Rikki-UK:
There’s a big difference tho between MATS, Dallas and TruckFest, they are more akin to the CV show- aimed very much at the trade and therefore the exhibitors expect to do “Business” there. At MATS there is a “Unofficial” Drivers show, complete with the BBQ’s and Beer held a few miles away at Papa Johns to keep the revelry seperate from the serious business but MATS lay on a free shuttle bus to the exhibition centre from there for drivers to make the attendee’s numbers up
Truckfest is more a festival/social event- none of the major players make any money at TruckFest- it costs them to be there, but because it is the biggest event for drivers they feel they should attend and support it. so its not a fair comparison
It’s the only comparison I have though as I haven’t attended any of the grass roots truckshows over here, but the MATS/GATS formula works well, so why not attach truckfest to the CV show or vice versa
I know that truckfest has to turn a profit for the organizers, ticket sales won’t achieve that so the vendors have to pay to be there, they then in turn have to charge higher prices to make their profit etc etc etc, the fact that truckfest happens at all is a miracle really, especially in lorry hating Britain, but here’s one thing to consider, if it makes everyone involved money year after year, why does it need fixing in the first place
Personally I was very impressed with MATS/GATS, but if I was back in Britain and had a free weekend, I would’ve gone to truckfest and would’ve had a good time, yeah the food and drink will be expensive, but that’s no shock, the same applies at any of the theme parks or other attractions and I’ll take looking at lorries old and new, over being hurtled through the air while attempting not to look like a screaming girl in front of my kids everytime
But ask me the question of what I want to see at a truckshow (as this thread did) and I’ll refer you to my original answer
Rikki-UK:
Truckfest is more a festival/social event- none of the major players make any money at TruckFest- it costs them to be there, but because it is the biggest event for drivers they feel they should attend and support it. so its not a fair comparison
Nonsense, the manufacturer don’t turn up altruistically to give the drivers a cuddle Rikki . It’s one of many marketing tools and strategies. Yes, the actual outlay for no immediate return would seem to be a loss leader but it’s far from. Its product placement within the industry from an obvious to a subliminal level. They’re happy enough to try and sell a motor to you while you’re their too All the manufacturers recognise and utilise all these types of marketing from passing out free merchandise to the twitter feeds and blogs by the genuine drivers that write for them.
It’s all budgeted for and not done at a loss. It’s just another marketing tool within an overall strategy and budget.
Back to the original question though personally I’d like to see something different then the usual arena stuff and a vast reduction in prices. It’s a show aimed at one of the lower paid sectors and the prices, from entry to food, should reflect that.
Can see why rikki is defending Truckfest & Live promtions, but dont agree, yes they cost a bit to set up etc but Live Promotions are there to make a profit & are not doing it out of the goodness of their heart, & thats why they have stuff all over uk throught the yr. Not sure how much they charge exhibiters but seems expensive by the quotes on here surely they wouldnt have a show without exhibits.
Back in the day , Geordie Truck Show etc (which Im sure youve been to rikki) everything was organised by truckers for Truckers for a cheep friendly weekend now as ever everything is comercialised, although still plenty of events like Vintage & Classic truck runs, Steam & vintage Rallies all Organised by enthusiasts, pretty cheep to go & see, & free for me to enter the old transit.First full weekend this yr begining of June Rickaby Park Carlisle plenty of Trucks Vintage steam cars & all manner of stuff, have a day off from that computer rikki & have a ride up, say hello to Lucy I dont get on this bit often (cant get away from old fogies posts) posted on wrong thread should have been Truckshow 2012
This whole topic has nothing to do with TruckFest… you are all talking about a gathering of like minded people rather than a show put on on a commercial basis.
TruckFest is a business, it exists solely to make money and provide employment - in the same way Tesco’s, Ford, Barclays Bank. Eddie Stobart and every other company including the one you work for.
There are a number of small shows held around the country, very few if, any provide employment - jobs- and contribute the national economy
I do think that some folks need to take off their rose tinted glasses and smell the manure
I’ve been going for the past 4 years and enjoy it every time. This year i met Spanky, Lugs and Rikki after a quick hello as the wife wanted to get moving, and boy Lugs is a tall fella!.
Truckfest is only for the ones who like a good day out, yeah the price to get in is slightly off putting, but in the 4 years I’ve been going it has only gone up twice.
I also had a chat with the local burger van that parks up in the lay by outside the East of England truck show and he has told me that it would’ve cost him £1500 for a pitch. Now, i understand why the prices are high on burgers as they have to make that back to make the day worth it.
NathanB:
Working Condition area. Finish work, turn up and display.
We already have those, they are called “motorway service areas”, shows are held every day and admission is free for the general public for up to two hours.
still overpriced crap food though
i agree with others on the food thing. spoke to a bloke at southend airshow about 5 years back, he had a cornish pastie wagon. said his pitch was £1200 for the weekend, and thats before he payed staff and got stock. he said he made money, but only because of what he was charging, of which he agreed was well overpriced.
the main thing thats kept me away from the shows is the weather, price of entrance and other bits n bobs, food, drink etc.
think a show on hardstanding would be a bonus, because even if the weather wasn’t great, i may still go if i wasn’t gonna get covered in mud and crap.
i like the general idea at truckfest, going to have a nose round other peoples pride and joys, both old and new, think funfair and lots of stands selling gear is always a winner, helps keep the mrs and kids happy , and i suppose a bar and a decent band for those staying overnight.
Regardless of rose tinted specs (or safety glasses) I much prefer the rallies (I wouldn’t call Blandford a small show). Food prices don’t bother me as I take my own. Not Truckfest but some of the exhibitors really need to think if they’re wasting their time; Old couple do Bloxham every year with their knitted coasters, steering wheel covers etc and I’ve never seen anyone look/buy.
I also can’t believe the prices model traders sell scratched and bashed toys for, never mind the Corgi 1/50 stuff.
Finally, autojumble/junk: I wanted an old style Foden badge ('80s type) and the comedian wanted about £50!
limeyphil:
shooting range. vosa, customs, TCs, police as targets.
a ban on signs saying “do not touch”.
a ban on any high visibility clothing.
obese women must not wear leggings.
miss wet tshirt competition.
tug of war between two trucks.
working truck race.
demonstrations on magnet use.
miss we ■■■■■■■■■ competition.
a dancing bear.
elephant polo.
paramotor display team
a black person.
vietnamese massage tent.
