Author Topic: PagodaFest Chicago 2023  (Read 44118 times)

doitwright

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PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« on: July 04, 2020, 16:01:34 »
Here is some Information pertaining to plans for the next US based PUB/PagodaFest.
 
With what began as a small informal gathering of a handful of Pagoda enthusiasts in 2002, PUB (Pagoda University Blacklick), as it was eventually called, has since grown into a biennial 2-3 day event attracting over 120 people and 40+ Pagoda's. Event sponsors have been attracted to our gatherings, and we have been fortunate to have had great hosts and organizers. At the Pagoda University Virginia event in 2017, event organizer Alex Djuric began laying track with me about planning a future event in the Chicago area. After Jon Berardi and his team pulled off an exceptional event last year with PagodaFest 2019 in San Diego, their message to me was, "You cannot start planning soon enough." In January of this year, I scoped out what I thought would be the perfect location for hosting an event in the Chicago Area for 2021. The Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, Illinois. The Hyatt Lodge https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/hyatt-lodge/chilo is located on 80 beautiful acres which once included McDonald's Corporate Headquarters. The Hyatt Lodge is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and both O'Hare and Midway airports. This location would allow us to have lodging, and main event activities and meals all in one secure location. We also have the option to move indoors if the weather does not cooperate.
 
Before the outbreak of Covid-19, the plan was to target a late August gathering in 2021. Since no one knows what the future holds, and a European event for this year will likely be rescheduled to September 2021, we believe we will be moving the next US based gathering to October 7-9,  2022. We felt it was important to let everyone know now since some of you may already have been wondering what is in the pipeline for the next US gathering. Anyone interested in assisting with organizing this event should get in contact with me by PM (Personal Message).

We will provide updates on this topic as new information and a sense of certainty develop.
« Last Edit: November 14, 2021, 16:50:44 by doitwright »
Frank Koronkiewicz
Willowbrook, Illinois

1970 280SL Originally Light Ivory - Now Anthracite Gray Metallic

RPSchuetz

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2021, 03:44:34 »
Definitely interested in attending!
Reinhold S
1969 280 SL, 542 Dark Red/249 Bamboo Leather, S&SG 6-Speed
2006 Ford Five Hundred Limited
2021 Toyota Tacoma

JamesL

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2021, 06:47:38 »
Oh, ffs.
My brain instantly went.... ooh, Route 66

Now I’m going to have to try and unthink that
James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

mdsalemi

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2021, 15:57:03 »
Somewhere, some place, there are the details, I just don't remember them.

In September 2006 the MBCA held a major event in Chicagoland, one of the western suburbs. It was for the 50th anniversary of the MBCA. Heck, it may have been the same hotel. There was a major concours d'elegance at some gorgeous venue (again the name escapes me) but I know it was Oak Brook. It kicked off the Rt. 66 Tour, another major event. Maybe some of the west coast attendees should try that in reverse...

Alex and I will come from the south... 8)
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

sandcrab59

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #4 on: May 31, 2021, 16:31:50 »
I am also interested in attending.
Tom M
71 280SL-8  Euro
67 250 SL
72 220 D
1982 300 SD
1983 300SD
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neelyrc

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #5 on: May 31, 2021, 21:57:21 »
It can still be very hot in Chicagoland in August.  I am interested, and I would recommend a September date.  Oak Brook is a great location!
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
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Jack Jones

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2021, 02:02:11 »
Also interested in attending
Jack Jones                                                                                                   
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1984 280SL 5 Speed

mmizesko

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #7 on: June 02, 2021, 02:27:51 »
early, but i would be there.

Mike Mizesko
1970 280SL 291H Dark Olive

FresnoBob

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #8 on: June 02, 2021, 17:07:44 »
I too wish to attend, and support the suggestion for a September date. 
Bob Comstock
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114015

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #9 on: June 02, 2021, 22:22:24 »

Also interested in attending...; prefer the (not-so-hot) September opportunity. ;)
Achim
(Germany)

jorge espinoza

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2021, 22:55:20 »
I'm in for Pagodafest 2022 but hoping for September temps.

Garry

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #11 on: June 02, 2021, 22:55:38 »
Also interested, if allowed to depart from Australia by then. Sept is good.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
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sandcrab59

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #12 on: July 02, 2021, 20:21:11 »
I agree September is the better month.
Tom M
71 280SL-8  Euro
67 250 SL
72 220 D
1982 300 SD
1983 300SD
1985 300SD
1931 Model A Ford Roadster
1997 Corvette C5

Amy McKenna

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #13 on: July 03, 2021, 13:24:13 »
Vote for Septembers as well.  The MBCA Rt 66 for their 50th was awesome! One of the best trips in my life in my '58!  This is where I met Naj who linked me up with W113 group!
Amy
'58 220S Cabriolet
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JamesL

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #14 on: July 03, 2021, 16:13:53 »
That absolutely sounds like Naj…

What was the route (don’t say 66)/ trip as I’m sure some people here would like to put some interesting and fun miles on their cars
James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

twinoakchef

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #15 on: July 13, 2021, 16:49:09 »
Sounds great. Keep it in the summer.
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Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #16 on: July 13, 2021, 19:26:01 »
Somewhere, some place, there are the details, I just don't remember them.

In September 2006 the MBCA held a major event in Chicagoland, one of the western suburbs. It was for the 50th anniversary of the MBCA. Heck, it may have been the same hotel. There was a major concours d'elegance at some gorgeous venue (again the name escapes me) but I know it was Oak Brook. It kicked off the Rt. 66 Tour, another major event. Maybe some of the west coast attendees should try that in reverse...

Michael, There is a book about it one can purchase on Amazon ($285.99 Sales Price is $265- 50 year history of the MBCA). I think the event hotel is proberly mentioned in the book. Perhaps one of our Members attended the event and let us kow the hotel. The book price is just a bit over the top for me ~grin~ I made some screen shots of the book front and back cover I think.

Dieter
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

mdsalemi

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #17 on: August 06, 2021, 14:13:08 »
Michael, There is a book about it one can purchase...

Yes, I actually wrote the history of the MBCA for that book, but I don't think they ever sent me a copy.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
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doitwright

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #18 on: August 07, 2021, 05:51:46 »
Planning for PagodaFest Chicago 2022 has resumed. Right now we are looking at the 1st weekend in October. The venue location may still be the Hyatt in Oak Brook, Illinois. Format will be similar to past events in Virginia and San Diego.

The facility can handle 200+ people but right now I have told the Hyatt we would anticipate around 150. Once preparations have been made, i will publish information here on how to sign up.

Suggestions on event topics for the tech sessions are welcome including ideas on specific vendors/suppliers you would like to see represented. There is plenty to see and do in the "great city by the lake" so your input on a driving excursion or evening group activity will be taken under consideration.

More information to come.
Frank Koronkiewicz
Willowbrook, Illinois

1970 280SL Originally Light Ivory - Now Anthracite Gray Metallic

neelyrc

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #19 on: August 07, 2021, 07:57:56 »
Frank,
One suggested area for a driving excursion would be one including the Batavia, Geneva, St Charles area along the Fox River. Someone local to the area would need to do some development work on an optimal scenic route. 
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
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2008 BMW 330xd Futura Coupe' (E92)

RPSchuetz

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #20 on: August 21, 2021, 16:26:11 »
I’m currently having various bits of my ‘69 280SL refurbished by Black Forest Benz of the Milwaukee area. It’s my understanding that they have participated in similar get-togethers in the past and would do so again.
Reinhold S
1969 280 SL, 542 Dark Red/249 Bamboo Leather, S&SG 6-Speed
2006 Ford Five Hundred Limited
2021 Toyota Tacoma

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #21 on: September 09, 2021, 00:13:01 »
Yes, I actually wrote the history of the MBCA for that book, but I don't think they ever sent me a copy.

Michaeal, it seaams to be unthankful work, what can I say. Still I love to do it (helping others), it just feels good.

Dieter
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

H. Keith Henry

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #22 on: September 18, 2021, 02:52:53 »
I've been a member since 2013 but just bought my first pagoda last month. Looking forward to my first national 113 meeting as a car owner! Chicago area in August or September sounds good. --Keith Henry
1970 280 SL, auto, US spec, 050 white with burgundy interior and soft top. Originally special order, white on white on white tex. Manufacturing date May 1970
2002 Mercedes C320 wagon
1989 Honda Civic wagon
1979 MG Midget, original owner

neelyrc

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #23 on: September 18, 2021, 16:09:59 »
Keith, welcome to the forum!  We hope to see you at the 2022 event with your 280SL. 

In the meantime we would enjoy seeing some pictures of your new purchase in one of the other threads here.  Looks like you searched for awhile before buying.  We would also be interested in the story of the hunt!
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
2004 Toyota HiLux D4D Pickup
2008 BMW 330xd Futura Coupe' (E92)

ggdtr5

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Re: PagodaFest Chicago 2023
« Reply #24 on: October 09, 2021, 06:21:40 »
Having recently savoured the delights of the Austrian rally - I also would like to attend this event👍

Regards Graham
1971 280 SL
1972 Triumph TR6
1979 mini pick up
1992 Mini Cooper
1949 TED Ferguson tractor
2002 Honda S2000
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