It's The People - ZCON 2010

Robert_Nash · 08-05-2010, 10:51 AM

It's The People - my personal "take" on ZCON 2010

Quote:

A collection of steel, glass, aluminum, electronics and other materials go into making a car. Sometimes, the automotive press and even individuals start calling a particular car an “icon”; but what makes a car an icon?

Perhaps it’s re-defining a genre of vehicles or defining a whole new genre.

Maybe it’s a car that remains true to its heritage – where the basic DNA of the original doesn’t change, even over the course of decades or maybe it’s being so popular that the vehicle has been in production for several decades.

Many say that the Datsun/Nissan “Z” redefined the sports car genre when it was introduced to the U.S. market as the 240Z in late 1969 as a 1970 model; that nothing before it and little since has offered such refined and true sports car performance for such a reasonable cost. Certainly, while modernized, the basic DNA of the “Z” hasn’t changed much over the years; even as the “Z” celebrates its 40th anniversary.

But perhaps a better question than ‘what makes a car an icon” would be, what makes people from all over the United States and even other countries drive or trailer Z cars hundreds of miles just to spend a few days in Franklin, Tennessee?

Well…it’s the people!

Over and over during the five day event, I spoke those who came to the 23rd Annual International Z Car Convention (ZCON 2010) and heard them say nearly the same thing; that “it’s the people who keep me passionate about the Z - it’s the people that keep me coming to events like this”. Many own or have owned other performance vehicles but again and again they said it’s “Z people” who keep them involved – that make them want to drive thousands of miles just to attend a convention.

Of course, the specific reasons for why a person is passionate about cars and passionate about one particular car like the “Z” are as many as there are people. That means there were a lot of reasons why people came to ZCON 2010 this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the “Z”. The parking lot of the host hotel was full of “Z” cars (which doesn’t even include the overflow hotels that many had to use) - there were people everywhere! Hundreds of “Zs” from all over (nearly 30 cars from Canada alone) and over a thousand people registered for the five day long event and hundreds more who came to see the car show on a very hot and sticky Saturday!

The host hotel for the event was the Embassy Suites, just a few hundred yards from Nissan Americas headquarters. Registration opened on Wednesday, July 28th with the opening banquet that evening. Registration lines were long but those who braved the wait were rewarded with the opening banquet which included brief messages from many involved with the Z car’s design and development as well as a group video chat with “Mr. K”; (Yutaka Katayama), now 100 years old and affectionately called the “father” of the “Z” car.

As is normal with “Z” conventions, much of the real convention happens in the parking lot as owners and enthusiasts gather and talk about the cars, renew old friendships and generally simply enjoy being around so many who share their passion - many, many hours are spend just hanging out in the parking lots sharing stories, meeting new friends and getting reacquainted with old ones!

The convention was full of activities and Thursday and Friday offered a variety of things to do including a dinner at the Wild Horse Saloon, tours of the Smyrna plant and the Lane Motor Museum; a nearly 180 mile cruise on some of Middle Tennessee’s beautiful back roads to Fort Campbell, home of the 101st Airborne Division and the museum dedicated to the 101st as well as self-guided spirit and wine tour. Other events included an autocross and a drifting exhibition at the Nashville Superspeedway! Friday evening was left open so folks could spend time getting their cars ready for the biggest event of the week, the car show!

Saturday morning began early as vehicles started arriving at the Americas headquarters building around 7AM. Hundreds of cars parked on the front lawn of the headquarters representing a labor of both passion and love of the “Z” car. Pristine examples of Zs from the first generation (240Z) through the current 6th generation (370Z) were everywhere along with displays of many special Nissan vehicles from the heritage collection. Nissan employees also brought their personal vehicles to display in the adjacent parking garage to put on a show that rivaled the size of the convention show!

The weather had been hot and steamy all week and especially so on Saturday but as well as turning out for the car show, local Nissan employees turned out in a big way to volunteer for the event including taking care of such jobs as stocking free, cold, bottled water at locations around the lawn. Many people took time to escape the heat by visiting the first floor of the headquarters building where they could enjoy some food in the cafeteria, browse at the expanded company store or get a free demo of the Bose sound system in the new Maxima!

Saturday night brought the last banquet of the week – the main ball room of the Embassy Suites was literally filled to capacity as everyone waited anxiously to hear the results of the judged car show; hear from various special guests and, again, a group video conference with Mr. K.

Many people were on the way home by Sunday morning but there were still many who stayed around for the Sunday events which included “hot laps” at the Nashville Superspeedway, “touring light” laps (opened to all and done at typical highway speeds) which benefited the Nissan Heritage Museum as well as a group photo for all Z cars which staged at the Start/Finish line on the front straightaway.

I have traveled to many “Z” events over the years including Chicago, Branson, Tampa, Tulsa and places in-between but as enjoyable as those events are, I don’t think anything is quite like the international convention; especially one held at Nissan Americas Headquarters. This convention was by far, the largest ever held in its 23 year history. The 2011 convention will be in Savannah, Georgia - I plan to be at that one as well!

Robert_Nash · 08-05-2010, 10:54 AM

NOW; What Went Wrong...
It is not my intent, with the below comments, to in any way disparage the overall event or the very, very hard work that I know went into it. I truly hope that these observations will lead to even better conventions in the future.

REGISTRATION: Anybody who had preregistered should have had ALL materials prepared and put into their bags and there should have been at least one totally separate line for those who had preregistered for at least the heavy days then combine/reduce lines if the flow of people allowed it. I know the cash flow is very important but one of the benefits of people preregistering in the first place is so that you CAN have all the registration materials, goodies, badges, etc done ahead of time.

I know attendance was large but the organizer should have had at least some idea of how many people might walk up and register on site and even if they didn't; people who wait to register on arrival ought to be expecting/prepared to wait in line. In total and without any exaggeration, I waited in line over TWO hours to get my materials...I was registration no. 58! To me, that kind of screw-up is inexcusable.

TROPHIES: The biggest single event at the convention IS the car show...why do people enter a car show? To hopefully WIN and get a trophy of some kine and a little recognition from their fellow Z owners. I realize that whatever trophy company they used bears some of the blame but I don't understand how they weren't on top of this days if not weeks before the event...it's reasonable to assume that whoever was supposed to ride herd on getting the trophies ordered, proofed and delivered screwed the pooch on this.

Unlike the Peoples' choice people, at least the judged show entrants found out if they won but winning and not getting the trophy at the banquet is a BIG PROBLEM - this one may not be inexcusable but it's close.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE CAR SHOW: There was more than one problem with the people's choice part of the event. Firs of all, the classes should have been staged together...expecting people to walk all over the grounds and try to remember which 2nd gen or 4th car was the best is pretty ridiculous given the number of vehicles involved. Likewise, putting stock and modified into the same categories is also a mistake...there is nothing fair about putting a totally original 350Z up against a 350 that someone has spent $50K on in modifications.

Again, people put their car in a show to hopefully win something and many people only go to an "AWARD'S BANQUET" to get an award (they sure as hell don't go for the cuisine). Not having trophies for winners is bad enough; not having the results is truly inexcusable.

Based on what I have been told, part of the problem with having results was with the new electronic system they had this year but I have to wonder, was this new system before the Saturday car show? If not, why not?

In any case, the people's choice ballots were PAPER BALLOTS - whatever the problem with the new system, the paper ballots could have been counted manually - someone should have realized that they had a problem at which point they should have grabbed volunteers, as many as necessary, to COUNT THE BALLOTS!

Again, overall, a great convention and a great time but the above absolutely needs to be addressed

DarkPath · 08-09-2010, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

NOW; What Went Wrong...
It is not my intent, with the below comments, to in any way disparage the overall event or the very, very hard work that I know went into it. I truly hope that these observations will lead to even better conventions in the future.

REGISTRATION: Anybody who had preregistered should have had ALL materials prepared and put into their bags and there should have been at least one totally separate line for those who had preregistered for at least the heavy days then combine/reduce lines if the flow of people allowed it. I know the cash flow is very important but one of the benefits of people preregistering in the first place is so that you CAN have all the registration materials, goodies, badges, etc done ahead of time.

I know attendance was large but the organizer should have had at least some idea of how many people might walk up and register on site and even if they didn't; people who wait to register on arrival ought to be expecting/prepared to wait in line. In total and without any exaggeration, I waited in line over TWO hours to get my materials...I was registration no. 58! To me, that kind of screw-up is inexcusable.

TROPHIES: The biggest single event at the convention IS the car show...why do people enter a car show? To hopefully WIN and get a trophy of some kine and a little recognition from their fellow Z owners. I realize that whatever trophy company they used bears some of the blame but I don't understand how they weren't on top of this days if not weeks before the event...it's reasonable to assume that whoever was supposed to ride herd on getting the trophies ordered, proofed and delivered screwed the pooch on this.

Unlike the Peoples' choice people, at least the judged show entrants found out if they won but winning and not getting the trophy at the banquet is a BIG PROBLEM - this one may not be inexcusable but it's close.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE CAR SHOW: There was more than one problem with the people's choice part of the event. Firs of all, the classes should have been staged together...expecting people to walk all over the grounds and try to remember which 2nd gen or 4th car was the best is pretty ridiculous given the number of vehicles involved. Likewise, putting stock and modified into the same categories is also a mistake...there is nothing fair about putting a totally original 350Z up against a 350 that someone has spent $50K on in modifications.

Again, people put their car in a show to hopefully win something and many people only go to an "AWARD'S BANQUET" to get an award (they sure as hell don't go for the cuisine). Not having trophies for winners is bad enough; not having the results is truly inexcusable.

Based on what I have been told, part of the problem with having results was with the new electronic system they had this year but I have to wonder, was this new system before the Saturday car show? If not, why not?

In any case, the people's choice ballots were PAPER BALLOTS - whatever the problem with the new system, the paper ballots could have been counted manually - someone should have realized that they had a problem at which point they should have grabbed volunteers, as many as necessary, to COUNT THE BALLOTS!

Again, overall, a great convention and a great time but the above absolutely needs to be addressed

And this my friends is why Bryan Settle - CEO ZDAYZ - is the fargin MAN! I mean sure, there is always some unforeseen issue that may disrupt a scheduled sub-event, but lack of preps is, as the OP expressed, INEXCUSABLE! I could only afford to go to one major event this year (daughter got married in June) but if I would have traveled as far a Nashville to see as many fails as described here, I too would feel like the promoters should have been on their game and would consider scratching it off the list for next year.. I heard the heat was relentless. That should have been the only down side to a CORPORATE SPONSORED EVENT HELD ON THE PROPERTY!

westpak · 08-09-2010, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkPath

And this my friends is why Bryan Settle - CEO ZDAYZ - is the fargin MAN! I mean sure, there is always some unforeseen issue that may disrupt a scheduled sub-event, but lack of preps is, as the OP expressed, INEXCUSABLE! I could only afford to go to one major event this year (daughter got married in June) but if I would have traveled as far a Nashville to see as many fails as described here, I too would feel like the promoters should have been on their game and would consider scratching it off the list for next year.. I heard the heat was relentless. That should have been the only down side to a CORPORATE SPONSORED EVENT HELD ON THE PROPERTY!

Zdayz is not a fair comparison, a 3 day event cannot compare to a 5 day event with less than half the activities and half the attendees

Robert_Nash · 08-09-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westpak@HPLogic

Zdayz is not a fair comparison, a 3 day event cannot compare to a 5 day event with less than half the activities and half the attendees

ZDayZ is hardly "half" as big; especially compared to most ZCCA conventions; especially most recent conventions - I don't remember how many attended ZDayZ in 2010 but I know 2009 had in excess of 446 registered attendees/and nearly 300 cars and you can generally increase that by about 25% for those who come and don't register at all (since anyone can come to he Dragon and/or stay at Fontana).

Technically, ZCON 2010 was a five day event but the only things hat happened on Wednesday was registration (which was screwed-up) and the opening banquet (which of course the hotel actually does most of the work for) - quite a few people couldn't even get into the banquet because they couldn't get through registration.

In any case; preparation is preparation - whether preparing for 100 cars or 1,000, the steps are pretty much the same and it's seems pretty clear that when it came to registration and trophies, it wasn't done well.

NIZMOZ · 08-09-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westpak@HPLogic

Zdayz is not a fair comparison, a 3 day event cannot compare to a 5 day event with less than half the activities and half the attendees

Agreed. ZdaysZ only had like 1/4 of the attendee's ZCON 2010 had and way less events. It can't be compared as it's a much smaller event. Also the fact that ZCON moves around every where and logistics of location, people are always different every year play a huge factor into ZCON while ZDaysZ it doesn't.

Robert_Nash · 08-09-2010, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIZMOZ

Agreed. ZdaysZ only had like 1/4 of the attendee's ZCON 2010 had and way less events. It can't be compared as it's a much smaller event. Also the fact that ZCON moves around every where and logistics of location, people are always different every year play a huge factor into ZCON while ZDaysZ it doesn't.

ZCON 2010 had 722 registrants; they have not said how many cars but since many people came as couples it's reasonable to believe that there were in the neighborhood of 500-600 cars. ZdayZ had somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 cars this year; hardly 1/2 the attendance of ZCON...in any case, such comparisons are rather meaningless and not productive.

ZCON 2010, despite the noted problems was a great event. It's my hope that ZCCA/host clubs will be able to make some changes so that the same issues aren't experienced in future conventions.

Event results, including the People's Choice results have been posted on the ZCON 2010 website (and I would assume the ZCCA.org site as well).

Robert_Nash · 08-09-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkPath

...I heard the heat was relentless. That should have been the only down side to a CORPORATE SPONSORED EVENT HELD ON THE PROPERTY!

Just to clarify; the annual convention is not/was not a "Nissan sponsored event"; at least no more so than most of the sponsors.

Nissan was a sponsor and allowed the event to be held on the grounds and they provided other support (opening the fist floor, handing out free bottled water, etc) but like most any "Z" event, it only happens because of a lot of sponsors (in the case of ZCON 2010 that included Z1 Motorsports, Yokohama tire, and many others).

ZCCA is wholly the event organizer.

NIZMOZ · 08-09-2010, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

Just to clarify; the annual convention is not/was not a "Nissan sponsored event"; at least no more so than most of the sponsors.

Nissan was a sponsor and allowed the event to be held on the grounds and they provided other support (opening the fist floor, handing out free bottled water, etc) but like most any "Z" event, it only happens because of a lot of sponsors (in the case of ZCON 2010 that included Z1 Motorsports, Yokohama tire, and many others).

ZCCA is wholly the event organizer.

Actually Nissan had a HUGE PART in sponsoring this event with a huge fat check. They give ZCON a check every year for sponsorship and they are the largest sponsor every year to do this. This year they were the sponsor.

Robert_Nash · 08-09-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIZMOZ

Actually Nissan had a HUGE PART in sponsoring this event with a huge fat check. They give ZCON a check every year for sponsorship and they are the largest sponsor every year to do this. This year they were the sponsor.

Look...I work for Nissan...I'm aware of NNA's level of involvement; it's significant but not nearly as much as you probably think and the "huge fat check" you refer to is small compared to the actual $$$ needs of the convention; especially this particular convention.

At the time my club had to make a final decision about taking on the responsibility of hosting ZCON 2010, NNA was not even able to commit to providing any funds for the 2010 convention due to the general lousy state of the economy and in particular, the industry.

SmoothZ · 08-05-2010, 11:00 AM

Ouch, that's not a positive reflection on the event. ZCON is something I've been wanting to go to since 1996. Every year, something gets in the way. I hope they fix the mistakes and learn from previous shows. Savannah is a great place. I might have to bring the family to that one as a summer vacation.

Robert_Nash · 08-05-2010, 12:10 PM

Well, I hate to complain about an event; especially when my club was asked to be the host club for this year's ZCON but we had to say "no" because we realized that we just didn't have the manpower or the finances to pull it off; so...a big

to the ZCCA guys for putting the convention on themselves.

It WAS a great convention and I don't for a moment regret the time/money I spent to be there but I would like to see it improved.

The Savannah site should be great and assuming I can keep my schedule clear I'm definitely going to be there next year!

westpak · 08-05-2010, 01:20 PM

Great first post, I agree 100% people is what makes owning a Z that much more enjoyable, there is something different in our DNA

The second post are great observations, I also agree that things could/should have been smoother in some cases but the impact was very small in putting a blemish on the event.

I think overall considering the magnitude of the event and the fact that no one organizing it was local I would have to give it an A minus, I had a hell of a good time and do not hesitate in making plans to be at the Savannah one.

Mike · 08-05-2010, 01:55 PM

Bob, It was great having dinner with you at the opening banquet. Your observations are spot on. I stood in registration line for an hour right before the banquet, and they gave me the armbands for dinner, and said 'come back later'. Had to wait in line twice. Other than that, it was a great event.

Waiz · 08-05-2010, 02:58 PM

Hopefully you've already sent this a message to the meet organizers to address these concerns and make future meets run smoother.

08-05-2010, 10:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 18	What Whet Wrong... *NOW; What Went Wrong...* It is not my intent, with the below comments, to in any way disparage the overall event or the very, very hard work that I know went into it. I truly hope that these observations will lead to even better conventions in the future. *REGISTRATION: Anybody who had preregistered should have had ALL materials prepared and put into their bags and there should have been at least one totally separate line for those who had preregistered for at least the heavy days then combine/reduce lines if the flow of people allowed it. I know the cash flow is very important but one of the benefits of people preregistering in the first place is so that you CAN have all the registration materials, goodies, badges, etc done ahead of time. I know attendance was large but the organizer should have had at least some idea of how many people might walk up and register on site and even if they didn't; people who wait to register on arrival ought to be expecting/prepared to wait in line. In total and without any exaggeration, I waited in line over TWO hours to get my materials...I was registration no. 58! To me, that kind of screw-up is inexcusable. TROPHIES: The biggest single event at the convention IS the car show...why do people enter a car show? To hopefully WIN and get a trophy of some kine and a little recognition from their fellow Z owners. I realize that whatever trophy company they used bears some of the blame but I don't understand how they weren't on top of this days if not weeks before the event...it's reasonable to assume that whoever was supposed to ride herd on getting the trophies ordered, proofed and delivered screwed the pooch on this. Unlike the Peoples' choice people, at least the judged show entrants found out if they won but winning and not getting the trophy at the banquet is a BIG PROBLEM - this one may not be inexcusable but it's close. PEOPLE'S CHOICE CAR SHOW: There was more than one problem with the people's choice part of the event. Firs of all, the classes should have been staged together...expecting people to walk all over the grounds and try to remember which 2nd gen or 4th car was the best is pretty ridiculous given the number of vehicles involved. Likewise, putting stock and modified into the same categories is also a mistake...there is nothing fair about putting a totally original 350Z up against a 350 that someone has spent $50K on in modifications. Again, people put their car in a show to hopefully win something and many people only go to an "AWARD'S BANQUET" to get an award (they sure as hell don't go for the cuisine). Not having trophies for winners is bad enough; not having the results is truly inexcusable. Based on what I have been told, part of the problem with having results was with the new electronic system they had this year but I have to wonder, was this new system before the Saturday car show? If not, why not? In any case, the people's choice ballots were PAPER BALLOTS* - whatever the problem with the new system, the paper ballots could have been counted manually - someone should have realized that they had a problem at which point they should have grabbed volunteers, as many as necessary, to *COUNT THE BALLOTS! Again, overall, a great convention and a great time but the above absolutely needs to be addressed __________________ Robert* -My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama -

08-05-2010, 11:00 AM	#11 (permalink)
SmoothZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Arrakis Posts: 7,952 Drives: giant sandworm Rep Power: 36	Ouch, that's not a positive reflection on the event. ZCON is something I've been wanting to go to since 1996. Every year, something gets in the way. I hope they fix the mistakes and learn from previous shows. Savannah is a great place. I might have to bring the family to that one as a summer vacation. __________________ "Once you go Asian, you never go Caucasian." "I talk to myself, and when I do that, I know I'm talking to an intelligent person."

08-05-2010, 12:10 PM	#12 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 18	Well, I hate to complain about an event; especially when my club was asked to be the host club for this year's ZCON but we had to say "no" because we realized that we just didn't have the manpower or the finances to pull it off; so...a big to the ZCCA guys for putting the convention on themselves. It WAS a great convention and I don't for a moment regret the time/money I spent to be there but I would like to see it improved. The Savannah site should be great and assuming I can keep my schedule clear I'm definitely going to be there next year! __________________ Robert -My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama -

08-05-2010, 01:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
westpak Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lake Worth, FL Posts: 405 Drives: 2003 350Z DB Rep Power: 17	Great first post, I agree 100% people is what makes owning a Z that much more enjoyable, there is something different in our DNA The second post are great observations, I also agree that things could/should have been smoother in some cases but the impact was very small in putting a blemish on the event. I think overall considering the magnitude of the event and the fact that no one organizing it was local I would have to give it an A minus, I had a hell of a good time and do not hesitate in making plans to be at the Savannah one. __________________ 03 350Z 587 RWHP - May 2009 Dsport Feature

08-05-2010, 01:55 PM	#14 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2187	Bob, It was great having dinner with you at the opening banquet. Your observations are spot on. I stood in registration line for an hour right before the banquet, and they gave me the armbands for dinner, and said 'come back later'. Had to wait in line twice. Other than that, it was a great event. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

08-05-2010, 02:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
Waiz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 9,262 Drives: Z33 & GE8 Rep Power: 460	Hopefully you've already sent this a message to the meet organizers to address these concerns and make future meets run smoother.

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