What could we do better for next years Spring Thaw

#1

I realize this is a little early but we wanted to get input while this years Spring Thaw is still fresh in everybody's mind.......

What could make the event even better?.......ok the weather doesn't count since sadly we don't have control over that.......freaky cold this year......

My one thought is that if they expect the band to play again next year (which was a smashing success by the way and thanks to all those that played) that we have the ECBA toss in a free 1/2 keg or two for our hospitality room......

Please make constructive comments (We realize there will be plenty about the picnic but please direct those to the officers) so that we can capture them and refer back to them as we prepare for next years Spring Thaw......

#2

Don't have a board meeting during it so I can go to the picnic. Oh wait, that was my fault....

#3

Any way we could get John Bains to do a backbar display there?

John H.

#4

John H. - That would require a separate room that somebody would have to build from scratch and man. I can't think of any area in the hotel that could be used for the display but maybe somebody might have seen an area. The exercise room would be perfect but doubt the hotel would give up that room.....but then again not like any of us used it..........thought I might have seen Johnny Aho in there one time......We (RB) were comp'd by the hotel for our hospitality room. We'd have to have them comp the backbar. It is something we could propose to Larry Handy and Jeff Lebo..........

#5

I vote that the meeting is moved to Sydney, Australia.

#6

Paid for by the Australian Chapters works for the officers..........we'll periscope it to everybody else.....

#7

I say RB bus trip to Lebos (RB only), followed by the band Saturday night open to all with the bean bag game going again.

#8

Keith..... you worked like a professional just like you made it look like you have been doing this for years...HATS OFF to you!!!!!!!

The only suggestion I can think of besides the one we shouldn't mention here is it looks like the RB Hospitality has the most action and not enough room for all of us. I didn't see any options as we want it on the back side so how about we rope of possible 2-3 of the parking spaces in front of the Hospitality and maybe a canopy in case of bad weather? Just a thought.

Steve

#9

potters66 wrote:Keith..... you worked like a professional just like you made it look like you have been doing this for years...HATS OFF to you!!!!!!!

The only suggestion I can think of besides the one we shouldn't mention here is it looks like the RB Hospitality has the most action and not enough room for all of us. I didn't see any options as we want it on the back side so how about we rope of possible 2-3 of the parking spaces in front of the Hospitality and maybe a canopy in case of bad weather? Just a thought.

Steve

I think that's a great idea. Box seats to the kickball league games at night and a place to relax and have a cigar while chatting with members. Perfect!

#10

Steve.....agree with that.......that was why we originally put out the picnic table......We'd love to hear that a member might have such a canopy (hold 3-4 picnic tables under it) and maybe even a space heater to beat that weather if it gets bad again......it is a classic time to meet RB fellow members and hang out with them.....

#11

The hotel had canopies outside over by the trade floor, maybe we see if they have extra. I love that idea (and space heater too)

#12

I think everything was just Great. Except the BCCA Board meeting Going on the same time as the Band was play down stairs.(I Guess we could Blame that on the Weather) Keith the Hospitably Room food was Great.

#13

We can rent thermal space heaters across the street at Lowe's..............we could add a cornhole tournament to the festivities.........with a pair of can giveaways to the winners.......oh and I know Johnny could get into some beer pong.........

#14

My only complaint isn't something that I believe can't be fixed.

I hate to stand in front of someone's table for 10 minutes with no one in sight. I fully understand that the socializing is a huge part of the show, but many people came in on Saturday to walk the floor. There were several tables with their closed can totes in place (from Friday night) at 9:45 on Saturday, and even though I went back to several tables multiple times, I never talked to the table owners.

I had a blast meeting everyone, but I went to the show to buy cans.

To be fair, I have the same exact issues at my local shows.

I'm standing here. Come to your table and ask if you can help me.

#15

Upsidedown wrote:My only complaint isn't something that I believe can't be fixed.

I hate to stand in front of someone's table for 10 minutes with no one in sight. I fully understand that the socializing is a huge part of the show, but many people came in on Saturday to walk the floor. There were several tables with their closed can totes in place (from Friday night) at 9:45 on Saturday, and even though I went back to several tables multiple times, I never talked to the table owners.

I had a blast meeting everyone, but I went to the show to buy cans.

To be fair, I have the same exact issues at my local shows.

I'm standing here. Come to your table and ask if you can help me.

Steve,
I agree with you that this can be a pain but those people were possibly doing the same as you, walking around looking to buy cans off other people and if it is a large show they do not always have a view of their table to see you standing there. Also of people have things going on during shows and can't always be at their table, who is to say that person is not sitting at the Rusty Bunch table doing an hour shift or helping out running an event at the show, it happens.

I know it would help if they had their name and cell number on a board on the table but this does not always happen either.

A way I get around to help track down the owner is to carry business cards and post it notes with me. If the item you want to buy/trade has a tab pull top or a clip on it slide your business card in under the tab pull or clip, or if it is something with out a place to slide a business card I write my name, BCCA no. and cell number on the post it note and put it on the item/s I am interested in. That way the owner can contact me when they return to their table.

At some CANventions I will put the business card or Post it on the item on the Thursday and I might not catch up with the person until the Friday or even the Saturday but we will 95% make a deal in the end.

Aussie Keith.

#16

I had my cell # on my table, and sold quite a few items because of it.

#17

Lovegun wrote:I had my cell # on my table, and sold quite a few items because of it.

Yep, I was one of them and was damn glad to get the can I wanted.

I only went on Saturday so I only have one mild suggestion. The people with tables were given name tags which was very helpful but there were none for everyone else who paid to walk on Saturday. I understand that not all will want one but I would have. Just a sticker that I could use a sharpie to write my name on would have been fine. If others feel the same way, I could meet even more of my RB brethren

#18

The Rusty Bunch should have a suite (comp-ed of course) for our hospitality room, with the food and beer and t-shirts and raffle table it was kind of cramped. Something comparable to what The host had would be perfect...it had a bar with barstools with sink ( for Keith to do dishes) and couches and chairs and then it opened to a whole other room where we could have the beer and food

#19

Spring Thaw coordinators did a great job! Since every room faces outside you would think there are no inside/outside room issues. But actually there is, most people were in rooms facing the soccer field, those folks not facing the soccer field were on the "outside". Walking that area took time and most of the times rooms were closed. I know the show was supposed to be sold out, but there were a lot of empty rooms on the second floor too. Walking the second floor took time away from being on the first floor, and usually most of the rooms were closed. If Larry could get most folks on the 1st floor that would help.

So my roommate and I made it a point to make sure someone was always in the room. We took turns walking and sitting and it helped our sales even tough we were all the way at the end of the building. Its the same deal as the tables on the show room floor. Put up a sign with your cell number so we can call!

Rusty Bunch Coordinators: I think you did the best you could with what was available however I would change a couple things. 1. Better Beer: Lets establish a swap tub - you put in a craft brew, you take one out. Put it next to the registration table so someone can monitor -no cheating by putting in Budweiser or Pabst! 2. The picnic food was pitiful for the price. We can do better as the RB, charge less and make profit. 3. When we are in the RB meeting, those guys in the back please have some courtesy for your fellow attendee's and shut the heck up! Next time I'll set up a PA system. 4. Trading: One of the things I always loved at B&G were Rusty Bunchers trading. I know we trade cash, but it just doesn't seem the same.

#20

Candog wrote: Rusty Bunch Coordinators: I think you did the best you could with what was available however I would change a couple things. 1. Better Beer: Lets establish a swap tub - you put in a craft brew, you take one out. Put it next to the registration table so someone can monitor -no cheating by putting in Budweiser or Pabst! 2. The picnic food was pitiful for the price. We can do better as the RB, charge less and make profit. 3. When we are in the RB meeting, those guys in the back please have some courtesy for your fellow attendee's and shut the heck up! Next time I'll set up a PA system. 4. Trading: One of the things I always loved at B&G were Rusty Bunchers trading. I know we trade cash, but it just doesn't seem the same.

1: we went through 5 kegs, 2 YuenglingLaer, 1 Porter, 1 Ipa and one Bock. Had 13 30 packs of cheap stuff because, well, it was cheap. (only had 21 beers left at end)
2: The RB had nothing to do with the Picnic, and I agree, my son had 2 hot dogs, that equals out to $9.00 each.
3: Yes, shut up.
4: either or for me.

#21

I agree about the sign with cell phone number. That was my only disappointment. Closed rooms the entire time even though they had cans in the windows and no one at the tables.

The show entire weekend was awesome. RB members are the greatest and prove that time and time again.

Looking forward to next year.

#22

Tom.....great comments.......I'll have to work closer with Jeff and his hotel coordination next time. As with any hotel I noticed some of the rooms were being renovated especially those on the 2d floor above you. I know the hotel did try to accommodate folks with specific room requests. I'd suggest folks lock rooms in as early as possible.

1. Better Beer: Lets establish a swap tub - you put in a craft brew, you take one out. Put it next to the registration table so someone can monitor -no cheating by putting in Budweiser or Pabst! We agree and encouraged folks to bring craft beers from their home of origin....sadly not too many showed up in the hospitality room......hopefully we'll get more next year....

2. The picnic food was pitiful for the price. We can do better as the RB, charge less and make profit. There were certain hotel restrictions due to food being served in a "public" place........We overcame that with what we served in our hospitality room......We'll keep an eye open to see if they plan to go down the same picnic path next year and address our concerns early enough.....Jeff was kind enough to take one of his keg and replace the empty picnic keg....

3. When we are in the RB meeting, those guys in the back please have some courtesy for your fellow attendee's and shut the heck up! Next time I'll set up a PA system. Agree.....I have a voice that carries but considering we really only get together twice a year and this is the chance for members to voice their opinion it would be best if everybody could be heard.....

4. Trading: One of the things I always loved at B&G were Rusty Bunchers trading. I know we trade cash, but it just doesn't seem the same. I'll let fellow RB members address how to best approach this issue......

#23

keithker wrote:Tom.....great comments.......I'll have to work closer with Jeff and his hotel coordination next time. As with any hotel I noticed some of the rooms were being renovated especially those on the 2d floor above you. I know the hotel did try to accommodate folks with specific room requests. I'd suggest folks lock rooms in as early as possible.

1. Better Beer: Lets establish a swap tub - you put in a craft brew, you take one out. Put it next to the registration table so someone can monitor -no cheating by putting in Budweiser or Pabst! We agree and encouraged folks to bring craft beers from their home of origin....sadly not too many showed up in the hospitality room......hopefully we'll get more next year....
I brought up some craft beer specifically to share with the Bunch. I don't know where my beer wound up at, but it wasn't with the Bunch. I really like the idea of a "swap tub".

2. The picnic food was pitiful for the price. We can do better as the RB, charge less and make profit. There were certain hotel restrictions due to food being served in a "public" place........We overcame that with what we served in our hospitality room......We'll keep an eye open to see if they plan to go down the same picnic path next year and address our concerns early enough.....Jeff was kind enough to take one of his keg and replace the empty picnic keg.... I also found the picnic food rather disappointing (burgers were good but those buns were huge and too doughy) for the price, but I know that wasn't the chapter's doing. Next time, I'm skipping the $18 and just going out to eat somewhere nearby.

3. When we are in the RB meeting, those guys in the back please have some courtesy for your fellow attendee's and shut the heck up! Next time I'll set up a PA system. Agree.....I have a voice that carries but considering we really only get together twice a year and this is the chance for members to voice their opinion it would be best if everybody could be heard.....
This would be helpful for those of us who don't hear so well, and for those of us who want to hear what is being said.

4. Trading: One of the things I always loved at B&G were Rusty Bunchers trading. I know we trade cash, but it just doesn't seem the same. I'll let fellow RB members address how to best approach this issue......

My dumpers weren't budging for some reason, but I was trading craft cans briskly Friday and Saturday. Was happy to find cheap flats and cones so I could afford to add some more rust to the collection..

5. Have got only one real complaint from the whole show. Saturday night, I go back to my room to go to bed around midnight, and there is this loud karaoke and music from the bar in front of the hotel. Kept waking me up until near 2. I don't mind if I've got a rowdy bunch downstairs from me carrying on late- hell, I'd probably have gone and joined them. That was rather annoying.

6. Other than that, I had a great time at my first Spring Thaw and enjoyed meeting a few more of the Rusty Brothers and re-meeting guys I knew from Canventions. Hope things fall right next year so I can do this show again!

#24

Dr Norton and I were discussing the areas at BLUE-GRAY where we all knew where the folks would be located.
i.e The New Englanders were always in the Cubby Hole near the pool and Angry Gary would kick butt to get tresspassers out of New ENGLAND
Territory. We need to establish our territories now so we all know where everyone is located

#25

EH! yooperaho.NEW'S FLASS.HOW'S ABOUT SPRING LIKE TEMP'S 40'S-50'S MONKEY STINK FUNK if we hit the 60's

#26

Ditch the Barbeque, It was a good thought/Try....Have a Mini Golf tournament and you have to down a beer on every hole.

Big "R"

#27

Bus trip to Lebo's would have been great. I ended up going Uber there and back for around $72 which was split between 3 guys. The barbeque certainly didn't go as planned ... too cold to do it outside ... and $18 for a hot dog and a burger, which were cooked in a hotel kitchen. I wouldn't do that again.

Overall it was a terrific time, and the RB officers who made it happen should be commended. Also have to give a shout out to everyone who manned the RB table. Those raffle ticket sales and shirt sales really help us financially. And thanks to everyone who donated cans to the chapter for punchboard or other purposes. You guys are my heroes.

#28

Ceskydup wrote:Ditch the Barbeque, It was a good thought/Try....Have a Mini Golf tournament and you have to down a beer on every hole.

Big "R"

This is a goog idea.....with the mini golf course right there. Make it rain/snow/or shine. It would have been especially interesting this year.

#29

YooperAho wrote:EH! yooperaho.NEW'S FLASS.HOW'S ABOUT SPRING LIKE TEMP'S 40'S-50'S MONKEY STINK FUNK if we hit the 60's

Sooner or later we will get lucky and get April weather in April. I am starting to think winter is slowly moving to later in the year.

Chris E.

#30

This is a real longshot, but if you could persuade the hotel to pave the pathway leading into the ballroom from the back entrance that would be great. We can't be the only event they have in there and it would make loading and unloading 100% easier.

What could we do better for next years Spring Thaw

What could we do better for next years Spring Thaw

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