Thanks to Vaughan, Lisa, Al, Ken and all others that participated in making 2017 another highly successful rally.
I really appreciate the feedback, especially what worked well, what additional content you would like to see and most importantly, what we can improve upon.
I am in receipt of a question from yesterday's AGM regarding the scheduling of the National Redwood Rally, specifically if it could be moved to spring or fall.
Last year I discussed the potential timing and location of future rallies with the Redwood President, to determine what additional options were available, if any.
Early feedback from this year's rally again confirms that receiving the exceptional service from Randy & his technicians is a primary driver for most people attending the rally. Therefore, the location must be reasonably close to the factory. I researched many campgrounds within about a 50 mile radius of the factory and Shipshewana, in terms of size, facilities, services and proximity to the factory is one of the best options.
Regarding timing, we must address campground availability, Redwood availability and ability of attendees to arrive at Shipshewana. The Fall option definitely did not work for Redwood, as this is their busy period with large shows. The end of July conflicted with RW year end and also the Elkhart show, which restricts campground availability. Issues with the Spring were mostly weather related. August is when RW start ramping up preparations for the Fall shows, so their preference was July.
Therefore, taking everything into consideration, the middle of July is the best option to receive the services and participation of RW and can get campground availability.
If/when we have the resources and demand to implement regional rallies, they will be scheduled around the country and will be either Spring or Fall. However, regional rallies will have limited RW participation and definitely not tech service.
Great comments!
Please keep your comments/suggestions coming. This morning (Sunday) the board members will be holding a de-brief meeting to summarize the initial comments from the AGM. These, combined with the ones here on the forum will be used to improve future rallies.
We are already anxious to get next year's dates. We have some other appointments to make around those dates. Please let us all know is soon as you know what the next year's dates will be. It was a fantastic rally
Hi Andy. That was my question. Timing and logistics certainly are major controlling factors and having never coordinated an event of this nature, didn't even take them into consideration. Sure did miss meeting you this year but hopefully will get the opportunity next year.
Bob
Our thanks to the entire board for the tireless effort each of you contributed to making our first RW Rally an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Bob & Judy Arnold
Sunday morning. I can hear the sounds of an event coming to it's inevitable end: cargo doors closing, slides and awnings retracting, good-by's being said, engines roaring to life, and crunching gravel. What will not end though are the friendships, both new and renewed; the knowledge gained and experiences shared; laughter and on occasion, tears: some of joy, some of empathy, and some of sympathy. All becomes part now of the lives of those of us here. And, I for one feel blessed to have had the experience. See everyone next year.
We are already anxious to get next year's dates. We have some other appointments to make around those dates. Please let us all know is soon as you know what the next year's dates will be. It was a fantastic rally
Rick & Cath,
I started a new topic for the 2018 Rally, posting the location and dates. Here is a link to the post.
Hi Andy. That was my question. Timing and logistics certainly are major controlling factors and having never coordinated an event of this nature, didn't even take them into consideration. Sure did miss meeting you this year but hopefully will get the opportunity next year.
Bob
Bob,
Affirmative, our schedule for next year is planned and includes a couple of weeks at Shipshewana.
First let me thank Lisa, Ken, George and all the volunteers! Y'all did an awesome job. This being our first rally, we had no idea what to expect and we were blown away. I learned so much, my head is swimming. I'm glad I took notes. Thank you to the three gentlemen who stepped put to the plate and volunteered to hold the set-up and maintenance meeting. Great tips. We met some great new friends! Last but not least, Matt and Nick our techs from Redwood, well I just can't say enough about them. The Lippert group, they were wonderful. I met the couple who will be at the Texas service center, great couple. We can't wait for next year! If anyone is in the Wimberley, Texas area (Austin or San Antonio), please give us a call.
Thanks again everyone!
When can we start making reservations?
We already put our name of the campground list.
Should I call the campground? What do you think?
Dave
There is no rush to book. Most do not until after the 1st of the year.
This 2017 Rally was fantastic. Great people , friendly, plenty of time to socialize and still learn a lot. But missing out on a Rally like this means you miss the wonderful service Lippert LCI provided and Redwood/Crossroads too. The services provided are so very worth the time to attend. Also, catered meals were another bonus... the gifts from Redwood, and so many door prizes. What's not to like? Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers, Lisa and Jim who put their heart and soul into making it a very special event. A big thank you to the vendors and especially Redwood management team and service.
