Update: National Meet

Joe30Essex

Just got back from another meeting. I am going to post some numbers so all can see where we are at. Please don't send anymore money for tours that are full-you'll just get your money sent back! So this is what is left for tours:



Monday - Frankenmuth 15 spots remaining.

Ford Truck Plant Full.

Chrysler Museum Can hold as many as want to go!



Tuesday - Henry Ford Museum 10 spots

Greenfield Village 55 spots

Hudson Factory Tour Full.

Greektown Casino Full.



Wednesday- Henry Ford Museum 4 spots

Greenfield Village 15 spots

All other tours for Wed.- Full



Thursday - All tours - Full



Friday - Banquet - Full (with a LONG waiting list!)



There are still plenty of activities to do on your own, and many interesting sites within a 45 minute drive - and of course, plenty of Hudson's to look at!!

Jon B

Is there any point to sending money to get on the waiting list?



Is it possible to come to the banquet room after the meal's finished, to hear the speaker?

[Deleted User]

Looks like a lot of folks are gonna be on the outside looking in for the whole event, if they haven't already grabbed a spot in one of the tours, or the banquet.



Not sure how many will want to look at the same cars every day for five days in a row, or just come all that way to sightsee around Pontiac.



Too bad there couldn't be more than one tour available for some of the most popular events.

Joe30Essex

Jon B wrote:

Is there any point to sending money to get on the waiting list?



Is it possible to come to the banquet room after the meal's finished, to hear the speaker?

I wouldn't send money for the waiting list. If I recall, the list is approaching 100, and the likelyhood of that many cancelling is pretty slim.



People will not be allowed to enter the banquet Hall after dinner for the speaker (fire code capacity rules). As far as a live feed from the banquet, that has been discussed, and the committee is looking into it with the hotel.

[Deleted User]

i have a question about the tours..are they all bus tours or driving tours?

lisa g

Joe30Essex

cailynne wrote:

i have a question about the tours..are they all bus tours or driving tours?

lisa g

The Tours arranged by the Club are all Bus Tours (with the exception of the Chrysler Reception-we will be driving our Hudson's to this event-it's just a couple miles from the Host Hotel).

RL Chilton

Looks as though the planning for the event was a little short-sighted when Jon Battle can't even get into the banquet. I'm sure there is going to be a SLEW of folks workin' their hardest to go this year, when other years they might forego the opportunity due to our economic status. Wouldn't surprise me if there were 700 cars and 2500-3000 people, not counting spectators.

[Deleted User]

Joe30Essex wrote:

The Tours arranged by the Club are all Bus Tours

Would it be possible to join a tour at the site by driving yourself there, due to there being no room left on the bus? Of course, one would still pay for the tour, just not get the bus ride.



I realize this won't work on the probably narrated drive-by tour(s), but maybe the Ford factory for one, or the Chrysler museum could accomodate a few extras?



Maybe even one of the members could load up a few extra bodies in his own vehicle and drive there, or just follow along? My crew cab truck can handle six for instance, and I'd have no problem with that scenario.



The reason I ask is that there must be others who are (like me), in situations beyond their control, that are doing everything possible to be there in July, but could have those plans scuttled at the last minute, making it difficult to plan ahead. In my case, its a family member who has wound up in hospital with what appears to be a terminal illness. ( I say "appears" because we're still hoping he can beat the odds, and recover).



I suspect there's probably others out there who may be forced to cancel out as well.

[Deleted User]

I must say that the sentiments of Silverone are shared by more than a few of us. I have to ask the question of why were more tours not planned? This is the 'mecca' for all of us Hudson fanatics. I can understand the tours are based on bus accomodations and scheduling but why have only 2 tours planned of the Hudson plant?? This is curious to me when not only is it the anniversary meet but it's a homecoming as well in the city where it all began and only 2 tours were planned???!

Joe30Essex

silverone wrote:

Would it be possible to join a tour at the site by driving yourself there, due to there being no room left on the bus? Of course, one would still pay for the tour, just not get the bus ride.



I realize this won't work on the probably narrated drive-by tour(s), but maybe the Ford factory for one, or the Chrysler museum could accomodate a few extras?



Maybe even one of the members could load up a few extra bodies in his own vehicle and drive there, or just follow along? My crew cab truck can handle six for instance, and I'd have no problem with that scenario.



The reason I ask is that there must be others who are (like me), in situations beyond their control, that are doing everything possible to be there in July, but could have those plans scuttled at the last minute, making it difficult to plan ahead. In my case, its a family member who has wound up in hospital with what appears to be a terminal illness. ( I say "appears" because we're still hoping he can beat the odds, and recover).



I suspect there's probably others out there who may be forced to cancel out as well.

I don't see a problem with people 'following' the tours in most cases. You will just have to buy your entry tickets when you get there. The tour that can't have extras is the Miller Motors tour-there simply is not enough room in that small dealership/museum for more people than planned for for the tour. Also, as you stated, the drive-by tours are narrated, and simply wouldn't work. Again, the Chrysler reception is still open for those who wish to go.

Joe30Essex

Hudzilla wrote:

I must say that the sentiments of Silverone are shared by more than a few of us. I have to ask the question of why were more tours not planned? This is the 'mecca' for all of us Hudson fanatics. I can understand the tours are based on bus accomodations and scheduling but why have only 2 tours planned of the Hudson plant?? This is curious to me when not only is it the anniversary meet but it's a homecoming as well in the city where it all began and only 2 tours were planned???!

To answer a few concerns-believe me; the Home Chapter members struggled on how much to include, considering our crummy economy, and at times wondered if we had too much on the plate! As far as the Factory tours-those are being conducted by a few knowledgable members of our chapter. Those members who are conducting the tours have spent many hours on their scripts and plans, and time only permits so many tours. They would also like to enjoy the meet with their family and friends-so we have to give them some consideration. Please don't think that this meet was planned on a whim-MANY people have spent countless hours to make this work, with many activities planned-tours are not the only options! As far as the Banquet-I'll tell you-there are a HUGE amount of people attending. The banquet hall only holds so many people. Unfortunatly for some, it filled-up quicker than they thought (I wanted to go to the Red Wings Stanley Cup Finals game the other night, but it was full; 20,000 others beat me to it!). This WILL BE A GREAT EVENT- please consider other opportunities!

Jon B

Having organized car events before, I can understand the complexity of getting a venue that satisfies all needs. We just ran an antique car tour this weekend where the restaurant was great, but the other banquet rooms were rented for that day, and the only one available to us was one with less seating than we'd have wanted. It's much harder to pull together this sort of thing, than most people realize.



Still, I do hope you will consider the possibility of setting up a camera (trained on the podium) with a remote monitor (possibly a video projector) in a corner of the hotel lobby. For example, if awards or door prizes are to be given out, or if certain announcements are made, there may be those not in the banquet room, to whom this information is important.



Maybe someone could even suggest an "alternate banquet" location: a restaurant nearby which is large enough so that Hudsonites (wihtout a banquet ticket) could at least sit nearby one another in the same general vicinity of the dining room, while the banquet's going on. We could all go over there before the HET banquet begins, and get back in time to see the "remotes" of the after-dinner speeches and goings-on, on the remote monitor.



It is true that we should have gotten our dinner reservations in earlier, but remember too, that no matter how soon reservations were made, there were always going to be some people out in the cold (due to space limitations). And most of those people will be coming to this special 100-year meet from a good distance away, and will hate to miss the dinner.



We all have to make do with what we are given, but it will be really great if those who aren't able to get a banquet ticket, can at least be present "virtually", if not in reality.





Another thought: the hotel might already be set up to pipe the video and audio from the banquet room, to a special channel on its cable system. Which is even easier than setting up a remote monitor. Of course, watching this in the privacy of one's hotel room, wouldn't be as fun as doing so in a large group, in the lobby)

Joe30Essex

Jon B wrote:

Having organized car events before, I can understand the complexity of getting a venue that satisfies all needs. We just ran an antique car tour this weekend where the restaurant was great, but the other banquet rooms were rented for that day, and the only one available to us was one with less seating than we'd have wanted. It's much harder to pull together this sort of thing, than most people realize.



Still, I do hope you will consider the possibility of setting up a camera (trained on the podium) with a remote monitor (possibly a video projector) in a corner of the hotel lobby. For example, if awards or door prizes are to be given out, or if certain announcements are made, there may be those not in the banquet room, to whom this information is important.



Maybe someone could even suggest an "alternate banquet" location: a restaurant nearby which is large enough so that Hudsonites (wihtout a banquet ticket) could at least sit nearby one another in the same general vicinity of the dining room, while the banquet's going on. We could all go over there before the HET banquet begins, and get back in time to see the "remotes" of the after-dinner speeches and goings-on, on the remote monitor.



It is true that we should have gotten our dinner reservations in earlier, but remember too, that no matter how soon reservations were made, there were always going to be some people out in the cold (due to space limitations). And most of those people will be coming to this special 100-year meet from a good distance away, and will hate to miss the dinner.



We all have to make do with what we are given, but it will be really great if those who aren't able to get a banquet ticket, can at least be present "virtually", if not in reality.





Another thought: the hotel might already be set up to pipe the video and audio from the banquet room, to a special channel on its cable system. Which is even easier than setting up a remote monitor. Of course, watching this in the privacy of one's hotel room, wouldn't be as fun as doing so in a large group, in the lobby)

Jon,

Your banquet concerns have been taken into consideration. We already have an "Auxillary" Banquet Room across the hall from the Main Banquet Hall. Video to it will be fed by closed-circuit TV. As I stated earlier, we (committee) are looking into having the video fed to other rooms throughout the hotel for those without a banquet ticket.

Aaron D. IL

If you just set a projector and camera from the banquet to the parking lot so we could hang out there and watch it like an old drive-in I'd be thrilled. LOL

Unknown

There is a trip planned (FREE, NO CHARGE)to go to a cruise-in on Sunday. It is about 30 miles from the meet site and is the largest weekly cruise-in in the U.S.A. I drove it last Sunday and it is about a 45/50 Minute drive one way. It's on nice (for Michigan) roads and there are usualy about 450/500 cars there on any given Sunday. Of course if it rains or the frogs start falling from the sky things may be different. There will be a cruise-in listed on a board for every night of the week, but this is the only PLANNED one. The others are C.O.D. (that's Come Or Don't). Just listed for those who want to sample the local cruise-ins. Any questions about the cruise-ins should be directed to: Mike Riley eMail is hammered@bignet.net

bob ward

Then again, an impromptu BBQ and a few beers out in the car park might be a lot more fun than the formal meal.



Hmm, anyone want a banquet ticket?

Sarah Young

Port Crescent State Park: Port Austin, Michigan



Michigan State Parks is celebrating their 90th birthday. They plan to have some antique campers on display July 19th – 21st. If you have a vintage trailer you’d like to display, phone (989 )738-8663 or e-mail Betsy Kish (HETkishe@michigan.gov) or Eddie Karl (HETkarlwe@michigan.gov), drop HET on both e-mails. If not, it would be fun to attend anyways and a great way to wrap up your week at the National!

Joe30Essex

chardog wrote:

I'll meet you guys in the lot with chicken and beer...

Now we're talkin'!! Hudson people know how to make any situation GREAT!:D

MikeWA

bob ward wrote:

Then again, an impromptu BBQ and a few beers out in the car park might be a lot more fun than the formal meal.



Hmm, anyone want a banquet ticket?

While the "grownups" are inside, it would be one giant "kids table" in the parking lot. Guess I'm with you- "banquets" just seem so. . . stuffy!



Wish I could be there- but am planning to be at Spokane next summer! See ya there!:D

hudsontech

Mike (WA) wrote:

While the "grownups" are inside, it would be one giant "kids table" in the parking lot. Guess I'm with you- "banquets" just seem so. . . stuffy!

In a sense, Mike, I agree with you. But they the banquets can be fun and entertaining.



I have to admit, tho, one of the best "banquets" I've been to wasn't at the banquet. At the first national I attended in 1988 a group of us - Lou Backus, Bill Hafker, Charley Woodruff, "Terraplane" Kelly Hinegardner and myself - wound up at an all-you-can-eat place down the hill from the hotel. The management about cried when Lou and Bill walked in - they are big boys (Lou's gone now). We had a great time, and a great meal. Another club member came over and finding out we were club members sat down with us, leaving his wife at their table (she soon joined us.

Came 9 or so and the management was ready to close up, but our waitress was sitting with us, by invite from Kelly, learning all about Hudsons and the Hudson club.

Great memory to remember.



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

Memphis, TN

Joe30Essex

Joe30Essex wrote:

Here are the latest numbers. Please don't send anymore money for tours that are full-you'll just get your money sent back! So this is what is left for tours:



Monday - Frankenmuth 10 spots remaining.

Ford Truck Plant Full.

Chrysler Museum Can hold as many as want to go!



Tuesday - Henry Ford Museum 10 spots

Greenfield Village 5 spots

Hudson Factory Tour Full.

Greektown Casino Full.



Wednesday- Henry Ford Museum Full

Greenfield Village 7 spots

All other tours for Wed.- Full



Thursday - All tours - Full



Friday - Banquet - Full (with a LONG waiting list!)



There are still plenty of activities to do on your own, and many interesting sites within a 45 minute drive - and of course, plenty of Hudson's to look at!!

We have about 310 cars registered as of Thursday (6/11). Take a look a the new numbers posted above.

hudsontech

Joe30Essex wrote:

We have about 310 cars registered as of Thursday (6/11). Take a look a the new numbers posted above.

There's another open spot for either Ford or Greenfield Museums for Wed. - I've got something else that came up for that day. So I'll have a ticket available.

Not sure which one it's for - but I think it's Greenfield.



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

Memphis, TN

Aaron D. IL

310 ? We need another 200 ...... I heard the Indianapolis National was the biggest ever at 500 cars.... or so I heard.

hudsontech

Aaron D. IL wrote:

310 ? We need another 200 ...... I heard the Indianapolis National was the biggest ever at 500 cars.... or so I heard.

Aaron, that was back in the day when Hudson owners actually, believe it or not, drove their cars. Now they hide them in their garages.



I point to last years National - while I didn't see any official info on how many came from wherever it seemed to me, wandering around the parking lot, that there were a fairly sizable number of New England cars that did not show up in Marlborough. Why, when it was in their back yard, is anybody's guess.



Hell, man, I drove 1300 miles to get to Marlborough - and how many New England people wouldn't drive 100, 150 miles. Sad.



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

Memphis, TN

2manyprojects

these events have been posted for 11 months for people to sign up. a large number have done so. the rest of you have chosen not to sign up but with 1 month before the event the second guessing begins. come on people!!! i am sure there are many reasons you chose not to sign up. but to complain that events are full at this late date ,come on people.the home chapter has kept all of us posted on the current status of national. they are working very hard for all of us to have a great meet. how about some thanks instead of the whinning. come on people,.

hudsontech

2manyprojects wrote:

these events have been posted for 11 months for people to sign up. a large number have done so. the rest of you have chosen not to sign up but with 1 month before the event the second guessing begins. come on people!!! i am sure there are many reasons you chose not to sign up. but to complain that events are full at this late date ,come on people.the home chapter has kept all of us posted on the current status of national. they are working very hard for all of us to have a great meet. how about some thanks instead of the whinning. come on people,.

I agree with this one. I made my reservations, hotel and meet, back last year in August or September. Does this mean I'm going to be at the National?? Not necessarily - something may come up to prevent me from attending. The point is I made my reservations as early as possible, if something came up and I couldn't go all I have to do is pick up the phone (that thing we used to use before internet, remember??), call the hotel and cancel my reservations. My meet registrations, banquet ticket and any tours I might have signed up for - well, maybe I could get my money back, maybe not. But I wouldn't cry about it if I didn't. That was "last years" money.



As a matter of fact I did cancel my hotel reservation. But only because I'm coming with, and room sharing with, someone else. Was it difficult - no. I simply picked up that thing you talk thru, talked to the miracle worker, Sylvia, and in less than 3 minutes had changed my reservation over to another HET'er who found out at the last minute he could make the meet. Since we'll be leaving, probably Thursday, I've found somebody to buy my banquet ticket - I decided not to go on the Greenfield Village tour (or maybe it's the Ford museum, whatever) so that ticket is available. If I don't find a buyer, write it off.



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

Memphis, TN

Aaron D. IL

Just seems to me a club of 3500 odd members with (by my count from the last '05-'07 roster) 5741 cars. Should be able to turn out a centennial of 500 cars. Even if we cross out all those cars that are overseas, all those that have yet to be restored or can't be, all those members that may in fact be too old or in poor health to drive.

If you got a meet with 500 members present that's only 1/7th of the club!

If any one single thing could be improved, and this is directed at the club in general, not the home chapter, is that as a club we should be able to get costs down per room at hotels using economies of scale between our members wherever a meet is hosted.



Also if the home chapter doesn't hear it enough, let me say to any of you guys on this forum THANK YOU for hosting I know what a thankless and logistically hard job it can be.

SamJ

500 registrations is pretty close to 1,000 attendees...:cool: