Oshawa Convergence Music & Art Fest ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

By Joe Ingino Another event ‘BITES THE DUST’. The question that always lingers... WHY? Well, the answer is as simple as day. Those that organize events including many at Oshawa tourism and City hall have no clue how to promote events. They are entrenched in the idea that they know best that even when reality hits them in the face. They still call failed events a success.... and this is because they have no real ruler to compare a real big success... or for Oshawa a little success. Today we sit on the eve of what could be something great for Oshawa. We are loosing about 4 seats out of the 11. If we push enough we can possibly have 10 seats replaced including the mayor. This would be a great start. Unfortunately there are so many scoundrels int he pack/former councillors wanting to get back to the easy money at City Hall. I say easy money because those wanting to come back. When in office did nothing short of collect tax payer pay cheques. People like Bouma, Jane Hurts, Doug Sanders and they in my opinion should not be elected back. Tito, Giberson, Lee, Gray, Kerr, Nicholson, McConkey, Mark, Chapman should not be considered as experienced as they are in part responsible for the run away taxes, the many people forced to live on the streets. The open drug use on our streets and the distant relationship between the City and Durham Regional Police Services. Not to mention that they do not support local businesses. I along with many others... have been shun and ignored. You would think that the only in print newspaper serving the City and Region for over 34 years... that the City would approach to do business with. NO. They reason is not that The Central is not accredited, proven and or known...  The problem is that those elected are afraid... due to political stand. Staff supports council... they hire in my opinion under experienced people that do not understand the market, the people and or basic principles of marketing and advertising.... Events come and go. These events hold a very important key to the revival of our core. These events could be multi million dollar revenue generators for the entire region.  NO. Instead the same people keep promoting to no one. No vision. No plan. No marketing. No advertising. You reading this. You are probably thinking. Boy, you are harsh Joe. How would you do it.? Well. The answer is simple. In this recent event... Oshawa Convergence. First and foremost. I would change the name.... to something more catchy. I would Invite one or two major acts to come to Oshawa. I would use the local media including the only in print city newspaper. The local radio station and all the promoters that circulate. I would offer them free sponsorship in return to enter in a contra agreement to assist in broadcasting the event months before. This is something that is unheard of today by the city and or event promoters. No tax payer money used... A MESSAGE TO THE ORGANIZERS... ‘THE INTERNET IS DEAD.’ Because it is cheap/free it does not work unless you have it as part of a marketing strategy. Something that organizers of these events have no clue on how to compose. Once the advertising is put in place. We need an attraction. Four local artists and a few artsy farcys type does not cut it. I would invite some big name ‘STREET ARTISTS’. A Graffiti master. I would encourage municipalities to enter in to an arts competition. Representatives from all municipalities could enter. The winning artwork would be featured and advertised across Durham. I would also enter a pay a flat fee and tour participating restaurants.... Much like a ‘buffet’ operates... But in a control basis... that would allow people from outside Oshawa to sample our local restaurants for a flat rate. I would work on local hotels to host special events that would promote the event.... Such as each hotel host it’s own party for visitors. Possibly showcasing some of the art produced. Food, music fun events apart from the main event. As it stands... the event is nothing short but a red-neck make shift shit show. . When you look at the turn out of this event. You can’t help to note the number of candidates working the crowds. You can’t help to notice the far from few people attending from outside Durham. Why? NO or poor promotion. You may be wondering.... why can’t they get it right. The City does not promote local businesses.... The Central is living proof. Sad. Oshawa has such potential...