The Mega Weekend in Miami or RWS in Columbus, Ohio

GDIGENTS or RWS. How Will Steppers Decide?

In the last sixty days of my birthday travels to steppers events, many people have asked me about two specific events. “Are you going to Miami?” “Are you going to Red, White and Smoove?” “Those events are back-to-back weekends. Right?” Deciding which event to go to in Miami or Columbus or figuring out a plan to make it to both is a topic of conversation and discussion in my circles of the stepping community. Let’s talk about it.

We are just about 30 days out from the first event. You can’t miss the marketing for either event on social media if you’re on Facebook and note the hashtags. Now I have the same questions for you. Are you going to the Mega Weekend in Miami? Are you going to RWS in Columbus, Ohio? And, since so many people asked for my opinion on a choice between the two, I am also going to share some things I know and considerations that came up in my conversations. Let us even compare. And, let me know your thoughts by taking the poll at the end!

4 days #nosleepweeknd #herewego

5 days #miamishutdown #miamibaby #gdigents

Factors Influencing Steppers Choices on Weekend Events

Firstly, let’s consider some of the major factors that influence steppers’ choices about going to a steppers’ weekend event and compare – destination, reputation, price, Chicago presence, and the music.

Destination

It is a challenge to compete with a destination that promises fun in the sun in the heart of Miami at two Hilton brand hotels and one Marriott hotel – so far. GDIGents just published their Bucket List Challenge showcasing all the activities in the Miami vicinity for guests to enjoy. However, how much it costs to get there – whether by flight or the drive time can make a difference. GDIGENTS have been posting airfares to Miami ever so often. As a result of rising gas prices, the decision to drive is a greater financial consideration. RWS has changed locations from where it was hosted last year to the Convention Center in the heart of downtown Columbus. This addresses one of the problems I wrote about in my 2021 review for RWS and now the event is right across from the host hotel, also a Hilton, instead of parties at multiple locations.

Reputation

GDIGents is the collaboration team between Pete Frazier of the Majestic Gents and Cheryl Powe of GDI. Deeply connected in Chicago because they are both from Chicago, they have been hosting events for Steppers for years. The exceptional customer service and leverage of technology for communicating with guests from start to finish at the Heritage Ball is what GDI is known for. Cheryl Powe and the GDI Team have led many successful Atlanta takeovers. Pete Frazier, the Godfather of Stepping with the Majestic Gents, has hosted and promoted mega large stepping events in Chicago and other cities to include the World’s Largest Steppers Contests and The Chicago All White Weekend.

Smoove Vibes Entertainment led by Aki Carter is a new team of friendly, young, social stepping personalities across six different cities – The Tea Lady from Atlanta, Salsa Tina from Chicago, Aki Carter from Columbus, Sam Long from Cleveland, Darnisha Clemons from Indianapolis, and Genevieve Bober from Detroit. Aki has hosted many events for a long time but he is still relatively new to hosting stepping events. However, 2022 is not the first Red, White, and Smoove, and he has a strong following within the stepping community.

Price

Money matters. So how do the events compare pricewise from hotel group rates to event passes? Let’s compare. One thing to note is that for both events the weekend pass does not cover all the parties for the weekend. That for me is disappointing.

Chicago-Presence

For weekend events in cities outside of Chicago, some steppers hope to dance with the best, which many believe should include dancers coming from Chicago and the Midwest. However, winning over the local community to be there and support is equally important. I think, RWS in Columbus, Ohio, being a Midwest state where there are growing, flourishing stepping communities has an opportunity here to attract many steppers from its own Columbus home, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo and surrounding states.

I asked Pete Frazier, “How do you think Chicago will react now that you have moved the biggest stepping weekend in Chicago “The All-White Party Weekend” from their hometown to Miami?’ He responded, “We are just coming out of the pandemic. Chicago is ready to travel to step. Did you see us in Hawaii? Chicago will follow me.” It’s been a while since I’ve seen a major event in South Florida for steppers since the Adult Steppers Spring Break or even the Steppin’ 4 Life Charity Ball.

DJs for Musical Entertainment

Other Factors that Affect Stepper Choices and Promoters After the Pandemic

Secondly, as we’re coming out of the pandemic, I learned that new factors come into play. As I watch the event marketing for steppers in general, I notice that what promoters see as most important to steppers has changed. From my conversations, these are things steppers are paying attention to now and the shifts I see in how promoters position events.

1. For event promoters that decided to skip 2021 in the spirit of responsibility due to the COVID pandemic, steppers are willing to support them to make up for a lost year. GDI did not have a Heritage Ball in 2021. Again in 2022, because of the expected spike of illness in colder winter months like February, GDI decided this year to move the event from February to July in collaboration with the Majestic Gents to create The Mega Weekend.
2. The ladies want to know that there will be men to dance with. Already, RWS has done some promotions and special sales for their weekend passes for men only.

3. Steppers want to socialize more and do more than just stepping. GDIGENTS has already included other activities: The Charity Golf Tournament and a 4-hour Sunset Cruise. Workshops for instruction also include a focus on history and etiquette which steppers seem to show a greater appreciation for and interest in. RWS is focused on the party vibe and has included a Versus Silent Party and an After Party. Their workshops include not just stepping instruction but fitness with Feo Duncan.
4. It seems that generally, promoters draw less focus on who the workshop instructors are in marketing but still both events promise an interesting lineup of familiar faces and winners!

5. RWS marketing showcases VIP service and creating an upscale experience for guests. They offer reserved seating for those with VIP passes. VIP perks also includes priority serving at the brunch, access to the hospitality suite, and a private reception catered by Platinum Chef. VIP service comes at an additional price. RWS promotions feature the host hotel’s classic amenities and clean, spacious rooms for all guests to create a home away from home experience for everyone. GDIGENTS offers reserved tables for reserved seating on Friday and Saturday. To be sure, if the customer service is anything like what steppers have experienced at The Heritage Ball, everyone can expect topnotch service and attention.

Collaboration in the Community

In addition, I am always looking at the business side of things in stepping now because this has become a competitive market in so many ways. I am watching all the things promoters are doing to compete and stay ahead. I love that both events are relying on collaboration to make an impact. This is what business is about and makes watching everything in motion already interesting.

If you are still trying to make decisions about these events, please check out the event websites. Be sure to read the fine print and validate any event information you use to make a decision. As you know, with events, anything is subject to change. Visit gdigents.com and redwhiteandsmoove.com for all the details. I thought April and May were busy months, but it’s going to get even hotter in July with the GDI Gents Mega Weekend in Miami, Florida – July 7-11, 2022 and Smoove Entertainment’s Red, White and Smoove in Columbus, Ohio – June 30 – July 3, 2022. Come on July!

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Welcome! I am the writer Sonji Stewart. These are my travel stories about my Chicago Stepping experiences, traveling from city to city to dance. I hope my stories encourage you to join me in the adventure.

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