Got this today.
Dear fellow members,
It is with extreme disappointment we come to you with this disheartening announcement. With the increase of the Covid variant, cancellations have increased resulting in the lowest reservations for our annual GrandVention in Club history. After much thought, discussion, and number crunching, we are forced to make decision to cancel the West Virginia GrandVention. Registration was the lowest it's been in the history of the Club. Reviewing the options regarding financial losses, it was clear that this was the only viable option. Refunds will be mailed within the next few days.
The Virginias Motorcade is full with 27 coaches and will continue as planned.
Safe travels,
Russ
Russ Miller, International President
Beverly
Beverly Koonce, Motorcade Club Manager
How many is to few to hold this rally? Blaming COVID is a pretty pathetic excuse. Extremely disappointed....why do I continue to pay dues to this organization?
The group is aging out and is pretty old so I figure this is probably the case as they would not have committed with out the right number in the beginning. Most of the time they get the number they need at the previous grandvention as people sign up then. This will set that back as well.
Since there are 27 going to the motorcade I am guessing that these were also going to the Grandvention. The Grandvention I was at there were over 90 coaches there.
Agree with all of the above but if they can't make a certain profit no Grandvention,somebody take the reins and organize one,
hardest thing in the world to do is make everyone happy.
Who knows? Maybe 50?
Covid-19 is a perfect reason for many to not want to travel or gather in bigger groups. The Grandventions are among the most expensive Motorcade events on a per day basis. They provide catered meals, programs, entertainment, a place to park and more. The one we went to had about 100 coaches.
If you feel like you are getting no value from the Motorcade Club then don't renew. But try going to local chapter events, much less expensive for a long weekend event. For most of us it the people we meet and get to see again that is important. And you get 10% off parts and labor at MOT and FOT in NAC. That alone over time has paid for most of my dues.
John is right, the Motorcade membership is getting older, people sell their coaches, new people join. For many it is a good way to travel especially early on when the support they get is reassuring. This is no different from the Forum. Owners sell, some pass away, new folks join. It is our community to make what we want of it for the benefit of all of us.
We are all hoping for more "normal" days ahead but we should be ready for change.
I have been paying my Motorcade Club dues and think their is value in the membership. I think Beverly, Russ and Mark Crick are keeping the club alive but honestly I think they would appreciate constructive input from it's members. What say you?
1. Personally, I REALLY enjoyed the Grand Villa Reunion at FOT last May. Made alot of new friends (Bob, George, Frank, Michael to name just a few). Learned some things I did not know about my coach. I was not necessarily as interested in the scheduled tours or meals per se but rather the cookouts outdoors, mingling and the formal (classroom style) and informal (parking lot under the coach) tech talks.
2. I also appreciated the Motorcade club member directory handbook. Those books help me lookup folks I meet and is a nice touch from the club.
3. Myself and many new coach owners are always looking for opportunities to learn more about what they own. I emailed Russ to thank him for the work he is doing on behalf of the club and asked he and Beverly to consider a UniHome Reunion (since I own one...) similar to the Grand Villa Reunion.
If things aren't going to plan, then maybe consider shaking things up a bit and change the plan :) Like Roger mentions above, the ForeForum and Motorcade Club are our communities and contributes to making Foretravel ownership special. For those of you that are members of the Motorcade, help Russ help us in shaping the club to what we would enjoy being a part of. My two cents...
I wonder if they decided to hold the Grandvention this year at FOT how many would show up. We would be getting back from a 4 week trip but Nac is only 3 hrs away from my home.
We would attend assuming costs would be "similar" to the GV Reunion. FOT already has the meeting space, hookups and laundry/outdoor cooking facilities. I didn't think the Mineola, Tx GrandVention grounds weren't that much better than what FOT has. Also could bring in more service business and show some activity on the grounds.
The Grand Villa Reunion was out first experience with anything Motorcade Club related, it was a great time and many new friends were made. Cost was reasonable for everything that was offered but could probably be lower.
Really hope it becomes an annual event that offers specials on services, certain parts or repairs.
Seminars and informational sessions during the day, maybe a light lunch fare one day.
Nothing after the factory closes, that time is best spent with lawn chairs and grills in the parking lot sharing stories (no cost to the club) or doing whatever one wants.
We were supposed to be at our Chapter gathering this week but had to cancel due to hiccup here at home.
20 something coaches, 2 planned dinners and a winery tour offered, all pay as you go (or don't).
Lots of lawn chair time.
Walt that's my 2cent and I probably have change coming back to me :))
I don't think it is the location. They have held events at FT in the past and they were great. They also try to move it around so they can do a trip and end up at the grandvention. It allows people who can not get away long enough to get to the grandvention as well.