*2022 MCACN Sneak Peek
MCACN 2021
Brent and Jeff Kultgen's "Disco Daytona"
Joe Zolper's "Dauntless Daytona"
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OUR RETURN TO ROSEMONT; Another GREAT Show!
It's hard to believe that it has already been several weeks since we descended upon the city of Rosemont for the 12th Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show. While the "hiatus" was not something any of us wanted to do, it was, of course, the right thing to do. Under "normal" circumstances, we prepare for the upcoming show for a full year. Yes...contrary to popular belief, I actually do work more than one week a year! Putting an event of this size and content together takes many hours, countless calls and emails and way more meetings and visits than you may imagine. While it is a ton of work, I wouldn't want it any other way. Yes...I truly am living my dream, and for that I say Thank You!.
Speaking of Thanks...where can I start? It takes so many people to make this event happen. While I am the face, I could not even begin to get this off the ground without the support of so many. Of course, on the home front at MCACN International Headquarters, Vicki and her helpers, are tasked with handling all of the stuff that isn't nearly as much fun as what I get to do. Shuffling papers, making sure the mail is sent, coordinating staff...and that is happening from right after the show all the way to show week. Believe me when I say, this is much more than a year long full time job and I couldn't do it without the Pre-Show Team. Vicki is always looking for assistance, not only at the show, but also before the show. If you are interested in being a part of the Pre-Show MCACN Team, let us know.
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And then we have the MCACN LLC Members. These guys allow me to do what I do, and each and every one of them makes many contributions that in the end, allow us to make the show a reality. Thanks Guys!
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South Oak Dodge, One of our Many Fine Sponsors
Photo Credit: Diane Warner
Official Sponsors: Any event needs sponsorship to be viable. In the case of the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, our Official Sponsors offer much more. Many have been with us since our inception, and all of them have the same passion and commitment as we do. Truly an honor to be able to work with each and every one of them; they really are the best of the best!
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Worked On the Outdoor (Brrrrr) Th-Fri Move-In and Sunday
Move-Out Crew in 2021. He also manages the Kid Area
on Saturday and Sunday
The MCACN Staff: Whew....so much can be said here. First off, let me say our team members, while mostly not volunteers, are not doing this for the money. The small amount that they are paid in many cases, doesn't even cover the expenses they incur to be a part of the show. Long hours, hard work and most importantly, a desire to help us create the absolute best possible scenario, whether working outside in one of the lots or alley, or in the lobby greeting you or taking tickets. There is so much more going on here. This also applies to our Judges; with nearly 150 Judges this year, the logistics of putting this team together, which is handled by Bill and Sue Braun, and always striving to maintain consistency, is nothing short of overwhelming for all involved.
Judges, Bill and Sue; We Salute You!!
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Participants and Vendors: Of course, this is where it all starts. We certainly can't have a car show without cars and car related vendors, but it goes much deeper than that. While I may be redundant, the fact is simple; the cars get us together, but it is the people that really make our show so special.
Don Keefe Presenting his Pick Award to Jorge Navarre (and Family)
and their 1960 Chevrolet El Camino. Photo Credit: Diane Warner
Having owners share their stories and their knowledge is what makes the MCACN show unlike any other. Of course, we encourage owners and their families to hang out by their cars to share these stories. Being able to witness this happening at the show, seeing how many new friendships are forged and seeing people reunite, sometimes just once a year, is what I'm talking about. And that is what it's all about.
Shopping at MCACN 2021 Photo Credit: Diane Warner
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Spectators; Again, the simple fact is that the show can not exist without spectators. Unlike nearly every other type of show, whether public or trade related, we are totally "gate dependent", meaning to remain viable we must have spectators willing to purchase admission tickets. While 2021 was certainly not 2019, we were able to hit the mark. With everything that has happened in our world since November of 2019, we feel fortunate to have a viable business, even if we aren't ready to retire to the islands after the show! Believe me, this is a business based on passion, never designed to be a huge money maker. While this certainly isn't the "best" business plan, it is one that works for us, and with your continued support, whether you are a participant, a spectator, a sponsor or staff member, you all play a key role in our future. THANK YOU, One and All.
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MCACN 2022...and Beyond. So first and foremost, the dates for our next show are November 19-20, 2022. While we had discussions with the facility management, the simple fact is there is not an available date that would work to move the show to an earlier date at this time. While we would love to be a bit earlier on the calendar, this is not an option at this time. We will maintain our traditional "weekend before Thanksgiving" dates. Contracts have been signed with our Official Host Hotels the DoubleTree, the aLoft, the Hilton, the Embassy Suites, the Crowne Plaza and the Hyatt and booking links will be on our website soon. As always, we have negotiated great rates and secured extra perks at ALL of our Official Host Hotels. They know what we do and they are all conveniently located to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Please choose from these Official Host Hotels, and know that we will NEVER contact you to solicit hotel business. If someone does, whether by phone or email, get rid of them, they are scammers!
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2022 Car Entry: We will be extending invitations soon and have already opened the online application process. Demand far outweighs what we can accommodate, and all classes will be strictly limited, especially in the Concours Stock judged classes. If you are planning on joining us for the 2022 show and want to have your car Judged, please register ASAP to assure that we can accommodate you. In order to maintain the integrity of our awards and Judging, this is a must for the MCACN show, and we will never compromise what we have spent years building.
2022 Invitational and Special Displays; We have some really neat stuff in store for you for 2022. Of course, we will commemorate the Anniversary years with Invitational displays for 1967 and 1972. In our '72 display we will feature a "Display within the Display" for "X" Code Oldsmobiles. For '67 we are looking for GTX's and Coronet R/T's, Z28's, L88 Corvettes and of course Shelbys. And that is just the beginning. Additional Invitational displays will be announced in the coming weeks. Here's a hint; the "Red Carpet" display this year will feature Mopars. Think Wings, and look for an announcement pertaining to another Limited Edition MCACN Exclusive hardcover book. And to maintain our reputation of thinking outside of the box and presenting the unexpected, we will be announcing several displays that really will be unexpected! More to follow.
If you have made it this far, Thank You for allowing me to express our sincere appreciation. As always, we have a lot in the works, a lot that has been confirmed and more that we are working on. I say it often and will say it again; it is always a Work In Progress.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please let me know at bashton426@gmail.com. I am barraged with facebook messages that I often never see, and my phone voice mail often fills faster than I can hear the messages.
Be Safe and Healthy, Appreciate the Moment and Be Nice!
Bob Ashton
MCACN, LLC
Managing Member
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Our Title Sponsor
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