Post #220007 by KuKuAhu on Fri, Mar 10, 2006 4:04 PM

Wow. That's a lot of questions.

You know, I have received a few emails here and there from folks that were curious as to how we (The Fraternal Order of Moai) managed to put together an event (The Hot Rod Hula Hop) out of what was presumably thin air and in such a short period of time. I can tell you that the type of event you are talking about is a sh*tload of work, and even with your experience to back you up, it frankly takes a whole lot of help from a whole lot of good people to make it happen.

Now I can appreciate your research here, and that can't hurt at all, but the best thing to do is to establish a relationship with the folks that put these things on, and try to get some info from them without overwhelming them with questions. In otherwords, the best way to learn is to watch and listen.

Tikibars is certainly on track there, and I agree 100% with all of his sentiment. You frankly need to show up at some of these events, and if possible, volunteer to help.

It seems to me that with your background, you could be of great assistance to those of us who do this sorta thing, and we could offer you a hell of a lot of down and dirty practical "on the job" training in exchange.

As James said, the tiki community is pretty good about helping each other. When I asked Swanky, Tikibars, Otto, and a host of others for advice and help, all of them happily chipped in. So long as you don't pester folks too much, they can usually point you in the right direction.

My advice in all this? Start small. The "Perfect Tiki Event" is the one that you can afford, and the one that everybody has a great time at. It isn't rocket science or even a formula. Of course we have a bit of a difference in that we are a tiki hot rod show... which makes things a bit thematically off from a pure tiki event. We have the Columbus Drifters car club to thank as well, as they are our co-sponsor and they really pull a lot of the load when the monster comes to life.

Start small. Feel it out. Get close to your audience. Enjoy the intimacy.

The best part for me is meeting people and seeing folks have fun. That is what is most perfect.

Well, that and the after party. -grin-

Ahu

[ Edited by: KuKuAhu 2006-03-10 16:08 ]