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Message |
George Myers (12.85.14.197)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 07, 2002 - 6:51 pm: | |
There are several posts below that indicate that most people really do not know what the difference is between the Bus Conversion Convention and a rally. The Bus Conversion Convention is the only thing of its kind for the coach builder. It is an intense learning experience as opposed to a pleasurable get together. It is true that many people who have attended will say that it just does not compare to the conventions in the multibillion dollar industries or even the conventions of FMCA that has over 100,000 members, incredible industry support, and almost unlimited volunteers. They are right; however, that does not change the fact that it is by far the very best thing we have.
Many people who have attended come away in disgust saying that it is like paying to go to school. That is a pretty good analogy. There are schedules, lectures by people recognized as being knowledgeable in their areas, handouts on the subjects, discussions with the instructors, and many people take notes. Just as students visit other's dorms, people visit other's coaches. Fortunately there are no tests. Just like school, if you are going to have fun and be entertained, you will be disappointed. If you just want to talk to other bus converters, you will find a few hours of that in the morning, but most people are much too busy once the seminars start and the commercial displays are open. I realize that for many, driving across the country and paying good money to go to school seems like something for people from another planet. If you feel this way, or if you expect to be well entertained, don't go.
Before I attended the first Bus Conversion Convention, I had been involved in bus conversions for 25 years and had talked to hundreds of other bus converters. I can truthfully say that I learned more about conversions at my first convention than I had in the previous 25 years.
You can learn some things at other bus conversion activities such as FMCA bus conversion chapter rallies and the rallies for similar groups. As I have not attended a Bussin gathering, I can't say much about them; however, from what I have been told it sounds like a large chapter rally. These events are much more informal. Discussion are more like "Bull sessions" than organized presentations. In fact there is no attempt at organization whatsoever. To use the school analogy again, it is like a school where there are no teachers, curriculum, notes, note taking, lesson plans, lecturers, or text books. The students learn by asking questions of people who have no established credentials in the area. Most answers are good, some are not. The answers they get are short and far from complete or detailed. By far, most of the discussions have nothing to do with building a coach.
Comparing the other conversion activities I have attended to the Bus Conversion Convention is like comparing cake and stake. Cake is enjoyable, but you do not get much nourishment from it. Stake is more work to chew, but you get far more real substance.
By the way, I like cake and will attend Bussin 03 and expect to have a good time that will make the trip well worthwhile.
It amazes me how the people who know the least about the Bus Conversion Conventions (they have never attended) are the most vocal in its condemnation. If you are really interested in learning about coach building, this is the best there is. This may well be your last chance to attend a Bus Conversion Convention. It certainly appears that we are in a spiral of people refraining because they might not get as much as they hoped for and the industry not coming because the potential customers are not there. There is absolutely nothing on the horizon that has the faintest hope of doing the same job.
If you want to add to this thread, it would be nice if you said how many conventions and rallies you have attended. I have attended 3 FMCA bus conversion chapter rallies, 13 FMCA National Conventions, 7 Bus Bashes, dozens of Converted Coach Owners rallies, dozens of regular FMCA chapter rallies, 1 Escapees national convention, and all of the Bus Conversion Conventions.
George Myers |
Scott Whitney (66.82.9.34)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 07, 2002 - 7:34 pm: | |
I have attended only one BC convention, one BC rally and an FMCA Extravaganza. So I am certainly no seasoned judge of these events.
However, I will say that the BBC in Laughlin was an absolute blast for me. I met some of the nicest folks, learned heaps at the seminars (and from private tours/discussions), and enjoyed all the vendor booths.
For anyone converting a coach, even if you learn didly squat from the whole event, the encouragement and comaraderie is worth it in itself.
BTW, apparently the BCC near the Grand Canyon in April is no longer being billed as a 'convention'. Apparently, it will be a bit more of a freestyle event (dry camping, smaller vender area, etc.) than years past. However, I still look forward to it just the same. Also, I believe it will be much cheaper as the only direct cost is for the camping fee. ($6/day I think)
I'd be going to Jack's shin dig in FL, too, if I could. But looks like the April event is the only one I'll make it to this year.
Scott |
FAST FRED (209.26.115.226)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 7:02 am: | |
The wannabes and newbees are usually able to answer their BIG quetion at a non commercial event.
For most its "can I do this" .
Looking at the huge variety of conversion styles , actually meeting fellow converters , and talking to them is the encouragement most need.
And that info is at the simples of ralleys.
Hand holding & sales pitches for books or gen sets or furnaces , comes later , if ever.
Most that do their own conversions have a basic set of skills , usually from houses,and that's what there going to attempt to construct , a vehicle within their skill level.
What many folks need , besides motivation , is info on living on 12V and what the huge number of choices avilable mean for them to create the camper of their dreams.
The discussions on total RV style propane , diesel & TEC , how to cook , stove top hot plate or complete range with broiler, and all that is better discussed with other converters , rather than a desperate salesman attempting to recoup his expenses.
Again better done at a low pressure event than a huge SALES PITCH.
All the choices that get chosen, even whether to use the self serving RVIA crapola code , is a decision better made with lots of information than just a SALES PITCH.
After all your gona be living in it , and depending on it ,
NOT seeing how cheaply or how low cost ignorant labor can produce it at a profit.
You get out of most adventures what you put in , asking folks with out a PROFIT motive, that have done it makes sense to me.
I have visited enough boat shows (and been a dealer) to know there is NO FREE LUNCH "Seminars".
FAST FRED |
John Rigby (24.174.234.56)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 8:27 am: | |
We attended our first BC Convention this summer drove 4500 miles round trip, which incuding lots of site seeing.After having our coach for 15 years and attending several FMC Nationals,many Converted Coach and local chapter rallies.
The BC Convention was by far the best event I have attended.
John Rigby |
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