Spring Meet comment/concern/issue - vendors

[Mrs 66 Snake]

I've been hearing some concerns mentioned about manufacturers/vendors at the event this weekend. And thought I should put them out there for the group.

This event is for Cobra enthusiasts from around the state and around the country. Whether you have a car, have had a car, are building a car or are just dreaming about a car, this event is for you. And as our motto says "It's not about the cars, it's about the people." And it truly is. We have over 200 people registered for this event and it promises to be a great weekend.

That said, there's been some comments and concerns voiced about the prominence of vendors. And their use of our event as a "showroom" and "sales opportunity." Which is justified. We have a fun-packed weekend and don't need to be made to feel like we are just potential customers.

And it's not like we haven't dealt with this in the past. We had a T-shirt vendor join the group solely for the purpose of hawking their Tees never to be seen again. And we had a manufacturer drive across country and take up a huge chunk of parking with his trailer and motorhome and then get snotty to those in charge of this event when asked to move. And there's been talk of having a separate manufacturer event within this event which honestly has gone over like a screendoor on a submarine with the folks that passed that on to me.

I have no authority to say who can and cannot come and who can and cannot hawk their wares. But I do know what has not gone over well in the past and I certainly know that I far more appreciate those vendors that understand that this event is about the Cobra Club members and not their business. And we've had them attend in the past. I don't think anyone would argue that Doug Reed, when he's been able to attend, is more of a Texas Cobra Club member than a Superformance dealer. The fact that he has customers at the event or has a car to show you if you ask is never the foremost thing you see.

So if you are a vendor coming to this event, please don't take this as a scathing indictment of your intentions. Rather a reminder to not take the prime parking places, or spend the weekend trying to show off your cars or other merchandise. If you truly want credibility, it will best be earned by just being a part of the group and having a great time.