VOI7 events

[V10 MOJO]

if i end up going, its going to be driving down on friday, and driving back home on sunday. what events can i (will i be allowed to) attend on late friday thru sunday morning? i guess ill just bring a pocket full o cash to bribe my way into sh*t. as for hotels, nashville has many upscales

 

[viperrt96]

I'm doing the same scenario. Driving down on Fri and leaving Sun. I cant take any more days off work so I was going to ask the same question.

 

[V10 MOJO]

anyone else doing this similar "outlaw" package? not trying to take from VOI7, just that some of us couldnt commit yet we obviously want as badly as everyone else to enjoy this event as much as possible. so anyone else who is considering the "edited" version of VOI7, might be interesting to try and all get together as a group at least and meet up in nashville

 

[Janni]

I am not sure how many of the events that you will be allowed entry... When you register, you are told to have your credentials with you at all times. No one can get into the track for the road course or the vendor displays without credentials. I suspect that will be the same for the autocross, Opryland Vendors, any of the banquets, lunches, dinner, scenic cruise, etc.

Dodge City will be set up near the Opryland and the outlet mall where one can test drive all the vehicles in the Dodge lineup (excluding Viper, I am sure) which is an open to the public event.

 

[Viperrick]

The outlaw version gets you nothing. You chose not to participate in the event so I guess I am unclear as to what you are expecting to get? You should/will not have any access to any portion of the event. This includes dinners, track events, group photo, memorabilia night, vendors, etc. I guess you can come down to Nashville to hang out. You can also tell some of the locals that you are part of the event (even though you know better). Nashville will be overrun with Proud Viper Owners who made the commitment to attend the biggest and best Viper party to date. It may be a free country but it's not a free (or an a la carte) event. You can contact Viper headquarters on Monday to see if they can still get you in. Call 1-800-998-1110 and see what they can do. Hope to see you at Nashville or at the next VOI as a registered(and paid in full) participant.

Can you imagine how embarrasing it would be to be asked to leave (while being escorted out by security) because you crashed the party.

What do some of you other preregistered VOI participants think about about freeloaders who think it's ok to crash the party.

 

[ParB]

Hi,

i am very disturbed by the tone of these messages from the elected officials of the VCA. Shouldn't you as elected representatives of the VCA try to find alternatives for these members to participate (including helping them find ways to participate through paying)?

Chastizing and belittling people and questioning their motives by saying "You can also tell some of the locals that you are part of the event (even though you know better)" is just plain immature. It is furthermore a sign of elitistic thinking that i find just disgusting (i.e. you seem to be implying that the people without tickets wants to associate themselves with you and you won't let them because they aren't part of your elite club).

I am saddened by your attitude towards a fellow viper owner and i hope that you will change your ways to find joy in helping your fellow viper owners rather than trying to alienate them. If i would have been in your shoes i would have said "As an elected official of the VCA i have to inform you that the events are closed for members who haven't pre-registered. You can attempt to do a late registration but your chances are slim. In any ways, i would be happy to meet with you at any time outside the closed venues because we share an interest in the viper. Your fellow viper owner Richard".

I think you should go home and ponder about why really you chose to be an official in the VCA. Based on your message your motives doesn't seem all that pure to me.

-Par

 

[V10 MOJO]

first of all "viperrick" I take offense to your words. i am not insinuating i am going to "crash" anything. i am a very busy and extremely successful young businessman and physician who happens to have been unable to make this "committment" you so adamantly adhere to. you see, with my work priorities in an emergency center i was not able to get coverage for those days and still may not. as far as me being escorted out by security, not going to happen because i have the common sense to not go where im not allowed. "freeloaders" you say? son, ill pay for anything i deem desired and i d*mn sure can afford more than most. and if its an issue of cash, i have absolutely no problem paying for anything to participate, if the VCA and DC in their infinite wisdom allows it. i do not look for free rides nor do i expect to take advantage of anything or anyone. I am simply considering driving to nashville and trying to enjoy what i can of a gathering of what i consider the greatest cars ever built. you hope to see me at VOI7? you just might and i sure as h*ll hope face to face your manners in person are better than on this message board. it just goes to show, it doesnt take much to be an elected official, even for the VCA. so get down off your soapbox and relax. I do look forward to meeting you, hope you at least got a good handshake.

To all others who read this, i appologize for the outburst and my rantings. it simply upsets me that some can pass accusations and slander in an unprofessional manner. Being that this was delivered by a VCA "offical" I cannot help but wonder as to the caliber of talent and intellect in the VCA as this is a representative of the VCA

 

[Viperrick]

Dustman,

You take offence to which part of my message directed to you? You said you wanted to participate in VOI 7 and I gave you the information you needed to attend the event. Went so far as to even give you the phone number to call. I understand you are a very busy person and you may not be able to take full advantage of all the event offers but enjoy as much as you can afford (time wise that is). You are not alone in having a busy schedule. I am sure there will be people arriving and leaving throughout the weekend. No reason to not to show up because you will miss a little at the start.

I may not have been as tactful as I chould have been but you need to understand that when you wrote "I'll just bring in a pocketful o cash to bribe my way into sh*t" reads like someone who plans on crashing the event. "Hey you over there... if I slip you $20.00 you can get me in...right" There are even more elaborate scenarios with official credentials which go on.

You see this has been a problem in the past and I know that everyone is taking measures to prevent it. That is why I replied as i did. Just look at the words you wrote. Put yourself in my shoes. If you had known that this was a problem, and you were looking out for all Viper Owners and VCA members (trying to ensure that VOI's continue), how would you reply? My only goal is to make VCA members happy. If that means to chastize someone, who sounds like he might be jepordizing something which benefits everyone, than so be it.

Now put yourself in the hosts shoes. What would you do if you set up an event for say 500 people, ordered gifts, dinners, drinks etc for your 500 guests but just before dinner you are informed that you are 100 dinners short and say 10 tables to seat the guests. Oh and by the way the room you have can't fit an additional 10 tables. Somehow your event for 500 people has grown to 600 people and since you failed to inform the banquet hall in advance then to make up the shortfall at this late date the agreed upon price per person just doubled. You still have the problem of seating them in another room. What do you do? I guess if you are good host you open up your wallet and feed your guests and the freeloaders. You get up in front of everyone and appologize that the person who ordered the gifts made a mistake and you will be sure that one gift is sent to each guest who didn't get on in the next few weeks (at your expense). Then you pay a little more to keep the bar open longer.

That senario is not made up. If you have ever planned an event like this than you know the problems associated with it. Now lets say you do this event year after year and you have a limited budget. What do you do? Well what Viper Headquarters did was to give you 8 months notice about the event. If you could make it all you needed to do was preregister. They even have the most liberal cancellation policy I know of.

Now in light of this information do you still feel that I have acted in an unprofessional manner? Maybe I am guilty of reading more into your message than you really ment to say but at least you know why. If you do attend than I look forward to meeting you and shaking your hand. By the way, I may have been wrong in generalizing by acusing you of being someone who planned on crashing the party but I feel your comments about "Being that this was delivered by a VCA official I cannot help but wonder as to the caliber of talent and intellect in the VCA as this is a representative of the VCA" as an attack on the rest of the VCA officials. Don't take my comments as those of the rest of the board. No need for you to slander us as a whole.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Well Put Tony! Too bad you won't be there, someday I get you that beer I owe ya. As for Viperrick, dude ..... well, anything I put will get bleeped out anyway. I think the last four wouds on your username just changed slightly.

Mike

 

[Viperrick]

Viper Mad I think you have to re-read Rustmans message. I didn't get the impression that he was looking to get into the "Full Monty" event in the last minute. His comment of "I'll bring a pocketful of cash to bribe my way into sh*t" reaks of "Crashing". For a full explaination read my prior post. Not looking to alienate anyone.

Viperrt96 I don't know where you are coming from. Why do you feel that those who attend an event, or choose to congregate at organized events or spend time to organize events have set themselves above others?

 

[RSenn94RT10]

I am a Viper Owner. I am from South Carolina and I am also a big USC Gamecock fan. I had already made plans to go to the USC vs Vanderbilt Football game in Nashville with some friends before the VOI was ever announced. So I will be in Nashville this coming weekend to see the football game and I was excited that I was going to be around all of the Viper events. I certainly didn't expect to participate in the dinners or driving events, but I was hoping to be able to meet some of the other owners and see all of the Vipers in Nashville.

 

[Viperrick]

Viperrt96,

If you re-read your post again you will notice that you do pay pay fees to belong. You pay income tax to belong to this FREE society we call the U.S.A. If you didn't pay the fee you would loose your freedom. If everyone chose to not pay the fee than we might all loose our freedom.

 

[VIPR GTS]

As another member stuck with the time problem I can understand where rdustman is coming from. I am driving down to Nashville and have a room at the Opryland for Thursday night but I must
turn around and leave by noon on Friday to return to work on Saturday. I am going just to enjoy the drive down and being with some of the friends I have made in the VCA. But, I am not going to pay $1500 for my wife and I to be there Thursday. I do not expect to be included in anything other than seeing all of the cars and friends. I certainly hope that my being at the hotel does not upset any officials. It is a shame that the VCA could not have had a daily rate for those of us that can only be there one day. But, I will enjoy the trip and seeing everything, even if from a distance.

 

[Viperrick]

Sean I am sure there will be plenty of chances to meet other Viper owners as we will be taking over Nashville.

Viper Mad, I may have come across abrasive at rdustmans initial post but it looked like it was going to turn into a tread about crashing VOI. I am sure it could have been worded differently. I didn't mean it to come across as an insult to him personally. It was more aimed at any group of people who where thinking of "crashing" the actual events. There is no reason why someone can't come down to Nashville but I don't want to people to make the trip thinking that they can get individual day passes only to find out it is an all or nothing package. At least thats the way it has been in the past. Haven't heard that it will be different this time. No VCA officer will be escorting anyone. It's not our party....we are guests just like every other Viper owner. We just want to make sure we are invited back in the future.

 

[SNAKEIZ Susan]

I am a Viper Owner and would like to come to a day or two of VOI-7. It sounds like so much fun. It would be so fun to meet people and see what this great event will have.

I will only be there 2 days max and I didn't sign up for the full event. It's not because I can't afford the full event as I AM a Viper owner and have lots of $$. I knew I could sign up and then just stay a day or two, but I didn't, ok?

I should be able to just show up and pay someone for just the stuff I want to be part of Maybe it's the luggage tag, SRT-10 drive, SRT-4 drive but not the truck driving or tech sessions. (And the Webhead meet-n-greet is free anyway, right?) Why should I have to pay for that as a total VOI price? After all I AM a Viper owner with lots of $$ and I should be able to only pay for what I want to.

Maybe I will be there for two of the dinners so I'll just pay for that, well maybe I'll only be there for one. I'll pay as I go, who needs planning? I hear there are always really nice things on the tables. Can't wait to see them. If I pay for a dinner I'm sure entitled to those table goodies. Someone else might not get one, but they should have ordered extras, you know? I just don't get the big deal of wanting someone to sign up for an event like this as a whole package. It's so much for convenient for me to just show up. After all, I'm a Viper owner and what's easy for me comes first.

It's so unfair the Hotel is sold out. Why couldn't they hold out some extra rooms for us. They must know we would show up without prior plans. Don't they understand Viper owners. Outlaws: boycott the Opryland!

Outlaws unite and bring plenty of $$$. Even if it costs more than registration cost, we'll have it our way!

And another thing, why do I have to pay for the whole package at Disneyland when I don't ride any of the kiddie rides like dumbo or tea cups? I'll just tell the person at the gate I'm only riding 6 of the adult rides because I can't stay until the park closes. It's only right they don't charge me full rate.

 

[viperrt96]

For the amount that you pay I understand that for those who attend all events scheduled they wouldn't want a bunch of Party crashers or rift raft(however that was worded earlier). I don't believe however it is for the elite. Surely the organizers of this event would count on spectators. Is the general public allowed to attend any of it? Or is it for Viper owners only ? I mean are there certain things the general public are allowed to do or see? Or are they told to look at vipers in the parking lot. Think of how many people you would piss off if you told them that.I would be insulted to be turned away. Now within reason, I know there are the dinners(round table discussion and ETC)that would be for members only but come on.I would like to think the organizers would have came up with some alternative things and certain days with some freedom to do whatever. My wife wanted to hit the outlet malls while I attend some of the events but if its structured like that. IF I can't attend at all because I'm not registered. Forget it I'M staying home. Simply put. VOI7 is not worth it! No matter what it cost!

 

[SNAKEIZ Susan]

Right on! Now I know that if I signed up for the whole VOI I am not REQUIRED to attend everything. After all, who could with so much going on? You bet I'm going to that huge mall, during the truck drivin or tach session on the CC. So why should I have to pay for the whole thing? Ok my non-Viper owner friends can see the cars in the parking lots, auto-x, in the parade, etc. for FREE, anyway but shouldn't they be included in whatever they want to, as long as they have the cash??? This is so exclusionary to deny the general public. You'd think it was a club or something.

And just what does the "O" in VOI stand for anyway?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by viperrt96:
My wife wanted to hit the outlet malls while I attend some of the events but if its structured like that. IF I can't attend at all because I'm not registered. Forget it I'M staying home. Simply put. VOI7 is not worth it! No matter what it cost!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[SNAKEIZ Susan]

Sheesh, I just tried to get a flight for VOI. They were sold out for the day I wanted to fly! They said I should have gotten a reservation. I told them they needed to understand I don't do reservations, Viper owners come and go at will with no regard to other's planning, and that they should have put larger jet in use. Then it was "click".

Can you believe it? Some people!

And what's with these rules? I HAVE to register to participate? What with that? I'm an owner and not subject to anyone's rules. The only rules are what I want. BTW---I thought Tony hates rules. Whoops, wrong Tony, oh yeah, he's in Crete or someplace eatin vettes.


<FONT size="-2">And Tony, I'm so disappointed. I thought you had empathy for us in your first post and then you went and got rational in your second one</FONT s>

 

[viperrt96]

Don't get me wrong. I'm not upset or mad because I didn't register on time or it cost too much. The reason I didn't register is because I wasn't going to! The $700 is not that big of a deal heck it sounds like a great deal for what you get. I just wanted to get in my car(yes my Viper)and take a nice weekend drive down to the event(6 hrs away). Check out other Vipers and some of the vendors and maybe the road rally. My wife gets to shop. She's happy. That's it. That's all I wanted to do anyway. I'm mad because it sounds like you can't do any of it. I thought VOI stood for Viper Owners Invitational!

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

I have attended all VOI4-6 and will attend VOI7. This event is a massive task to manage and staff.

Trying to include people who can only attend one day or one dinner or only drive the track would be a night mare to manage. It would be a great if individual request could be addressed but due to the size and logistics that is not practical.

I am not sure why being a VCA member was made an issue? The event is open to all Viper owners who register.

Security has been tight at all previous events and I expect and hope for the same in Nashville.

For those who want to see lost of Vipers on the streets and have a drink in the non-event facilities you are welcome.

At VOI6 the hotel bars and restaurants were full of Viper VCA members/Viper owners. Same for the hotel shops and surrounding shops. Go the the nearest Starbucks and you will see fellow Viperholics.

VOI's are great events.

 

[jimandela]

Maybe for VOI8 they can have a spouse weekend plan.
I could go for the whole week, my wife fly in for the weekend.
(assuming we could get sitter for the weekend)and then fly back.
At a reduced price.
The reasoning behind this type of plan. My wife is not "into"
cars. She really could care less and would just tag along for the heck of it. That way everyone is happy

I am not at VOI7

simply because can't get away from work.

maybe next time.

JIM

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

Jim, the logistics get a lot more complicated making 2 levels of registration. FYI, My wife(paid in full) and 3 yr old are coming and she will not do any of the driving events. She hopes to attend some meals but that will depend on our son.

You go you pay! If anyone does not take part in the activities that is their choice.

These events involve renting massive facilities contracting with Skip Barber, ins, etc. It may seem expensive but compared to the cost it is cheap. Given that Dodge pays a huge portion how do you allocate cost for some one who only want one meal? only wants to drive on one day? It is not practical.

Those who feel various levels should be available, please organize a Zone Event and practice what you preach.

 

[Joseph Houss]

Everyone has made some great points, and just to clarify:

This is a Dodge event, and Dodge graciously invited all Viper owners, with specific registration offerings, designed to allow us to enjoy 5 star entertainment, food and fun for the entire event. Dodge has a great team that manages the event, and as much as they would like to satisfy EVERY Viper owner's requests (heck, we'd like VOI's to be FREE!), this fantastic VOI undertaking is very complex, and I don't believe the "a la carte" issue ever surfaced before, and surely was never made visible by a thread in our message board until now.

I believe I recall that there was an "open" visitors day (Vegas?), but wasn't that for spectators only? The big issue would be the registration nightmare when you now would have to have additional staff to "man the booth", instantaneously print out passes, etc, rather than registering at the beginning of VOI, where a room is setup, in a nice semi-relaxed atmosphere, where you sign your wavers, pick up your goodies and get all your credentials, there would

The VCA offers many other venues where members can pick and choose when and what they attend, and just last year, during zone rendezvous, "a la carte" in fact, was available at many of the events. Yes, all Regional and National officers understand that our Viper Nation is made up of busy, sometimes impossible to schedule in advance, working professionals, and they are reminded constantly of this by their region's members.

Each VOI has been unbelievable, and the generosity of our friends at Dodge have allowed us to enjoy a great time at a 5 star venue each and every time. Let's hope that Dodge can surprise us with another VOI, and at that time, and well in advance of the registration date, I betcha Rick, and the rest of your officers, if allowed any input regarding registration, will remind those who are involved, that there are some owners out there, that may want an "a la carte" option.

 

[Janni]

Jeez, don't I get ANY credit for my diplomatic answer????

In another thread, rdustman speaks of the VOI outlaw package. In addition to his "bring cash and bribe my way in" comment, it set the tone for a far more elitist statement than Rick's (although that WAS pretty nasty...) I tried to be diplomatic and say that becasue of credentials and security, it was doubtful that he could get in...

I think the a la carte version of VOI would be difficult, based on the fact that we are already split into 2 groups for track day and fun / technical day stuff. Then couple that with lunches and dinners and checking credentials ("let's see, are you a Friday Saturday participant, Friday only, Sunday, meals only, etc....") would be WAY too cumbersome.

With regard to the public or other non-VOI-registered Viper owners being allowed access...... Dodge and Viper Headquarters take great pains to make sure security is there for our cars. At the track, you are often out of your car hanging out, or maybe you park your car and sit out an event, etc. Most often, I leave the windows down and my helmet in there. I do not worry about locking it because we 're all Viper owners and no one would want my beat up helmet anyway... I would not feel the same way if the public were allowed to mill around. And while I enjoy answering questions about my car and letting kids and adults sit in it and take pictures, I am afraid I would be considered rude at VOI as there is so much to do that you must stay with the schedule and move with your group...

Again, we will be doing a big parade that is for the public and Dodge is bringing DOdge City to the Opryland Mills Mall staffed by folks who can answer questions and are there all day.

It's not elitist to want to be able to enjoy the weekend that you paid for. It's not elitist to want to be able to not worry about security for your car and your belongings. This is a convention of sorts and no one would think about attending a professional convention without registering and paying, would they? (Not to say that rdustman wouldn't pay - just that there may be others....)

One last thing - As late as thursday I had worked with Kim at Viper Headquarters to get a club member registered, so it could have been done. She was printing badges Friday, so all this needed to be done. It's always a scramble at the last minute and these events are a TON of work. At some point, there has to be a cutoff that says "we just can't take any more guests" or else the planning and execution of the event will suffer. No one wants that.

 

[Steve Ferguson]

VOI is an event for any owner to enjoy, no matter how much time they can spend there. I can not attend the entire event, so I go and enjoy what I can. At no point did I request a per day rate, since whether I am there 1 or 5 days once registered you are counted for all. It is MY fault I can not make the whole event, not the organizers. Keeping the event as easy to manage is a key in keeping these events in our future.

The sad part is that every year there have been those that wish to try and circumvent what is offered, thus turning it into a ugly situation. If you are happy just meeting people then I say you will be very satisfied just showing up and seeing the spectacle that will unveil before your eyes. The only thing that can be bad is when someone is denied access to something and then they make a seen. Let's hope this is avoided. Please remember this event is put on so we can have fun, let that be what we get out of it!

 

[SNAKEIZ Susan]

Not to make a scene, but you do recognize sarcasm and that I was pointing out the folly of the elitist, a-la-carte attitude of some for this event, right?

 

[V10 MOJO]

WOW did this topic cause some heat, LOL. anyway, LETS PUT THIS ONE TO REST. Bottom line; im wanting to see some beautiful cars and car stuff, i still do not know if i will make it, if i can i will and i am sure ill have fun, i always do. Ill simply enjoy what i can when i can and make the most of it. the drive itself, to nashville, will be a pleasure. for future VOIs, arranging a fee at the door is possible and doable, it is not dificult and would not take from the overall event. it like any idea just needs to be thought out and done well. thnx all for input, whether agreeing or criticising. Ya know, the bad thing about this email, stuff, like a formal letter, you never can truly tell if someone is joking or sarcastic as well as you can face to face, and i think thats where problems start. Ciao