Adam,
I'm a few months new membere to the C3VR and have already receivewed valuable insight from the membership and this website!!!
Gatherings always offer attendance challenges for those who would like to attend. Distance and associated time and cost is a big one. I support your intent and the benefits of one large annual event. However after reading some of the reasons posted for not attending and what would be my own in the future, I'm wondering if smaller regional gatherings under the C3VR heading might allow greater participation. Based on the members locations, a regional location might be selected. I know this paradigm shift wouldn't be without its opportunities/challenges i.e. regional representative, agenda etc. Just a scaled down version held regionally (regions to be defined i.e. XXX sq milles or combination of states keeping it compact) and throughout the year depending on regional weather constraints. And for those with the time and money, they would be welcome to attend as many regions as they liked. Scheduling these around other large competing Corvette gatherings would also be a consideration, but could be an advantage.
I'm not planning on attending this years C3VR gathering. For a year I've been saving and planning on participating in the National Corvette Caravan, which happens only once every 5 yrs. At 67 who knows? I'm taking my '98 C5 back to its birthplace, so this year that is the major focus for my free time and money. However smaller regional C3 gatherings might be a fit/consideration.
I'm just offering a thought to ponder for the future. While one large event draws a certain number or % of the membership, perhaps regional gatherings would in the aggregate, make attendance and participation more attainable.
Just a thought from a newbie,
God Bless,
rick
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God Bless, rick
'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible