BimmerFest (update dtd 1.29)

[Jon S.]

I have a very important announcement to make regarding this
year's BimmerFest event: BimmerFest 2004 has been postponed -
there will **not** be an event in Santa Barbara at Cutter Motors
in April.

I will post a formal statement later this morning.

Regretfully,
--Jon

[Kyle325i]

I was having such a good day up until I read this :bawling:

[Plaz]

:(

[shragon]

:(

[BoostedE21]

:cry: NNOOOOO! :cry: :(

[xs3x]

:( :cry: :bawling:

[Jon S.]

At this time I cannot say with absolute certainty whether or not the
postponement amounts to abandonment of the event by Cutter
Motors. I certainly hope that this is not the case. If it indeed turns out
that way, you have my word that the show go on - one way or another.
Alternative proposals are already in the works; I just felt that you guys
needed to know as soon as possible, as some of you have already began
booking your reservations for April.

It might be worth a try to commence a letter-writing campaign directly
to Cutter Motors, and let them know how much this event means to
everyone. Personally, I would hate to see BimmerFest leave Cutter Motors.
Anway, the address is:

Cutter Motors
Attention: Marc Cutter - Dealer Principal
402 S. Hope Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(800)676-1595

If you want to do it by email, someone's going to need to
call and get Sara Cutter's (Director of Marketing) email
address. I can't post it here... ;)

[AMG EATER]

please keep us updated! Hope "postpone" means postponed NOT cancelled! :cry:

[1RXTECH]

Why does it have to be a Cutter motors?
What about another dealership, or the park, or where ever? Bob

[Plaz]

So from this day forth, I guess "Bimmerfest" is officially this board, not the event.

If that's the case, we can say Bimmerfest is still going strong.

(Just trying to find a silver lining)

[Kurt Martin]

So from this day forth, I guess "Bimmerfest" is officially this board, not the event.


Didn't Jon Shafer already say that Bimmerfest is "a state of mind"? I know it is for me! :p

Kurt

[e46m3x2]

It is too bad that someone high up at Cutter does not appreciate the publicity nor care enough about its customers and BMW enthusiasts to keep such a fun event going. I heard about a big import event that is taking place at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. I think that Earl Warren would be a nice alternative to Cutter, especially since they are so close to each other and bimmerfest seems to be outgrowing Cutter anyway.

[Plaz]

Was there ever any hard data assembled with regard to the event's impact on sales?

[Jon S.]

Why does it have to be a Cutter motors?
What about another dealership, or the park, or where ever? Bob
Bob,

Depending on what happens next, we are certainly not precluded
from re-thinking the format entirely...

We will be open to considering all possibilities!

[Jon S.]

Was there ever any hard data assembled with regard to the event's impact on sales?Tough data to analyze, C.

We know what we took in with regard to parts and accessories sales
at the event itself.

The residual effects that appeared as continuous sales opportunities
are harder to define.

Since I left I really have no idea of how many sales can be attributed
to Internet marketing. :dunno:

I did see Franco logged into The 'Fest today, however.

I might add that the exposure in the major automotive media
was priceless. Name recognition was unparalleled for an individual
BMW dealership. And that of course came at no extra charge.

[///DavidC]

First off, I'm seriously bummed. I already had a note in my April calendar for this year.

I'd like more details. Are they not returning phone calls or what? It sounds like there isn't a straight answer coming from them, which IMO is worse then them just opting out for whatever reason. Maybe they've got an issue to work out, like they're worried about liability, I dunno. I'd liketo see a definitive statement from Cutter in any case.

[bugzy]

Hey Jon ... can you send me an email socaleuro@hotmail.com

maybe we can work something out

[Kurt Martin]

Name recognition was unparalleled for an individual
BMW dealership. And that of course came at no extra charge.

That's for sure! I'm guessing that Cutter BMW is known by more non-local BMW enthusiasts than any other single dealer in the US. In other words, many people outside of the Cutter BMW geographic area have bought their car from Cutter. I wonder how much that occurs elsewhere. And I'm sure many of those sales can be directly attributed to Bimmerfest (and Jon Shafer).

Name recognition is priceless in the car business.

Kurt

[BoostedE21]

What if this is not held at a dealership? Where else can it he held to accommidate all the cars? Who can we talk to?

[Kyle325i]

What if this is not held at a dealership? Where else can it he held to accommidate all the cars? Who can we talk to?

As long as no one has any objections I was thinking we could hold the event at my house :D

[munchdwn]

We all knew that Bimmerfest couldnt and wouldnt be held at cutters 4 ever. As told by last year by the amount of people that showed up. We all had to park everywhere but cutters and couldn't leave our cars open for everyone to enjoy because we had to lock them up for being parked all around cutter. So I would like to thank cutter for allowing Bimmerfest to have a place to start and grow but its time to say goodbye and move on to bigger and better things (or places). Bimmerfest grows more every year and i know we can find a place that can hold and be perfect for everyone to enjoy. we already have the exposure and popularity on our side. But we can't do it without you Jon. Your the Godfather of Bimmerfest. However, I do feel it should be held in Santa Barbara for its beauty and location. So lets not let cutter keep us waiting and waste anymore time. It was good there while it lasted but its time to move on to bigger and better things.

[328bimma]

hey Jon, maybe you can try Earl Warren showgrounds?? that will be close to Cutter also we can do the drive afterwards. Just a suggestion... i'd hate to see bimmerfest ends. =(

Jerry

[bugzy]

hey Jon, maybe you can try Earl Warren showgrounds?? that will be close to Cutter also we can do the drive afterwards. Just a suggestion... i'd hate to see bimmerfest ends. =(

Jerry

definitely like the Earl Warren idea

[Clem]

Cutter Motors and Bimmerfest have been synonymous for years and it pains me to think that it might not be held there this year. With that said, it is best to keep in mind that Bimmerfest is NOT Cutter Motors and Cutter Motors is NOT Bimmerfest.

The Bimmerfest tradition will continue regardless of venue. Jon Shafer and the performanceIX team will make sure of that. :thumbup:

[hts]

I just filed my copyright application for the term "Bimmerfest". I expect to receive final notification of whether or not it was accepted within 7-10 business days. I'll let you all know as soon as I hear.

:thumbup:

[NewBmwGuy]

Bummer. I haven't been on the board since October. Too much going on. Logged on specifically to get an update on this year's 'fest, only to find the news here. I hope we find a venue in time to let us proceed this year. Seemingly, we need to find something that is kind of reachable by everyone in and around the west coast area. Good luck to the organizers! :thumbup:

[rumratt]

I just filed my copyright application for the term "Bimmerfest". I expect to receive final notification of whether or not it was accepted within 7-10 business days. I'll let you all know as soon as I hear.

:thumbup:

:confused: I thought Jon already has it copyrighted.

[Kaz]

My understanding is there's more than a location involved. Someone has to be willing to foot the bills for the event, which I've been told by people outside of any Cutter affiliation, to be in the 5-figure range.

[hts]

I told Mr. Cutter that I would gladly reduce my normal 5-figure appearance fee to a 4-figure one, but apparently that wasn't sufficient. Oh well, I'm sure we can find another suitable location to host this annual rite of passage...

My understanding is there's more than a location involved. Someone has to be willing to foot the bills for the event, which I've been told by people outside of any Cutter affiliation, to be in the 5-figure range.

[1RXTECH]

"If you have it they will come" Field of dreams 1:1

[SpeedinBlueBima]

Sucks, but Bimmerfest must live on! None of that "in spirit" BS. In action, would another dealership consider hosting it? What if it were outside of SB? That would give a lot more options.

[Plaz]

would another dealership consider hosting it?
Okay, who has the balls to go pitch the idea to Peter Savage? We know he knows about Bimmerfest! :rofl: :rofl:

[BoostedE21]

What if there was no need to spend the cash but we all hang out and what not, then go on the road rally?

[SpeedinBlueBima]

Yea the food was an unnecessary cost, im sure poeple would pay for that.

[DaveClement]

I have been watching this bulletin board very intently for some time and I am disappointed to find that Bimmerfest won’t be continuing in the same format as last year.

I participated for the first time last year and I am still hoping to do the same again this year. I didn’t just drive across town or even across the state, I drove all of the way from Seattle. I was not alone in doing this. I was part of a convoy that started as seven vehicles in Seattle and grew to eight in Portland. We joined other convoys in California and we ended up with close to fifty BMWs by the time that we got to Santa Barbara.

To be honest, I was amazed by the generosity of the Cutter BMW. They obviously went to a great deal of expense, right down to providing free food for everyone. I understand that it is probably hard to justify this expense and even harder to calculate and track the tangible and intangible benefits that are gained through their support of Bimmerfest. I hope that they will reconsider or that another sponsor or venue can be located.

I haven’t seen this mentioned yet, so I’d like to be the first. I would like to volunteer to pay a reasonable entry fee, donation, or whatever you want to call it. If I can drive 3000 miles round trip (including side trips), I certainly won’t mind coughing up a little bit of dough more to help make it work.

http://www.seattle7s.com/bimmerfest_2003/Bimmerfest%20068.jpg

Pictures of last year's trip to Bimmerfest from Seattle (http://www.seattle7s.com/bimmerfest_2003.htm)

[xs3x]

I dont mind spending 10~15 dollars for B'fest..and i'm sure plenty of other people wouldn't mind also!

by charging admission prices, this might lower the traffic volumne so cutter doesn't get over crowded and theres enough food for everyone :D

[328bimma]

yea.... i agree with xs3x

[shragon]

having free food was nice, but i feel it's not necessary. i wouldn't mind paying for my own food one bit.

[Cliff]

I would like to volunteer to pay a reasonable entry fee, donation, or whatever you want to call it.
Ditto that.

[RKT BMR]

having free food was nice, but i feel it's not necessary. i wouldn't mind paying for my own food one bit.:thumbup:

[Kyle325i]

Maybe we can scare Cutter Motors into holding Bimmerfest by throwing a Mercedesfest!

[328bimma]

hahaa, they do have a MB department!

[Keith]

having free food was nice, but i feel it's not necessary. i wouldn't mind paying for my own food one bit.

Agreed, me too.... :thumbup:

[jvr826]

having free food was nice, but i feel it's not necessary. i wouldn't mind paying for my own food one bit.

I'm sure the local businesses would be more than happy to feed the crowd. I certainly don't participate in Bimmefest for the food, although it was a yummy treat. Santa Barbara in general has to like the event for the stimulation of the local economy. We all need a place to stay, we need to eat, we need gas, and we get our cars washed. Some of us even get traffic tickets, but not me. :angel:

I can't imagine having this super event anywhere other than Cutter Motors! I've purchased 2 vehicles from them after meeting Jon through Roadfly back in 1999. I met him in person for the first time the day I took delivery of my 1999 528i. I met Mark Cutter that day as well - how many of you can say you met the owner of the dealership that sold you your last car? Cutter Motors is a first class act!

It didn't stop there... In 2002 I took delivery of my current car the day before Bimmerfest. Once again a flawless experience, an opportunity to catch up with Jon and Bruce, and to visit beautiful Cutter Motors. I feel this event is somewhat of a home coming for me and my car. I look forward to the trip to Santa Barbara every spring.

It's a big deal, huge deal, for Cutter Motors to host this event. They turn their dealership upside down to make room for everyone. I'm not so sure it's a money thing. As I recall BMW NA and a whole mess of other organizations provided sponsorship last year, but certainly Cutter Motors shelled out some bank for more than just food and staff.

This whole thing is quite a bummer. I equate this to having your parents move out of your childhood home. Going "home" is never quite the same after that. :( I don't know if I'd go if it was held at a fairgrounds or park. It seems so impersonal after spending so much quality time at Cutter Motors.

[Keith]

I'm sure the local businesses would be more than happy to feed the crowd. I certainly don't participate in Bimmefest for the food, although it was a yummy treat. Santa Barbara in general has to like the event for the stimulation of the local economy. We all need a place to stay, we need to eat, we need gas, and we get our cars washed. Some of us even get traffic tickets, but not me. :angel:

I can't imagine having this super event anywhere other than Cutter Motors! I've purchased 2 vehicles from them after meeting Jon through Roadfly back in 1999. I met him in person for the first time the day I took delivery of my 1999 528i. I met Mark Cutter that day as well - how many of you can say you met the owner of the dealership that sold you your last car? Cutter Motors is a first class act!

It didn't stop there... In 2002 I took delivery of my current car the day before Bimmerfest. Once again a flawless experience, an opportunity to catch up with Jon and Bruce, and to visit beautiful Cutter Motors. I feel this event is somewhat of a home coming for me and my car. I look forward to the trip to Santa Barbara every spring.

It's a big deal, huge deal, for Cutter Motors to host this event. They turn their dealership upside down to make room for everyone. I'm not so sure it's a money thing. As I recall BMW NA and a whole mess of other organizations provided sponsorship last year, but certainly Cutter Motors shelled out some bank for more than just food and staff.

This whole thing is quite a bummer. I equate this to having your parents move out of your childhood home. Going "home" is never quite the same after that. :( I don't know if I'd go if it was held at a fairgrounds or park. It seems so impersonal after spending so much quality time at Cutter Motors.

I agree with you 100% Jeff, it just wouldn't be the same.
I remember Jon talking about someone from the Bay Area picking thier car up the day before, now I know it was you. :thumbup:
Also hanging out with Mr. & Mrs. Schafer and the crew at the local hot spots would be sadly missed, but that's not going to happen, because I know Jon and some of his boys will make it happen "sometime". :D

My buddy Carl and I (as well as 50 or so fellow BMW enthusiast's from the Bay Area) have come down the last two years and the day it's over can't wait until the next years event.
We enjoy the hospitality of the Cutter family and to "all" that attend.
It always seems to go off smoothly (don't know about behind the scenes) and never seems to get out of control like some events where you have a lot of people.

I hope it continues! :grouphug:

[jvr826]

I agree with you 100% Jeff, it just wouldn't be the same.
I remember Jon talking about someone from the Bay Area picking thier car up the day before, now I know it was you. :thumbup:
Also hanging out with Mr. & Mrs. Schafer and the crew at the local hot spots would be sadly missed, but that's not going to happen, because I know Jon and some of his boys will make it happen "sometime". :D

My buddy Carl and I (as well as 50 or so fellow BMW enthusiast's from the Bay Area) have come down the last two years and the day it's over can't wait until the next years event.
We enjoy the hospitality of the Cutter family and to "all" that attend.
It always seems to go off smoothly (don't know about behind the scenes) and never seems to get out of control like some events where you have a lot of people.

I hope it continues! :grouphug:

Guilty! The timing was so perfect that year! I flew down on friday morning, Bruce met me at the airport, and Jon was waiting in the showroom when I arrived and so was my car, front and center. Rockstar treatment!

Smoothly is an understatement. It says ALOT about the participants when 400 cars can go on a 50+ mile ride together sans mishap. We rock that town and surrounding areas for the whole weekend.

[MarcusSanDiego]

Hi, Jeff. I remember the morning I met you at Cutter as well. It was, in fact, the day after you took delivery of your car. I also remember talking with you about stereo systems, etc. It was a real pleasure meeting you that day. Fact is, that's what Bimmerfest is all about. I've pretty much figured out that Bimmerfest is more about the people and, for me, less about the cars. I've met some darn cool people at Bimmerfest.

Bimmerfest without Cutter Motors would be odd, to say the least. But again, since I think Bimmerfest is more about the people, and less about the cars, I think Bimmerfest could go on and not miss a beat.

I'll be curious to see what eventually happens.

Take care.

[Jon S.]

Stay tuned to this thread.

We are determined to hold the event in Santa Barbara, and we are making
significant progress. :thumbup:

This is not a :jack:.
:D

[bimmerguy2006]

I wouldnt mind paying for food. Hell, i live 15 min away from cutter, i could drive home and back to eat. Then again, having small caravans to different eateries could be fun too. I'd pay around 15 bucks, maybe 20 if it would be REALLY good.

[scottn2retro]

Just a crazy idea, but what about that brand spankin' new BMW dealership up the 101 from Cutter in Santa Maria? Actually more in the middle for NoCal / SoCal and it's actually a better place to start a road rally on the wine trail.

[shragon]

Just a crazy idea, but what about that brand spankin' new BMW dealership up the 101 from Cutter in Santa Maria? Actually more in the middle for NoCal / SoCal and it's actually a better place to start a road rally on the wine trail.

nice.

[jvr826]

Hi, Jeff. I remember the morning I met you at Cutter as well. It was, in fact, the day after you took delivery of your car. I also remember talking with you about stereo systems, etc. It was a real pleasure meeting you that day. Fact is, that's what Bimmerfest is all about. I've pretty much figured out that Bimmerfest is more about the people and, for me, less about the cars. I've met some darn cool people at Bimmerfest.

Bimmerfest without Cutter Motors would be odd, to say the least. But again, since I think Bimmerfest is more about the people, and less about the cars, I think Bimmerfest could go on and not miss a beat.

I'll be curious to see what eventually happens.

Take care.

Yes indeed! I got some great ideas from your install, in fact, my sub enclosure is similarly built. :thumbup: I met Sayjal around the same time too, he and I ended up hooking up in SD after the 'fest for a trip to Mirimar's Auto Hobby Shop to look in on my SSK install. We've since talked turkey about sound systems and he took on the upgrade project in his car, as well as the SSK, M5 rear sway, and tranny mounts.

Last year I met some other 5'er guys, BillP for one, who let me sit in his car and listen to his setup for a while. Lincoln Park was kickin' that day! DanB and I ran into eachother again and he introduced me around a bit. My first year I met Agent99 during an install demo (clear bra) on Bee Wang's M5. Since then he and I have gotton together to do a little work on our cars and I met VietSB thru him one day too. I ran into ScottN2Retro when I picked up my Bimmerfest.com hat, which keeps my bald head warm quite often. :)

Yessir, there's alot more to it...

[Keith]

Stay tuned to this thread.

We are determined to hold the event in Santa Barbara, and we are making
significant progress. :thumbup:

This is not a :jack:.
:D

Thanks Jon, I BEIEVE, I BELIEVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :bow:
Keep us posted. :thumbup:

We haven't cancelled our reservations, yet ! :D

[Cliff]

We haven't cancelled our reservations, yet ! :D
Er, um, well....:eek:

I didn't blow the vibe, did I? :yikes:

(late April may suck for me this year - we've got a June 1 delivery target that we're expected to meet at any cost)

[___lk___]

plenty of reasons to just have it in Vegas. :D

[Raffi]

plenty of reasons to just have it in Vegas. :D
:lmao:

[in_d_haus]

See, I leave and the place goes to hell...

[Keith]

See, I leave and the place goes to hell...

So "that's" what happened ! :D

[marvelphx]

I know that BF cost quite a bit to hold, not even counting the fact that business stopped for a day at Cutter Motors. I talked to a lot of people here in Arizona, and the consesus is that if we had to pay $5 a head and then $10 a car to cover expenses, it was more than fair. And I don't think I am alone on this.

Bimmerfest is a great experience and should continue regardless of whether it is at Cutter or in a massive parking lot behind some theater.

[Jon S.]

See, I leave and the place goes to hell...
Doug,

If you only knew..... ;)

Everything will make sense in due time...


I know that BF cost quite a bit to hold, not even counting the fact that business stopped for a day at Cutter Motors. I talked to a lot of people here in Arizona, and the consesus is that if we had to pay $5 a head and then $10 a car to cover expenses, it was more than fair. And I don't think I am alone on this.

Bimmerfest is a great experience and should continue regardless of whether it is at Cutter or in a massive parking lot behind some theater.
It's Todd, right?

The Bimmerfest Team is determined to see this through, with or without
the help or support of Cutter Motors. Mark and Tim especially are going
the extra mile this year to make it happen.

[marvelphx]

Yep, you got it right. Good memory!

If you guys need any help, you can count on my total support and services!

Todd

[shragon]

there's a rumor that cutter motors was sold to somebody in arizona and that the new owners do not want to host any more bimmerfests. can anybody confrim?

[///DavidC]

Is Cutter officially out or on the fence or what? Has anyone called or emailed Cutter and gotten an answer out of them? If so, please let us know what they said. Unless there are some sort of "sensitive negotiations" going on (hard to imagine) I find the ongoing lack of information perplexing, and frustrating.

[pixA4]

Some very detailed information about the event will be forthcoming either later this evening or tomorrow morning. Please stay tuned for an official announcement.

[///DavidC]

Some very detailed information about the event will be forthcoming either later this evening or tomorrow morning. Please stay tuned for an official announcement.

:thumbup:

[Jon S.]

Is Cutter officially out or on the fence or what? Has anyone called or emailed Cutter and gotten an answer out of them? If so, please let us know what they said. Unless there are some sort of "sensitive negotiations" going on (hard to imagine) I find the ongoing lack of information perplexing, and frustrating.
Cutter is out, but we are moving along regardless.

We are beginning a new chapter in the evolution of Bimmerfest...

[///DavidC]

Cutter is out, but we are moving along regardless.

We are beginning a new chapter in the evolution of Bimmerfest...

Thanks for the unambiguous answer. I'm looking forward to hearing details on the New, Improved Bimmerfest when you have them. :D

[___lk___]

Cutter is out, but we are moving along regardless.

We are beginning a new chapter in the evolution of Bimmerfest...

http://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/11/13/comdex.gates.keynote.idg/nevada.las.vegas.lg.jpg

[xs3x]

http://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/11/13/comdex.gates.keynote.idg/nevada.las.vegas.lg.jpg
:rofl: :rofl:

[tim330i]

Thanks for the unambiguous answer. I'm looking forward to hearing details on the New, Improved Bimmerfest when you have them. :D
hehehehe, i know i know!!

[shragon]

Thanks for the unambiguous answer. I'm looking forward to hearing details on the New, Improved Bimmerfest when you have them. :D

yep!! :thumbup:

[RKT BMR]

http://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/11/13/comdex.gates.keynote.idg/nevada.las.vegas.lg.jpgWe all know now that that isn't the solution.

However, one of the amazing and quite inspiring things about the 'fest is if it were to be held in Vegas, the level of devotion is such that a substantial majority of veterans would still make the trek!

[marvelphx]

Mr. Shafer, could you either PM me or email me at marvelphx@cox.net, I have some BF questions for you. Thanks!