the community's final word which decides where this convention will be.

So...

proposals on segwaychat live. 9 pm eastern. be there or be a pedestrian advocate.

BruceWright

11-08-2003, 02:13 PM

Vegas gets my vote. It would be very easy for me to get my Seg to Vegas, since I could just throw it in my car and be out there.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

SegwayUtah

11-08-2003, 02:52 PM

Just remember:

The _average_ high temperature for Las Vegas is 98-108 F from the first of June through the end of September and it is very dry.

But the temperature between Haloween and Easter is very nice there. I really like doing these things on the labor day weekend, but it should be very warm in Vegas that weekend.

There is lots to do there, though.

Chris

SegwayUtah

11-08-2003, 02:56 PM

Wayne:

SegwayFesT! is an owner-organized event. I think it's really cool that it's owner-organized. If it were LLC-organized, it would be a marketing event in many ways. But since it's owner-organized, it's super-cool that so many of us show up and have so much fun!

It's also super-cool to get some of the real engineers and other employees of LLC out to this large owner-organized gathering!

Chris

SegwayUtah

11-08-2003, 02:58 PM

opti:

Hey, what if I want to be there _and_ be a pedestrian advocate. I mean, aren't a lot of us Segway owners advocates for pedestrians and the disabled? I know that I typically am.

Chris

Mr_Laurenzano

11-08-2003, 03:08 PM

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

peace is a oneway street, with no crossroads and no deadends

Lohja

11-08-2003, 03:19 PM

It appears most respondents favor the cruise idea! Do any sail from Vegas?

fredkap

11-08-2003, 03:21 PM

Vegas would be great if we get an accomodating hotel AND they don't restrict Seg useage on the strip. Hotel rates vary based on expected vacancy of the city for any given week-end, so you want to pick an off week-end. The hotels are so massive that allowing Segs in rooms (preferably being able to glide through the lobby) won't be easy.

Fred

Fred

opti6600

11-08-2003, 06:35 PM

As promised, here are some more details on the Miami plan. Our concept puts SegFest as follows:

It would be held in Key Biscayne, FL, at the Sonesta Beach Resort. Key Biscayne itself is turning into a budding Celebration of sorts - it is very accepting of the Segway and GEMs, and so far no problems have been encountered locally. The Sonesta itself is not only supportive of being the venue for SegFest 2004 in our preliminary discussions, it is also home to the S. Florida presence of Relay Transportation. This means that we could have greater availability of rental units than last year, and may even have "rental batteries" if there is enough interest and prior notice.

Our plans call for this to be held in early August preferably, so you Burning Man attendees and the school kids won't have to worry about missing either, and we'd like to hold it on weekdays. This combination not only allows better rates because of the off-peak times and dates, but also would give SegFest nearly the entire hotel to themselves (Sonesta KB has about 295 rooms, we could book those easily I'm sure). There is an overflow hotel next door, more of a motel, the Silver Sands, if capacity grows beyond our expectations. To boot, the Sonesta is not unionized, so you won't have to hear me or Dana Brown ranting about unions every five minutes.

Gtg attend to clients, brb.

ElectraGlide

11-08-2003, 07:09 PM

I personally would prefer to leave South Florida in August where the heat and humidity at the top of hurricane season makes it better to be in dry sunny Vegas or anywhere else ! I dont like gliding around dodging rain showers as much as I would rather have the big hotels and casinos and 24 hour nightlife. If it's in Florida I will support it if it's done before April....after that we might as well go someplace else. Suppose it's in Manchester....after 10 minutes in the factory what else is there to do ? LA ..on the strand would be fun...food and drinks on the piers!! New Orleans ....another fun town, throw beads from your Seg!! Houston? ( bit hot and humid there too in Aug but a new covered ball park ). During a 3 day event just ONE day of rain destroys 33% of the fun of gliding . Less business >> more fun.

Steve

god1138

11-08-2003, 07:18 PM

Houston, Houston, Houston. How many times have I said I called it first!

Seriously, Houston's a GREAT place for a SegFest. There's a lot of work that will need to be done, but you guys start getting the "H" word in your head. Besides, Houston's a hub for a few major airlines and is relatively easy to get to. Not to mention there's PLENTY to do here and some very large convention centers that are great candidates, plus world-class hotels and many sights to see.

Top that off with this thought: there's two Segway stores soon to be opened here, and any city that's good enough for the Super Bowl to be held in should be plenty fine for a convention of Segway Owners! ; )

-Robert
"BORN TO GLIDE"

Race3

11-08-2003, 07:25 PM

I'll go where ever it is. But I'll put in my vote for Manchester. For those that are concerned there is nothing to do... we could have SegFest in Boston instead.... and Manchester is less than an hour away, so we can plan an afternoon to visit the factory or something if that was an option. Also, having it in this area will allow many more Segway employees to attend. But as I said, Segfest was fun and nice to meet all of you, so I'll go where ever it is. :)

ElectraGlide

11-08-2003, 07:31 PM

quote:Originally posted by Race3

. For those that are concerned there is nothing to do... we could have SegFest in Boston instead.... and Manchester is less than an hour away,

I'll vote for Boston too,,,,,another great place...lobster for lunch AND dinner.....pass me some of that great chowda !!!

Steve

opti6600

11-08-2003, 08:07 PM

I've already messaged/emailed some of you with a clear plan ready-to-go for a venue for SegFest. If you have a venue in mind and have an actual plan or method by which you can set your concept up, please contact me off list. I'd like to get all the Heads together for a little pre-meeting so we can possibly either narrow down the selection or at least figure out what's going on with each concept.

If I'm mistaken, we don't have any organizers for a Manchfest or Vegas SegFest, do we? If we do, speak up already so you can join in the pre-meeting!

mzokc

11-08-2003, 09:12 PM

I will be enjoying Pete Fountain in concert tonight, so I will put my 2 cents in now.

Any location within the 48 is fine with me because from OKC, it only takes 2 days to drive there (no airline hassle.) Dean Kamen mentioned the coasts during Segway Fest, but if the most "people power" to put this together is in Houston, then Texas it is.

It all comes down to this: Where are the most committed individuals to spend hours and dollars to organize and see it through. All the best to those who will put forth the effort.

Mark

glide123

11-08-2003, 09:14 PM

Manchester all the way! I'd be willing to help out.

Lohja

11-08-2003, 10:31 PM

quote:Originally posted by Race3

I'll go where ever it is. But I'll put in my vote for Manchester. For those that are concerned there is nothing to do... we could have SegFest in Boston instead.... and Manchester is less than an hour away, so we can plan an afternoon to visit the factory or something if that was an option. Also, having it in this area will allow many more Segway employees to attend. But as I said, Segfest was fun and nice to meet all of you, so I'll go where ever it is. :)

Since Manchester is only an hour from Boston, that also means that Boston is only an hour from Manchester. Many people who work near Boston live in New Hampshire because of taxes. So, there must be some benifits to staying in New Hampshire over Boston. I have always wanted to go to the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. I understand it snows there year-around. Wouldn't that be a nice trip in July or August? We could take bus trips to Mt. Washington; to Boston to walk the Freedom Trail; to Deerfield, Mass to Yankee Candle (it's worth the trip); to Stockbridge, Mass to the Norman Rockwell museum; to Salem, Mass to the witch museum; to Gloucester, Mass for great seafood; to Provincetown, Mass on Cape Cod via ferry from Boston to the Pilgrims' tower. I'd be satisfied to do no more than go to the top of Mount Washington. I understand someone rode to the top on a Segway. I believe it took three sets of batteries. Wouldn't it be nice to claim you rode a Segway HT on Mt Washington. We could form a relay team where each person would ride an HT 1/4 mile up the mountain. We could do it with both the "I" and the "P" series. I'll bet the factory may even volunteer someone to set the whole thing up. I understand they were very enthused about Chicago. Even if they don't, I believe we could manage--but I believe they will. Now, do they have a motel (or hotel) big enough for us in Manchester? As far as getting there--I'll drive from Norfolk, VA to Manchester. It should take me about 14-hours. So I'll stay in a motel overnight each way. For others, you could meet at the Boston airport and share a rental car.

blackjeff

11-08-2003, 10:41 PM

Vegas is a great place to have a meet. I belong to a master mind group and we used to fly all over the country....then we switched it to vegas and we now meet 4 times a year there. Everyone can easally get a cheap flight to vegas. Plenty to do there, but it needs to be during the moderate climate season like september or may, the summer is just too hot and too hard on battery life.

Darkman

blackjeff

11-08-2003, 10:44 PM

Vegas, every can find a cheap flight there, great hotels and plenty to do.

Darkman

opti6600

11-08-2003, 10:49 PM

segwayfest 2004 preliminary concept meeting - SegwayChat Live now!

As I said...has anyone actually come forward from Vegas or Manchester that would be an organizing committee?

Umm...I doubt this is an issue for anyone else, but Vegas isn't going to jive with the parental anyway.

Lohja

11-09-2003, 09:09 AM

quote:Originally posted by blackjeff

Vegas, every can find a cheap flight there, great hotels and plenty to do.
Darkman

What can one do in Vegas?. After you walk through endless casinos to watch thousands of people losing their grocery money, then what? I guess you could jump in and start losing your own money so people could watch you lose your grocery money. You could take a day off to visit Hoover Dam and see all the sand, water, concrete and generators. You could go to a show or two to see the same thing you've seen on TV for years; but you may be packed in so tightly you can't move (better hope you don't need to use the bathroom). You could walk the streets all night to look at the moving lights and Disney Land reproductions (you are safer watching CSI Las Vegas on Thursday night). Did I mention the abundance of cigarette smoke? Yes, it's lots of fun. There's a reason flights are plentiful and cheap to Las Vegas. Meals are cheap. Drinks are free while you gamble. What's the reason--simple, they want your money. If you stay long enough, you will gamble. If you gamble long enough, you will lose. Guess again why it's cheap to get to Vegas? If you don't want to get burned--don't go near the fire. I can ride a bus from Williamsburg, VA to Atlantic City, NJ (now a casino town) for $50 round trip. Upon arriving in Atlantic City, I receive $25 in quarters. So the trip really costs me $25, right? Yeah, right! I assume Las Vegas has the same kind of arrangement. As I recall, before all the casinos arrived at Atlantic City, no money was provided when we arrived there by bus. I wonder why they do it now?

fredkap

11-09-2003, 10:08 AM

Jordan, Success is both beng prepared and being at the right place at the right time. The Sonesta Beach Resort appears to be a perfect fit for a SegFest. Robert's generous offer of Houston doesn't appear to have a hotel or area as Seg friendly as Key Biscayne's Sonesta Beach Resort. The summer months before it is back to college time appears to be the best time of the year for our get together and there is enough things to do there that I could bring the whole family (including those that could care less about SegFest) and yet have things to do ranging from the water sports, the spa, golf, deep sea fishing and South Beach. Add to all of that a hotel that already offers segway rentals by Relay/Nevrland and you have it all.

See you in KB (Key Biscayne)!

Fred

ElectraGlide

11-09-2003, 11:01 AM

quote:Originally posted by Lohja

[quote]Originally posted by blackjeff

What can one do in Vegas?. After you walk through endless casinos to watch thousands of people losing their grocery money, then what?
Well, you are the first person I've heard of that cant find a good time in Vegas. Have you ever been there is is your review written from the Travel Channel segments ?

Steve

fathertime

11-09-2003, 11:18 AM

Dear Friends,
Ladytime and I don't know how this has leaked out, but she and I have been in negotiations with Sonesta Beach and/or Celebration to put together the Fest for next year. One of the attractive things is the absence of the punative unions that we encountered in Chicago.
They are both beautiful resort areas and the airfare to Florida is rather inexpensive compared to a lot of other cities that we have been considering. Add to this fact the ability of a lot of east-coasters (LLC) to just slide southwards for the event and the scale starts tipping in our favor! We have already had preliminary talks with LLC and they like the Florida venue. The big question is when to hold the event. It seems that Labor day was a good time to do it for most folks, but the Florida weather must be considered since it can be uncomfortable that time of year.
Please chime in and let us know what times of year you can travel and when you would like to attend. We are currently thinking that a long weekend would be best for most attendees but are open to other suggestions.
The good news is that the DVD is finally ready (it looks great!) and will ship this week! I will post a thread tomorrow with the details.[^]:D[:O]:);)[:P]

JR

Lohja

11-09-2003, 12:01 PM

quote:Originally posted by ElectraGlide

quote:Originally posted by Lohja

[quote]Originally posted by blackjeff

What can one do in Vegas?. After you walk through endless casinos to watch thousands of people losing their grocery money, then what?
Well, you are the first person I've heard of that cant find a good time in Vegas. Have you ever been there is is your review written from the Travel Channel segments ?
Steve

As the saying goes: "Been there, done that". It depends on what is a person's definition of a "good time". As the great Bill Clinton said, "it depends on what is, is". The first time I went to Vegas, I had a great time. I was on business trip money and dined at a table adjacent to Sonny and Cher's (at Ceasar's Palace)and we made small talk. The twentieth time I went to Vegas, it was a drag. I was happy to spend my day standing under one of those outdoor mist stations. Between #1 and #20, my feelings vary. I don't believe I'd take my young children to Vegas. It's definitely an adult place. Near Celebration, Florida is a great place. Our HTs will be welcome in Celebration. Disney World and Epcot are very close (no HTs welcome at Disney). I have two grown children living in the State (Vero Beach and Jacksonville)so I can spend a lot of time there. I'd attend at the Celebration area; but not at Las Vegas. I like to stay clear of those fast wedding places so I'm not tempted. Just my humble opinion!

glide123

11-09-2003, 12:07 PM

A large part of the fun of riding a Segway is riding outside. Having had the un-pleasure of being in Florida around July/August, I can tell you that to remain comfortable we would have to remain inside an air conditioned conference center :(

From a little experience, however, I can say that the July and August in the northeast (Boston/Manchester) are incredibly cool and comfortable. Perfect for a relaxing outdoor glide. Furthermore, this is where Segway was born, there are beautiful mountains and ocean, and a huge amount of regional interest in Segway, and the northeast sounds perfect to me. Just my $0.02.

fredkap

11-09-2003, 12:22 PM

Jim - Fathertime,

My preference is to stay away from the 3 day weekends. All sorts of events get programmed for them and thus many conflicts. Late August is take kids to college time. While I am not fond of the Florida summers, it is easier to take the family in the summer.

I haven't a clue as to how Jordan knew about your plans, but we are all sooo wired that secrets are extremely hard to keep.

Sounds like KB Sonesta is a perfect location, though Maui doesn't have the humidity!

Fred

ElectraGlide

11-09-2003, 01:33 PM

quote:Originally posted by Lohja
I like to stay clear of those fast wedding places so I'm not tempted.
LOL ...me too !But dont tell my girfriend I said that !

Fathertime.......As a resident of Florida I have to say that the weather in Miami in August as we all know is quite hot and humid . I've learned to tolerate it, but late August is the height of Hurricane season. Not to rain on anyone's parade here (as it will do in August), but come prepared with Shorts,T Shirts, Sun Block until the rains start at 11:43am, and cold tropical Drinks . If enough events are held indoors it will be fine....add a Calypso band and it will work great! So.....who's bringing the rum ?? Anyway I'd be happy to support a South Florida gathering....just wanted to point out the obvious. Guess I'll go to Vegas in July

Steve

Neelix

11-09-2003, 01:46 PM

Whats with this common trend of really freaking hot areas for the next Segway Fest? Why not someplace cool? Perhaps Alaska? =) Just kidding about that one, but I've got to voice my concerns, considering that anything above 65 or so for me is "unbearable" =).

-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

Lohja

11-09-2003, 01:51 PM

[quote]Originally posted by fathertime

Dear Friends,
Please chime in and let us know what times of year you can travel and when you would like to attend. We are currently thinking that a long weekend would be best for most attendees but are open to other suggestions.
JR
[quote]

I'm retired from a real job so I can travel any time. But, I prefer not to travel between March 15 and June 30. That 3 1/2 month span is my busy time in the local tour business. That's when the kids visit Williamsburg, VA and I need to be around to tell them Ghost Stories. After July 1, I have a lot more freedom as the Ghosts die down--so to speak.

ftropea

11-09-2003, 02:31 PM

Well, I hope the next SegwayFest location hasn't been set in stone.. but I really like the idea of having it in Vegas (or Houston)!

I'm not so excited about the Florida idea, but I'm keeping an open mind. Also, I'm excited about helping out ("volunteering") for the next Fest, so if anyone is interested in locations other than Florida (Houston, Las Vegas, NH, whatever..), and you want to put together a committee and proposal for such a event, contact me at SegwayChat@segwaychat.com.

I'm looking forward to making SegwayChat.com work towards to the success of such an event! :-) (SegwayChat is only gonna get fully behind one event obviously.. so which one is it gonna be?!?)

Regards,

Frank A. Tropea

[/sc] Admin - "Keep your wheels on the ground!" - Contact Me (segwaychat@segwaychat.com)

MagiMike

11-09-2003, 03:33 PM

Living here I vote for Houston.

Sunday

11-09-2003, 04:06 PM

If the Florida Fest were in February, that would be nice. Then all of the snow seggers could get in some riding time, and remember what the sun looks like. Or how about Seattle in the Summer? Seattle seems to have lots of Segways, and are pretty accepting of them. The weather never seems to be too terrible, and I'm sure there must be something fun we could do there.

How about it PT? Can we all stay at your place:)

Sunday

Segway-more fun than you can stand!

SegwayLongIsland

11-09-2003, 04:23 PM

I'm all for Florida! But try to arrange a nice time of year when it's not storming or unreasonably hot. Going south in the summer is CRAZY hot!

A 3-day weekend can fit into most people's schedule at any time of the year.

Go south when you can't stand to be where you are and can enjoy the reprieve!

GlideMaster

11-09-2003, 05:01 PM

Hmmmmmmmm! I'm still waiting on another Woodstock; but there will never be another like the FIRST (oops, sorry FIRST).

<center>http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/avatars/glidemaster.gif</center>

SegwayUtah

11-09-2003, 09:29 PM

Hey, I want to volunteer too :) I offered to volunteer (and even donate money) for the previous annual gathering (on the board, in person, via e-mail), but I never had any takers.

Regarding location, let's make it somewhere fun climate-wise. And I'm not really so sure that the strip would be an exciting place to hold an annual gathering if we're looking for some outside "glide time." There are good things about Las Vegas, but I think it might be a better location for a regional gathering, not so much a national gathering. (all my opinion here, of course).

I think Seattle or California (somewhere not too warm) or Boston would be awesome places for the 2nd annual SEG. I'd really love to see Boston, actually.

But most of all, I'd like to see an owner-organized National SEG take flight and for all the local SEGs to have an official national organization to look to. And then I'd like to see the local SEGs submit simple proposals to the national SEG committee and we can all vote here online or at the annual SEG gathering as to what we'd like to see the next year.

Remember, SegwayFesT! 2003 started out as a small gathering of owners in Chicago and turned out to be something really, really awesome. I think it would be great to have an annual national gathering, and to have a SegwayFesT! 2004 (with LLC's permission to use the name).

I think it would also be awesome if we set up regional gatherings throughout the year organized by local SEG groups. I'm talking about, say, Houston SEG setting up a regional gathering that would last a day and would have attendees from Texas and a number of surrounding states as well.

I know of a number of people who are putting time and effort into creating proposals, getting bids, etc. to host the next annual gathering in their hometown. I know all but one group of these people are probably going to feel let down and maybe even betrayed when the general population of Segway HT owners don't get behind their plan. I don't know that any group, or any person has the right to "officially endorse" an annual gathering (other than LLC, and I don't know if they'd want to do that since these are _owner-organized_ gatherings).

In the meantime, we should all get local groups organized. Be prepared to feel both elated and letdown if a national SEG group comes in and changes how you have to do things if you want to be an official sub-unit of their national organization.

But most of all, enjoy your HTs. Enjoy riding them with current and new friends. Spread the word--the HTs are here to stay; they're saving people money, helping the environment, bringing a lot of hapiness to owners and "demo riders," and causing a lot of companies to start thinking outside the box.

This is truly an exciting time.

Chris

pam

11-09-2003, 09:40 PM

If we're going to do it in Florida (or Houston) it needs to be when the weather is cooler... It's awfully muggy around labor day. February is a good time for south Florida. I'm not attached to any particular place, but I would like the weather to be "workable" and for sure the hotel to allow us to use our Segways in the hotel. That's critical to me.
Pam

ElectraGlide

11-09-2003, 10:37 PM

quote:Originally posted by pam

If we're going to do it in Florida (or Houston) it needs to be when the weather is cooler...
Thankyou Pam.....I certainly agree with you.
Anytime before mid April should work in south florida....wouldnt a lot of northern members enjoy coming to ride in Florida with 80 degree weather in Feb or March. Most of those in the far north probably wont have much use of their machines all winter and a trip south at that time of year would be most welcome. And ofcourse my favorite pick is still Vegas if it's gonna be past April. There's a reason the Sonesta is empty and the rooms are cheap in August....pay a little more and get your moneys worth in the spring. Anyway, I live here, and I'll be here if the choice is August at Key Biscayne.

Steve

Stewbonz

11-09-2003, 10:49 PM

What about New Hampshire in the fall? Beautifull scenery and reasonable prices in that area. Close to the Segway factory. That would make it easy for the Segway team to attend. There are some spectacular old resorts up there. Maybe at Deans house....? Over to you.

JEFF JARVIS
Historic Tours of Thailand on a Segway-HT

glide123

11-10-2003, 12:06 AM

No sales tax in New Hampshire ++

Freddy

11-10-2003, 12:31 AM

Well Houston sounds nice if the area is set up for Segs. Vegas is a fun town but is it ready for Segs and is there good riding areas? South Florida sounds great if its during the good weather season. Which is a concern for any area.
Don't forget alot of us are going to get the winter blues and have withdrawls from not being able to glide during the winter.
Escaping to a better climate to glide will bring in the numbers
But I keep in mind that really, Jim (Fathertime) owns SEGWAY FEST He has made claim to it first and I tend to lean towards anything that he may produce in the future
Not just because of this, but that he did such an outstanding job for a first time
And we all realize it. We all need to put our $.02 in so he and the others can get a sense of what the majority wants
My top concerns Glide friendly area, comfortable weather (Spring or Fall),
LLC participation,Other things to do in the area for others
3 day weekends are good
Freddy

GyroGo

11-10-2003, 01:08 AM

quote:Originally posted by SegwayUtah

...I offered to volunteer (and even donate money) for the previous annual gathering (on the board, in person, via e-mail), but I never had any takers.

I had the same experience, but apparently the help was not required as the event was an excellent effort by all involved.

I am looking forward to the DVD!

. . SegCenter.com (www.SegCenter.com) . .
StirlingInfo (www.StirlingInfo.com) StirlingChat (www.StirlingChat.com)

Sunday

11-10-2003, 01:33 AM

[quote]Originally posted by Freddy

Well Houston sounds nice if the area is set up for Segs. Vegas is a fun town but is it ready for Segs and is there good riding areas?

I thought Vegas was famous for being able to have Segs:) And i even hear there are ranches for it and everything!

Sunday

Segway-more fun than you can stand!

fredkap

11-10-2003, 01:47 AM

I'd vote for November 11 - 14th 2004, Sonesta, Key Biscayne. Weather is good, not high season, Labor Day has too many conflicts with back to school and back to college, enough time that we will all be excited to get together again and the mini holiday of Veterans day.

Fred

SegwayUtah

11-10-2003, 02:21 AM

Do you think we could pull together a few regional SEG gatherings this winter, in February/March perhaps -- one in California, one in Texas, and one in Georgia/Florida? I'm sure some people would like to go out and glide then.

Or maybe Hawaii :)

I think that February/March will really be too early for a national SEG gathering. Just 5-6 months after the previous one makes it a "twice-annual" gathering :)

Chris

Stewbonz

11-10-2003, 02:48 AM

I will be supporting any ideas that Fathertime has in mind. The Fest in Chicago exceeded my expectations! Can't get any better than that. The Chicago Gang did a super job and deserve our full support. Agreed?

JEFF JARVIS
Historic Tours of Thailand on a Segway-HT

SegwayUtah

11-10-2003, 03:04 AM

I wonder if we'll end up with multiple, independently-organized Segway gatherings next year.

It certainly wouldn't be appropriate for us to put the onus of responsibility on the "Chicago Gang" [ :) ] for gatherings next year (although as Brooster said, they are open to helping and consulting on a 2004 gathering, for which we should be grateful).

Chris

fredkap

11-10-2003, 03:18 AM

If Jim Reynolds (Fathertime) wants to put on SegFest 2004 he has my full support. Like all large gatherings, it is impossible to make everyone happy. Through this chat site everyone can express their thoughts and to the best possible extent we can reach a consensus.

Fred

Brooster

11-10-2003, 08:58 AM

I honestly didn't know that Fathertime and Ladytime were working on a Florida event. I don't see them all that often these days, as I've been busy getting a new job and career off the ground. I guess I kind of assumed they'd had their fill after the Chicago event. :)

I'd be happy to support them, or anyone who ultimately puts forth a viable, well-developed plan. We certainly know that Fathertime and Ladytime can do it, so let's maybe wait and see what they have up their sleeves.

I'm glad we're discussing it, as I think it's good to hear people's ideas and feelings. The earlier something is settled upon, the better it'll be for all of us in terms of vacation planning, etc.

If it's in Florida, I like Fred's November idea. Cooler in Florida, warm enough that it'd be nice treat for us northern Seggers, and early enough that it wouldn't conflict with the holidays.

Broo

[:P][8]

Brooster

Sal

11-10-2003, 10:33 AM

Well, personally, I would love a SegwayFest ANYWHERE!!! Because I'll do my damndest to attend, and have a blast, and meet all the wonderful people on this site!

Oh! I'd love to volunteer too, so please, to the organizers, email me, let me know what I can do!

Knowing the helpful nature of this site, I bet ALL the attendees will be volunteering in one way or another!

-Sal

Think Different
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Answers that Matter
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fathertime

11-10-2003, 03:34 PM

Dear Seggers,
Thank you for your kind support. Chandra and I have just started thinking about next year with lots of encouragement from LLC and the folks in Florida. We think that the venue in Florida would give seggers in the northern climes a nice extension of good weather to glide in when things are starting to ice-up around here. Additionally the airfare to Florida is reasonable and it is a very family friendly locale.
Fred you took the dates right out of our mouths. Chandra and I just this morning spoke about Veterans day as being the perfect time to get away before the holidays when the temperature is more moderate in that part of the world.
We would hope that the SC community would throw it's weight behind an effort that we would mount and try to make everyone happy.
We now know what we will need in the way of volunteers and can delegate a little more of the work to individuals that want to step up to the plate. We had many volunteers for the first one but were unable to effectively co-ordinate them in time to be of use. This time we feel that it can be much more of a team effort.
Maybe regionals could be organized by Frank to satisfy the local need to gather in other months and then have all of the local SEG groups attend the National Fest! This is what we do in the Vintage/Antique Clock and Watch Shows and it works very well.
This discussion has been very productive and we would love to hear more from all of you on the matter and especially those of you who don't comment much. We want to please as many people as possible so let us hear all of your comments.
We are invigorated and want to make next year's Fest bigger and better with your help!:D

Jim & Chandra Reynolds

Stan671

11-10-2003, 05:58 PM

I would go to SegwayFest 2004 no matter when or where it was. So, I am of no use to those discussions.

Speaking as a simple attendee to the SegwayFest in Chicago and was very happy with how well it was organized and how well everything worked out. I don't know the details of all of the behind-the-scenes work that Jim & Chandra Reynolds did, I just know that there was a tremendous amount of work that they and the other volunteers did.

As far as I am concerned, they all did a fantastic job and I vote for whatever Fathertime is willing to work on for next year.

Stan Dobrowski

beckpm

11-10-2003, 08:28 PM

Fathertime,
I would be willing to bet that most of us don't want to wait another "whole year" before we attend another one of your spectacular events! Can't we find a time slot sooner than Nov 2004?

Peter Beck
Arlington, Virginia

opti6600

11-11-2003, 03:05 PM

Jim's onto something with the peak season concept, but there's one huge problem with any of our prime locations (KB, Houston, Vegas[?]) - they are all ovens in the summer. It's a matter of either finding a coping strategy in the interest of saving $, or spend a bit more $, and get a wonderful experience in the winter, fall, or springtime around KB or Houston.

As expressed by the Sonesta folks, the issue we'll see in peak season is higher room rates, convention prices, and capacity constraints due to more people trying to get into the tropics during those times.

As Neelix said, it's a matter of someone sneaking in under the radar and saying "hey, we've got this here Utopia waiting for you folks!" - just kidding! Give the economics some thought, guys, it's the only real stumbling block so far.

Mr_Laurenzano

11-11-2003, 06:16 PM

Utopia? Did someone say Utopia? No. Im just a poor'ol boy from Orcutt Califonia. Ive organized a couple shing dings and can tell ya if your looking for climate this is the place. The central coast of Calfonia is the place.

~~ We offer long white beaches for a pleasant stroll or for just enjoying the spectacular views of the Pismo Beach sunset. Prefer a more active vacation? You can golf, hit the dunes for four-wheeling ATV's, horseback riding, surfing, body boarding, or fishing from our 1200-foot pier. Watch spectacular sunsets from our award-winning boardwalk adjacent to the pier.

Nearby we offer wine tasting at its best from our local award winning wineries.

Adventurous? How about kayaking our surf with proper instructions and equipment included?<Segway> Pismo rates as one of the best beaches for surfing. Bring your own board, or visit our great surf shops within walking distance for the surf's edge.<See report>

Shopping? Pismo Beach provides shopping for every taste, from unique downtown stores to our Prime Outlets Center which houses some of the most widely known outlets in our country.
Hungry? Let's reward your taste buds. Choose from one of our many award-winning restaurants for mouth-watering delicacies that will satisfy anyone's cravings. We have classified our dining options into Casual, Ethnic and Classic.

Lodging? We have almost 2,000 Hotel Rooms, hundreds of RV spaces, numerous vacation rentals,<HINT HINT> and even a state campground.~~~~
Ive been arround and I will tell you all. This is the place ~ I'll guide or map the tours with long distance experiances you will never forget. Two magor airports that will welcome you and a train ride or short hopper to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo
Rental setup for transportation once you reach the state can be acomplished. Hell I'll even though in a live band. It wont be dean's backyard but then again it might be.

peace is a oneway street, with no crossroads and no deadends