Help please: How do I run a Bike Show?

[Mad Duc]

Ok, semi-short story: I was asked by a local retailer to organize a bike show in late April or May. Me being me decided that it would be best to make it a charity event and go from "bike show" to "BIKE SHOW!!!!".  I've spoken to the charity, Make a Wish, and have that ball rolling. I am starting to work on advertising and talking to other local vendors about showing products for donations as well as items for a raffle.  I have a band lined up and they are getting another band to go with them.

But the main part, a bike show, well, I got nothing but thoughts... I was thinking 4 categories, Sport/Naked, Cruiser/Standard, Custom and Kid's Choice, where the kids can vote for their favorite bike of any type.  There is no fee for spectators but have a $5 or $10 entrance fee that goes to the charity.  A panel of judges, made up of sponsors, will be 40% of the vote and the other 60% will be from participants (or some variation on that theme). Kid's Choice will be 100% kids.  if you have run a show before PLEASE reply to this thread or PM me. I could really use someone with experience to help guide me through setting this up.

If you have any ideas you think would be cool for the show that would be appreciated too! Oh and if you in the Pittsburgh area and want to help out please PM me. 

Thanks in advance everyone! 

[Got Duc]

Sounds like you have a good start.

You need to start now for the advertising end of it. Hit your local moto shops and see if you can put a flyer somewhere.

[motogpfan]

send me a pm, I'll walk you through it. then when you read it think twice,

[Mad Duc]

If I actually though about stuff before I did it life wouldn't be as interesting. 

[Spidey]

The big thing is getting local leaders in the moto community--like presidents of moto clubs, etc.--on board.  If they go, their people will go.  Ask them have a booth or something and to get their folks to show up.  Go to some bike nights and get people to commit participating in the event.  Then their friends will show up.  People often focus too much on the logistics of the event and not enough on getting everyone there.  Good luck.

Also, boobies bring in bodies.  Sad, but true. 

[Grampa]

no man boobies


just to be clear

[motogpfan]

Also, boobies bring in bodies.  Sad, but true. 

don't listen to him, it's not true.

[Old-Duckman]

Mad Duc...Hey man you gotta have a "Classic" catagory (perhaps 25 year old minimum)...Gotta get my GT in the show !

I didn't see mention of this on PennDesmo...have you posted it there and I missed it ?

[Mad Duc]

Hi Old Duckman, I didn't post it on PennDesmo yet. A classic section would be great, some of the most interesting bikes are from way back. I could even enter my Bronco if I ever get it fixed up.