Rally

**cgoodnight** · 12-13-2013, 05:48 PM

I have seen several discussions expressing interest in a Grand Design Rally.

Anyone interested in organizing a rally?

Time of year? Location?

Robert

2014 Reflection 337 RLS (#238)
2013 F250 Lariat, diesel, 4X4, short bed, 45 gal. aux. tank

**el Rojo** · 12-14-2013, 09:02 AM

The comments below are to continue the conversation…
My wife Pam and I have organized a Texas state Winnebago rally. This rally was Sange,r TX at what is now a McClain’s RV dealership. We had about 100 rigs from 5 states attend. I'm sure Nate McClain would love to have a Grand Design Rally there. The property has about 150 sites on it and a very large meeting room.
Here are some questions to ponder.
Would people travel to N Texas? Early October is the best time because of the weather. No matter where we have it, it will be a long ways for most people. The Grand Design manufacturing plant is always an option, but I don’t know if they have the space for all these rigs in a rally type environment. They would have to chime in on that.
How much would you be willing to pay for the event? If it’s nothing, we would need to stay at a state park or equivalent. If you want something more we will need to pony up.
As I said, our experience is with the WIT club "Winnebago Itasca Travelers" and this is what they did.
Rally is from Thurs evening to Sunday morning. They would charge approx. $125.00 per rig. This would include:
Thursday night included a potluck dinner, a brief welcome and details of the weekend events.
Friday, breakfast and dinner provided. After breakfast, an opening ceremony, welcome from a city official/local chamber and a brief announcement from the major sponsors’ in this case McClain’s and Grand Design, typically they would have rigs on premises for us to look at, and of course purchase. At this point people would enjoy the day, golfing, gambling (Winstar Casino is 30 miles up the road in OK) or just relaxing. Sometimes we would have seminars on hot topics, here Grand Design could have a technical person answer questions. Sky Med would usually have a presentation or we could have somebody come in and talk about RV insurance. Friday afternoon at 4:00 happy hour/gathering either as a group or at a few local rv’s depending on the mood of the crowd towards alcohol. Evening meal was catered and then skits were performed or games were played.
Saturday, breakfast and dinner provided. Saturday was a day of games (joker, washers, bean bag baseball, etc.) After Saturdays 4:00 gathering, there was another catered meal, awards and ribbons for the winners of the games and then paid entertainment (we didn’t charge enough money to get the greatest entertainment...be warned).
Sunday morning we had coffee and pastries, and then a short devotional by one of the members.
One thing you need to know is with 200 people in attendance we had committees to oversee each area i.e. games, seminars, food, entertainment etc. I’m not sure 1 or 2 couples could pull this off even with a smaller gathering.

We also had raffles and prizes (money hat and the wine and cheese basket were the favorites).
Here is our dilemma: In March of 2014 we start our dream and become full timers. Our plan is to spend 3 months in Alaska (June through Aug). We would not be able to help coordinate something like this until the fall of 2015 if you were interested.

**Dave and Monica** · 12-14-2013, 11:13 AM

I'm aware (didn't attend) of rallies that Forest River hosted the past 2 years in Elkhart, IN...I believe they used the Elkhart Fairgrounds, last year about 350 rigs attended. I don't have all the details but I can get them. I recall that the campers paid their site fee...Forest River hosted some meals, arranged factory tours, showed new product, had after-market vendors on site and had techs available for work on the attendee's campers...warranty and in some cases, non-warranty work. The attendees raved about the rally, the effort that Forest River and their commitment to happy customers. Many came away saying that they're FR customers for life based on the treatment they received at the rally.

I like the idea of setting up something similar for Grand Design.

Dave

**el Rojo** · 12-14-2013, 12:14 PM

[quote author=Happy Camper link=topic=193.msg1116#msg1116 date=1387044834]
I'm aware (didn't attend) of rallies that Forest River hosted the past 2 years in Elkhart, IN...I believe they used the Elkhart Fairgrounds, last year about 350 rigs attended. I don't have all the details but I can get them. I recall that the campers paid their site fee...Forest River hosted some meals, arranged factory tours, showed new product, had after-market vendors on site and had techs available for work on the attendee's campers...warranty and in some cases, non-warranty work. The attendees raved about the rally, the effort that Forest River and their commitment to happy customers. Many came away saying that they're FR customers for life based on the treatment they received at the rally.

I like the idea of setting up something similar for Grand Design.

Dave
[/quote]

Winnebago does the same thing, theirs is called GNR or Grand National Rally. They have approx 1000 to 1100 rigs at theirs and the whole town of Forest City, Iowa gets involved with parades, street vendors and such. I think the county population doubles that week. I'm not trying to tout Winnebago it's just all I've had experience with. Rallies like this are usually run and sponsored by the manufacturer. I didn't mention this because I wasn't trying to put Bill on the spot,.........YET!

Dave I'm all for it if you can make it happen. We will back you anyway we can.

Red

**cgoodnight** · 12-14-2013, 01:56 PM

The Winnebago rally sounds huge with 1000 units. I think one in the fall of 2015 in Texas would be great. 50-100 units as a goal for the first one seems reasonable. We all should be willing to pay a fee for the rally.

Robert

**Renee** · 12-14-2013, 03:44 PM

Texas in the fall sounds good. I agree with Robert something on a smaller scale for the first rally sounds manageable.

**el Rojo** · 12-14-2013, 04:16 PM

Just to be clear, I didn't think we would have 1000 rigs I was referring to the Winnebago rally, but with that many they could afford Barbara Mandrell for entertainment. I we're going to have 1000 I quit now! LOL

**Renee** · 12-14-2013, 04:49 PM

[quote author=el Rojo link=topic=193.msg1134#msg1134 date=1387063007] I we're going to have 1000 I quit now! LOL
[/quote]

Red! You can handle it 8)

**Bill Fenech** · 12-14-2013, 06:51 PM

Grand Design would be interested in participating in an owners rally. These can be very fun, informational and relationship building. We feel it is best when organized by the actual owners. Grand Design will contribute in different ways to help make the event a success. Please let me know if this becomes a reality.

Thanks,

Bill Fenech

**Dave and Monica** · 12-14-2013, 07:44 PM

[quote author=Bill Fenech link=topic=193.msg1136#msg1136 date=1387072264]
Grand Design would be interested in participating in an owners rally. These can be very fun, informational and relationship building. We feel it is best when organized by the actual owners. Grand Design will contribute in different ways to help make the event a success. Please let me know if this becomes a reality.

Thanks,

Bill Fenech
[/quote]

Thanks, Bill...it's good to know the Grand Design would be interested in participating.

Dave