2018 POCI
 

Thinking about going for the first time, what do I need to do, some kind of registration or something?

Yes you do need to register: https://secure.poci.org/POCI_Annual_...gistration.cfm

Do you need to do the $65 convention registration also just to be a spectator?

Is there a way to see the schedule of events? Went to the link and there doesn't seem to be any way to check and see what is going on during daily at the convention. I may not be able to make the whole thing.

No need for a registration if you are a spectator. If you want to participate in any of the events then you need to register.

POCI tends to keep the details of the schedule hidden unless you register which is unfortunate. In their Smoke Signals magazine they will talk about the events but not the details of when they occur.

Lodging Recommendations
 

Planning to attend the convention (as a spectator or registered attendee)?

Since this thread has such a broad title, I would like to recommend two mom-n-pop motels (one of which my dad, wife, and I will be at) that are worthy of your commerce

1. http://www.blackhawkmotel.com/

2. http://www.indiantrailmotel.com/

These are across the street from each other and are about a 5 minute drive from the host hotel called the Chula Vista (which is already full, BTW).

These family-owned destinations are not part of some corporate-owned chain and therefore will FEEL your commerce. Support them.

Mike, last I heard, the schedules and convention booklets are being mailed within a week. I presume once someone receives his copy, it is likely that the events could be scanned and uploaded to this thread... Plus, the club website (POCI.org) will probably post that info, too.

No doubt about secrecy! Found that out years ago.....

I haven't been to a POCI meet since 2001 (I've been to 2 of them). At that time, IIRC, the whole schedule was published and made available so a guy could figure out what days to attend.

I guess I'll consider booking a room in the Dells for the days I think I can make and decide on registering after I can see a schedule.

I can't believe that there aren't lots of folks like me that want to see the schedule before sending their money in.

You're taking your car and wanting to only be there for certain times?

:confused:

The schedule will be published on the POCI website February 15. It is not a secret.

Spectators do not need to register. Keep in mind, Wisconsin Dells has a ton of hotel/motels/water parks. Several "mom & pop" places near Chula Vista. Since the convention is during the week, Jun 24-28, there should be rooms available at most places.

As a preview, here is one of the items that will be in your goody bag if you register. Kind of a nice memento to remember the event.

PM me for further details. Our Badger State Chapter and God's Country Pontiac Association are the two clubs that co-sponsor the event along with POCI.

Dick, are non-POCI spectators allowed in now?

:confused:

I was convention co-ordinator for the 2017 convention at Texas Motor Speedway. If you are going to hang out at the convention you need to register
for the event and pay the registration fee. You also need to be a member of POCI to attend. The average Pontiac enthusiast has no clue what it costs to put on
a POCI convention. The budget to put one of these on is about 100,000 dollars.
The fees for the registration, tours and banquets pay for putting on the event.
You are supposed to have on your convention credentials lanyard to partake of
any events at a POCI convention. The POCI convention is for the benefit of paying members, not the general public who want to sneak around the event for free. The same is true for Good Guys, an Autorama car show etc. You have to pay if you want to play.

So if I wanted to check out the swap meet, and the show cars, I wouldn't be allowed, as a non POCI member? This is the same cr@p that happened to me years ago. Nothing has changed. Sounds like the POCI of years ago, that many complained about. Not the "newer, friendlier" POCI that some are trying to sell.

It's not a question of being friendly........it is the cold hard facts of the cost
involved in putting on the event. If the event offers you nothing that you think
is good enough to spend your money on or join the organization for, then POCI
is not for you and that is fine, whatever floats your boat. To spend 100K on an event then allow everyone to just partake of everything for free would be financial suicide.

No one said "everything for free". I didn't want to do trips, or meals, or seminars, or meetings, etc. Not even hang around the motel.
Do the vendors at the swap meet get instructions to "check for membership", before you take someone's money for parts?

the swap meet and car show are for paying event goers. If you are sneaky
and determined, perhaps you won't get caught and escorted off the premises,
but don't be surprised if that happens.

John, I live close enough I could go down for a day and still drive home that night.

It's only a 2.5 hour drive.

I've only got so much vacation time and most of it is already committed.

The way the convention is scheduled - everything during the weekdays - that makes it a week's vacation to do the whole deal. For myself, I could probably devote 2 days to the convention this year.

It's my problem - not anyone else's - so I'm interested to see the schedule so that I can pick which 2 days to come for.

On a different note....

As far as non POCI members being able to come and see the show...

My wife and I were members and were there for most all of the events when it was hosted by the Tomahawk Chapter in 2001 at Treasure Island, but my brother from Florida flew in and he and my sister's family were able to bring my dad down to enjoy his last car show before he passed on. Basically there was a van full of non members that had access to view the cars both inside and out. I really don't remember there being a requirement to be a registered convention member to see the show. It was 17 years ago, maybe there was a daily admission charge, but I really don't think there was.

As to the costs involved in running a national convention - I was a committee member for the GTOAA show held at the same venue that year - so I fully understand the $$$'s involved.

I don't mind paying the $65.00 to register for the show if there are actually things I can attend and participate that require registration.

Sounds like an organization that everyone would want to join!:gag: Do they employ local police do the escorting?

I'm a life member of the Studebaker Drivers Club. We also have national meets, held in various cities around the country. If the general public want's to walk the show car field, they are more than welcome. If the general public want's to walk the swap meet, maybe buy some parts or shirts, they are more than welcome. They want to check out the displays in the host hotel? More than welcome.
You would be surprised how many new members we get after a national meet. But I guess POCI isn't interested, things must be fine status quo.

Have Fun!