National Alternative
Fuel Vehicle Day

Consumers in this sense refers to the general public. Consumers’ knowledge about vehicles will vary with their personal experience. Most likely they know a bit about traditional vehicles, but not enough to be considered an expert. Lately, more and more people are becoming interested in and consequently knowledgeable about alternative fuel vehicles.

Consumers can be found doing what most of us do: working, relaxing, and spending time with friends and family. Because we are referring to the general public when we talk about this audience, work places are essentially “everywhere.”

Because the consumer audience is so broad, you should assume that everyone is a potential consumer. This is perhaps the most important audience for gaining AFV support. Without the belief of consumers that AFVs are necessary and viable options for transportation, consumers will not be interested in purchasing them, and they will not flourish.

Consumer interest in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles is growing as a result of many factors, including rising conventional fuel costs, more AFV options, improved AFV technology and reliability, and an increasing concerns for national energy security and the environment.
Ensuring that consumers are properly informed about AFVs is essential to the continued success of these vehicles.

• print or radio advertisements
• press releases
• calendar notices
• social media

Fair

Note: these suggested activities include most of the potential activities listed in the Site Coordinators’ Notebook. Use your discretion and knowledge of your local population when choosing from these activities or others.

• Live radio remote. Contract for a live remote radio broadcast with a station whose listeners match your audience according to age, sex, etc. (Radio stations can share their demographics with you).
• Interview an AFV expert on the live remote radio broadcast as part of the suggested fair or gala formats. Supply the radio personality with specific questions regarding the importance of AFVs.
• Have “spokes-character” give-away, AFV information and small premiums while telling attendees about AFVs.
  • Have the character hand out an environmentally friendly treats and information about AFVs.
• “AFV Race Auto Game.” Develop this as a way to compare and contrast vehicles and fuel types:
  • Label a toy car for each type of alternative fuel available in your area.
  • o Create a track with multiple lanes.
  • o One lane matching each fuel/car; divide the lanes into spaces.
  • Develop a set of cards for each fuel that describe fuel characteristics, vehicle characteristics, etc., of that fuel and that give directions for the player to follow, such as receive state tax credit for your natural gas vehicle—move ahead two spaces; include penalty cards such as trapped behind old diesel bus—cough and move two spaces back or forgot to have cylinder inspected—lose one turn while it is completed.
  • Shuffle the cards for each fuel and place them face down one card per each space in its fuel lane.
  • Use a spinner to advance toy AFVs down the matching lanes.
  • Player turns over card on the space on which he or she has landed and follows the instructions.
  • First player to cross finish line wins Odyssey cash or points for a chance to win a grand prize.
• Have a local AFV expert dress as a fortune-teller and meet one-on-one with individual attendees to “foretell" what kind of AFV could be in the attendee's future. This could be individualized to each attendee—individual or fleet manager. Appropriate literature can be on hand to distribute.
  • Example: "Otto" can explain to a fleet manager the "fortunes" he can save by implementing an AFV plan that would work best for that fleet's present and future situation. Include information on tax incentives (and possible penalties for failure to comply with local, state, or federal mandates), operation and maintenance, infrastructure needs, vehicle availability, initial capital costs, etc.
• Drawing for free rental of an AFV.
  • Use to encourage attendance.
  • Use as an incentive for motivating participants to complete evaluations and survey questions.
  • Use as a grand prize in a game (see below for several game suggestions).
• AFV Game Shows.
  • Question-and-answer or matching games modeled after popular game shows in which contestants match AFV facts or answer AFV-related questions.
  • Example: A contestant from a panel of three contestants selects one of the 8 levels of difficulty under five main topics. Each contestant races to be the first to answer. Get points for correct answer and chance to select another topic and level. Main topics could be AFV Options, AFV Economic, Clean Air AFVs, AFV Refueling, and Saving Domestic Energy.
• Invite your local ice rink to display its Zamboni ice-grooming equipment or a local landscaper display a propane mower to demonstrate current uses of AFVs.
• Display cutaways of various fuel systems such as compressed natural gas cylinders, etc.
• Provide expert AFV consultation at the event.
• Ask an independent AFV expert to provide individualized consultation to attendees about owning AFVs. This will give them enough basic information to point them in directions that will likely work for them.
• Have a pamphlet or flyer that lists local dealers that sell AFVs.
• Develop/locate a product that shows the difference between various AFVs and display as an AFV comparison chart or information poster or make a handout.
• Invite several AFV dealers to speak about options currently available in your area.
• Invite a panel of fuel providers to speak about local fueling options.
• Have an AFV auto show as part of your event. Let attendees meet sales people at a booth with actual cars or images of AFVs; include heavy-duty equipment, too.
• Obtain a speaker who has positive, first-hand experience with owning and operating an AFV or interview an AFV owner as part of a live remote radio broadcast.
• Make a poster with pictures and quotes from satisfied AFV owners.
• Invite AFV owners to be part of an AFV car show or ride-and-drive event; give them the option to showcase their AFV.
• Obtain a speaker who has positive, first-hand experience with owning and operating an AFV or interview an AFV owner as part of a live remote radio broadcast.
• Make a poster with pictures and quotes from satisfied AFV owners.
• Invite AFV owners to be part of an AFV car show or ride-and-drive event; give them the option to showcase their AFV.
• Have a booth or a presentation featuring the Alternative Fuel Station Locator found at http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/
• For each fuel available in your area, create local map(s) showing the location of refueling stations to distribute to participants.
• Demonstrate various connectors for refueling stations in your area and explain how they work.
• Fueling station ring toss game.
  • Take a large map of your area and cover the toss board; affix pins and name tags to the map to show where all local fueling stations are located. Or, display a map with locations marked and simply use a tag with fuel name and location on the toss board.
  • Have participants toss rings over the pins. Earn points toward a prize for ringing stations.
  • For a more challenging game, match the rings (color coded) to type of fueling station and have participants toss the designated "fuel" ring onto the matching fuel station pin. You can use car parts for rings and pins.
  • Use the Alternative Fuel Station Locator (www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/) to print tables of the fuels available in your area.
  • Distribute to attendees
• • “Scavenger hunt” for refueling sites for a fair format or event with displays.
  • Distribute blank maps of your area to attendees.
  • Distribute a list of clues to sites that they are to mark on the map. For example:
  • “Find 8 compressed natural gas sites—2 on the city’s north side, 2 on the west side, 2 on the east side, 2 on the south side); find 2 liquid natural gas sites near a major transportation hub; find 4 electric vehicle recharging sites at popular shopping areas;” etc. (Embellish with details as desired.)
  • Assign a refueling site to each display booth; have display booth attendants reveal where their refueling site is when attendees ask. For example, “Do you have a compressed natural gas site on the north side?” The attendant will show them the place to mark on the map and can even distribute a color-coded sticker (e.g., green for natural gas) as markers. This will also enhance interaction between the participants and those who have displays. Note: As an alternative, you can also provide answers silently; just have answers posted at various places at your event.
  • Instruct attendees to turn in completed maps for a prize
• Display the NAFTC poster provided by NAFTC Headquarters (required).
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters.
• Have a sign-up sheet for the NAFTC’s eNews.
• Ride-and-drive: Invite local dealers to display their AFVs and allow attendees to test drive them on a predetermined route.
• Demonstrate cost effectiveness of AFVs by having a locally knowledgeable individual demonstrate the Clean Cities Fleet Managers Guide (available at http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/fleets/ using local volunteers and local data on fuels and tax credits).
• Demonstrate that costs are lower for AFVs by showing jars containing oil from gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles alongside oil from various AFVs with the same mileage (showing that the oil does not have to be changed as frequently with AFVs).
• For fair format, turn this into a matching game asking participants to identify which vehicle produced which oil.
• Testimonials—ask a happy AFV owner to talk about vehicle operating costs as part of a seminar or as part of an interview on a live radio broadcast.
• Distribute literature about costs/effectiveness for AFVs—from manufacturers/dealers, perhaps fuel providers, etc.
• Distribute information about federal and state tax incentives for owning AFVs
  • Poster charts
  • Brochures
  • Panel of agency experts

Fleet management allows companies that rely on transportation to remove or minimize the risks associated with vehicle investment, improving efficiency and productivity, and reducing their overall transportation and staff costs.

Public and private companies or organizations that use a transportation fleet; public and private entities that design, build, and oversee facilities.

Fleet managers are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance and repair, fueling, risk management, and marketing of vehicles for public or private entities. These managers are key decision makers who need to have thorough skills in the following areas: management, organizational ability, strong financial control, and information technology to oversee operations.

More and more fleets, from school buses to emergency vehicles, are transitioning to alternative fuel vehicles to reduce fueling and maintenance costs. Fleet managers need solid data on vehicle and fueling costs, maintenance schedules, shop prep, and required certifications, to make an informed decision about AFVs.

• Specialized fleet publications
• Local and regional vehicle and auto-trader publications
• State auto dealer associations
• Local media, particularly through earned media
• PSAs on public access
• Local sporting events
• Local and regional car shows
• Trade shows
• Chamber of Commerce
• Direct mail or email

Fair and Conference

• Drawing for free rental of an AFV.
  • Use to encourage attendance.
  • Use as an incentive for motivating participants to complete evaluations and survey questions.
  • Use as a grand prize in a game (see below for several game suggestions).
• AFV Game Shows.
  • Question-and-answer or matching games modeled after popular game shows in which contestants match AFV facts or answer AFV-related questions.
  • Example: A contestant from a panel of three contestants selects one of the 8 levels of difficulty under five main topics. Each contestant races to be the first to answer. Get points for correct answer and chance to select another topic and level. Main topics could be AFV Options, AFV Economic, Clean Air AFVs, AFV Refueling, and Saving Domestic Energy.
• Display cutaways of various fuel systems such as compressed natural gas cylinders, etc.
• Provide expert AFV consultation at the event.
• Develop/locate a product that shows the difference between various AFVs and display as an AFV comparison chart or information poster or make a handout.
• Use a car care clinic to draw participants, then invite them to test drive AFVs and compare mileage and emissions of AFVs to their own cars.
• Develop and display a chart comparing costs and driving ranges for various fuels and vehicles.
• Ride-and-drive: Invite local dealers to display their AFVs and allow attendees to test drive them on a predetermined route.
• Demonstrate that costs are lower for AFVs by showing jars containing oil from gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles alongside oil from various AFVs with the same mileage (showing that the oil does not have to be changed as frequently with AFVs).
• For fair format, turn this into a matching game asking participants to identify which vehicle produced which oil.
• Testimonials—ask a happy AFV owner to talk about vehicle operating costs as part of a seminar or as part of an interview on a live radio broadcast.
• Distribute information about federal and state tax incentives for owning AFVs.
• Provide brochures for people to peruse later.
• Have a panel of agency experts.
• Obtain a speaker who has positive, first-hand experience with owning and operating an AFV or interview an AFV owner as part of a live remote radio broadcast.
• Make a poster with pictures and quotes from satisfied AFV owners.
• Invite AFV owners to be part of an AFV car show or ride-and-drive event; give them the option to showcase their AFV.
• Have a booth or a presentation featuring the Alternative Fuel Station Locator found at http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/
• For each fuel available in your area, create local map(s) showing the location of refueling stations to distribute to participants.
• Demonstrate various connectors for refueling stations in your area and explain how they work.
• Fueling station ring toss game.
  • Take a large map of your area and cover the toss board; affix pins and name tags to the map to show where all local fueling stations are located. Or, display a map with locations marked and simply use a tag with fuel name and location on the toss board.
  • Have participants toss rings over the pins. Earn points toward a prize for ringing stations.
  • For a more challenging game, match the rings (color coded) to type of fueling station and have participants toss the designated "fuel" ring onto the matching fuel station pin. You can use car parts for rings and pins.
• Use the Alternative Fuel Station Locater (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/) to print tables of the fuels available in your area.
  • Distribute to attendees
• “Scavenger hunt” for refueling sites for a fair format or event with displays.
  • Distribute blank maps of your area to attendees.
  • Distribute a list of clues to sites that they are to mark on the map. For example:
  • “Find 8 compressed natural gas sites—2 on the city’s north side, 2 on the west side, 2 on the east side, 2 on the south side); find 2 liquid natural gas sites near a major transportation hub; find 4 electric vehicle recharging sites at popular shopping areas;” etc. (Embellish with details as desired.)
  • Assign a refueling site to each display booth; have display booth attendants reveal where their refueling site is when attendees ask. For example, “Do you have a compressed natural gas site on the north side?” The attendant will show them the place to mark on the map and can even distribute a color-coded sticker (e.g., green for natural gas) as markers. This will also enhance interaction between the participants and those who have displays. Note: As an alternative, you can also provide answers silently; just have answers posted at various places at your event.
  • Instruct attendees to turn in completed maps for a prize.
• Display the NAFTC poster provided by NAFTC Headquarters (required).
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters.
• Have a sign-up sheet for the NAFTC’s eNews.

Automotive technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
Collision repair technicians fix damaged bodies and body parts of vehicles.

Automotive repair facilities, automotive maintenance facilities, and fleet facilities.

Categorized by the U.S. Department of Labor as realistic and investigative. Realistic occupations involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. The occupations do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. Investigative occupations frequently involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. Technicians stand for long periods while working and are exposed to contaminants.

As the number of alternative fuel vehicles on U.S. roads increases, so does the need for qualified technicians to maintain and repair them. Automotive technicians must be properly trained to work on these vehicles safely. Odyssey events are a good way to make sure that technicians in your area are aware of available training.

• Direct mail or email
• Local and regional vehicle and auto-trader publications
• State auto dealer associations
• Local media, particularly through earned media
• PSAs on public access
• Local sporting events
• Local and regional car shows
• Trade shows
• Targeted mailing

Workshop/Training, Fair, or Conference

• AFV Game Shows.
  • Question-and-answer or matching games modeled after popular game shows in which contestants match AFV facts or answer AFV-related questions.
  • Example: A contestant from a panel of three contestants selects one of the 8 levels of difficulty under five main topics. Each contestant races to be the first to answer. Get points for correct answer and chance to select another topic and level. Main topics could be AFV Options, AFV Economic, Clean Air AFVs, AFV Refueling, and Saving Domestic Energy.
• Display cutaways of various fuel systems such as compressed natural gas cylinders, etc.
• Provide expert AFV consultation at the event.
• Develop/locate a product that shows the difference between various AFVs and display as an AFV comparison chart or information poster or make a handout.
• Use a car care clinic to draw participants, then invite them to test drive AFVs and compare mileage and emissions of AFVs to their own cars.
• Develop and display a chart comparing costs and driving ranges for various fuels and vehicles.
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters.
• Have a sign-up sheet for the NAFTC’s eNews.

Someone who holds an official function in an organization or government and participates in the exercise of authority or represents a person/office of authority.

Elected Positions, government entities, and company heads

Often work in an office setting. May have several superiors to report to and rules that govern purchasing decisions.

Unstable fuel prices, coupled with concerns for the environment and air quality, have led many Americans to seek alternatives to conventional vehicles. Government officials and other decision maker need to hear facts and experiences of AFV owners to make sound judgements about emerging technologies.

• Specialized government publications
• Local and regional vehicle and auto-trader publications
• PSAs on public access
• Direct mail or email

Fair, Conference, or Gala

• Live radio remote. Contract for a live remote radio broadcast with a station whose listeners match your audience according to age, sex, etc. (Radio stations can share their demographics with you).
• Interview an AFV expert on the live remote radio broadcast as part of the suggested fair or gala formats. Supply the radio personality with specific questions regarding the importance of AFVs.
• AFV Game Shows.
  • Question-and-answer or matching games modeled after popular game shows in which contestants match AFV facts or answer AFV-related questions.
  • Example: A contestant from a panel of three contestants selects one of the 8 levels of difficulty under five main topics. Each contestant races to be the first to answer. Get points for correct answer and chance to select another topic and level. Main topics could be AFV Options, AFV Economic, Clean Air AFVs, AFV Refueling, and Saving Domestic Energy.
• Display cutaways of various fuel systems such as compressed natural gas cylinders, etc.
• Provide expert AFV consultation at the event.
• Develop/locate a product that shows the difference between various AFVs and display as an AFV comparison chart or information poster or make a handout.
• Ride-and-drive: Invite local dealers to display their AFVs and allow attendees to test drive them on a predetermined route.
• Demonstrate cost effectiveness of AFVs by having a locally knowledgeable individual demonstrate the Clean Cities Fleet Managers Guide (available at http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/fleets/ using local volunteers and local data on fuels and tax credits).
• Demonstrate that costs are lower for AFVs by showing jars containing oil from gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles alongside oil from various AFVs with the same mileage (showing that the oil does not have to be changed as frequently with AFVs).
• For fair format, turn this into a matching game asking participants to identify which vehicle produced which oil.
• Testimonials—ask a happy AFV owner to talk about vehicle operating costs as part of a seminar or as part of an interview on a live radio broadcast.
• Distribute literature about costs/effectiveness for AFVs—from manufacturers/dealers, perhaps fuel providers, etc.
• Distribute information about federal and state tax incentives for owning AFVs
  • Poster charts
  • Brochures
• Recruit a panel of agency experts
• Obtain a speaker who has positive, first-hand experience with owning and operating an AFV or interview an AFV owner as part of a live remote radio broadcast.
• Make a poster with pictures and quotes from satisfied AFV owners.
• Invite AFV owners to be part of an AFV car show or ride-and-drive event; give them the option to showcase their AFV.
• Have a booth or a presentation featuring the Alternative Fuel Station Locator found at http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/
• For each fuel available in your area, create local map(s) showing the location of refueling stations to distribute to participants.
• Demonstrate various connectors for refueling stations in your area and explain how they work.
• Fueling station ring toss game.
  • Take a large map of your area and cover the toss board; affix pins and name tags to the map to show where all local fueling stations are located. Or, display a map with locations marked and simply use a tag with fuel name and location on the toss board.
  • Have participants toss rings over the pins. Earn points toward a prize for ringing stations.
  • For a more challenging game, match the rings (color coded) to type of fueling station and have participants toss the designated "fuel" ring onto the matching fuel station pin. You can use car parts for rings and pins.
  • Use the Alternative Fuel Station Locator (www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/) to print tables of the fuels available in your area.
  • Distribute to attendees
• Use the Alternative Fuel Station Locater (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/) to print tables of the fuels available in your area.
  • Distribute to attendees
• “Scavenger hunt” for refueling sites for a fair format or event with displays.
  • Distribute blank maps of your area to attendees.
  • Distribute a list of clues to sites that they are to mark on the map. For example:
  • “Find 8 compressed natural gas sites—2 on the city’s north side, 2 on the west side, 2 on the east side, 2 on the south side); find 2 liquid natural gas sites near a major transportation hub; find 4 electric vehicle recharging sites at popular shopping areas;” etc. (Embellish with details as desired.)
  • Assign a refueling site to each display booth; have display booth attendants reveal where their refueling site is when attendees ask. For example, “Do you have a compressed natural gas site on the north side?” The attendant will show them the place to mark on the map and can even distribute a color-coded sticker (e.g., green for natural gas) as markers. This will also enhance interaction between the participants and those who have displays. Note: As an alternative, you can also provide answers silently; just have answers posted at various places at your event.
  • Instruct attendees to turn in completed maps for a prize
• Display the NAFTC poster provided by NAFTC Headquarters (required).
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters.
• Have a sign-up sheet for the NAFTC’s eNews.

First responders work in emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Police, fire fighters, and emergency medical service workers make up this category.

First responders’ duties may change several times while they are at the scene of an emergency. In some cases they remain at disaster scenes for days, for example, rescuing trapped survivors and assisting with medical treatment.

When on the scene of accidents and other emergencies, the work can be strenuous and dangerous. When not responding to an emergency, first responders have a central place (usually a fire station) where they maintain equipment and stay up-to-date with training.

As noted above, accident scenes are stressful situations. When not on the scene of an emergency, first responders can remain on call during shifts that often last 24 hours. Many work more than 40 hours per week.

Rising concerns about the effects of fossil fuels on the world’s environment combined with their increased cost when compared with alternative fuels are making AFVs more common on our nation’s roadways. With increased vehicle use, the chance of these new technologies being involved in a vehicular accident also increases.

First responders can be reached through a targeted direct mail or e-blast campaign. Of course, follow up phone calls assist with garnering additional support.

• State first responder associations
• Local media, particularly through earned media
• PSAs on public access
• Direct mail or email

Fair and Conference

• AFV Game Shows.
  • Question-and-answer or matching games modeled after popular game shows in which contestants match AFV facts or answer AFV-related questions.
  • Example: A contestant from a panel of three contestants selects one of the 8 levels of difficulty under five main topics. Each contestant races to be the first to answer. Get points for correct answer and chance to select another topic and level. Main topics could be AFV Options, AFV Economic, Clean Air AFVs, AFV Refueling, and Saving Domestic Energy.
• Display cutaways of various fuel systems such as compressed natural gas cylinders, etc.
• Provide expert AFV consultation at the event.
• Develop/locate a product that shows the difference between various AFVs and display as an AFV comparison chart or information poster or make a handout.
• Display the NAFTC poster provided by NAFTC Headquarters (required).
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters.
• Have a sign-up sheet for the NAFTC’s eNews.

Examine buildings, businesses, and other facilities to detect hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. May work to determine the origin and cause of fire and or other incidents. Designers and managers of facilities oversee the creation and maintenance of facilities where AFV work is performed, including the conversion of existing facilities to accommodate these vehicles.

An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure. These officials and designers work both in offices and in the field. In the field, inspectors examine public buildings, such as museums, and multifamily residential buildings, such as high-rise condominiums. Facility designers spend time in the field to oversee facility construction.

Inspectors work both in offices and in the field. In the field, inspectors examine public buildings, such as museums, and multifamily residential buildings, such as high-rise condominiums. They may also visit and inspect other structures, such as industrial plants and automotive facilities. Investigators must visit the scene where an accident has occurred. They may be exposed to poor ventilation, smoke, fumes, and other hazardous agents. Designers and managers of AFV facilities have responsibilities for ensuring that these facilities are efficient, safe, and meet legal requirements.

Alternative fuel vehicle require proper infrastructure to support their use. Specialized fueling equipment, charging structures, and adequate utility services must be in place and adhere to appropriate codes to be used safely. Designers and managers of AFV facilities must remain up-to-date about developments and how they impact infrastructure.

Proper enforcement of these codes is an essential component for AFV sustainability.

• Local media, particularly through earned media
• PSAs on public access
• Direct mail or email

Fair or Conference

• “AFV Race Auto Game.” Develop this as a way to compare and contrast vehicles and fuel types:
  • Label a toy car for each type of alternative fuel available in your area.
  • Create a track with multiple lanes.
  • One lane matching each fuel/car; divide the lanes into spaces.
  • Develop a set of cards for each fuel that describe fuel characteristics, vehicle characteristics, etc., of that fuel and that give directions for the player to follow, such as receive state tax credit for your natural gas vehicle—move ahead two spaces; include penalty cards such as trapped behind old diesel bus—cough and move two spaces back or forgot to have cylinder inspected—lose one turn while it is completed.
  • Shuffle the cards for each fuel and place them face down one card per each space in its fuel lane.
  • Use a spinner to advance toy AFVs down the matching lanes.
  • Player turns over card on the space on which he or she has landed and follows the instructions.
  • First player to cross finish line wins Odyssey cash or points for a chance to win a grand prize.
• AFV Game Shows.
  • Question-and-answer or matching games modeled after popular game shows in which contestants match AFV facts or answer AFV-related questions.
  • Example: A contestant from a panel of three contestants selects one of the 8 levels of difficulty under five main topics. Each contestant races to be the first to answer. Get points for correct answer and chance to select another topic and level. Main topics could be AFV Options, AFV Economic, Clean Air AFVs, AFV Refueling, and Saving Domestic Energy.
• Display cutaways of various fuel systems such as compressed natural gas cylinders, etc.
• Provide expert AFV consultation at the event.
• Develop/locate a product that shows the difference between various AFVs and display as an AFV comparison chart or information poster or make a handout.
• Display the NAFTC poster provided by NAFTC Headquarters (required).
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters.
• Have a sign-up sheet for the NAFTC’s eNews.

Elementary school students study basic academic learning and socialization skills, including a broad range of knowledge, skills, and behavioral adjustments they need to succeed in life. In general, a student learns basic arithmetic and sometimes rudimentary algebra in mathematics, English proficiency, science (often including environmental subjects), and fundamentals of other subjects.

Elementary schools (sometimes referred to as grade schools), private schools, and homeschool co-ops. Students often remain in one classroom throughout the school day.

Developing new skills and gaining an appreciation for knowledge and learning can be very rewarding.

Elementary school children will experience the effects of our actions today. When these students learn to drive and purchase their first vehicle, AFVs will have been on the market for their entire life. By introducing AFVs to these children at a young age, they will seem commonplace by the time they grow up. This familiarity may lead to increase AFV use.

To reach elementary school students, Odyssey coordinators should plan to target teachers and parents. Children of this age are typically not given much freedom outside of these jurisdictions.

Fair or Classroom

• Have spokes-character give-away AFV information and small prizes while telling attendees about AFVs.
  • Have the character hand out an environmentally friendly treats and information about AFVs.
• Have a picture contest. Ask participants to draw vehicles of the future. This works especially well with young children who may be attending a fair type event with their parents.
  • Have small prizes for those who participate (candy, crayons, stickers, etc.)
• “Spin an AFV Fact”
  • Create a spinning wheel with clicker.
  • Sections of the wheel are outfitted with facts about energy and air quality as related to vehicle emissions and fuel independence and the impact AFVs could have.
  • Ask participants to spin the wheel and win or lose points depending on which “fact" they land on. (Positive facts have high points; negative facts lose points or turn, etc.)
  • Award prize points toward a prize.
• Play “hang man” or similar word game.
  • Have participants guess the letters in a phrase having to do with AFVs and energy or the environment.
• Display the NAFTC poster provided by NAFTC Headquarters (required).
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters.

Students in these grades continue to study more advanced academic learning and socialization skills that were begun in elementary school.

Many high schools in the United States offer a choice of vocational or college prep curriculum. Schools that offer vocational programs include a very high level of technical specialization, e.g., auto mechanics or carpentry, with a half-day instruction/approved work program in senior year as the purpose of the program is to prepare students for gainful employment without a college degree. The level of specialization allowed varies depending on both the state and district the school is located in.

Secondary schools, private schools, homeschool co-ops. Upon arrival in middle school (sometimes referred to as junior high school and often beginning in grade 6), students begin to enroll in class schedules where they take classes from several teachers in a given day. They will continue to study with individual teachers focusing on a specific subject for the remainder of their education.

As with elementary school students, developing new skills and gaining an appreciation for knowledge and learning can be very rewarding.

These students are close to purchasing their first vehicles. By showing them the cost and environmental benefits of AFVs, we may be able to increase the likelihood that their first vehicle purchase is an AFV.

Older children begin to have some autonomy outside of school and home. However, Odyssey coordinators should still plan to partner with teachers to reach the maximum number of students with their event.

Fair or Classroom

• “AFV Race Auto Game.” Develop this as a way to compare and contrast vehicles and fuel types:
  • Label a toy car for each type of alternative fuel available in your area.
  • Create a track with multiple lanes.
  • One lane matching each fuel/car; divide the lanes into spaces.
  • Develop a set of cards for each fuel that describe fuel characteristics, vehicle characteristics, etc., of that fuel and that give directions for the player to follow, such as receive state tax credit for your natural gas vehicle—move ahead two spaces; include penalty cards such as trapped behind old diesel bus—cough and move two spaces back or forgot to have cylinder inspected—lose one turn while it is completed.
  • Shuffle the cards for each fuel and place them face down one card per each space in its fuel lane.
  • Use a spinner to advance toy AFVs down the matching lanes.
  • Player turns over card on the space on which he or she has landed and follows the instructions.
  • First player to cross finish line wins Odyssey cash or points for a chance to win a grand prize.
• AFV Game Shows.
  • Question-and-answer or matching games modeled after popular game shows in which contestants match AFV facts or answer AFV-related questions.
  • Example: A contestant from a panel of three contestants selects one of the 8 levels of difficulty under five main topics. Each contestant races to be the first to answer. Get points for correct answer and chance to select another topic and level. Main topics could be AFV Options, AFV Economic, Clean Air AFVs, AFV Refueling, and Saving Domestic Energy.
• Invite your local ice rink to display its Zamboni ice-grooming equipment or a local landscaper display a propane mower to demonstrate current uses of AFVs.
• Demonstrate clean tailpipe emissions.
  • Place a handkerchief over the tailpipes of various AFVs versus gasoline and diesel vehicles and display the “soiled” handkerchiefs.
  • For fair format, ask participants to match the handkerchief to the vehicle.
• Create and play an answer-and-question game focusing on the environmental aspects of AFVs.
• Create and play an answer and question game focusing on the energy aspects of AFVs.
• “Spin an AFV Fact”
  • Create a spinning wheel with clicker.
  • Sections of the wheel are outfitted with facts about energy and air quality as related to vehicle emissions and fuel independence and the impact AFVs could have.
  • Ask participants to spin the wheel and win or lose points depending on which “fact" they land on. (Positive facts have high points; negative facts lose points or turn, etc.)
  • Award prize points toward a prize.
• Play “hang man” or similar word game.
  • Have participants guess the letters in a phrase having to do with AFVs and energy or the environment.
  • Award points toward a prize.
• Demonstrate various connectors for refueling stations in your area and explain how they work.
• Display the NAFTC poster provided by NAFTC Headquarters (required).
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters.

Post-secondary education is an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after secondary education. This stage includes four-year colleges and universities, as well as junior and community colleges.

Students at this level of education generally devote time to studying specialized information that pertains to their specific career plans.

Universities, academies, colleges, seminaries, and institutes of technology. Higher education is also available through certain college-level institutions, including vocational schools, trade schools, and other career colleges that award academic degrees or professional certifications.

Postsecondary schools teach career skills that help students earn a certificate, diploma, or an associate’s degree, and prepare them for a specific job. For example, welding instructors teach students various welding techniques and essential safety practices. They also monitor the use of tools and equipment, and have students practice procedures until they meet the specific standards required by the trade.

College and other post-secondary school students are often out in the world for the first time, forging their opinions and identities.

While you should plan to partner with a faculty member when scheduling any time or space on campus, you should also use social media, signage, and print and radio advertisements to reach the maximum number of students.

Community Fair and Classroom

• Live radio remote. Contract for a live remote radio broadcast with a station whose listeners match your audience according to age, sex, etc. (Radio stations can share their demographics with you).Interview an AFV expert on the live remote radio broadcast as part of the suggested fair or gala formats.
  • Supply the radio personality with specific questions regarding the importance of AFVs.
• Have “spokes-character” give-away AFV information and small prizes while telling attendees about AFVs.
  • o Have the character hand out an environmentally friendly treats and information on AFVs.
• AFV Game Shows.
  • Question-and-answer or matching games modeled after popular game shows in which contestants match AFV facts or answer AFV-related questions.
  • Example: A contestant from a panel of three contestants selects one of the 8 levels of difficulty under five main topics. Each contestant races to be the first to answer. Get points for correct answer and chance to select another topic and level. Main topics could be AFV Options, AFV Economic, Clean Air AFVs, AFV Refueling, and Saving Domestic Energy.
• Invite your local ice rink to display its Zamboni ice-grooming equipment or a local landscaper display a propane mower to demonstrate current uses of AFVs.
• Display cutaways of various fuel systems such as compressed natural gas cylinders, etc.
• Provide expert AFV consultation at the event.
• Develop/locate a product that shows the difference between various AFVs and display as an AFV comparison chart or information poster or make a handout.
• Operate a glass engine on natural gas and/or propane to demonstrate their properties.
• Test and compare emissions. Use a gas analyzer to test emissions from participants’ vehicles and then compare those emissions to those from the AFV of their choice
• Use a gas analyzer to demonstrate emissions from various AFVs vs. gasoline vehicles.
• Place the analyzer probe near the refueling site of the AFVs and gasoline vehicles to demonstrate volatile emissions released during refueling.
• Demonstrate various connectors for refueling stations in your area and explain how they work.
• Display the NAFTC poster provided by NAFTC Headquarters (required).
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters.
• Have a sign-up sheet for the NAFTC’s eNews.

This example outlines the schedule for a one day conference that includes options for scheduled speakers and/or panels or demonstrations, poster/exhibits session keynote address, refreshments and lunch, plus optional recreational event. A moderator is needed to stay on schedule and to field questions. This conference can also start in the afternoon followed by a voluntary evening recreation like night golf or with participants having the option to attend an athletic event.)

*Many golf courses give weekday discounts on 9 holes of golf. If you have a planning committee, Also, perhaps you could get this part of your event sponsored partially and charge golfers a small fee.

Download Conference Format(.doc)

This example outlines an agenda for a fair that runs approximately four hours. It includes a series of staffed activity booths and scheduled events, raffle and prize drawing that would help draw people to booths and help get evaluations completed, and live Radio remote. Disc jockey or other designated individual would need to announce the scheduled events in a timely fashion.

Download Fair Format(.doc)

This example schedule for an evening gala includes three main sections with the last section being optional for a "shorter version.” The event consists of a reception and cocktail hour, a banquet with a speaker and host moderator, and a closing event or upscale recreational activity.

Download Banquet/ Gala Format(.doc)

• Live radio remote. Contract for a live remote radio broadcast with a station whose listeners match your audience according to age, sex, etc. (Radio stations can share their demographics with you).
  • Interview an AFV expert on the live remote radio broadcast as part of the suggested fair or gala formats. Supply radio personality with specific questions regarding the importance of AFVs.
• Have “spokes-character” give-away, AFV information and small premiums while telling attendees about AFVs.
  • Have the character hand out an environmentally-friendly treat and information on AFVs.
• “AFV Race Auto Game.” Develop this as a way to compare and contrast vehicles and fuel types:
  • Label a toy car for each type of alternative fuel available in your area.
  • Create a track with multiple lanes.
  • One lane matching each fuel/car; divide the lanes into spaces.
  • Develop a set of cards for each fuel that describe fuel characteristics, vehicle characteristics, etc., of that fuel and that give directions for the player to follow, such as receive state tax credit for your NGV – move ahead two spaces; include penalty cards such as trapped behind old diesel bus – cough and move two spaces back or forgot to have cylinder inspected – lose one turn while it is completed.
  • Shuffle the cards for each fuel and place them face down one card per each space in its fuel lane.
  • Use a spinner to advance toy AFVs down the matching lanes.
  • Player turns over card on the space on which he or she has landed and follows the instructions.
  • First player to cross finish line wins Odyssey cash or points for a chance to win a grand prize.
  • Sponsor a “fortune teller” booth, "Ask Otto the Great."
• Have a local AFV expert dress as a fortune-teller and meet one-on-one with individual attendees to “foretell" what kind of AFV could be in the attendee's future. This could be individualized to each attendee – individual or fleet manager. Appropriate literature can be on hand to distribute.
  • Example: "Otto" can explain to a fleet manager the "fortunes" he can save by implementing an AFV plan that would work best for that fleet's present and future situation. Include information on tax incentives (and possible penalties for failure to comply with local, state, or federal mandates), operation and maintenance, infrastructure needs, vehicle availability, initial capital costs, etc.
• Drawing for free rental of an AFV.
  • Use to encourage attendance.
  • Use as an incentive for motivating participants to complete evaluations and survey questions.
  • Use as a grand prize in a game (see below for several game suggestions).
• AFV Game Shows.
  • Question-and-answer or matching games modeled after popular game shows in which contestants match AFV facts or answer AFV-related questions.
  • Example: A contestant from a panel of three contestants selects one of the 8 levels of difficulty under five main topics. Each contestant races to be the first to answer. Get points for correct answer and chance to select another topic and level. Main topics could be AFV Options, AFV Economic, Clean Air AFVs, AFV Refueling, Saving Domestic Energy.
• Invite your local ice rink to display its Zamboni® ice-grooming equipment to demonstrate current uses of AFVs.
• Have a web site display. Set up computers with a set of links already listed so that attendees can explore information available via the Web. Include:
  • http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/
  • http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/
  • http://www.nationalafvdayodyssey.org/
  • http://www.naftc.wvu.edu/alt_fuel_data
  • Honda’s selection of Hybrids http://automobiles.honda.com
  • Toyota’s AFV innovations http://www.toyota.com
  • Nissan’s Green Program http://www.nissanusa.com/about/green-program/index.html
• Display cutaways of various fuel systems such as CNG cylinders, etc.
  • Provide expert AFV consultation at the event.
• Ask an independent AFV expert to provide individualized consultation to attendees about owning AFVs. This will give them enough basic information to point them in directions that will likely work for them.
• Have a pamphlet or flyer that lists local dealers that sell AFVs.
• Develop/locate a product that shows the difference between various AFVs and display as an AFV comparison chart or information poster or make a handout.
• Provide literature on the various AFV options.
• Invite several AFV dealers to speak about options currently available in your area.
• Invite a panel of fuel providers to speak about local fueling options.
• Have an AFV auto show as part of your event. Let attendees meet sales people at a booth with actual cars or images of AFVs; include heavy-duty equipment, too.
• Make the "show" non-staffed as an exhibit (actual or images) of AFVs only.

Print Goal I(.pdf)

• Distribute flyers or lists of salespeople for each local fueling option and for local AFV dealers.
• Ride-and-drive - Invite local dealers to display their AFVs and allow attendees to test drive them on a predetermined route.
• Use a car care clinic to draw participants then invite them to test drive AFVs and compare mileage and emissions of AFVs to their own cars.
• Develop and display a chart comparing BTUs per price and driving ranges for various fuels and vehicles.
• Demonstrate cost effectiveness of AFVs by having a locally knowledgeable individual demonstrate the Clean Cities Fleet Managers Guide (available at http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/fleets/ using local volunteers and local data on fuels and tax credits).
• Demonstrate that O&M costs are lower for AFVs by showing jars containing oil from gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles alongside oil from various AFVs.
  • For fair format, turn this into a matching game asking participants to identify which vehicle produced which oil.
• Testimonials--ask a happy AFV owner to talk about O&M costs as part of a seminar or as part of an interview on a live radio broadcast.
• Distribute literature on O&M costs/effectiveness for AFVs -- from OEMs/dealers, perhaps fuel providers, etc
• Distribute information on federal and state tax incentives for owning AFVs
  • Poster charts
  • Brochures
  • Panel of agency experts
• Demonstrate clean tailpipe emissions.
  • Place a handkerchief over the tailpipes of various AFVs versus gasoline and diesel vehicles and display the “soiled” handkerchiefs.
  • For fair format, ask participants to match the handkerchief to the vehicle.
• Show the video produced by the CNG Cylinder Company of North America, “CNG Cylinder Company: Severe Abuse Test”. Related photos and information can be found at http://ngvcommunity.com/documents/118_engva%20safety%20tests.pdf
• Demonstrate CNG AFV safety.
  • Contact NAFTC Headquarters for available information.
• Operate a glass engine on natural gas and/or propane to demonstrate their properties.
• Create and play an answer-and-question game focusing on the environmental aspects of AFVs.
• Test and compare emissions. Use a gas analyzer to test emissions from participants’ vehicles and then compare those emissions to those from the AFV of their choice
• Create and play an answer and question game focusing on the energy aspects of AFVs.
• Use a gas analyzer to demonstrate emissions from various AFVs vs. gasoline vehicles.
  • Place the analyzer probe near the refueling site of the AFVs and gasoline vehicles to demonstrate volatile emissions released during refueling.
• Have a picture contest. Ask participants to draw vehicles of the future.
  • This works especially well with young children who may be attending a fair type event with their parents.
  • Have small prizes for those who participate (candy, crayons, stickers, etc.)
• Spin an AFV Fact.
  • Create a spinning wheel with clicker.
  • Sections of the wheel are outfitted with facts about energy and air quality as related to vehicle emissions and fuel independence and the impact AFVs could have.
  • Ask participants to spin the wheel and win or lose points depending on which “fact" they land. (Positive facts have high points; negative facts lose points or turn, etc.)
  • Award prize points toward a prize.
• Play “hang man” or similar word game.
  • Have participants guess the letters in a phrase having to do with AFVs and energy or the environment.
  • Award points toward a prize.
• Have a booth or a presentation featuring the AFDC (Alternative Fuels Data Center) Alternative Fuel Station Locator found at http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/
• For each fuel available in your area, create local map(s) showing the location of refueling stations to distribute to participants.
• Demonstrate various connectors for refueling stations in your area and explain how they work.
• Fueling station ring toss game.
  • Take a large map of your area and cover the toss board; affix pins and name tags to the map to show where all local fueling stations are located. Or, display a map with locations marked and simply use a tag with fuel name and location on the toss board.
  • Have participants toss rings over the pins. Earn points toward a prize for ringing stations.
  • For a more challenging game, match the rings (color coded) to type of fueling station and have participants toss the designated "fuel" ring onto the matching fuel station pin. You can use car parts for rings and pins.
• Use the AFDC Station Locater at http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/stations/ to print tables of the fuels available in your area.
  • Distribute to attendees
• “Scavenger hunt” for refueling sites for a fair format or event with displays.
  • Distribute blank maps of your area to attendees.
  • Distribute a list of clues to sites that they are to mark on the map. For example:
  • “Find 8 CNG sites — 2 on the City’s north side, 2 on the west side, 2 on the east side, 2 on the south side); find 2 LNG sites near a major transportation hub; find 4 EV recharging sites at popular shopping areas;” etc. (Embellish with details as desired.)
  • Assign a refueling site to each display booth; have display booth attendants reveal where their refueling site is when attendees ask. For example, “Do you have a CNG site on the north side?” The attendant will show them the place to mark on the map and can even distribute a color-coded sticker (e.g., green for natural gas) as markers. This will also enhance interaction between the participants and those who have displays. Note: As an alternative, you can also provide answers silently; just have answers posted at various places at your event.
  • Instruct attendees to turn in completed maps for a prize.
• Obtain a speaker who has positive, first-hand experience with owning and operating an AFV or interview an AFV owner as part of a live remote radio broadcast.
• Make a poster with pictures and quotes from satisfied AFV owners.
• Invite a panel of speakers consisting of individuals, fleet owners, and business or government decision-makers to discuss their experience with shopping for, owning, and operating AFVs.
• Invite AFV owners to be part of an AFV car show or ride-and-drive event; give them the option to showcase their AFV.

Print Goal II(.pdf)

• Display the NAFTC poster provided by NAFTC Headquarters (required).
• Distribute NAFTC literature provided by NAFTC Headquarters
• Have a sign-up sheet for the NAFTC’s eNews.

Print Goal III(.pdf)

Before it opened to all users above the age of 13-years-old in the Fall of 2006, Facebook served as a social networking engine at Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and Yale Universities and other colleges. Designed as a tool for students to get to know other students, share ideas, respond to study inquiries, etc., Facebook is now used by people the world over to share information about themselves, their beliefs, events, and more. Facebook is a quick, easy, and free way to spread the word about your project. Users can create profiles with photos, lists of personal interests, likes, and contact information. Communicating with friends and other users can be done through private or public messages or a chat feature. Users can also create and join interest groups and “like pages.” A “like page” is a way for users to endorse specific sites and opportunities. It is how social media users vote in the social media realm.

To make a “like page” for your AFV Day Odyssey Event, you must first join Facebook. If you have a valid email address, you are already half way there. Visit www.facebook.com and click on “Create a Page”, as you see at the bottom of the screenshot shown above.

Once you have clicked “Create a Page”, you will be directed to a page containing this information:

You may have another category to list your project under but “Technology Product/Service” seems to best fit the AFV Day Odyssey Events. Choose an appropriate title (e.g. SITE NAME AFV Day Odyssey Event YEAR) and you are set to go. By checking the box, and identifying yourself as the official representative of said project, you will be named an administrator for the page.
From here, simply set up your page. Upload a profile photo (perhaps your logo), write-in some information, and start spreading the word. You can gain users by suggesting this page to friends, if you’re an established Facebook user, or by purchasing a banner ad through Facebook. For those who are not already members of Facebook, you can e-mail invitations to people to join and/or visit your page. Also, be sure to include a “Find us on Facebook” note in any other advertising media you use! Facebook allows you to download their badge for placement on your site.

It is veryimportant to keep your site up-to-date with the latest on your project. You can use Facebook to announce events and send out invitations, have group discussions, release information, and more. It is a very powerful P.R. tool!

Here are some screen grabs of a hydrogen vehicle “like page” on Facebook to show what can be accomplished:
Be sure to include photos from your events, links to articles published on your project, answers to commonly asked questions; and with a Blackberry, you can even send real time updates to your Facebook status as with the “DC Visit” note below.

Uploading photos and videos is very straightforward. In the screenshot above, the arrow is pointing to several icons next to the word “Attach”. The first icon allows you to post a link to your home page or “wall”; the next a photo, an event, and finally, a video. This is a quick and easy way to exhibit new things. In the “DC Visit” note below, you can see that Jason has written text about their trip and attached a link to an article about the bus that was published on http://fastlane.dot.gov. Simply type your text in the “What’s on your mind?” box that is provided. Click the icon for your attachment type. Paste and/or upload the attachment then click “Share”.

Additionally, if you have a series of photos you’d like to add, say from a weekend-long event, go to the “Photos” tab at the top of the page and then click “Create New Album”. Enter your event title, any pertinent details, allowances, then upload your photos.

Facebook has recently started a new service for “like page” administrators. Each week, they send out an email containing page activity stats, like this one:

Hi Rebecca,
Here is this week's summary for the Facebook Page: The Hydrogen Hybrid Bus
+1 Fans this week (165 total Fans)
0 Wall Posts, Comments, and Likes this week (3 last week)
154 visits to your page this week (122 visits last week)

Update your Fans
Visit your Insights Page
Get more Fans with Facebook Ads

You can quickly see how many fans you’ve gained or lost, how much interaction you’ve had with your audience, and how many people have visited your page in the past week. Additionally, you have the option to send a note to your fans, see a full listing of stats, and purchase a banner ad. To send a Note, click the “Note” tab at the top of your wall page. Write your title and text as you would any press release or article, tag related persons, and then select a group to whom you will send the note.

Facebook is a wonderful tool to reach the Generation X-Z crowd and is easily updatable from the nearest computer or cell phone. It’s such a visually rich program that you can really get your message out in words and photos and get your target market excited about your project. Additionally, with wall posts, discussions, notes, and messages*, you’ll be able to interact directly with your audience, answer questions, and spread the word without having to use a traditional medium that may take hours, days, or even weeks to update, correct, encourage, and respond.

• *1. Wall post: Any note, photo, video, link, etc. that you post directly to your wall using the directions on page 4.
•  2. Discussions: By clicking on the “Discussions” tab at the top of your wall page, you can post a discussion topic or question to your fans. Fans can then reply directly and have a sort of on-line conference with yourself and other enthusiasts.
•  3. Notes: See the paragraph above.
•  4. Messages: Administrators have the option to privately message, or email, Fans with responses to questions, inquiries, etc.

Facebook can also be linked with Twitter, the newest of the social network services. Assuming you have established a Twitter profile (see below), to link Facebook and Twitter together, go on Facebook under Applications and search for the “Twitter Tab”. Using this application will add another tab to the top of your wall page, next to Info, Notes, Discussions, etc. This application will copy your profile settings, including theme and color, directly from Twitter and apply it to your news stream. From here on out, anything you tweet will be featured on your Twitter Tab.

Print Facebook(.pdf)

Developed in 2006, Twitter took AOL’s original Instant Messaging to a whole new level. Based on SMS (short message service) texts on cell phones, Twitter users are able to update their followers (those people who subscribe to their updates) at any time, from anywhere. Limited to 140 character-length posts called tweets, Twitter has gained enormous popularity since the beginning of 2009.
You must create a profile to use Twitter, like this one:

Automoblog, a car enthusiast’s profile, tweeted a story about Toyota’s new hydrogen car project, as you can see in the screenshot above. You can also see that the name of the user is actually Automoblog.net, they’re located in North Carolina, and they’re web site is located at http://www.automoblog.net. It is very easy to become a follower of Automoblog’s tweets, as you can see on the upper part of the screenshot. The interested party simply has to click on “Let me in”.

Tweets can be received via email or cell phone, and they can be tied into one’s Facebook page as well. You can use it, like Automoblog has done above, to direct people to your web site for new information, or you can use it to simply tell people what’s going on at any given time.

As an example, say you break the land speed record with your advanced electric drive vehicle. You could log-on to Twitter via your cell phone’s SMS service or the nearest laptop and type in, “Andy Green eat my dust! Advanced electric drive vehicle, 764mph!” And just like that, everyone who follows your profile and/or Twitter in general, has received the first news that your vehicle has broken the land speed record. This is also particularly helpful since many news agencies now follow Twitter in order to stay on top of World events! Twitter is the ultimate tool for front line reporting.

Like Facebook, you will have a photo associated with your profile and as mentioned previously, the photo or logo you have on Facebook and on your print advertisements, should be the same one you have on Twitter. There is a lot of information out there, and the more opportunities you have to tie your information together with a similar look and sound (consistent messaging), the better. There is less of a chance for people to confuse you with another project if everything you publish looks the same…that includes the color, tone, and vision.

In addition to following your project tweets via cell phone and email, the general public, if they happen to find your “Find us on Twitter” note from another source, can do a search for your project using your username with the ampersand symbol before it. For example, if your Twitter name is _______ AFV Odyssey Event YEAR, folks can go to www.twitter.com type in @_______ AFV Odyssey Event YEAR in the search box and find your profile. One can also do a topical search such as the one shown below for “hydrogen vehicle”:

As with Facebook, a Twitter user can restrict his/her information only to those people who are followers, or a user can open their profile and tweets up to the general populace for perusal. Since your goal is to gain as much interest as possible in your AFV Day Odyssey event, make sure your privacy settings are set appropriately! As a default, Twitter almost always makes the information you provide public. To set your privacy settings, and therefore control what is made public and what is not, visit your Twitter Account page and click “Settings”. As a corporation seeking fans, being public is a good thing, but keep in mind that everything you post and publish is broadly and instantly disseminated; is searchable by many search engines; and is immediately delivered via SMS and API’s to a wide range of users and services..

Print Twitter(.pdf)

Although not a social network like Facebook or Twitter, blogs can be used to reach a wide variety of people who have shared interests, and the author of the blog can receive direct feedback from his/her readers; so in many ways, the direct marketing avenue is still there.

Wikipedia defines a blog as:

A blog (a contraction of the term "web log") is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic.

Blogs are useful for filling in your audience about what to expect during your AFV Day Odyssey Event. Whereas Facebook and Twitter are up to the minute, real time, instant feedback media for news headlines (a ticker tape, if you will); a blog gives its reader the full story. There are many, many different blogs out there today; everything from cooking to crafts to the war in Afghanistan to advanced electric drive vehicles. The key is, again, to keep a consistent look and message and direct your users to your blog via Facebook and Twitter (and to reference them to Facebook and Twitter via your blog).

Here’s an example:

Always tie each of your media together! Obviously, you cannot put these icons in everything you do, but if your print ads or published articles direct users to your web site, then your web site should direct them to your blog, to Facebook, to Twitter, and so on.

Let’s take a look at an Advanced Electric Vehicle Blog…

You can see from this posting, there are multiple entries from multiple authors. If your project is being overseen by a team and each member has a different aspect of the project that he/she is capable of expounding better than another, there’s a benefit to blogging in that you can create a variety of authors for the same blog/webzine (on-line magazine). Do not forget to post photos and videos too…not just text! Readers are much more likely to keep reading if they have something interesting to look at in addition to simple written information and data.

Similarly, you can use your event blog as a place to sell sponsorships or t-shirts or event related memorabilia.

Note the blogs below.

In conclusion, social media is an excellent avenue to reach your peers, colleagues, and most importantly the public to get them excited about your AFV Day Odyssey project. Follow a few simple guidelines, and you will not fail:

• 1. Keep your message and look consistent (this includes any other advertising you may be doing: print, radio, broadcast TV, etc.)
• 2. With social media especially, keep the news fresh…they call it news for a reason. If it is more than a few days old on the Internet, you are missing out. Whether you have a big story or not, let your followers know you are still out there, getting ready and excited about your event. Update the postings and information regularly.
• 3. Respond to feedback received and remember social media is, above all else, interactive.
• 4. Have fun with it!

Print Web(Blog)(.pdf)