THE FUTURE KIT CAR SHOW
Discussion
The future of kit car shows was given a boost today as I hear that new show organsiers have stepped in to take over the Detling and Exeter shows from next year.
The current organiser is retiring from a very successful run of shows over many years, but I have a good feeling about the potential for these shows. No doubt the new organisers will be watching this thread so please post any ideas you may have regarding improving the shows. To keep this tidy, please consider re-posting your ideas here that were previously on other threads.
As a start point;
Apart from ensuring most major kit car manufacturers exhibit, what other content can they introduce to attaract you to the show?
The current organiser is retiring from a very successful run of shows over many years, but I have a good feeling about the potential for these shows. No doubt the new organisers will be watching this thread so please post any ideas you may have regarding improving the shows. To keep this tidy, please consider re-posting your ideas here that were previously on other threads.
As a start point;
Apart from ensuring most major kit car manufacturers exhibit, what other content can they introduce to attaract you to the show?
I asked my son (8) what he liked about Stoneleigh last year and what he would like to see.
He liked that there was ice-cream when it was sunny and hot food. He also liked the Westfield/4x4 experiences.
He would like to see the rides again, more cars, more video clips on display stands (like at the Ultima stand), fish and chips, 'cars racing', dragsters, interactive radio controlled cars, planes and helicopters.
If it's billed as a family day out, you may get 3+ entry fees, where you may have only got one.
HTH
He liked that there was ice-cream when it was sunny and hot food. He also liked the Westfield/4x4 experiences.
He would like to see the rides again, more cars, more video clips on display stands (like at the Ultima stand), fish and chips, 'cars racing', dragsters, interactive radio controlled cars, planes and helicopters.
If it's billed as a family day out, you may get 3+ entry fees, where you may have only got one.
HTH
I'd just like to say first off if you're reading Cookie, THANK YOU JOHN! 
It's sad to see you stepping away from these shows and I hope your retirement is a long and good one.
There's been many suggestions as to what is thought might make things better mostly I think it's more opportunities for people to get more involved and I think clubs are probably the best way to tray and get this working.
Adding to one remark above... We'd love to put video on our stand but what keeps killing it is the fees for the Qualified electrician to provide a certified electric plug to plug in. So we make do with a laptop instead.
It's sad to see you stepping away from these shows and I hope your retirement is a long and good one. There's been many suggestions as to what is thought might make things better mostly I think it's more opportunities for people to get more involved and I think clubs are probably the best way to tray and get this working.
Adding to one remark above... We'd love to put video on our stand but what keeps killing it is the fees for the Qualified electrician to provide a certified electric plug to plug in. So we make do with a laptop instead.
This is good news, I sincerely wish the new organisers every success in their venture.
As for ideas, the more I think about it, the more it's about all the manufacturers turning up! Yes, the suggestions from Iwantoneofthose's son are great (the insight of a child should not be underestimated!) but any amount of "add-on" attractions won't make the difference if the cars don't turn up!
Another thought that occurred to me, Fair Parking's suggestions about trying to encourage club participation by giving them stands if they'll guarantee attendance is a great idea, as are concours, or furthest travelled competitions, but what about some prizes for the manufacturers - would this encourage attendance.
I don't think a prize (other than something of nominal value) should be awarded to the company that sells most kits as that would be reward enough, IMHO. But how about a furthest travelled manufacturer, friendliest show team, most imaginative display, maybe some other categories that I can't think of right now (it's late). These (other than furthest travelled) could be voted on by the show attendees (though that could be open to abuse!) and the prize could be that the winners would get their attendance fee refunded. This might give some of the more reluctant manufacturers more of a reason to attend.
For right now though, I will say that I will attend Detling next year - I've never been before - and I will try to get some of the other Minari Owners to come along too!
Cheers!
As for ideas, the more I think about it, the more it's about all the manufacturers turning up! Yes, the suggestions from Iwantoneofthose's son are great (the insight of a child should not be underestimated!) but any amount of "add-on" attractions won't make the difference if the cars don't turn up!
Another thought that occurred to me, Fair Parking's suggestions about trying to encourage club participation by giving them stands if they'll guarantee attendance is a great idea, as are concours, or furthest travelled competitions, but what about some prizes for the manufacturers - would this encourage attendance.
I don't think a prize (other than something of nominal value) should be awarded to the company that sells most kits as that would be reward enough, IMHO. But how about a furthest travelled manufacturer, friendliest show team, most imaginative display, maybe some other categories that I can't think of right now (it's late). These (other than furthest travelled) could be voted on by the show attendees (though that could be open to abuse!) and the prize could be that the winners would get their attendance fee refunded. This might give some of the more reluctant manufacturers more of a reason to attend.
For right now though, I will say that I will attend Detling next year - I've never been before - and I will try to get some of the other Minari Owners to come along too!
Cheers!
A very brief thought about the suggestions above...
To manufacturers one of the big issues is the cost of doing shows a prize here and there isn't really going to make a big difference to the miles you have to travel and the time it takes. We have to be at the shows not only for the duration but also to set up and disassemble at the ends of the shows too. Think about the fuel and the accommodation costs
HOWEVER this generally goes down well with us when we attend any show.... is a number of complimentary guest passes. This means that potential customers we have get an invite to see us, plus all the other vehicles they have been considering, and they will usually bring along a partner too so everyone is on a win win. So yeah maybe some additional tickets for best stands might be good motivation. If you've sent out tickets to customers / club members you are definitely going to show up at the show.
To manufacturers one of the big issues is the cost of doing shows a prize here and there isn't really going to make a big difference to the miles you have to travel and the time it takes. We have to be at the shows not only for the duration but also to set up and disassemble at the ends of the shows too. Think about the fuel and the accommodation costs
HOWEVER this generally goes down well with us when we attend any show.... is a number of complimentary guest passes. This means that potential customers we have get an invite to see us, plus all the other vehicles they have been considering, and they will usually bring along a partner too so everyone is on a win win. So yeah maybe some additional tickets for best stands might be good motivation. If you've sent out tickets to customers / club members you are definitely going to show up at the show.
Moving cars, even if only a bit of a parade.
Prizes for attendees, for best presented, best engineered cars, etc.
I'm sure that mixing in with a classic or sports car show would work well as there's a lot of cross-over interest.
More diverse displays/entertainments always help spread the appeal, but would obviously add to the expense.
Prizes for attendees, for best presented, best engineered cars, etc.
I'm sure that mixing in with a classic or sports car show would work well as there's a lot of cross-over interest.
More diverse displays/entertainments always help spread the appeal, but would obviously add to the expense.
Iwantoneofthose said:
I asked my son (8) what he liked about Stoneleigh last year and what he would like to see.
He liked that there was ice-cream when it was sunny and hot food. He also liked the Westfield/4x4 experiences.
He would like to see the rides again, more cars, more video clips on display stands (like at the Ultima stand), fish and chips, 'cars racing', dragsters, interactive radio controlled cars, planes and helicopters.
If it's billed as a family day out, you may get 3+ entry fees, where you may have only got one.
HTH
Quite a few of the wish bits above are covered at one show already Newark ,I believe it is also possibly the longest running show ,ok it's along way from Scotland or Cornwall but it shows a few things for all the family ,my ops only,I'm only 30 mins away on a bad dayHe liked that there was ice-cream when it was sunny and hot food. He also liked the Westfield/4x4 experiences.
He would like to see the rides again, more cars, more video clips on display stands (like at the Ultima stand), fish and chips, 'cars racing', dragsters, interactive radio controlled cars, planes and helicopters.
If it's billed as a family day out, you may get 3+ entry fees, where you may have only got one.
HTH
If an areana was provided with an MC (possibly "radio car show" around the show grounds tannoy) what would we like to see going off?
I can't find it now but someone mentioned "wall of death" I have seen those loads of times but I always go and watch again, great entertainment. Dodgems are always fun for car clubs, I always paid for MEV owners to take it over for 10 minutes at Newark but this year they didn't bring it saying it was not cost effective. Shame.
I can't find it now but someone mentioned "wall of death" I have seen those loads of times but I always go and watch again, great entertainment. Dodgems are always fun for car clubs, I always paid for MEV owners to take it over for 10 minutes at Newark but this year they didn't bring it saying it was not cost effective. Shame.
qdos said:
A very brief thought about the suggestions above...
To manufacturers one of the big issues is the cost of doing shows a prize here and there isn't really going to make a big difference to the miles you have to travel and the time it takes. We have to be at the shows not only for the duration but also to set up and disassemble at the ends of the shows too. Think about the fuel and the accommodation costs
HOWEVER this generally goes down well with us when we attend any show.... is a number of complimentary guest passes. This means that potential customers we have get an invite to see us, plus all the other vehicles they have been considering, and they will usually bring along a partner too so everyone is on a win win. So yeah maybe some additional tickets for best stands might be good motivation. If you've sent out tickets to customers / club members you are definitely going to show up at the show.
No worries qdos To manufacturers one of the big issues is the cost of doing shows a prize here and there isn't really going to make a big difference to the miles you have to travel and the time it takes. We have to be at the shows not only for the duration but also to set up and disassemble at the ends of the shows too. Think about the fuel and the accommodation costs
HOWEVER this generally goes down well with us when we attend any show.... is a number of complimentary guest passes. This means that potential customers we have get an invite to see us, plus all the other vehicles they have been considering, and they will usually bring along a partner too so everyone is on a win win. So yeah maybe some additional tickets for best stands might be good motivation. If you've sent out tickets to customers / club members you are definitely going to show up at the show.
was just trying to think outside the box as it seems to me that the manufacturers seem to need a bit more of an incentive, not just the punters. I thought I picked up a vibe (probably mistakenly) on the Stafford Show thread that being allowed to exhibit for free might make a difference to manufacturers. I do appreciate that the costs for you to exhibit are much more that simply what you pay to the organisers! Making some complimentary tickets available to exhibitors would seem like a very cost effective way for the show organisers to enhance the experience (a little) for the manufacturers!Got any other ideas?
Exhibiting for free would be fantastic yes but the poor guys who organise the shows need to cover costs too so it's only fair that we pay something.
What we all want to see is everyone having a good time and enjoying the shows. I'm sure we can figure out something between us all. There's been some good input on all the threads from all sides of the show going scene.
What we all want to see is everyone having a good time and enjoying the shows. I'm sure we can figure out something between us all. There's been some good input on all the threads from all sides of the show going scene.
Stuart Mills said:
Apart from ensuring most major kit car manufacturers exhibit, what other content can they introduce to attaract you to the show?
It's a couple of years since I could be bothered to attend a show (even Stonleigh) due to the declining quality and content, so apologies if this one has already been tried:It occurs to me that one element of the Kit Car scene that remains relatively vibrant is track days, 750 Club Racing formulae and the Hillclimbing scene, and what with the Autosport show going all Top Gear/Bling/Chav on us, is there any scope for encouraging more interest on the track/racing side of things?
Maybe persuade the 750 club/HSA to attend, encourage attendance from race car component suppliers/engine builders/set-up specialists (I know that Vulcan used to attend the shows anyway, but I mean proper engine builders/race component suppliers), even Clubman raceing car/track day car manufacturers?
There's quite a lot overlap between the kit scene and the 'clubmans' racing scene, anyway, so a combined show might appeal to both audiences?
Posted by "Rob52" in another thread;
There are a mass of new ways to market shows, advertising on the internet, every kit car club forum should be well frequented by an organiser to promote and answer and questions that may arise about an upcoming show, wouldn't take a huge amount of time and would reap rewards. Facebook and other social media can be used, advertising in similar magazines, ie Classic car/Max power/classic bikes/other petrol mags to get the word out to other audiences that might have an interest in petrol based amusement.
There are a mass of new ways to market shows, advertising on the internet, every kit car club forum should be well frequented by an organiser to promote and answer and questions that may arise about an upcoming show, wouldn't take a huge amount of time and would reap rewards. Facebook and other social media can be used, advertising in similar magazines, ie Classic car/Max power/classic bikes/other petrol mags to get the word out to other audiences that might have an interest in petrol based amusement.
i guess everyone will have slightly different thoughts for what its worth here's mine as an owner.
I have little interest in looking at the same type of car that i own, or that pals of mine own, yes its interesting for all of 30 mins, but these are generally cars that i see every weekend on a run out. So variety is a potentially a good idea: classics etc.
It grates that for my missus or daughter to come along for what will be about an hour i'll shell out an entry fee. Would imagine that at local shows are often the same....ie/ partners wanting to pop in to see husbands and for a short while before going home as they're prob not that int'd in teh cars.
facilities for campers. went to stoneleigh as teh last night of our road trip, admittedly it was the Sat night, freezing cold outside and the bar shut at about 9.30. Yep that'll be uesful.
moving vehicles of any type would be a pleasant distractioin.
wanted to offer rides to joe public at Detling but that wasnt going to be possible within the grounds, pity as the idea was for fun for the public and a few £ for charity.
would love to see car clubs encouraged to display the cars in more interesting ways. at detling we had cars jacked up, arranged in anything other than an orderly line, bonnets off on some etc. Row after row of cars for i'd guess the majority is not visually appealing/exciting/interesting.
the whole show ethos is chicken and egg and egg. Its a 3 way ( not the fun sort ). Manufacturers need newbie prospective punters in numbers, the public need to see cars club stands and manufacturers, and car clubs i think need enough to keep their interest.
i reckon club bbq facilities would be great. travelling clubs without 'support' vehicles cant bring enough gear to lay on a 'do' for their pals/members. I'd imagine that many venues have built in facilities somewhere. access to those for clubs would be useful.
not sure what/how. But nice to do something for the owners that brings them together. The guy that rocks up after just buying a car, knows no one, doesnt have a car thats represented by a club, or indeed clubs mingling with others. I know this wont be everyones opinion, but the idea of travelling x miles, to sit in a chair next to a car for hours after walking round a show to look at a few new offerings is something i cant get my head around. Without making this a 'we did this' post...Detling worked for us because we took enough gear to put on a show: we had video of some of the highlights from the past year: road trips, track days etc, stitched together into 2x 3.5 minute vids for anyone to see, we also had scalextric for anyone to have a go on, and for us we had a big bbq, music and the chance for us to catch up with members from across our patch. We even managed to have a blat on teh Sat afternoon after teh show had wound down.
like the idea of encouraging associated companies along: tuners etc, and like the idea of perhaps having some of them do small/short talks. Powerspeed laid on an open morning for us earlier in teh year and of course as it was at their place gave demos on exhaust making. But listening to the principles/theories was good.
no idea if the date has been set for Detling yet, was a good idea this year to make it later, April is too cold at Detling for camping - we'dliek to take our gear along and put on what i hope some thought was an interesting pitch, but thats only possible over 2 days if we're camping there, otherwise not worth the hassle.
as an aside i'd like to see whether anyone has the capability to organize a days show. the costs for manufacturers to attend a weekend event must be horrendous by the time everything is factored in - but for them to rock up at a days show driving a demo with a small 'stand' in a support vehicle. Never been but isnt that what the minis and vw's do?
I have little interest in looking at the same type of car that i own, or that pals of mine own, yes its interesting for all of 30 mins, but these are generally cars that i see every weekend on a run out. So variety is a potentially a good idea: classics etc.
It grates that for my missus or daughter to come along for what will be about an hour i'll shell out an entry fee. Would imagine that at local shows are often the same....ie/ partners wanting to pop in to see husbands and for a short while before going home as they're prob not that int'd in teh cars.
facilities for campers. went to stoneleigh as teh last night of our road trip, admittedly it was the Sat night, freezing cold outside and the bar shut at about 9.30. Yep that'll be uesful.
moving vehicles of any type would be a pleasant distractioin.
wanted to offer rides to joe public at Detling but that wasnt going to be possible within the grounds, pity as the idea was for fun for the public and a few £ for charity.
would love to see car clubs encouraged to display the cars in more interesting ways. at detling we had cars jacked up, arranged in anything other than an orderly line, bonnets off on some etc. Row after row of cars for i'd guess the majority is not visually appealing/exciting/interesting.
the whole show ethos is chicken and egg and egg. Its a 3 way ( not the fun sort ). Manufacturers need newbie prospective punters in numbers, the public need to see cars club stands and manufacturers, and car clubs i think need enough to keep their interest.
i reckon club bbq facilities would be great. travelling clubs without 'support' vehicles cant bring enough gear to lay on a 'do' for their pals/members. I'd imagine that many venues have built in facilities somewhere. access to those for clubs would be useful.
not sure what/how. But nice to do something for the owners that brings them together. The guy that rocks up after just buying a car, knows no one, doesnt have a car thats represented by a club, or indeed clubs mingling with others. I know this wont be everyones opinion, but the idea of travelling x miles, to sit in a chair next to a car for hours after walking round a show to look at a few new offerings is something i cant get my head around. Without making this a 'we did this' post...Detling worked for us because we took enough gear to put on a show: we had video of some of the highlights from the past year: road trips, track days etc, stitched together into 2x 3.5 minute vids for anyone to see, we also had scalextric for anyone to have a go on, and for us we had a big bbq, music and the chance for us to catch up with members from across our patch. We even managed to have a blat on teh Sat afternoon after teh show had wound down.
like the idea of encouraging associated companies along: tuners etc, and like the idea of perhaps having some of them do small/short talks. Powerspeed laid on an open morning for us earlier in teh year and of course as it was at their place gave demos on exhaust making. But listening to the principles/theories was good.
no idea if the date has been set for Detling yet, was a good idea this year to make it later, April is too cold at Detling for camping - we'dliek to take our gear along and put on what i hope some thought was an interesting pitch, but thats only possible over 2 days if we're camping there, otherwise not worth the hassle.
as an aside i'd like to see whether anyone has the capability to organize a days show. the costs for manufacturers to attend a weekend event must be horrendous by the time everything is factored in - but for them to rock up at a days show driving a demo with a small 'stand' in a support vehicle. Never been but isnt that what the minis and vw's do?
greengreenwood7 said:
I know this wont be everyones opinion, but the idea of travelling x miles, to sit in a chair next to a car for hours after walking round a show to look at a few new offerings is something i cant get my head around.
Yes, it's rather too much like the stationary engine crowd you get at steam fairs for comfort 
Some good ideas in your post I thought.
some great suggestions already made, made me smile about the chair sitting it just looks bizarre !
ok - from a visitor point, i find any cars ( public or exhibitor ) that have build pictures displayed are infinitaly
more interesting than just rows of the same finished car.
When looking at the manufacturer stands, anything like bodwork sections / or half built sections add interest. Maybe even some more like the wheeler dealer classic car stage when they aim to build a car in the 3 days they are there. Ok not practical for all companies, but hey they could view it as usefull time - build a customers car while exhibiting !
Maybe open the public display cars to not just kit cars, by adding other marques it does add interest too.
Then finally as a visitor it is up to us aswell to add by asking about people's builds when we are there.
(HOWEVER, there was a show i was at where there was a painfull 'conversation' between two builders who were just keen to share the way they'd done each thing without listening to the other one ! )
ok - from a visitor point, i find any cars ( public or exhibitor ) that have build pictures displayed are infinitaly
more interesting than just rows of the same finished car.
When looking at the manufacturer stands, anything like bodwork sections / or half built sections add interest. Maybe even some more like the wheeler dealer classic car stage when they aim to build a car in the 3 days they are there. Ok not practical for all companies, but hey they could view it as usefull time - build a customers car while exhibiting !
Maybe open the public display cars to not just kit cars, by adding other marques it does add interest too.
Then finally as a visitor it is up to us aswell to add by asking about people's builds when we are there.
(HOWEVER, there was a show i was at where there was a painfull 'conversation' between two builders who were just keen to share the way they'd done each thing without listening to the other one ! )
The Black Flash said:
greengreenwood7 said:
I know this wont be everyones opinion, but the idea of travelling x miles, to sit in a chair next to a car for hours after walking round a show to look at a few new offerings is something i cant get my head around.
Yes, it's rather too much like the stationary engine crowd you get at steam fairs for comfort Some good ideas in your post I thought.
Hi, the new organisers are the Stoneliegh show guys. Having just got back form Exeter I can say it was good and we did business but numbers were down on previous years, clearly more needs to be done for next year. I hear they have some fresh ideas and big plans for both Detling and Exeter for 2012.
mirach said:
i had heard this was happenning, so i assume it is now confirmed.who are the new people?
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