I am a bit surprised by the amount and the strength of the sour grapes being expressed here about the event. I have not attended other Spyder events, but I have attended many similar things, and have helped organize them. Certainly BRP can learn something from our reactions, but let's consider toning it down a little, lest we sour them and kill these events for good.
Handing out criticism without complimenting what was done well is seldom useful. Balance is encouraging, heavy criticism is not. Perhaps what we need is a thread that does not dwell on this event, but tells what the ideal event would consist of for each of us. All I know is that I am appreciative of what BRP did, and I am disappointed that more people don't seem to feel that way. I know I am always out of step with the rest of the world, but am I
that different?
In my experience, events of this nature often require the attendees to pay for the privilege, buy their own meals, or otherwise contribute. This was free, folks! Someone once told me never to complain about free food...or a free hat.

I was one of the ones that would not pay downtown prices or ryde in downtown traffic, so I sympathize with those who preferred other accomodations, but remember that accomodations at any of these things are seldom orchestrated, except for staff, and other than a "meet & greet" there are seldom activities planned outside the main event. We are all free to chose the lodging of our choice, and I applaud Lamont for selecting a location so some of us could collect elsewhere. We could easily have been spread all over that huge city, if not for his efforts.
For the record, although not advertised or widely known, Kurt and Dick were running diagnostics all day at the display tent, and helped many a Spyder ryder. Nielsen's also had service specials at their nearby dealership that weekend, and their staff worked hard to accomodate those in need. I agree with BJT that Lamont and the others were previously honored, and it was nice to spread the recognition for others that have done their parts. On the other hand, I
was surprised that the RT5 were not even mentioned...they did not need to be rewarded. As for parking, the guests have to work within the rules and desires of the host location, and I doubt the mansion would have cared for Spyders on the lawn. The recent rains made the parking lot sticky, but it was solid, and mud washes off. The lawn could have easily been deeper mud with a little traffic. None of ride trailer queens anyway. Even those that trailered a long distance to the event, rode to the mansion. We expect bugs on our windshields and mud on our tires as a result. Parking could have been marked or assisted, but that slows things down and requires even more volunteers. Perhaps BRP should consider recruiting some of us. Yes, it was a marketing event of sorts. I did not expect otherwise. Technical seminars and presentations would have been nice, but on what? Surely they can't be expected to dwell on flaws or failures. They don't encourage working on the Spyder yourself, and it is too complex for most of us to do so, anyway. They could have talked about mods, but no manufaturer recommends products by others, and to promote their own accessories would be additional marketing. I saw the expected PR, but I didn't sense any active marketing beyond the demos. They know we are already owners.
Once again, I want to thank BRP for hosting these annual get-togethers. I know of few manufacturers that would do so, beyond financial support or corporate attendance at someone else's event. BRP seems to be a bit surprised at the cult that has sprung up around the Spyder, but they are openly supporting and promoting it with events like these. I agree that constructive criticism is helpful for the future, but let's try to keep it light, so we don't throw the baby out the window with the bathwater.

We want to encourage them to do it again in 2011!