Looking for people with demo jump experience

[jason]

I'm in the beginning stages of arranging a demo from a local object for their grand re-opening. If anybody here has experience organizing BASE demos, I'd sure like to hear any suggestions you've got, particularly with respect to the following:

(1) Somebody, at some level, has expressed interest in this. How can I present it so that upper management etc. is more likely to be on-board? What do they want to hear?
(2) Can 3rd-party insurance be arranged for something like this? I expect it'll be pretty pricey if it can be had, but I think that might be a significant selling point.
(3) What's the going rate for getting people to huck themselves off of your stuff? I know I'd do it gratis, but strongly expect that a reasonable rate would make the proposal more attractive (more professional).

The local crew is small, and this won't be going forward unless everybody's good with the publicity... Jumpers will be chosen for this one who have the experience (BASE and otherwise) to make it happen safely.

I've probably missed some important questions. If anybody's got some suggestions to make on stuff I haven't mentioned, I'd appreaciate those as well.

Added after the fact: Feel free to email me at jcooper@ucalgary.ca .

[base428]

I've helped with legal demos before, and I organize Bridge Day...

1) Presentation - Be prepared. Have answers ready to any questions they may have. Have a plan. You need to stress the "cash value" of having all the spectators and jumpers for this event. Most of the time, object owners are more interested in the cash that an event like this would bring in. Concentrate on what the object owner will get out of the deal. Have a written plan for the number of jumpers, schedules, landing zone plans, safety concerns, know where the nearest hospital is, etc....Go in with confidence and act like you've done this before.

2) Insurance - Good luck! Both the past organizers of Bridge Day and my team have tried to get insurance to cover the LZ only at Bridge Day. No luck. Even the NPS tried to get insurance, due to suspicions that someone just wasn't trying hard enough, and the NPS couldn't get it. Avery may be able to help you in this area. Maybe get insurance under a filming permit.

As for insurance, we do not have insurance at Bridge Day. And perhaps you won't need insurance at your event. As long as the object owner and LZ owner are named in your waiver, that protects you from the jumper suing. If your LZ is far enough away from the crowd, and no jumper could ever hurt the spectators, then you may be OK from that aspect. However, I'll assume that the object owner will demand insurance. Many insurance companies offer "event insurance" covering a specific area from damages for a set # of spectators and jumpers. Don't waste your time with Erie Insurance, as they don't cover anything that flys. Heck, Erie won't even cover a machine shop if the machine shop makes parts that go into an aircraft.

If you need good solid BASE waiver, I just had Fred M fine tune my waiver for Bridge Day. I can assist.

3) Cost - Why not offer to organize it for free, and then collect a small donation from the jumpers to cover your costs? We are the show and we should not have to pay to jump someone's object, especially if we bring crowds and help the object owner get more business. If the object owner has no financial interest in the crowds, then you may have to fork over some cash. I'd say $20-$100 would be a good range for a jumper to pay for legal jumps for a weekend. Depends on the number of jumps one can make.

Suggestion: Surround yourself with experienced jumpers who have organized these things in the past. Watch out for those who want to control your event. There are plenty of jumpers who'll try to steal your thunder!

Of course, I'll help you in any way possible. Just let me know what you need and then show me your exit point;)


------------
Jason Bell (BASE428)
Email: jbell@vertical-visions.com
Web: www.vertical-visions.com or www.bridgeday.info

[jason]

With respect to cost, my error in wording. In the skydiving demos I've done, the event host has always paid enough to cover costs and (in some cases) provide a very small amount of jump money for the jumpers.

I had figured that approaching with "we'll do this for free" might inspire a lack of trust, where "we'll do this for [insert nominal fee]" might give the impression that they can expect quality/safety/etc.

What are your thoughts on that?

[Slim]

Following on from Jason,

You may want to set a budget. What your costs are and build in a factor for miscellanous. Insurance, medical (ambulance on standby), staff, equipment (exit ramp, wind indicators, radios, loudspeakers) and who knows what else. Provide a tangible breakdown of your expenses in your presentation. Everyone assumes your making a mint otherwise. Transparency helps win trust. You may feel you don't have many expenses if you just intend to roll up and bang a few off. I am sure you will fast realise there is so much more that should be done in preparation and this will cost. At the least it is your time and sanity.

Probably better with fewer good jumpers than a huge group. Good luck organising to pay jumpers what they think is fair. BASE jumpers and money are not the best combination. Some don't care but some are very sensitive on this topic. Start talking about flights and accomodation and I hope you have a good sponsor.

Go with jumpers you know you can talk to if situations change as there is not much that is certain when you organise something like this.

Always communicate as much as you know.

Good Luck

SLIM

Organiser
Malaysia World Cup

Australian BASE Association

[jason]

Yeah, obviously an event like this doesn't go without everybody's OK. I'm not particularly worried about the publicity because: (1) The odds that they care enough to keep a file seem slim, though clearly I could be wrong there; and (2) It'd be a bitch to nail trespassing on somebody without catching them at it, in which case you're had anyway.

I'll let you know about the video. You interested if this thing goes?