Golden_HVAC wrote: They do spend some money to set up the temporary campground, and things like a big tent to host certain events.
But you are not required to attend them.
Some don't mind spending the money if they get great service and don't have to plan things like sightseeing adventures, or where to eat each night.
Fred.
Does not the vendors pay for privilege?
Members, I think, should get a discount and the vendors should pay the costs.
I do not understand the why of charging camping fee and entrance fee and additional fees for this or that.
As for volunteering, I do not understand paying full privilege for the right to help them make money?
I do not attend the rallies for these reasons. I am not young but if the organizations are looking to retain and expand membership they must look to catering to members more than vendors.
Oh, I was CEO of an outdoor festival for many years. The vendors paid all the costs plus we made a net gain for the non profit organizations. All staff was volunteer and got some perks. Ride tickets, discount food, preferred parking etc.
Obviously you know about vending!!! Trust me the vendors pay quite a lot for the "privilege", as you call it with absolutely no guarantee of making any profit, whatsoever, over and above all the costs involved in vending at such events. We pay booth fees, additional costs for electric, WiFi, etc., not to mention we also have to pay for our camping too!
It is also apparent you have no concept of what it costs to put on an event that large...if you did you would not even ask such a question. In addition to vending I also work with the Heartland Owner's Club to produce their annual rally, which pales in comparison to the GS or FMCA rallies, and am stunned at what Heartland pays to subsidize their rally in order to keep costs affordable for their members....it is in the tens of thousands of dollars, and we're only talking several hundred rigs. I cannot imagine, with what "the Rally" provides, I.e., entertainment, etc., what they pay to subsidize such an event.
It boils down to this...you don't want to pay the cost...stay home...JMHO.
By the way, without vendors, which includes the RV dealers at these events, there would be no event...again...JMHO.
* This post was
edited 08/04/12 02:28pm by kakampers *
2013 Heartland Landmark Key Largo with Mor Ryde IS and disc brakes
2011 Chevy Silverado 3500 DRW Crew Cab Duramax Diesel
Entertainment, food, entertainment, prizes, entertainment, grounds rent, entertainment, generator rentals, employees payroll, and hotel/RV rental for the big shots. To volunteer is up to each individual as to if it's worth it them. We have been to a few Rallies and most have top notch entertainment and some good seminars. Over all if it's in the area we're in at the time we might go.
We find a lot of the different State Sambroees to be just as much fun at a lot less money.
We always enjoy the FMCA Convention in Perry, Georgia. We have done the electric hook-up sites as well as generator sites. There is a lot to experience and the costs for attending are, I think, quite reasonable. I have not heard of anyone complaining about the cost before-maybe you aren't getting enough out of the rally to justify the cost.
We can hardly wait for the next one!
Cathy and Don, finally retired
Cats-Whiskers the Princess and Shadow the Baby
2008 Allegro Class A Open Road 32'
As u said, u've never attended a rally. U wouldn't ask the question if u've attended attended a rally. Here's a breakdown for you of the reasons people attend.
Vendors 20%
Seminars 20%
Shows 20%,
Meeting new and old friends 20%
Full 50 amp hook up site 20%
so that's a 100% of the reasons I attend and it breads down to 13 dollars a night for each of those reason (65.00 a night).
Yes the cost appears high, note I said appears high. In Indy, but is it.
If you've not been to Florida in the winter and seen how close the units are parked, then u don't know close. The sites at the Rallys are preset W X W, are u do have room.
I'm not sure about you, but I don't care to here gen-sets all night. If I wanted to run it all night, I would be in the area set up for that.
In closing, don't knock something till you've been there and seen it 1st hand.
past-MIdirector wrote: Entertainment, food, entertainment, prizes, entertainment, grounds rent, entertainment, generator rentals, employees payroll, and hotel/RV rental for the big shots. To volunteer is up to each individual as to if it's worth it them. We have been to a few Rallies and most have top notch entertainment and some good seminars. Over all if it's in the area we're in at the time we might go.
We find a lot of the different State Sambroees to be just as much fun at a lot less money.
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