VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum banner

So, realistically, how do we (and the organizers) improve the show?

31K views 208 replies 103 participants last post by  UnD3adDragon 
#1 ·
I see a lot of complaints so far this year, about venue, organization, etc., but few ideas on how to improve things moving forward. It would seem Ocean Downs is over as a venue for the event, so let's forget that. The school was meh, and we probably won't be back there. This place (Fort Whaley) had/has potential, but the traffic issue may kill it. So what are our alternatives?

I doubt inlet is viable, not large enough. And this time of year it's in use for some event nearly every week.

Convention Center certainly isn't big enough.

Jay has discussed buying property, but having 50+ acres for one weekend a year is expensive and probably not viable unless he can develop it to be multi-use, and even then traffic may be an issue. And finding that much land that's open and zoned for this sort of thing in Worcester County may be a near impossibility.

So, good people of Vortex, what suggestions have you? Would Salisbury be too far away? Ballfield/Winterplace park are big enough but 30 minutes out.

Getting Town of Ocean City on board would be huge, but Mayor Meehan and his staff and the council don't really like us, so that would be difficult at best.

Honestly, I'm at a loss. I know from talking to Shoup that he does truly care about H2Oi, but it's got to be a real headache at this point for him. I'm not sure what we can do as a community to help with the actual logistics of location and staff, but a huge help would be ending the stupid crap (theft, destruction of property, screaming and yelling and asshattery). I know we'd be in a lot better spot with local authorities if this sort of behavior hadn't become so prominent.

Anyone have any realistic comments/suggestions? I know Cory/Jay will see this, so perhaps some good will come of the discussion. I just hate to see all this negative without some input into fixing it.
 
See less See more
#158 ·
i didnt think the show this year was that bad. Need to work on a few things like parking and judging. There will always be people bitching.

On another note if Jay was still looking into property what about contacting the other groups that have car/motorcycle shows thru out there year and see if they would be interested in renting the property that Jay gets.

If the prpoerty can be set up for general use, a few entrances, few exits, maybe a large pole building to center operations out of along with some of the other things Jay was talking about last year. Burn out pit, port a potties or full bathroom area, camping area, gravel or paved parking he may be able to attract other shows thru out the the year to help generate money and help with the costs of the property.

This is if he can find some property that will work for everything.
 
#160 ·
I loved the show grounds, the location, the idea.

it can be made better.

1. more people directing parking, tons of wasted space.
2. get all the Product venders seperated from each other and spread out throughout the show grounds. This will make it more relaxed and less muddy on damper years.
3. Food area was perfect!!! Having top dog there was also.:thumbup:
4. I saw two huge fields not being used that had access from the show field.
5. I left kinda early as the whole people being turned away was happening. there were tons of empty car spots to park in from all the others who left around 1pm-2pm, many could have been let into the show to park.
6. Talk to one of the farmers or other locals about an alternate parking area and shuttle people in, or shuttle them in from OCMD. Not everyone wants to drive there and those who have been drinking and cant drive can attend the show.
7. Make the show 3 days.
bbq and swap meet friday, free to all except people selling at swap or food venders and let people get will call items.
Parts and performance venders and show sat and sunday. Show cars must attend at least one day to be judged.
8. cars need to be parked in groups... mk1, mk2, mk3, mk4... audi, Porsche for judging. nobody wants to look through a mismatch of cars. everyone has points of interest, define the points and they will spend less time at the show lost looking for the one car they wanted to see.


We set things like this up in the military all the time, you never put all your eggs in one basket. spread it out, slow it down, define your target areas and you will have more people, make more money, and have a much better outcome.
 
#161 ·
Just curious if something like this can be done. Possibly a way for people to sign up for txt msg alerts regarding show happenings, traffic issues, etc? Instead of having to worry about learning about issues via word of mouth, going to the H2O facebook page or website? Maybe make it a part of showcar clubcar registration.

For instance... Where on 50 were the accidents that backed everything up? East or West of the 90 interchange? Most people aren't familiar with the area or what alternate routes are. Looking at the map I'm seeing a few different routes that could have been taken depending on where the accident was. An alert to take a certain route to the show to avoid traffic/accidents would be helpful.

Last year traffic was terrible going to the bbq which the organizers realized and had signs installed for the show alerting showgoers of an alternate route.
 
#163 ·
This year was a mess due to things outside of the event. While the show was at the race track they had 13 years to get everything right. If you think about it, this event this year went good for only holding it there one year. I liked the event area and the layout this year. I hated not having anywhere to "legally" park but I still went and had a good time. If the event is going to stay there they can work on things and correct issues. I'm sure things would go better next year if you work on it. I say keep it here and work things out.
 
#171 ·
i actually had no issues...maybe organization for club parking and stuff but i think the venue was really cool! parking amung the trees was really cool aside from stuff falling on the car lol i had a great time, really enjoyed having the shade of the trees and stuff. id be very happy to see it at the campground again
 
#175 ·
I wish people would stop putting this out there. It's not at the casino/race track because it is now a casino and they don't think they'll make as much money with us there. That's it. It's a business decision on trying to get old folks in and gambling, period.
 
#176 · (Edited)
I wish people would stop putting this out there. It's not at the casino/race track because it is now a casino and they don't think they'll make as much money with us there. That's it. It's a business decision on trying to get old folks in and gambling, period.
You really think there is no correlation between the incidents that occurred and their decisions........


Just like I'm sure there is no correlation between the actions of people and the fact that the city counsel and police do not want H2Oi in OC MD at all......



YEAH OHHHH K :screwy:


Do you honestly think the revenue from the casino on H2oi weekend is going to be substantial enough for them to turn away a sure thing....

I know for a fact they're business is down that week whether H2oi is held at the track or not.

I'd be willing to put money on that seacrets pulls in more money on Friday or Sat night than their casino does all month.
 
#178 ·
All this stuff just rips me apart. Im just going to say im sorry. I wish i had done more this year to help out but there were other factors that stopped me from doing it like i have in years past. Im just going to say im sorry for letting some of you down. I take some respondsibilty for my actions and do apoligize for not stepping up. I just cant keep doing it. Feel free to pm.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
 
#181 ·
All this stuff just rips me apart. Im just going to say im sorry. I wish i had done more this year to help out but there were other factors that stopped me from doing it like i have in years past. Im just going to say im sorry for letting some of you down. I take some respondsibilty for my actions and do apoligize for not stepping up. I just cant keep doing it. Feel free to pm.
Seriously? After you posted pics of a twenty you wiped your ass with, and were going to send it to the kid who wanted his money back.

Have you had your Lithium level checked lately?
 
#179 ·
Cory, whenever I get a chance to get in my pc and not mobile I'll message you back. Long story short, there's stuff the organizers can do to improve things, but we as a community have to be willing to do our part, it isn't just Jay's event, we all own it. Jay makes the money and is in charge, but we have to help make it work so we have OUR weekend in OC each year.

Cory, I dunno how you do it, you have a business, VAG Fair, a personal life, and you're still able to be a key part of H2Oi. Takes a lot. To see how the other thread deteriorated makes me sick, embarrasses me to be part of this community. Rather than everyone pointing fingers, it should've been productive, and I hope this thread is.

I will say this: a friend of mine and myself have been talking about setting a club up for a while, local VW and Euro folks. We're doing it. Part of what we'll be doing is going around Sunday evening next year picking up the parking lots. If it's impossible to get everyone to clean up after themselves, at least we can organize some people to do it for them and not leave OC in waste. We're also going to organize either a rally to the show or a meet and have it take donations or sell things for charity. The locals see the bad of the event, and it's time to do some good and open their eyes to that.
 
#182 ·
I will say this: a friend of mine and myself have been talking about setting a club up for a while, local VW and Euro folks. We're doing it. Part of what we'll be doing is going around Sunday evening next year picking up the parking lots. If it's impossible to get everyone to clean up after themselves, at least we can organize some people to do it for them and not leave OC in waste. We're also going to organize either a rally to the show or a meet and have it take donations or sell things for charity. The locals see the bad of the event, and it's time to do some good and open their eyes to that.
I would sign up for that, just so the locals can see we are listening to them and we want to stay in OC.
 
#180 ·
i actually like the venue over last years mud pit. The biggest problem I have is the fact that japanese cars should not be allowed to enter the show area taking up space from other VW/AUDI owners that want to show off their cars at a VW/AUDI SHOW!! Don't get me wrong I saw some pretty awesome Japtraps but they should be only allowed to park in spectators parking, this show isn't NOPI or HIN.
 
#183 ·
Then abolish club parking ... the only non-VAG cars that were on the showgrounds were in Club Parking. They paid more than you general admission plebians, so deal with it by either ponying up some more money and showing your car, or parking as a club.

Seriously, this argument makes no sense. Club parking is open to anyone that wants to pay extra to park on show grounds and pre-register.
 
#184 ·
First off let me say hello, and I know I am new around here and my B5.5 wagon is not dropped, nor do I have insane wheels on it. But damn I love this car. It's my 2nd VW and I am in love with them . I have always had a love affair with VW's. This was my second H2Oi, I drove down from northeastern Massachusetts. The first one was 4 years ago. I remember ocean downs, was a good venue. but things happen. If they are not willing to participate with the organizers, then its a dead idea .

I was here this year. Brought my car, wife and 7 month old baby. We enjoyed the night life, cruising the strip and seeing all the cars. Vdub and others. I had my stock car out there with the rest of them., with a huge smile on my face.

Saturday , we drove up ,the staff kind of pointed me in a direction to go park. I landed along the back of the camping area and had no complaints parking. Checked out all the variety of cars in the lots. Thought the vendor's area was a little cramped , but I had no issue navigating the area. The food was in a perfect spot right by the live music..

Sunday, I was one of the crazies that parked. A mile and a half down the road and walked to the gate. Paid my fee and went in. Again I walked around the parking areas loving the cars. The show / club area was confusing. And the loading of the show cars and GA parking in the same gate confused most. I did see staff at the second gate just standing there due too no cars going down to them. Top dawg was on a good spot. Besides the walk. Which was not that bad, my wife and myself take the baby on 4 mile hikes often. We had a blast. We are looking forward to being there again next year.

If you are able to use the same venue next year, keep the food where it was. The toilets were perfectly placed. Move the top dawg closer to the stage. Vendors could be moved to wrap around the top dawg show area. The exhibition/show area behind the stage area ( VW/audi only cars ), separated by class( mk1,mk2,mk3, ect,ect,) behind that area. In the fields, club parking. Top dawg , show cars , and. Club cars front gate entrance. Registered in advance( gate people have the list ). These cars have to be in before say 1 o'clock. Can't leave until 4:30. GA parking starts at the second gate. After 1 the main gate opens for GA parking and the road to the show area a blocked off for pedestrians. GA parking leaves through the second gate only.

If extra volunteers are needed, post a link. I would certainly enjoy helping out. Help with parking, clean up, whatever is needed.

As cor the A$$clowns in town. There is not much you can do about that. Bike weeks, music festivals, even just concerts have the crews of meatsticks that go just to wreck stuff. Been that way for years and years. Only the very sheltered are not exposed to it. But the guys setting up the GTGs should have a group inside the gtg willing to hang and pick up after themselves. But if the organizers want to have a gtg for the purpose of cleaning up again, post up ahead of time for volunteers. As for the burnout pits, those might need to be shut down.

Overall thank you to the organizers for outing on such an event, and for as long as it runs I will be attending every year.
 
#187 ·
"NOTE ABOUT CONDUCT
Garden State Euros (GSE) does not tolerate any misuse of vehicles including burnouts, engine revving, loud sound systems, speeding, racing, immature driving or unsafe practices. Local Tannersville police will be on site and we will report or remove any unwanted attendees. Our club also tracks offenders and provide the information to the local police and list them on an -“Official Tri-State Meet, Club, Event BLACKBALL List”- thread. Attendees are not to take these precautions as a threat but rather a realization that Garden State Euros (GSE) will protect their club and events at any cost for the true European car enthusiasts and community. Their events and meets are simple; arrive, park, turn off the car and hang out with other enthusiasts. With the anticipated turnout, Garden State Euros (GSE) wants everyone to know that this is a family oriented club with parents and children attending and strict conduct rules will be enforced. We also reserve the right to refuse admission for attendees to Barley Creek Brewery and will notify the local police of offenders from last year’s event."


Saw this posted on the 2nd Annual DubRun to the Poconos maybe this would help:thumbup:
 
#189 ·
just super bummed i wasn't allowed into the show after waiting for awhile in traffic. And was asked for a bribe to get in. :confused: Then with no where to turn off and hopefully park legally anywhere in site. Ill gladly sit in traffic, as long as I'm allowed in. I love the strip but go for the show for inspiration. That just really bummed me out :(, but Thank you. to all the organizers efforts regardless.
 
#193 ·
please bring back organized class and club parking!

I've volunteered to judge several years back when the show was at ocean downs and the show car, club parking was properly organized, and I loved it

there are so many benefits to it.
same model/gen/class parked in a group/row.
- more consistent judging
- you meet the people and share ideas with the same/similar cars
-less wasted space on the grounds
-it will look like a real car show again

many h2oi veterans agree including those that consistently volunteer to judge

Make pre registration mandatory.
you know exactly how cars of each gen model and class are going to show. make a map and stick to it.

heck... I'll be first to volunteer to be there at 5am to setup the markers Sunday morning :beer:
 
#195 ·
And i shall reply grow the f** up . clean you plate after dinner.(dispose of your trash) ,brush your teeth go to be (Make sure your area is clean before you leave). Thats how my 1 yr 5 yr and 7yr old are raised....like kids. But they have common sense of responsibility. The 45th st. lot was trashed :bs:and Ft. whaley looked like times square after new years eve:bs::bs::facepalm: Common man Honestly evaluate situation and arrive at a timely fasion ?.?. wipe your cryin a$$es:mad: man up let it go and be possitive you can make a change next year......................dont be an ASSHAT:what:
 
#196 ·
I would just like to start off by saying, H2O is and will always be my favorite show. I count down the days every year because I love volkswagen's and audi's so much (plus it is my birthday weekend:) ) I have read tons of posts about non vag cars and this and that but I literally just think it was confusing as to which section was for what this year. I registered so I thought that meant that I would be surrounded by registered cars but I was just instructed to just "park in the trees somewhere." There were a few registered cars around me but there were more that weren't. When I started to walk around I overheard one of the judges say "I'm not really sure what to do here." I am not gonna sit and be an *** and say the show was horrible or I'm mad about the non vag cars (cuz I'm not) I just think there was a lot of confusion. Overall I enjoyed the show and had a great time meeting new people and watch everyone salute my car as they walked by (it says Adolf btw :) ) anyways I can't wait for next year! And if anyone remembers meeting me, it was super nice to meet all of you!
 
#198 · (Edited)
Back on topic:

In all honesty, it looks like the one thing Shoup needs to do is play ball with the OCMD city (or county) government and negotiate some kind of payoff to make them more tolerant of the show, the traffic problems and the shenanigans.

Because it looks like addressing that one big problem would make most, if not all, of the other problems go away. Or at least minimize them.
 
#199 ·
No one ever answered/responded to the question or statement about the inlet lot...

Yes, I get it, Jay doesn't stroke the city council c*cks, so they don't like us like they do the hot rods, etc...

But why not look into getting the inlet lot for us. For show cars and vendors only. I can't emphasize that part enough. What is wrong with that idea? People getting butt hurt because they can't park their junker MK2 on the show grounds? THe big shows in Europe and England are like this.

Everyone always states that the reason they go to H2O, or more specifically OC is because they like all the GTG's. SO everyone will/can still have them for their non-showy vehicles, JDM crap, american crap, euro crap, whatever, but having a dedicated area, in town, reachable by public trans, walking, etc, for just the show cars and vendors would be the way forward.

Convention center (convention; a large formal assembly of a group with common interests) would also be cool, IF:

Top Dawg and larger vendors inside
Top three finishers from SoWo/VagFair/Waterfest (preregistered of course) also inside
Everyone else (show cars only though) in the parking lot.
THis is a central location, easily accessible through many means, and the same stuff about GTG's, etc.. still applies from above.

I know my opinion doesn't matter much, and many of the things other people said still ring true about my opinions, but I think I'm going to skip H2O in favor of SoWo next year. Part of it is because I now live in Japan, but I also have the means to make both if I want, but this, in it's current state seems more like about making money than it does pleasing the customers, US, the show goers, the people that make any of this possible.

This needs to be better organized. We/I understand Jay does this largely on his own... Maybe it's time to change that. You can't fix problems if you don't identify them.

The arguement that blah blah blah, you should wake up at 7am to get to show is BS. I should be able to arrive at any time during the open hours and be able to make it inside (parked/walking) within a reasonable timeframe, say 20 mins or so. Some of like to have responsible fun. But I don't wake up at 7am on vacation, just like I'm sure many others don't want to either.

Yes, this doesn't apply if you're a show car, which there are clear rules establishing when you need to be in place by, etc...

I'll add more to this once people read it and start tearing it apart for my grievious errors. :rolleyes:
 
#200 ·
Apologies if this was already brought up in one of the 6+ pages of this thread, but didn't feel like trolling through all...

Show Classes - either http://h2oi.com has not been 100% updated since 2010, or it wasn't clear to me in the drop-down menu:

I wanted to enter the TDi class, but it only listed a 1.9 TDi class, and I didn't see a 2.0 CR TDi class listed. I understand there may not have been alot of 2.0 CR TDi's, but maybe reconfigure like dubs on the Delaware had - 1 TDi class.

Shoot me if I'm nit picking about an issue so few have...
 
#201 ·
I didn't read through this entire thread, so maybe someone has mentioned this, but I think the decision for dates needs to be looked at and compared to when the races at Dover Downs occur. Having the event on the same weekend as the races makes for added congestion in traffic for any of us that travel through or around the Dover area. Plus, some of the stupid race fans that cause trouble around town get lumped into our crowd. It's hard for locals to know if it's a drunken race fan or a drunken h20i fan causing a ruckus, and in the end h20i will get the blame and the boot because the local authorities and government gives NASCAR a free pass to wreck the joint due to the amount of money it floods into the local economy.
 
#202 ·
I didn't read through this entire thread, so maybe someone has mentioned this, but I think the decision for dates needs to be looked at and compared to when the races at Dover Downs occur.
The event date is "tradition" anymore. Changing it will unleash 100x the griping that not changing would.

Having the event on the same weekend as the races makes for added congestion in traffic for any of us that travel through or around the Dover area.
One could argue: Plan ahead, go around, take the long way, etc. Many of us from the Midwest log a ton of seat time to make it.

Plus, some of the stupid race fans that cause trouble around town get lumped into our crowd. It's hard for locals to know if it's a drunken race fan or a drunken h20i fan causing a ruckus,
Being a drunken public troublemaker is a universally bad idea.

and in the end h20i will get the blame and the boot because the local authorities and government gives NASCAR a free pass to wreck the joint due to the amount of money it floods into the local economy.
Then take the high road. No matter the shenanigans H2O'ers should try to "keep it off the streets" and showgoer-to-LEO interaction will drop.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top