OK.
Good mix of trade stands from the biggies to the small traders. Stand
pricing has to be attractive to make sure that they don't moan. But
it's not just about shopping, arena and small-ring presentations that
are properly prepared and presented are the biggest thing missing from
Land Rover shows. We see too many parades of effing Camel trophy
vehicles (yawn) around to a dull dull dull commentary. It's too niche,
lacking interest for the majority. What do people want to see and
know. They want to see what these things can do, they want to see how
to do a spot of winching, rigging, overland preparation, pro's and cons
of suspension systems - including interaction with the crowd, Q&A's
with experts. Just take a look at the internet forums - all the
questions are there - what tyres? Where can I drive? Can I retrofit at
Td5 with a 1.6 Peugeot diesel yadda, yadda, yadda. A sense of timing,
pace and organisation is crucial to an event like this. There's
nothing worse than going to an event like this years Gaydon show which
had no sense of event. People were saying - is that it? Instead put
the timetable up on any flat surface, don't keep it hidden in the
programme, advertise the excitement over the PA.
There are some great elements at the shows that are out there already.
LRO at Peterborough had a big site, good stands but a rubbish off road
course. The arena was too big though. Billing in contrast is too
small, but in it's favour has an offroad course with good water
features, sub arenas and vehicle sales and auctions - my other
misgivings I've already aired. LRW has a good off road course.
The off road course at Eastnor is great, all it needs is a bit of rain
- or a water bowser to wet a few spots. How tricky is that?
Effective security that will eject undesireables off site gives peace
of mind to the sensible majority.
The bogs should be serviced thoroughly and regularly.
To add evening atmosphere I'd put on a bloody good bar, BBQ/Hog roast
and folk band to allow groups to meet in a central area rather than
huddling around their tents.
I'd also ban camouflage and bush hats. Bunch of ****s. Only joking of
course. I do hate the auto-scrap though, it's so depressing but a
necessary evil in moderation at these events.
I like the RAC showground in Stoneleigh - good offroad course, plenty
of space without feeling empty, small arenas, and tarmac roads.
I've probably repeated myself and gone round in circles - I hope this
makes sense...
AJG wrote:
> Ok then people, having read the thread enthusing about Billing ( 
) I
> have a serious question: why do people go to Land Rover shows?
> You've criticised Billing but what makes a good show *for you*?
> Any suggestions in order of importance (most important first) please eg
>
> 1) Get sloshed
> 2) Talk cobblers about Series 1 steering boxes for hours over a BBQ
> 3) Decent off road course to break the motor on
> 4 Cheap place to camp for the weekend away from the missus
> 5) Lots of scrap stuff on stalls that make you look intelligent when you
> correctly identify a broken 1937,semi-elliptical, shimmy-shaft
> gangle-pin.
>
> Ok, so maybe a bit more serious than that ... Are the trade stands
> important? The off-road course? The atmosphere? Good organisation?
>
> Tell me, I'm listening.
>
> --
> AndyG
