[TR] Looking for a Guide or input to hosting a successful tech session or input

[Keith Jordan]

Chris and Others,

I, too, don’t have a guide, but I’m happy to share what we’ve/I’ve done in Kansas City. We typically have a tech session every month and they’re put on the calendar well in advance. We use either a person’s garage (if large enough) or, if we’re lucky, a communal garage/storage space. The subjects are what the presenter is familiar with, for instance, I gave a tech session on how I put a Skinner interior in my (now sold) TR3 to about 20-25 members. What made it successful was that I had documented the interior install through lots of photos, which I placed in a Power Point presentation. We had access to a large flat screen TV, and I used my laptop. My car was present, too, so I could show a “slide” on the TV and point it out for real on my car. It helped that I have done dozens of presentations over the years, both for work and my other hobby (railroad history). I believe that presentations should be somewhat entertaining, rather than a dry recitation of facts (it helps that I’m comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and doing so extemporaneously).

In May, I will be doing a presentation on wiring, again using my former TR3 as an example (through photos) and a member’s TR2 that is having the loom replaced. I’m not going to talk about electrical theory or anything, just how to install a loom and some of the tricks I learned along the way. It’s the practical aspects that most people have a question about, rather than the hardcore aspects.

In other instances we’ve had “hands-on” explanations,  such as replacing the window regulator parts on a TR6. We’re planning to have a tech session on welding in the future. It also helps to have a handout, outlining the steps or relevant info, something one can add to the  “TR notebook.”

Make sure you water and feed your guests; in our morning sessions we always have coffee, juice and donuts (paid for by the club).

I hope this helps and feel free to contact me with additional questions.

Keith Jordan
Kansas City Triumphs Sports Car Club