Need advice organizing tractor show

[Guest]

Never set up anything like this,,,can't help much there but.... and i'm serious about this, ok! "build it,,,, and they will come" you get the idea! some of the best, most enthused, etc people i've come across have a link of one type or another with tractors! plan it ...get the word out...we will come! thx! Dan

[ka9bxg 3]

The worst problem is always the insurance for the event.I help with a couple of local shows.One of the most expensive part of the show is the insurance and always getting the word out.The rest will come.To far for me to go but good luck.Bob

[powermax_paul 1]

Bob, It doesn't have to be an "event" sanctioned by any organization, but simply a group of friends gathering at one place to discuss their common interest. I guess I don't see the need for any insurance. Check with Dennis McGill. I don't think we had any type of insurance for the first midwest club picnic. Paul

[Guest]

Herb Niewender and myself are trying to set up a tractor show in South Jersey. Herb has found a great location,here is the link for the site. I'm wondering if Kent or any club members have any advice for setting up a show ? Would this be an official Simple TrACtors show ? Have there been any shows in New Jersey before or would this be the first annual?[A href='http://www.oldengine.com/pumpkin/index.htm']http://www.oldengine.com/pumpkin/index.htm[/a]

[carter 0]

The problem may be that the proposed NJ event is on private property. The owner already has some kind of insurancd no doubt. It may be that his is good for such an event or that a rider on his can be purchased for the day for a lot less than a "club" can purchase it. State law also has to be considered. Don't know about NJ but in MI going without insurance isn't a good idea. Another way to get insurance is to get a local engine or tractor club to "sanction" the event. In MI that puts you under the umbrella of their insurance for a small additional fee. Aside from the insurance angle the only other thing that can be an expense is restroom facilities. At least a couple of portable toilets, one handicapped accessable, will run about $150 for the day locally. Get a food wagon to come in for the day and the first year waive the commission as a sweetener. If you have a good year and want to repeat next year they will willingly pay a commission to come back. The various sites on the internet like this one will get you plenty of free advertising for the first year. My $.02 after doing this for 20 years. Ron

[powermax_paul 1]

Yeah Ron & Bob, I guess I spoke w/o looking at the complete picture. If it's on private property, you probably should have insurance. Paul

[Kent 436]

Murph, There's not really such a thing as a an "official" show but if you'll get it set up and provide me the details, I'll gladly advertise it here.... I've never set one up either, and don't have many tips. A few come to mind, though, based on attending a few. (1) I would suggest that you have some preprinted signs for people to fill out to identify themselves and their tractors, plus some magic markers or something for them to use. It can get pretty hectic as people start showing up, all about the same time. (2) Have rain plans identified well in advance, perhaps including a "makeup day." (3) Put some consideration into children's activities, in a safe area. The more you can keep the kids happy and "entertained" the longer the parents can hang around. (4) The swap meet part is just about as important as the "tractor show", so make sure you give it some thought also.... (5) Try to group similar tractors together on display so people can readily see, compare and understand the "evolution." (6) See if you can find someone who'll be responsible for photographing all the tractors and identifying what they are and who they belong too... For putting them on the internet, a digital camera works well. That's all that comes to mind.