Hiya, that’s a really good question. And yep really good reasons for it being the way it is. A bit of history is needed.Francis Begbie wrote:Is there any reason why you don't offer a 1 day pass?
When the event started 13 years ago it was for just a couple of days. But over the next 2 years as attendee numbers grew significantly and the numbers of presentations etc grew, people were saying that it wasn’t long enough and could it be made to 3 days. That worked and then people were saying it should be 4 days and so it became. We did have quite a few people ask for it to be 5 days but it’s a cost and volunteer thing. None of us can make any more time available than this.
It being a 4-day event is one of the unique things about the HUBB UK - it’s very different to many other events. The emphasis is on connecting, inspiring and informing. That’s all the presentations, the demonstrations, the practical sessions, the competitions, the ride-outs and so on. Feedback from just about everyone over the years has been that this all happens so much better when people are on site for the full event. You have the chance to see and get involved with an amazing number of things and have the chance get to know people that way. It’s why so many people camp for example. You make really good friends there – like minded souls and all that. A real oasis of travel.
We'd be daft if we didn't review this every year though, and did so after this year’s event. Feedback from the survey sent out and from the feedback box on the bar, for all but a couple of people, was that to change to a day ticket event would dramatically alter things and it would be a loss. People didn’t want it. All of us who help make the HUBB UK happen before and during the event, and Grant and Susan Johnson the founders of Horizons Unlimited, think that’s absolutely right. In fact another strong indication of that is the number of people who turn up on the Wednesday evening because there is so much going on from Thursday morning that they don’t want to miss out. It’s a buzz.
However, some of the feedback said that the simple case was that some people can’t come for the full 4 days even though they would like to. Eg some people are on shifts and can’t get out of them because of the nature of the work they do.
Last year we had 2-day passes available for the Sat and Sun – people could arrive with the sparrows on the Saturday morning. Some of those were taken up.
Next year there are two types of 2-day pass available:
Thurs and Fri – so camping on the Thurs night but off site by Friday evening.
And Sat and Sun – so camping on the Saturday night.
There was a lot of discussion about doing that but, well worth a try. If it affects the atmosphere and the fun of the event then it may not happen in 2015.
I hope you can make it to join us all. I think you’ll enjoy, but then I would wouldn’t I! :laugh: It’s a great event and a lot of fun, interesting people go. All those tales of the road are enthralling and the stuff you can learn about from other travellers and qualified experts alike is spot on.
Sorry, a horribly long answer but, you asked and I didn't know how to answer you without the background.
Cheers,
Sam
