From first post in this "Convention" thread:
Who All would be interested in a North America convention in 2016?
I am thinking that a place where there is good off-road riding, on-road options, reasonable room rates, meeting space for a vendor day(s) and somewhat centrally located if practical.
I think it would be a great opportunity to meet everyone, see some gear goodies in person, learn riding techiques from others, talk shop, and have a good vacation at the same time.
So. Reasons for having any "convention":
1) Good off-roading/on-road options
2) (Summarizing here) "Cheap" to attend and operate
3) Centralized location (in North America, presumably?)
4) (Summarizing again) Face Time for ES Denizens
5) Physically see/touch/taste stuff we've been tapping about.
6) See something termed "riding techniques".
7) Something termed "shop talk" (wattEVer that means? Unsure).
8) Have a "good" vacation ("Good" undefined.)
Can't say I've EVer been an "EVent Planner" but once-upon-a-time I did walk away from a local college (today a degree-granting university) with a Certificate in MARKETING.
So I wish to suggest watts missing in above list of "reasons why"? Is to "make a splash" in the world. To "get the word out" to the Great Unwashed. (Those yet only maybe dimly aware of bettery-electric traction for vehicles.)
And I can suggest in "marketing" terms one objective for any "convention" is to generate "BANG for the BUCK". Like, might one hope for some nice mentions about Ebikes et al in other medias or a BIG article on the FRONT PAGE of the NEW YORK TIMES.
So I might emphasize one point that has already been made in the "Reasons For" list of stuff and that is to pick a CENTRALIZED location. Maybe not physically centralized to any north american population but how `bout CENTRAL PARK in NEW YORK CITY?
One example? I just watched "Flash Mob: The U.S. Air Force Band at the Smithsonian" on YouTube:
[youtube]-cKE8pyfcZc[/youtube]
So anyway. Just sayin'. IF ES folks DO do this "Convention" thingee at any point in the future it may "serve the cause" when it's all over if folks can point to how much "great exposure" the EVent generated. If nothing else, retailers of ebikes and components will appreciate this.
Thanks