Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

[BUD_XXX]

Or are they just gonna do nothing and hope people show up...

Seems they could do a lot more !!!

[Lockheed Bob]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

They do have an ad in some of the Aviation Magazines such as "Air Classics" but not a whole lot. Probably not affordable to put something on ESPN or other Sport Channels.

[Desertdawg]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

Over the last couple months I've seen maybe 3-4 small ads in a magazine and a aviation related website.

[Leo]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

A couple of the local radio stations I listen to have an ad for the upcoming Minden show (Aug. 22,23) with the T-birds that they play almost every commercial break. Nothing about the races though.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

RARA has always depended on those of us who try to be "famous" aviation photographer's/writers to get the word out with stuff like this http://www.atlanticflyer.net/learnin...rookie-school/ (hopefully, AF will get my author/photo credit right, eventually. )

This article will run in the Sept issue of the newspaper, and will be available for free in most east coast FBO's.. I'd make the assumption that most pilots understand what the NCAR is about, and I have in the past, but been proven wrong! MANY pilots have zero idea what the races are about... hopefully, my little article about PRS will light a fire in a few and get them there in September.

Anyway.. in a small way, I try to do my part to help put butts in seats...

[Mluvara]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

Some thoughts related to this thread (advertising) that I'll offer, having just came back from Oshkosh...

I hadn't been to Oshkosh since 2006, but went back this year (flying a Cessna 182 from/to California). Oshkosh seems to have attractions for everyone. There's something to do there, even at the event (all day). They had night shows (two days), concerts seemingly every night, free water spread around, talks for people to see,etc. I realize it is a general aviation event and airshow where people camp onsite, but people come to it for a reason. It felt open (people wanted to talk/share ideas). I also realize Reno has casinos, different acts, to see in town,etc. I saw more families with their kids with them at the event. Ford obviously was a huge sponsor, having a huge display and electric ford kiddie trucks that children were driving around in. It was a family affair and there seemed to be something for everyone. At Reno, it's different. We have a set of die hard fans who come to the races and everyone peels off at the end of the day to go their separate ways, spending time in the casinos. The clientele is not families. That seems to limit the number of people that come and for how long. Plus, it's during school season. I'm not sure if evening concerts, talks,etc would help. But I think Reno could take a hard look (and I'm sure they already are) at new ways to increase attendance. It doesn't happen overnight.

Advertising will help, but if the event has some feature(s) that will attract people, I don't think much advertising is necessary. There has to be a compelling reason for people to go. What that is (outside of us who love air racing), I'm not quite sure.

Michael

[Big_Jim]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

Some thoughts related to this thread (advertising) that I'll offer, having just came back from Oshkosh...

I hadn't been to Oshkosh since 2006, but went back this year (flying a Cessna 182 from/to California). Oshkosh seems to have attractions for everyone. There's something to do there, even at the event (all day). They had night shows (two days), concerts seemingly every night, free water spread around, talks for people to see,etc. I realize it is a general aviation event and airshow where people camp onsite, but people come to it for a reason. It felt open (people wanted to talk/share ideas). I also realize Reno has casinos, different acts, to see in town,etc. I saw more families with their kids with them at the event. Ford obviously was a huge sponsor, having a huge display and electric ford kiddie trucks that children were driving around in. It was a family affair and there seemed to be something for everyone. At Reno, it's different. We have a set of die hard fans who come to the races and everyone peels off at the end of the day to go their separate ways, spending time in the casinos. The clientele is not families. That seems to limit the number of people that come and for how long. Plus, it's during school season. I'm not sure if evening concerts, talks,etc would help. But I think Reno could take a hard look (and I'm sure they already are) at new ways to increase attendance. It doesn't happen overnight.

Advertising will help, but if the event has some feature(s) that will attract people, I don't think much advertising is necessary. There has to be a compelling reason for people to go. What that is (outside of us who love air racing), I'm not quite sure.

Michael

A couple other differences....a show in the desert with sand and concrete vs. a show in the grass with lots of places to just plop down relatively comfortably. And a significant portion of those people are camping under the wings of their planes in that grass after the show is over.

I know a few years ago Mike Houghton wanted to bring in aviation corporations/vendors in an attempt to make it an Oshkosh West. I seem to recall that along with it there was a desire to have some of the 'programs'/presentations that Oshkosh has. I'd kind of like to see a 'Warbird Showcase' type thing with the Heritage Competition, where maybe after the racing and show is done for the day they bring one or two of the Heritage planes out in front of the grandstands and have a sunset Q/A presentation.

And I personally think that Reno is just ripe for a Saturday night "twilight" show featuring just a couple of the aerobatic performers. That always seems to be a popular thing at Oshkosh and a good portion of the crowd stays for that.

[GRNDP51]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

I seem to recall that along with it there was a desire to have some of the 'programs'/presentations that Oshkosh has. I'd kind of like to see a 'Warbird Showcase' type thing with the Heritage Competition, where maybe after the racing and show is done for the day they bring one or two of the Heritage planes out in front of the grandstands and have a sunset Q/A presentation.

And I personally think that Reno is just ripe for a Saturday night "twilight" show featuring just a couple of the aerobatic performers. That always seems to be a popular thing at Oshkosh and a good portion of the crowd stays for that.

Both of these are awesome ideas. I've never heard of the warbird showcase idea and I think it's fantastic! Props to you for the idea. And the night show is something that should just happen anyway. Planes of Fame had their first "twilight" show this year as many of you probably know and it was incredible. Miramar is another show that succeeds with its night show. I think CAF and their warbirds could put on a cool twilight show if RARA ever wanted them to..

[Donald McMullin]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

Prior to 2012 the NCAR had a warbird showcase it was the Medalion and Bronze Class. We saw some beautiful birds flying the coarse then.

Would love to see a full field again with planes like Parrothead [P-40].

Deep Enough

[Idaho_cowpony]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

Only advertising I've seen, out and about, has been through Bristling, with Precious Metal sporting colors.

I can see the convenience for families, at #osh15 , and must admit, the tarmac at Stead doesn't have the same appeal..

RARA needs to introduce shade for general admission. Shade + free water would go a long way. Some evening activities would as well. It's really quite peaceful in the late evenings.

- Joseph

[Desertdawg]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

Yesterday on the local KOLO news website there was a small Reno Air Race ad, and there was even one on this site.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

Yesterday on the local KOLO news website there was a small Reno Air Race ad, and there was even one on this site.

They are using google "adwords" as advertisers, the ads run on sites that have some sort of tie to the subject matter of the ad. I was happy to see that one had run here as well, but talk about preachin' to the choir!

[Tim Jones]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

I have heard of a few ads locally here in San Jose. But I have not seen or heard them personally.

Even though we regulars are watching for signs of our favorite event, I do not believe anyone should expect to see advertising on a national level. Usually on this site, we hear of advertising on a more local level, as is usual practice. The trade magazines would likely have some target advertising of course. But to a much broader potential audience is not likely to happen. But, I would think that there would be some merit in a bit more advertising in the wider reaching local areas, such as northern California and other nearby major markets

On the observations that Mike brought up,

I remember being very disappointed a few years back when there was a big hype build up about all of the P-38's coming. The disappointment was that while I was there for the full week, nothing was brought up (or out) with any of the planes that did get there. No fly by. No demonstration of any type. I found out later that there was an "Out over the desert" photo shoot. And there might have been a group fly by in the evening. But there was nothing to tell us in the general attendance that we might like to stick around to see it.

A similar thing happened another year when there were three Tigercats.

So, what I think I'm trying to say is that while we are watching for advertising before the event, I would personally like to see some sort of advertising "During" the event.

Tim

[Leo]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

At a recent luncheon where their plans were discussed, they are really pushing education in an attempt to foster interest. Classes for school kids during the week, talks about aviation careers and such. The number of local schools signed up was impressive, some days during the week the kiddies will outnumber the rest! Also talks and classes on the weekend for young and old. All of it tying into the races and the heritage area in particular. Cool stuff and a start towards what you guys are sayin'.
The numbers for attendance they gave and the breakdown of just WHO is attending, age, location, etc. was a real eye-opener for me. If they don't get youngsters (and locals) interested (not just kids but young adults) in the whole thing their fan base will die out with most of us!

[ShermB]

Re: Anybody seen any advertising for the NCAR

The NAG-Docent program has been alerted to 6,000 kids over Wed, Thurs, and Fri. There will be maditory classroom time as well as visits in the Pits. Final plans are not known, but we are ready!!! As stated previosly, most emphasis will be in the Heritage area. Any intested volunteers please contact me, please.
Betty Sherman
<betty.sherman@frontier.com>