TAS from a first timer spectator

[BillyGoat]

Well after years of yearning and wishing then riding in airliner for five hours, (changing planes once) I finally made it to my first Tucson Aerobatic Shootout. What a treat to finally see top pilots from all over the world compete head to head, especially in the anything-goes-freestyle event. Matt Chapman’s mid day display was just exceptional. Simply icing on the cake of a fun and entertaining weekend.

Kudos to those who managed the competition! Very well planned and from a spectator perspective, very smoothly operated. Even enjoyed the MC who did a great job of keeping spectators, like myself, informed and engaged.

On the other hand I was surprised how under marketed this event was. I stayed with a friend who has been a Tucson resident for years and never knew this event was going on just on the other side of the mountain. Yet being a non R/C'er I believe he enjoyed the event more than I did. He is already talking about who he’s taking out there next year.

Like many in the R/C world I have come to recognize the TAS as the primer R/C competition, but it sure didn’t feel like it. To start with, we had a heck of a time finding it. Most garage sales have better signage. Info from the web wasn’t much better. This event is just a page on DA’s web site. Big mistake, it should have its own site and domain name, done by a professional web developer.

Between two guys where one has a marketing education but never work in the field and the other that lacks the formal education but whose business is very dependent on good marketing, My buddy and I came up with several ideas, ideas that would draw MANY more spectators. So much so TAS organizers would be wishing for more parking capacity on Saturday and Sunday. Thus bringing income that would far exceed the expense to draw them there. Then we had ideas that would give the event the world class feel it deserves. One I will say is food. Bring in more than one vendor for choice and shorter lines. Also would recommend using vendors that work from purpose built trailers, like those seen at fairs and such. I wondered how much dirt was in my burger Saturday. Think I had my answer later that night.

This is not a slam on the event, I absolutely enjoyed myself. Although I know somebody is going flame me for my assessment. Oh well.

TAS organizers are severely short changing themselves and I’m posting this here at FG because I figure the chance of the right eyes seeing is good.

Bottom line… Hire a professional marketing person/firm for this event. They would be well worth their weight in gold.

[Mithrandir]

Hey.. I have an idea.... Move the event to Las Vegas!!!!!


he he he he he

[MikeC3D]

TEXAS......the TOC was in Vegas already. But its DA's deal, and I dont see them moving.

[canavanbob]

Great idea! I would go to Las Vegas.

[BigBird]

	Quote: Originally Posted by MikeC3D
	TEXAS......the TOC was in Vegas already. But its DA's deal, and I dont see them moving.

Texas??? Why would you move it there?

[Dan767]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Mithrandir
	Hey.. I have an idea.... Move the event to Las Vegas!!!!! he he he he he

Please, No.

[momo]

As I recall, we had a Huckfest in Vegas that was just as windy as Tucson!!!

And having the Tucson Aerobatic Shootout in any city other than Tucson would just be wrong. Kinda like having a team called the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim! LOL

[SleepyC]

THE TAS HAS to be in TUCSON. Period end of story.
The scenery is amazing. The weather was AMAZING on 3 of the 5 days. It was a bit gusty on 1 of the 5 days, and kind of insane 1 of the 5 days.

These stats would be the same for any part of the country.
I seem to remember at Joe Nall there is a day or two of HUGE winds almost every year! Its mother nature, she's going to do what she wants, where she wants, when she wants!

My Hats off to the TIMPA crew and Dave Johnson for another GREAT event.

AND PS.. the 2008 TAS T-SHIRT ruled...

[sweetpea]

I do agree the signage is lacking on where to turn.

As for the advertising.....that is up to the Sponsors to pay for. I'd rather see the great number of prizes for the pilots who spend alot of money all year to even get invited. Now if we can keep the prize pool and still manage the advertising and not bankrupt DA......have at.

[SleepyC]

I will say a full website devoted to the event would be nice.
Also, signs at the road turns would help.

I think next year FG will sponsor road signs... some one please remind me a few weeks before.
We will make KILLER signs!

[rpmrpm]

Some valid points, but if
"two guys where one has a marketing education but never worked in the field and the other that lacks the formal education but whose business is very dependent on good marketing"
were to approach DA and offer marketing services in return for a portion of the increased $ take.(Note, DA spends $$$$ to make this event happen, no DA, no TAS.) At $5.00 a head even if you could triple attendance DA w/the sponsors help is still making this happen. If I'm not mistaken it is the TIMPA club that gets the spectator entry fee. But still some valid points, I kind of look forward to the "dirt burgers" it's like tradition!!! 3 years in a row for me.

[Pittsflyboy]

SleepyC and Kitman did a great job as well. FG and TAS rocks. I had a great time for my second trip there.

Tom