Downtown Chicago - No.

Dress code - No.

Sit down dinner - Yes.

DJ - Really doesn't matter to me.

Chicago bike show weekend - Doesn't matter either but I agree with the guys that have to work the show. It is an inconvenience for them.

IMHO, the banquet doesn't need to be a formal affair but does need to be a proper celebration and honor for the racers who have worked so hard and spent so much to achieve  their championships.
They deserve the respect in a proper setting for their achievments. There is plenty of time for bench racing, partying before and after the dinner and awards.

QuoteI vote to stay away from Downtown Chicago.  I'm sure there are nicer facilities there, but in my oppinion that doesn't justify the additional hassle and costs.  I would prefer something in Milwaukee or at least in the Chicago burbs.  Rockford would also be better than Downtown Chicago.

I also vote to stay away from Chicago.  When I have to travel through that town my blood pressure just rises through the roof!  Aaarrrrggghhhh  (I think they got all the extras from the Mad Max movies from there... j/k  ;) ;D)

I'm so dang cheap, but I would pay $30.00 for a dinner for this type of occasion.

No dress code please.  Everyone will know what this event is for and allow them to dress and be who they are.  

A DJ could be fun....   although hopefully I won't be caught on any video's.   :o ;D

Dawn   :)

QuoteDress code - No.

Sit down dinner - Yes.

DJ - Really doesn't matter to me.

Chicago bike show weekend - Doesn't matter either but I agree with the guys that have to work the show. It is an inconvenience for them.

IMHO, the banquet doesn't need to be a formal affair but does need to be a proper celebration and honor for the racers who have worked so hard and spent so much to achieve  their championships.
They deserve the respect in a proper setting for their achievments. There is plenty of time for bench racing, partying before and after the dinner and awards.

I agree there...

I liked doing it during the Chicago Show...  Can't be during the Indy show...that's the weekend after.

DJ...I already know I have moves...people have the pictures to proove it...LOL!

My $0.02:

1. Location:  Lake Geneva, WI.  This is near the Illinois border, and a lot of Chicago people spend time there during the summer.  There are several banquet facilities there.  More info: http://www.lakegenevawi.com/  

2. Dinner format:  sit down I guess is the way to go. Lake Geneva facilities will be on a par with whatever you did last year in Chicago, and I suspect will be somewhat more reasonably priced (I'd personally be happy if we hired out a good down and dirty pub and put a garage band on a riser, and let the beer flow for free... but that's just me...  :D).

3. Awards:  Well, when I started this season I didn't know what the heck I was spending a small fortune on, and then found myself rising up in the regional points.  I assumed that placing anywhere in the top five would result in some kind of hardware - certainly a step up from any of the plaques that are stacking up around here.  Certificate?  CERTIFICATE?  I certainly hope not - we've spent waaay too much time and money chasing all these double points and twin sprint weekends just to make sure we finished well for the year.  

Aren't ya glad ya asked?? :o

QuoteMy $0.02:

1. Location:  Lake Geneva, WI


I assumed that placing anywhere in the top five would result in some kind of hardware - certainly a step up from any of the plaques that are stacking up around here.  Certificate?  CERTIFICATE?  I certainly hope not -

Wow, Lake Geneva would be cool.  Shania Twain has a place there...She could come.

Certificates for anything less that the championship...yes.  There is a cost involved, and I don't want my entry fees going up any more.  As for plaques...you can redo your kitchen floor in early 2003 CCS... 8)

Dress code= yes (Come on guys it's our banquet at least make it no jeans.) :-/

Suburbs of Chicago = yes ;D

During the Motorcycle show = cool ;D

Sit down= yes (you can always mingle at the bar) ;D

Tshort--that's pretty much what I did last year...didn't go over well.  I am starting a new survey, and the results are due and final by Thursday 5pm.  I've secured a couple of really cool places, and I've got to know what you guys (and girls) would like to do.

Kim Berg-Olsen has had the greatest attitude towards this banquet, and I want to give her a big thanks.  I believe one dress up night won't kill anyone.  Not a tux thing, but a night where us girls can wear a really girly dress for once and dress our guys up as well!  Let's try the dressing up thing one time, and if you don't like it, we'll know better for next year.
 ;)

Well .....

Paul doesn't even own a suit and I'm not going to buy him one just for one occasion.  Hopefully dress slacks and a nice shirt will pass.

Dawn   :-/

Dress slacks and a shirt on a guy will go a loooong way!

Dawn, John is pretty much the same situation.  I think his one-and-only suit predates his wedding! :o ::)

C'mon!  I own a tux and never get to wear it!

Kris, you can wear your tux-I think Eric has a powder blue one from the dinosaur age--but I think slacks and a dress shirt would be nice, don't y'all?  That's what I meant by dress-up.  It's just that some racers commented that the attire was "less than stellar" at the banquets (jeans, t-shirts, etc), and we'd like to spruce it up a bit.

Just a suggestion.
If you're planning to do this during the Int Motorcycle Show again.  Pick a place that is kinda close to Rosemont IL.  
So people can go right from the Show to the banquet.
My vote Downtown again but I can see the problems w/ parking and $$$$ so maybe a burb close to Rosemont.  

I know I'm not going to want to drive from Rosemont IL to Rockford, Milwaukee, or even Lake Geneva.  

I'm not opposed to a formal dress up thing at all.  I also think that we should be able to party/drink/BS/Bench Race and a relaxed atmosphere.  

For the most part I liked last year.  I liked the all you can drink drinks.  maybe the food could of been better and the presentation could of been better.  Lighting etc etc....
I know a lot of you were not happy about how the banquet went and all.  
I had a good time.  

Just some of my thoughts.