So.... let's hear from others who were at the GrandVention this year - how was it? Did members from Foreforums find each other and get to put faces with names?
Odd (well, maybe not based on our experience with MC) that they still don't publish the agenda ahead of time. You'd think that doing so would create buzz and more interest, rather than making folks hesitate to register, wondering if it would be worth their time to attend. The practice of secrecy likely has a negative impact on interest and attendance.
I never understood why they did not promote it more but since FT is hands off maybe things will change.
There were 70 some coaches there. The Mid - South Rally in Weatherford was the week before. A good number from the Mid-South rally went to the Grandvention. Some from the Mid-South Chapter were at the Grandvention but did not make the MS Rally.
Forum member TomLong was at MS rally but did not make GV.
As was mentioned in other thread, Big Mike from Spartan was there and had two, two hour seminars on Maintenance and Air Systems, which was well worth going to. He knew that he had more Foretravel Chassis' in his group then Spartan and keep us laughing.
James Triana, with Chad in the background were not there but they did little over an hour question and answer session via zoom.
Lloyd DeGerald Services was there, did a seminar and also was running around servicing some Aqua - Hot's No I did not have them touch my AH. Only two people are allowed to touch mine. Me and Rudy.
Kleen Tank was there, did seminar and was cleaning tanks for those that wanted the service.
Seminar on Full timing and retirement/estate planning, which I did not attend either.
Weber Auto Glass had seminar on repairing windshield cracks, along with fixing them on coaches.
Seminar on RV weight and safety. They were weighing coaches on the last day.
For the lady's, there was two craft sessions and they had a shopping poker run.
One night Rusty Rierson's Band told jokes and played. I think he lives in Kansas during the summer and in South Texas during the winter, but I might be wrong on that.
On a side note, A while back I received a PM from a new FF member because he wanted to learn about Foretravel's and asked if he could call me. He called and we talked for a while. One of the nights at the GV for dinner I was sitting at a table with a first timer and it turned out that he was the one that I had talked to about Foretravel's
Don't know how I almost forgot about James Stallings, Xtreme Paint and Graphics, did a seminar on paint, delamination, outgassing, gelcoat, and fiberglass repair.
Also group meals every lunch and dinner.
Yuppers - totally agree on that. Steve or Rudy.
Sounds like an investment broker/Whole Life/Annuity salesshrub presentation minus the free steak dinner. Wise not to attend.
Oy vey! I so wish they would stop being so "Leave it to Beaver" and offer technical seminars for women and other partners. Judgement-free sessions where techs walk you through the different systems and answer questions. Even if the husband is the primary driver, there are so many things the co-pilot can assist with, be a second set of eyes/ears on. Even something as simple as backing into a site - if the co-pilot giving directions understands what the driver sees in the mirrors/camera, it can significantly improve how signals are given. So put the co-pilots in the seat and let them practice backing a coach while others practice giving signals, both with someone coaching them.
(At the first of the 2 GVs we've attended, I opted for the JT/AL tech seminar over "Ladies Crafts". I was definitely the only female in the room. The glares I got from the audience once they realized I was there to
attend rather than ask Steve for something were hysterical :D .)
Love this!
100% agree - so I'm glad you said it as I thought it. My eyes rolled so far out of my head that I needed eye drops. :)) :)) :)) It's totally fine of them to continue to offer these craft options as some ladies love the creative outlet and appreciate the alternative options. Personally, I have been in some of these types of situations and I felt a little awkward - as someone who never had children, and therefore no grandchildren, my contributions to the conversation were more encouragement and a cheerful listener. My mom has always taught me that "you are only out if you put yourself out" so I am comfortable and happy in most environments.
But like you, I would be attending every single seminar to learn and soak up all the technical and useful coach related information. As fulltimers for the last 11.5 years in our U320, we know that our lifestyle is 100% teamwork - actually, our whole relationship is 100% teamwork. ^.^d Every traveling couple has their dynamics, and I'm one female who wants to learn as much as possible.
I remember pow-wowing with Brett & Dianne at our first FMCA Rally. They helped us devise the fullest, intense, useful seminar schedule - divide and conquer and compare notes at the end. We shared stories every night and giggled reenacting the looks we received from a lot of attendees - not only with us being as young as we were at the time, but a female in the FMCA Technical Roundtable or the Cummins Engines Q&A?!? Priceless. :)) :)) :))
Sorry for the rant but with the motorcade's outdated stance/treatment of women and their participation... no wonder the club is aging out instead of attracting the next generation. Some of the regional meets are the same way. One look at pictures posted from these events is enough to dissuade many potential members...male and female from attending.
Same with 'Lady's Driving School'. Really? Honestly it's a bit degrading in my opinion. How many more men would participate if it were just. ' New Drivers School'.
Its 2024 people. ;D
At the Grandvention there were a number of women in the seminars. I did not feel that anyone was surprised that they were there.
My wife is not interested in tech talks, I am. She had a choice to either go to a tech talk with me, which she didn't, go to the crafts, do the poker run, or just do her thing.
I don't recall any of that at the 3 GV's I have been to. Maybe I am too involved in what the speaker was talking about since I like sitting up front so I don't miss much.
It was the first one they held at Texas Motor Speedway, 2006 I think. They even broke the guys and gals up for lunch that day.