Event Cache Idea: Cool Or Tacky?

[+Sparrowhawk]

I might be moving to another city before September for a new job. I don't know anything in that city from a hole in the wall. I was wondering how to find new friends, maybe get some local guides to help me adjust to the place, etc.

 

An idea popped in my mind: find a local cafe or something, then post an event cache called something like: "Anyone Wanna Say Hi to a New Arrival?" The cache writeup would say that I am just a new arrival in that city, and who is feeling kinda lost. Be nice to have some folks to say hi to me during my first week of being there, so I can have a good first memory. Maybe let me know what is good and bad about the city, share info that only the locals can give, so I can have a good feeling about the place. I'd specify that I don't even want folks to buy me anything, but it would be nice to have folks to say hello to me then if/when I arrive that first week.

These above rationales would make for one overall "cool" vote.

 

But then again... I am thinking this could look really egoistic. I mean, sheesh, a cache event for oneself? I'm no bigshot VIP person, just a cacher from Oregon. I'd rather not give an impression of over-inflatedness, or anything. That's sounds like a vote for "tacky".

 

OK, I just thunk up ANOTHER reason not to do this... Maybe some folks would probably think I was looking for a date or something! EEEK! Well there's an argument against, methinks!

Another vote for "tacky".

 

But then my friend says: "You'd be giving folks a chance to show their city pride by welcoming you! They'd like that!"

Hmmm...

Now "cool" gets a vote again.

 

Great, here's a 50-50 tacky-vs.-cool verdict so far. NOW I'm confused.

 

Please help me make up my mind... or maybe we can find me a more classy way to accomplish what I'd like to have happen, if it turns out I get that job and I am moving there. Thanks!

[+tirediron]

Hmmmm.. May I suggest rather than moving to a new city and planinng an event 'cache, that you start by posting in that area's regional forum (or as near as you can get) before you move and try and meet some local 'cachers that way, and get a feel for the local 'scene'. While most 'cachers I know are always open to meeting new people, it does, IMHO seem a little presumptious not to at least learn a bit about the locale before you try and host a somewhat speicalized event. Still, as long as I didn't have to buy you a present, I would probably show up if I saw it advertised.

 

Just my $00.02 worth...

 

Ps... Good luck iwth your move and all!

Edited June 21, 2004 by tirediron

[+9Key]

I don't see the event as being about yourself. You're basic intent os to meet other cachers which is what events are all about.

 

Post it!

[+Beta Test]

Tirediron has a good point. Try to meet a few cachers on the forums and have them help you organise. Maybe if you are worried about people thinking your egotistical you could have them submit the event cache so its them welcoming you. Overall I like the idea.

[+Renegade Knight]

The first time I ever attended an event cache I only knew the people I had introduced to caching. Since then I meet new people at each and every one.

 

You don't need a reason to hold an event cache. Only a willingness to host it.

[+briansnat]

I think its a great idea.

[+WalruZ]

It's not necessarily a bad idea, but you might want to see if the area already has a regular schedule of events and then just go to one. There is such a thing as event overload.

[+Snoogans]

The first time I ever attended an event cache I only knew the people I had introduced to caching. Since then I meet new people at each and every one.

 

You don't need a reason to hold an event cache. Only a willingness to host it.

Yep, what 9Key and RK said.

 

Sn gans

[+BadAndy]

There is such a thing as event overload.

Event overload? I've only been to 3 events, but they were all a blast

[+Imajika]

An idea popped in my mind:  find a local cafe or something, then post an event cache called something like:  "Anyone Wanna Say Hi to a New Arrival?"

As long as you're paying the tab for beer, soda, coffee, I'll bet A LOT of people would show up!

 

No, seriously though, if it were ME, I would see if the area I was moving to had a caching association and see if they were having any upcoming events. Or post in your regional forums and see if anyone would like to meet and cache together.

 

After meeting a few cachers, I would have some kind of cafe event or BBQ so everyone else could come out and say hi.

 

Keep in mind, this is just my opinion. I just don't think I would like the idea of sitting in a cafe somewhere and meeting 100 complete strangers at once. But then again, that's just me.

 

When Team Geohoy moved to Colorado, Tahosa had an event cache for them. Tahosa did this without even meeting them first, they had only talked through email. He was just being friendly and welcoming them to Colorado...that's just the way Tahosa is.

 

Funny enough though, Team Geohoy wasn't in Colorado yet for the event but they had fun anyway. I wish I could have gone but I had to work that day.

Edited June 22, 2004 by Imajika

[+Kealia]

I'l throw my two cents in as well.

 

Go ahead and do it. If you can get a local cacher or two to help you with it - even better!

 

I love the local cachers around me although I've met few in person. Seems I'm always out of town during the events .

 

Great way to meet some new people. Nothing wrong with the other suggestions of posting for a while either. Either way, good luck!

[+Doggiewoggie]

Sounds sweet to me

[+The Jester]

Depending on timing and all you might ask locals to suggest a short cache tour prior to the get-together so they can showcase some of their caches. Those that can and/or haven't done the caches can do that, everyone can show up at the food!

[+Beta Test]

Maybe some of us can help. If you do not mind my asking where are you moving?

[+Milbank]

Great idea, if it was in my area I would show up.

[+Spzzmoose]

I think it would depend on where you have your event. If it was in a bar or restaurant, I would think it's a little tacky. Why not find a local park, hide a few caches (event only) and provide refreshments (nothing-fancy just hotdogs, BEER (if allowed), soft drinks and chips. You can limit the # of people if cost is an issue. I would attend... grab a free dog and a cold beverage and still get some caching in! Not to mention the chance to make a new friend and possible caching partner! GO FOR IT!!

[+Beta Test]

Just a note, if you are serving alcohol you might want to post that on the page so nobody with sensitivities on these issues can avoid or prepare for the situation.

Edited June 22, 2004 by Beta Test

[+Spzzmoose]

Good idea Beta! Forgot about that.

[+Sparrowhawk]

I think it would depend on where you have your event. If it was in a bar or restaurant, I would think it's a little tacky. Why not find a local park, hide a few caches (event only) and provide refreshments (nothing-fancy just hotdogs, BEER  (if allowed), soft drinks and chips. You can limit the # of people if cost is an issue. I would attend... grab a free dog and a cold beverage and still get some caching in! Not to mention the chance to make a new friend and possible caching partner! GO FOR IT!!  

Hmmmm... would a potluck concept work? I don't have the bucks for feeding lots of folks.

I'm surprised a coffee cafe featuring $1-$2 ice tea or something like that would not work. (???) That is not a bar or restaurant, so maybe it would.

 

Meanwhile, I think that checking in with the local geocaching organization would definitely be first. I'd rather do that.

 

I am glad that the basic idea I had was not quite as some-negative-thing as I thought it could be.

Edited June 22, 2004 by Sparrowhawk

[+Planet]

I like it! What better way to find out about an area? What caches would be great to find, where are the trolling parks, good places to eat, park rules and regs, good fishing spots, make new friends, introduce yourself, learn from the locals. I think you should not be shy, go for it! A lot of my friends have moved away lately, but I'm filling the void easily with the new friends I'm making through geocaching. And meeting cachers at an event is easier and faster than trying one on one.

[+Destitute]

This cache is similar to your idea and I thought it was fun. Met some new folks and saw some old caching friends, all because a "new arrival" wanted to meet some people. Read the logs, you'll get the idea.

[+flask]

if you were hosting it in my town i would come AND bring a present.

 

if you act as if you're god's gift to geocaching people will hate you whether you host t or not. if you behave as if you'd like to meet people and you're delighted they showed up, you'll be ok.

 

chalk me up in the yes column.

[+RJFerret]

I agree with both sides of the fence but would bring them together. First, check and post in the regions forum to see if any events are planned and simply attend the next one.

 

If not, post that you are moving there and would love to help put one together and meet the locals.

 

The reason I'd do it that way is eyebrows might be raised if it's an excessively "tight" group of locals thinking you are an interloper or upstart if you just post an event out of the blue when their big annual shindig was due to be posted a few days later!

 

That's the only way I can see your concept truely backfiring and it's negated by starting the dialog.

 

Meanwhile, you might meet more people and have some familiarity with them if they volunteer to help put one together (even just suggesting a local park that would be appropriate or "I'm bringing X food" for the potluck or whatever...)

 

Either way, enjoy!

 

Randy