Segway Fest 2005?

[Florida Ever-Glides]

Any news whether it's gonna happen this year. I hope so.

I think that Seg America and/or LLC will have to step up to the plate as the major producers to pull it off. Jim, Chandra and others have planted the seed, but I think it should be handed off to 'larger' risk takers. My hats off to the pioneers of this great function...

Tom Jacobson
http://www.floridaever-glides.com

[florin]

I hope that it will be held in Europe. Then it's easier for the european people to go to it and for the Americans it's a nice excuse to come over to europe :-)


Visit http://www.florin-webdesign.nl/segwayinfo if you want to stay up-to-date on the situation about the Segway HT in the Netherlands.
http://www.florin-webdesign.nl/segwayinfo/uploads/cavt41287ea7e3ec0

[mattk]

I would be nice if it was right here in New Hampshire... that way LLC could prob. be more involved.

-MattK

[BJ]

How about here in sunny South Africa. Good weather guaranteed!!
BJ

[pinmagic]

Washington, DC! The capital of the entire friggin world! ;>)

[macgeek]

Actually The discussion has been that there be 'regional' segwayfest type events, held by local groups, in local areas - I happen to like the idea very much.
Stan, any comments?

Jonathan

Segway - "Let's Roll"
Proud Segway NY member
www.segwaynyny.com

[Segway City]

quote:Originally posted by macgeek

Actually The discussion has been that there be 'regional' segwayfest type events, held by local groups, in local areas - I happen to like the idea very much.
Stan, any comments?That's the only way it would survive as an event. Spending $2K to visit what is essentially a trade show is what limits attendance and alienates a large portion of enthusiasts. Too clique-like for a product designed "for the masses".

What I don't understand is why Segway doesn't have a "road show" now! There are thousands of auto shows, trade shows, fairs, regional events and conventions that could be attended by "two guys and a truck" to expose the HT to the "guy on the street". I bet the ROI would be huge, far greater than the few artsy commercials they've created. What would an operation with 4-5 such teams cost, $1M per year? What's the cost of a single good commercial, $200K plus airtime?

Combine the arrival of a roving team with a scheduled SEGAmerica regional event, and all of a sudden it becomes something the "little guy" can sink his teeth into.

Just seems like wasted resources and time wasting away.

[Stan671]

SEG America is looking to sponsor at least three regional SegwayFestLite events in 2005. These would be smaller in scope than we have seen in the two official SegwayFests wonderfully run by the Reynolds. Local group organizers in several areas have expressed interest in putting together regional Fest events.

Right now, no schedule has been set and the locations are still rather general but they are: New England, somewhere in the Massachusetts/New Hampshire area; Washington DC; and Sacremento California area.

If there are any other local group organizers, or anybody at all, interested in helping put together a regional Fest event, please contact me.

Stan Dobrowski

[wwhopper]

It would be great to hold one in Europe for those folks. But for SEGAMERICA to hold it, it would have to be in the USA somewhere. It would be good to have one on the East Coast - one on the West coast - and one smack dab in the middle some where. Each year move it around - up and down the map.

Having it as an official SEGAMERICA members meeting, would help SA reach out to new members and potenial sponsors. As well as let all of us know what is cooking in the SA pot. As time goes on Segway LLC will not always be coughing up the dough on these events. I know that for my car club - we are lucky to get $5K out of the car company's pocket for a national event - and that comes from several different divisions when we do get it. Marketing & Finance divisions often are the ones who contribute the most - and then Service is down at the dealer level - so then we have to go there and beg for some from them too.

Will W Hopper,IFDA
Taxation Without Representation here in:
Washington, DC, USA

[GyroGo]

"road show" = "SegFest on Wheels" (or should that be "SegFest on Twheels"?)

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

[KSagal]

Again, if they fly from Segfest to Segfest, it twood be twheels on the twing.

Karl Ian Sagal

Each road you travel should be just a bit better for having had you pass.

[GyroGo]

quote:Originally posted by Brooster

If Segway LLC asks for another "owner organized" event it would be more evidence of a company that wants its customers to do their work for them. It's bad faith, bad ethics, and bad business.


Broo, your bitterness is saddening. It is either big news to me that LLC "asked" for "customers to do their work for them" or you are unfair in your accusations. Let it go, already, there is no reward from LLC for you volunteering to be an ambassador.

[jgrohol]

Just to clarify, SegwayFest in no way subsidized the dealer meeting and, as in the previous year, Segway LLC kicked in a substantial sum to fund SegwayFest (in addition to all of the staff that came down to support it). We are very appreciative of the organizers of the first two SegwayFests and are looking forward to working with SEG America on the 2005 SegwayFest events, in whatever form they'll take.


--
All views expressed here are my own, not necessarily those of my employer or others. Check out http://grohol.com/.

[Segway of St. Louis]

And dealers where not "required" to go to the dealer meeting per dealer aggreement.

The whole dealer network thing is brand new and still far from being fully developed. I think as this matures you will see a lot more dealer participation in events.

I can bet we won't be perfect, but we will do what we can.

Jeff Bach
Segway of St. Louis
636-754-4000

[fathertime]

quote:USA
St. Louis, Missouri
26 Posts





Posted*-*Jan 13 2005*:* 09:41:35 AM * * *

And dealers where not "required" to go to the dealer meeting per dealer aggreement.


Jeff, you are in error here. Re-read your dealer agreement. Under "Your Duties", section "H", it states "Attend all national Segway sales meetings and seminars, and all regional and district Product, sales and management seminars."
Apparently this is observed more in the breach than in the observance.

JR

[fathertime]

Friends,
There is a lot of discussion right now about where to have SegwayFest! 2005 and we have three prime locations that we are investigating. In answer to those who wish to take it over I don't think that anyone has the leverage to do so not to mention the licensing rights. It takes well over $100,000.00 to pull it off successfully even with help from corporate and other sponsors. If there is anyone out there that wants to discuss it with us they are free to call for a consult (708) 352-1685.
We have some interesting ideas for 2005 but none of them are written in stone. We have a temporary hold on two locations and are investigating a very intriguing third. As soon as we have something concrete we will announce the venue for your input. We have considered all of the comments we have heard since last years Fest and are taking them to heart. [^]:D[/:)]:);)[:P]

JR

[Florida Ever-Glides]

I'm thrilled to know that we might have another SegwayFest!!!!!

Tom Jacobson
http://www.floridaever-glides.com

[macgeek]

Apple Computer Never has "Paid for" a Applefest / Macworld event.

Jonathan

Segway - "Let's Roll"
Proud Segway NY member
www.segwaynyny.com

[SegwayUtah]

quote:Originally posted by jgrohol

We are very appreciative of the organizers of the first two SegwayFests and are looking forward to working with SEG America on the 2005 SegwayFest events, in whatever form they'll take.

Over the last year or so, local groups have started to form, have fun meetings and activities, etc. The logical extension of this is to have frequent regional and ocassional national Segway enthusiast gatherings.

To echo John and Stan, this year will be super-exciting for SEG groups all across the country. A number of us from the executive board will be in contact with local SEG organizers working out dates and locations for a few regional SEG events this year.

The really cool thing about local SEG events is that they'll be like "mini/lite" SegwayFests -- low cost, maximum fun, and the opportunity for local dealers and special guests to join us and the local community in celebrating Segway technology for a day or three.

Plus, those diehard Segway fans among us can go to a number of cool events :)

Chris

[SegwayUtah]

P.S.

I expect to see a European gathering this year or next year. I will help plan it myself if needs be :)

Chris

[Burke]

Jim, I just about fell off my chair while reading that you are even THINKING about doing this again! Are you some kind of glutton for punishment??

But HOORAY!

Janice

[fathertime]

Janice, to tell you why we are gluttons for punishment I can tell you that we have a different angle on the sponsorship this year that may take some of the pressure off of us and make for a very interesting Fest. We'll know in a couple of months if this will pan out but right now it looks good.
It's quite interesting how folks think that this is an easy thing to accomplish and produce. But I'm here to tell you that it's not as easy as it seems and there are many pitfalls that require a lot of dollars to fix.
The local meetings are great but meeting Seggers from all over the country and the world is really what makes for a universal community and an interesting Fest!
Matt, Chandra, and I have had some conversations with the three venue's representatives and we are looking for the best deal and most interesting and accessable gliding areas.
We would love for any and all of you to post your suggestions. Please post a location that takes you out of your home town area. It's easy to want the Fest in your own back yard but the reality is that most folks will have to travel some distance.
Do you want it in a central location? Do you want easy airline access? Are you willing to fly and drive? Do you want a first class hotel or a cheaper venue.
Do you a want to have it in the Summer or Fall? Do you want all of the amenities like breakfasts, lunches, dinners or would you prefer to get all that on your own?
Do you want more group glides or to be left on your own?
Do you want seminars like the ones we've been producing or something different?
Will you commit to coming early so that we can hold down the prices for everyone?
Do you want photo ops, scavenger hunts, and fun activities, just informational seminars, or a mix of both?
What new things would you like to see from LLC in terms of support?
Would you like to see Seg America step up to the plate with a contribution?
Please, everyone chime in and let us hear your voice on this planning brainstorm.
Now is the time to make your voice heard. And Dealers please let us know if you intend to support this year's Fest with your attendance. [^]:D[/:)]:);)[:P]

JR

[Florida Ever-Glides]

Jim,

Is there any way you can develop a survey form and post it here for us to quickly complete? This would provide you with a lot of important feedback.

Tom Jacobson
http://www.floridaever-glides.com

[fathertime]

Pam can you help us with this task and perhaps list it as a sticky with the resulting comments for all to see. We would love to have everyone's input asap.[^]:D:);)[:P]

JR

[pam]

Hmmm, what were you thinking, Father time? A series of polls? Or a single post where people could respond in the post? I think we could leave it sticky for a week. That would cover your ASAP needs.
Pam

[Cameron]

Responding to Stan's post about developing a regional SegwayFest ... I'm brainstorming two "glides/festivals" for the summer and fall in Connecticut:

• Westbrook "Freedom" Glide and "Cool Gadget" Festival - July 4th (tentative)
On the coast in Westbook or Old Saybrook, the glide would be sponsored by Segway of Westbrook, the sole dealership in the state and in the heart of one of the state's power sports meccas. Great visibility for Segway stuff and gadgets of all kinds. (And, of course, the big feature would be awards for the best "Pimped out HT" and "Flyguy" T-shirt.)

• The "Avery Point" Glide and "Personal Mobility" Festival - Oct. 22 (tentative)
At the "Maritime Studies" campus of UCONN in Groton and would be held in conjunction with "Avery Point Day," UCONN's community outreach event for kids and adults with emphasis on marine science and technology. This glide/festival would be especially significant since the campus looks out towards Dean Kamen's North Dumpling Island on one side of the point. (Tall ships and submarines routinely pass on the other.) The campus has lots of interesting paths all "wheelchair accessible," and the Mystic Seaport is within oneway range. This glide (perhaps sponsored in part by Segway LLC itself) would be a more academic event, combining both a glide and a symposium featuring technologies spawned and energized by the Segway revolution.

Ideas ... suggestions ... thoughts??

One immediate impasse is that the Connecticut statute regulating EPAMDs dates back to 2002 when state legislator's say the Segway HT was being marketed as a "mobility aid," which was interpreted as a "medical device." So only people who carry the handicap-parking placard can ride them legally on sidewalks -- they're not legal anywhere else except one's own property. A Catch-22, since Segway LLC has clearly stated they're not a "medical device." I've contacted both Segway LLC, their lobbying firm, and a state senator on the Transportation Committee to urge them to revise this statute early this year. So far no response. (BTW Apparently, 41 states have adopted EPAMDs laws, permitting their use on "public sidewalk, bike paths and some roadway." Can someone provide the ideal wording -- or "legalese" -- for the most Segway-friendy law? Or point me to the one state that's got it right?)

Cameron Taylor
Upward Mobility


Evangelizing the Segway HT and Segway technology

[fathertime]

Pam, I think that a general response category would suffice with the first thread asking the questions I posed.

I just want to take a moment to thank you for all you do here on SC, it is much appreciated and I'm sure I speak for many other members when I send out a great big "Thank You" to you Pam! [^]:D:);)[:P]

JR

[pam]

I'll work on it, Jim. (Anything to keep from working on the online distance learning class I'm creating for summer {grin}) I personally think that the way it's written now is so MUCH that most of the questions won't get answered.
Pam

[macgeek]

I think A segfest in Las Vegas would be ideal. LOTS of room, Lots of food and entertainment, LOTS of hotels.

My one problem with segfest has been the dramatic cost of hotel/admission
I think if the prices were a bit more user friendly more people would go.
Just my 3 cents (ok, ok TWO cents!)

Jonathan

Segway - "Let's Roll"
Proud Segway NY member
www.segwaynyny.com

[wayne]

More user friendly probably will not happen.
Big ticket items always produce the biggest profit and anyway I don't think LLC is going to want to downsize.

Some mini fest shows around the country may happen but I would not look for LLC to be there.


Seg-On
Wayne

[QuadSquad]

The Segway Fest 2004 was an extraordinary event, the venue was spectacular, it was very well planned, and it was very well run.

Was it expensive? Absolutely.

Was it worth it? Without question, but only if you could afford it.

If you are a Segway enthusiast, where else in the world could you have gone where you would have interacted with people from all over the world who shared your enthusiasm, where else could you have gone where you would have been assured the opportunity to speak with Dean Kamen, and Doug Field, and all the others from Segway LLC who have had a part in the production of the Segway HT. All of this and so much more, in a first-class vacation destination.

For most of us, we have to plan for events such as this. We have to plan the time off, and we have to budget for the expense. But I assure you, that if you are truly a Segway enthusiast, there would be no three-day period which you could enjoy a more.

The Reynolds family has along with all the others who have assisted them provided us with two extraordinary events. If they choose to put on another Segway Fest, I will most assuredly be there and I know that my expectations will be more than fulfilled.

Could an event such as the Segway Fest 2004 be less expensive? Perhaps, but only if they were assured that they could sell more rooms. If this community wants to continue to have these type of events, they must also make a commitment to the Reynolds. If the Reynolds could be sure that they would sell a thousand rooms, or even 500 for that matter, it would give them much more leverage in dealing with the hotel or resort. Because the resort would be making money on food and beverage and other services which they would sell to us, they might be inclined to offer more reasonable room rates, and more reasonable terms to the Segway Fest organizers for banquet facilities, meeting rooms etc. The more people attending would encourage more vendor participation, and they would be willing to pay higher rates which would also offset the cost of the event.

The Reynolds family has made an extraordinary commitment to our Segway enthusiast community. They have gambled their efforts and their money to produce a first class event. I assure you their gift has thus far cost them tens of thousands of dollars. Can they recoup that in the future? Of course, but only if we really are a community, and we really do share a passion for the Segway. A passion that exists beyond just logging on to Segwaychat.com and posting just to see how many stars we can get.


I know where the Reynolds stand with regard to the Segway, where do you stand?

[wayne]

Only problem most don't have $2000.00 plus to go. If the price stays like it is I can't ever see more than 300 going unless Seg sales start moving and there are a lot more owners near the fest site.
I went to Chicage and enjoyed it but it's like a circus once you have gone you've been there and done that. The 1st and 2nd time people will soon drop off and the fest will have to look for the new owners to keep it going.
Small fest all around the country is the way to go with the number of Segs out there.
LLC should have been doing this fron day one.
That way they would be picking up new customers at every location.
How many new customers do you think they pick up at a once a year show?


Wayne

[X-man]

quote:Originally posted by macgeek

I think A segfest in Las Vegas would be ideal. LOTS of room, Lots of food and entertainment, LOTS of hotels.

My one problem with segfest has been the dramatic cost of hotel/admission
I think if the prices were a bit more user friendly more people would go.
Just my 3 cents (ok, ok TWO cents!)

Jonathan

Segway - "Let's Roll"
Proud Segway NY member
www.segwaynyny.com


Having just spent three days there, I can tell you that the distances between places are great and the sidewalks are narrow. You cross some streets via a bridge that requires a lift to get you up and down. I went though several casinos and up to the Stratosphere on the machine.
I stayed at the Orleans and took a HandiCab from the Orleans to the Stratosphere one day and rode back to the Orleans. Started blinking red as I went through the casino on the way to my room but did not run out of juice. Good some great photos along the way. When I arrived I rode to the Orleans on my Segway and, once again, was about drained of juice but I made it.
To come to St.George I took a cab to the airport to get the shuttle because I wanted battery when I got here in Utah. St. George has the widest streets I've ever seen in a city.

Bob

[FusionMag]

oh geez

AJ

[FusionMag]

I am just saying Oh Geez... as in another wayward post. Can we stay on track people? Why major on the minor stuff?

AJ

[Ground Loop]

I'd love to see an event in Las Vegas -- affordable airfares, easy destination!
Personally, I'd like to see a "less inclusive" SegFest at a lower price of entry.
One "suggested" buffet dinner meet-up (any meal) would be great as an icebreaker, but keep it out of the ticket price to allow folks less expensive options.

Likewise for the rooms.. I don't know how large-scale event planning works, but I'd be perfectly happy with a SegFest that doesn't include hotel requirement at all -- everyone has different preferences and price points. Less risk for the planners too.

The Seminars and talks would be the main attraction. New products, accessories, vendors, and certainly tech-talk from the LLC gurus. Contests, demonstrations, and tips.. more of a club meeting than a trade show.

By being in Vegas, there is also plenty for "uninterested partners" to do. That would make it a much easier domestic sale for single-segway homes.

Since the only expense should be meeting rooms and event organization, I'd expect a much more affordable ticket price. Another "all inclusive" master-planned vacation event would be much harder to justify for people like me who like the Segway, but don't have a way of life or business based on it.

[Sailor]

quote:Originally posted by FusionMag

I am just saying Oh Geez... as in another wayward post. Can we stay on track people? Why major on the minor stuff?

AJ


You're right AJ, I should have probably have just sent quadsquad an e-mail rather than derailing the thread. I'll delete my original and subsequent follow ups (except this one).

As for Quadsquad, no need to apologize. I think AJ has a point that this thread is way more important than font size quabbling. I urge you to follow suit and delete your reply to me from the thread.

[FusionMag]

sailor... I apologize if it seems I had an attitude with you (which was not the case). I have seen to many posts go to waste.

Now... back to the topic at hand - If you all need any Graphic Designers for this next Segfest let me know!! :) I would love to go to a segfest. I have heard a lot about them and being part of a segway store I am more than excited about the events that are to come.

AJ

[Sailor]

quote:Originally posted by FusionMag

sailor... I apologize if it seems I had an attitude with you (which was not the case). I have seen to many posts go to waste.


This really turning into a love fest now. ;)

It would be great to have Segfest located in a city that was most ideal for Segwaying in. Not just in terms of it being an easy place to get around in by gliding, but that it was a place in which the general populace might be very open to the idea of segging in general and that the Segwfest might generate a Segway enthusiasm wave in the locale.

A city in which the downtown was within 3-6 miles of a liberal middle class enclave (NOTE by liberal I'm refering to "open to environmentally friendly transportation alternatives" rather than their general political bent). In which the downtown has a parking shortage and there is a lack of public transportation infrastructure.

A city in which the crime was fairly low (in that car jackings and public muggings are not too common). Also, somehwere on everyones cultural map but not in an extreme.

In other words, instead of having the SegFest in a very nice place to visit instead have it somewhere ripe for Segway activitiy - somewhere we could plant the seed of Segway usage in the minds of the populace.

I'm thinking of places like Portland, Denver, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, multiple cities in Hawaii, Cleveland, Rochester...

Thoughts?

[pam]

Time to start a new thread. I'm about to do that and to sticky it, so you all can do opinions on venues there. This one will be locked so we can keep all the information in a single thread.
Pam