I didn't read every post. I got to the end of page two.
That seems to be part of the problem. I don't mind reading a few pages of posts, but by the end of the first 2 or 3, I've lost interest. you're going to get that alot with people. All of the meet threads end up being pages and pages, and no one wants to read all of that just to find out what is going on. The first few posts need to have all of the info that is needed. I don't know if that is the case or not.
I like the idea of having a few people in charge. Things always work out better that way. You start getting too many people in charge and no one knows enough to answer everyone's questions. At the same time, too many people means too many opinions and too much time to make a decision. The select group of people that are running these meets need to make a decision on who, what, when, and where and set it in stone. In a perfect world, there would be a time that everyone could meet up. Unfortunatly, this isn't a perfect world. Same thing with the location. You can't please everyone. However, if these meets are a big deal, then everyone is going to make it a point to get out to them.
Meeting at CCC isn't that bad of an idea. Staying there for hours is. You can set like an hour and a half for people to show up, sign in, and all that good stuff. Then something needs to happen. Either the food gets going, or we all roll out to a different spot, like Gran Prix, and do something. That gives you the best of both worlds. You'll be able to cover the people that are broke by hanging out at CCC. Then the people that have the cash or whatever can go to the other place. There are plenty of paintball places, go kart places, hell, even movie theaters around the area that we can go to.
I mentioned sign in, I've noticed that you guys try to put together a list of people that say they are coming. Its a good idea to have a head count so you have some idea of what to expect. But i don't think everyone needs to know. Thats another one of those need to know things and the only people that really need to know are the people running the event. I personally don't want to read through a list of names just to find out where we are going. The sign in would also bring everyone together at least once. I've been out to these meets and no one knew. I'm not the most out going person by any means, but i'm also not part of anyone's click, so no one bothered to say hey. The sign in would let someone say hey to everyone as they show up, kinda makes everyone feel included.
Also get local shops and what not included. It doesn't have to be just car shops. You can get anyone that is willing to come out. They can set up a booth, bring a car, do some face to face marketing. I have no doubt that you could get girl scouts out there to sell cookies... everyone loves girlscout cookies. I know alot of people went to the Gran Prix. You know how there were a bunch of vendors, along with people just chilling with their cars, like the drifting 350z and Element. That would be something to work towards. Have a big one once every so often that there is food and vendors and all that craziness. Its not going to happen overnight. Its going to take alot of groundwork to get everything organized.
Forming a car club would be a good idea too. That would bring more unity to everyone involved, and the best part is, then there would be dues. One of the most important things that I've learned from all of my event planning, is that it is easier to pay 20 bucks every month, then it is to pay 120 every 6 months. The car club would allow you to do more private things too. Instead of trying to have a huge meet every month, you could do a members only type thing and go play paintball, or something that the dues would cover. That way no one would feel like they are spending anything because they paid their part three weeks ago, and the club is writing the check. Then every other month, or whatever, you can have a big meet that everyone comes out to.
I don't want to brag or anything like that, but i'm good at this sort of thing. I've been doing it for a while. I'm more than willing to help. so hit me up and we'll make this as big as you want it.
have fun