Well, here's the feedback thread.

First off, I'd like to again thank those who helped by stepping in and working the grill - due to some mis-communication, we were missing a couple of them.

Some of the feedback I've already heard - although if you feel the need, you can say it again:

• The food was charred
• The food was undercooked
• The food portions were lacking - seriously lacking
• The music was on 13 on a scale of 1-10 (loudness)

Simply stated, I have to take responsibility for the food fiasco. Next time I'm going to simply hire a couple of BBQ chefs - paid workers nearly ALWAYS show up on time, ready to go.

The portions were something that I didn't understand. Right before I left, I instructed the volunteer to hand out 3-4 good size pieces of tri-tip and two ribs per person, as I was going to the store to get more meat.

The only other issue that I've heard about so far is the lack of organization on the distribution of the t-shirts. We're working on sorting that out, but I believe the main focus next time will be on distributing the t-shirts to the car show entrants while they are gathered or at the access gate.

Let's make BAM XII even better!! Give me feedback on what could make this a better event!!

 

I ate at number 42 and got one rib and 3 or 4 good size pieces of tri-tip. Ray (OneManArmy) was just in front of me and got 1 rib and about 2-3 pieces of tri-tip. But yea, that was probably my only complaint other than the beer license stuff. I understand it was a last minute deal and you were gonna have to jump through hoops to get it. But the majority of Subaru owners don't drink wine, I would assume, so even the ability to open carry a beer would be good for people to just bring their own. Something for next year. Otherwise I appreciate your hard work.

 

Re: T-Shirts (Pre-Ordered)

I thought it was really organized how the pre-ordered tickets/shirts were distributed. Gave my first/last name, which was written on an envelope with my ticket in it and my t-shirt size and color written on the front of the envelope. That was really neat.

I only got 2 ribs only because the tri tip was still being cooked and/or cut. Not really anyone's fault since I didn't have the patience to wait.

 

The only complaint i really have is that i was freezing lol. But that was my fault for wearing shorts :\. Also i thought there would be more seats and tables.

 

I bought two tickets, had a great time.
The music was to loud and the roads sucked coming in.

Maybe next year point the speakers to the ceiling. That might fill the room with out over powering it.
And I think it would be hard to complain about the food anyways... Seeing all those guys jumped in at the last second.

Other then... Great job to everyone.

 

1 rib. 2 small chunks. I filled my plate with letttuce so as to not starve. Least the rib was mostly cooked though. Jeffs was raw.
No sauce was a complaint I heard a few times.

Greg... I happen to know some pro bbq folks.

Roads were fine for us non roll cage race car driving folks.

 

I already told you my thoughts when you asked me in the parking lot. Had a great time and would like to see it in same place next year.

Ya the roads were fine for me as well

 

I have nothing more than compliments to say. It appeared to me that everyone involved went above and beyond and I would include the vendors in that statement. Now that's not a pat on just our backs as vendors but it takes a lot for all us vendors to 1) pay a good portion of the tab for the event to happen 2) bring all our gear/cars/props/etc 3) take a Sunday off to spend it with more car related stuff, lol.

I feel all the folks who slaved over the grill, setting up the place, cleaning up the place, and doing everything in there power just to do there part and all of that on donated time....is nothing that deserves a complaint. Its hard work to make money to donate it to stuff like this, just as hard as it is to donate ones time. I myself never normally eat at these events b/c that's not what I personally come for (I had a bite of my food and gave it to my buddy, as he was hungrier than me)....but so many people get so bummed about not enough food. I know purchasing enough food vs. portioning is very hard. Some always feel they didn't get there money's worth (no matter how much they are given). It shouldn't be about the food...watch the next time there is an event like this, folks come and stay until they eat and once they do they bail. Its always been very odd to me that it works like that (not sure what else I should expect but its always so weird to me that everyone eats and bounces, as if that's what they were there for).

I just want to say in the complaint thread THANK YOU to everyone. This was an enjoyable event and things can always be done better but for first time organizer's/volunteers of this event, you all did great!

-Noah

 

Yup!

 

This being my 1st BAM and 1st large Subaru meet I believe it went pretty well. The Issues I had had been addressed so no need to bring those back up. I think these items should be looked at atleast:

1. Itinerary/schedule for the day - I'm not quite sure if there was one and/or if it was followed close to the letter. I heard from by standards that the show was supposed to wrap up around 3 and the raffle and awards started around 3:30. And if there was a schedule there should of been someone like a Pit Boos a.k.a Announcer to announce when judging began and ended and over-all announcements. There wasn't any announcement of a raffle being held or happening at the show until the DJ said it was over. The award announcments could of been handled better with some kind of flow and closing statements.

2. Judging - I had heard from a few people that part of the judging staff had previous issues with others that had their cars in the show, thus leading to bias decisions. Then when the contestants wanted to figure out why they got the score they got, the judges would bypass the question. I know 2 or 3 people who would of loved to have atleast a copy of the score cardso they could improve for later shows.

other than that, the view was amazing, the location was spectacular, the vendors were knowledgeable, the staff did a good job, and the weather was enjoyable.

 

Greg... the meat I got was good! Some good beef you picked up. I enjoyed it! I heard the wine was good. Lots of hard work went in to it and im greatful. Had a great time.

Thanks for lugging your stuff out vendors. I know gas ain't cheap.

 

Yeah compliments to the guys that put in work! I gotta say i liked last years venue ALOT more than this years. Thats my .02

 

I also think last years venue was alot better only because if people wanted to bring their kids, they have somewhere to run around and play rather than just concrete all over the place. I also felt like I was restricted to the area as opposed to last year where i could walk around the whole park and just wonder off. I did like the view of the city but wish there was some type of grass or lawn area where we could set up canopies and lawn chairs and relax. I felt weird putting my chair up against the building door just to relax.

Again thats to all the vendors!!! I bet LIC must be kicking themselves for not bringing enough sweaters to sell since it was so cold!! I know i would have bought 2 sweaters if there were my size =\. AGAIN THANKS TO ALL THOSE THAT HELP SET UP BAM!!!

 

Props to the food prep team - it's a tough gig to try to feed 300+ people! As Roo mentioned, I would think it would be a lot less stressful to have paid chefs or food vendors at the event. At various special events I've worked, the promoter either sells pre-paid food tickets for profit or takes a cut of the vendor's sales. That could be a less hectic/stressful option for next year.

 

I was led to believe that I could simply walk in, fill out a form at the ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) Board office, pay a permit fee and get a one-day permit. When I drove down to the office (hour each way), they wouldn't talk to me unless I had proof that I was part of a 501(c)3 IRS-recognized non-profit corporation. The winery is working on getting their beer sales permit, so that by next year, this won't be an issue.

On a side note, I wasn't really thrilled to see the beers floating around - if for some reason the ABC had come by, there would have been a lot of explaining to do - and it might have jeopardized the license application process for the winery.

There was an itinerary for the day - however with no chefs to man the BBQ grille, the grille being fired up an hour later than expected, and the grill being too hot to use for the first hour - all contributed to not being able to cook the amount of food that we required to serve food at the 12:15 (planned) foodservice schedule.

Interesting. Perhaps Matt will recuse himself next year. Lyndon Bell, a freelance automotive journalist - I'm not sure who he could be biased for/against, since he didn't seem to know anyone from our community. Paula W., the Porsche driver/BMW Teen Driving instructor and all around performance enthusiast - not sure where she would have a bias. Pete Soper - he's in our Subaru Owners' community, but I've known him for quite some time now. Not sure if he had any particular bias...

I can understand why the judges wouldn't necessarily answer questions about their judging. Can you imagine the amount of time it would take to explain their decisions to 26 contestants? It's difficult enough scoring all the cars, finding the best of each category, among the many great cars...I thought I had it hard answering numerous emails and PHONE CALLS asking me, "I ordered tickets - where are my tickets?" when I mentioned numerous times that the tickets were set up in will call...