I will be coming in on Friday and be there the whole weekend (staying at the Hampton). Depending on when I arrive in the Riverside area on Friday, I'll try to get over and help at the service project. Actually I'll be driving down from the SF Bay Area and overnighting on Thursday evening at the Harris Ranch (I-5 & Hwy 198 near Coalinga). Anyone else going to be there? We could meet for dinner. By the way, I'll be going to the West LA area after the Lake Arrowhead Drive and could probably get folks to either Ontario or LAX in you need to fly out. If you wish to arrange any of these with me, email me at [email protected].
All those people, driving and flying all that way, to attend a conference on....saving gas? You're right, it doesn't make much sense when you think of it that way. I find it more helpful to think of it as getting together with friends old and new. I did have a vague idea of riding my bike down, in part to deliver the message that we're doing it wrong, but I can't fit an extra month into the calendar. I should have left weeks ago. If there was still a Green Drive Expo, and it was in October, then maybe.
Yeah, whether tgb4 or GDE, October would have been better for me as well or more advance notice. Oh well, I'm certain fun will be had by all those who can ultimately attend the event.
Next year hopefully we'll have more options on time of year and how far in advance we can begin promoting it. Really excited to see the great group that is going to make it this year!
In the "old" days, probably 25% of US Prius sales were in California. Not sure what the sales distribution by state is now, but it doesn't surprise me that Danny selected southern CA as the meeting location in an effort to maximize attendance - and of course that makes it easier for TMS USA to support the meeting since their national staff is based out of Torrance.
It sounds fun, and it's only 70 miles from home for me, but I just can't swing the registration fee, especially since I'd only come for Saturday. I'm sad there's not a pro-rated deal. I know there was a bit of an early bird discount, but I thought I'd be going to Santa Barbara for a young cousin's graduation from UCSB, and it wasn't enough off for one day anyway.
I have no trouble with a so-cal event, calling it national is like having all the Miss Universe contestants be from earth.
Yes . . . and that's why CA was picked, because our known universe is on earth ... holding it the Miss U contest on Uranus would make no sense ....
well, "With 236,659 units of the Prius family sold throughout the US in 2012, California accounted for 26.2% of all US Prius family sales for the year."
You speak the truth, my friend. Even so ... surprise surprise .... I managed to have circumstances that pulled us back up into NW Montana for the week, and won't be back 'till next Saturday. A 90 year old long time friend/neighbor up here just passed away. We went to the funeral Sunday, to celebrate her life. Not all sadness ... yesterday we enjoyed the east side of Glacier National park, with its tons of dear, Elk, bear, plants, fish, birds, ets. Got to witness my 1st LIVE avalanche right on the east side of two medicine lake - East side of Glacier nat. Park: It was no Prius get together . . . . but it made a nice consolation trip. Say 'hi' to everybody from me!! .
Disagree that this is the wrong approach. National events do get attention, generate excitement and help get out the message about the new and upcoming technology and its benefits, certainly more than just saving gas. Locally, just seeing a lot of Prii heading to and attending events does turn heads and gets people thinking about checking out the Prius, hybrids or EVs. The sponsoring companies also will learn more by interaction with owners on how to improve the experience. Discussions and sharing with other members personally tips and personal driving experiences once every 10 years is not that much of a waste.
Ok now, I'm feeling bummed plenty already - but I do appreciate the sentiment. Looking forward to the next meet up opportunity. .
I thought you might say that the center of the English-speaking Prius universe is southern CA and that is the reason for the locale. In any event, I'm sorry that you can't attend the event!
Maybe next year? And this debate about location? You're not going to be able to pick any one location that is going to be convenient or absolutely please everyone.