A number of comments were raised in this single thread about the LCCA Convention in Indy. A point was brought up about the Friday evening Train Show, which is open to ALL club members who register for the convention regardless of where they may be staying. The LCCA feels strongly that any member who registers for the Convention is entitled to all Convention benefits, including the Friday evening Train Show. It is correct that the LCCA encourages and requests Convention attendees stay at the host hotel. Experience has shown that members who opt to stay at the host hotel enjoy more of what the Convention has to offer. Because the club commits in advance to a designated number of “room nights,” all members receive the benefit of a lower room rate and enjoy all the features of the hotel.
This year the LCCA increased its Convention scope and enabled all registrants (including members who may not actually attend the event) to purchase the Convention On-site Car. We believe all Convention registrants should have the opportunity to purchase this collectible item. However, this provision does not extend to non-registered attendees.
Another point raised is the issue of exclusion; i.e., providing an example of a private showing exclusively for dealers who would have the advantage of selecting “the pick of the litter” in advance of others. If implemented, this practice would naturally discourage all non-dealers, since they might feel the best items and best values were already taken. This is not the current practice for the Friday evening Train Show at the Convention, and the LCCA has no interest in implementing it. Remember, if a member registers for the convention, they are welcome at the Friday night Convention Train show.
Non-registered club members who want to attend the Friday evening Train Show are welcome, but LCCA requires them to pay the Convention Registration Fee as a pre-requisite for entering this event. It’s a balanced approach and provides fair access to all. Otherwise, some would gain a significant Convention benefit without paying the fee. All members may attend the Saturday Train Show without paying the registration fee. Recently, the LCCA made its Saturday Train Show open to the public at no charge, but the club gratefully accepts donations which are gifted to a local children’s hospital. LCCA members, either registered or not registered for the convention, can enter the show one hour before the public on Saturday.
The LCCA provides a valuable (and FREE) Lionel bump-and-go trolley as an Early Registration Gift for registered members who stay at the host hotel or live within 50 miles of the host city. This benefit includes a die-cast Lionel® auto and the right to purchase the highly anticipated Wabash Auto Loader. The value of these items is greater than the Registration Fee.
LCCA invests value-added benefits to its Convention, and the experience is appealing and inclusive of club members nationwide as a memory-maker with great deals.
Thanks,
Dennis DeVito RM 6758
LCCA President and Fellow Member
