Here's another one:
5-Embedded con goers! Basically, select a group of con goers that will attend panels and events like normal, and their only job is to report to someone so staff can get a feel for things. Too much congestion somewhere? Out of control attendees? A staff member overstepping their boundaries? They can report it. Honestly, the last part, about reporting on out of control attendees/staff members acting out of turn doesn't really sound too good to me, since it seems like a sort of "secret con police" and I don't like that idea on principle. But, I think it might be a good idea to have a staff of con attendees that you know will only provide helpful information and legitimate criticisms to help things flow nicely. They'll kind of be on the front lines of the convention so to speak.
1- Lack of communication. Too many staff were giving people conflicting information. What one staff member said was okay another said was against the rules. So lets say that there was a last minute change and now they need to move a line because it poses a fire hazard or some sort of safety risk. How is that communicated to all the Yojimbo? Is it done person to person? Do the Yojimbo have radios to communicate? I think an easy and cheap way to communicate any up to the minute news could be done via a special Twitter account for Kumoricon or a sort of e-mail list that would send SMS to the cellphones of the Yojimbo. Twitter would be most convenient for its ease but I think an e-mail list with the SMS addresses of all the Yojimbo would be better. If done this way, you could at least group certain e-mails and then send out the relevant information. This is helpful because 1) there would be no unnecessary information for people that didn't need to know it 2) it would save on any incoming text charges. I understand some volunteers might not like this idea since it could incur a cost to them, so it should be voluntary. However, so long as it is done sparingly, how much could an extra 50 at maximum or so texts over the course of a weekend hurt you?
I know that it might be extremely inconvenient, but I really really think we should post a Yojimbo (or a Hotel Staff, or a designated police officer, etc) at the Pioneer Square MAX station from maybe 10PM-3AM.
I noticed a lot of little problems this year at the convention but this was the only thing that caused me to feel really uncomfortable and unsafe. By that late at night everyone creepy in downtown PDX has heard about the anime convention and everybody normal has gone to bed. I had some really uncomfortable situations myself and I've read about people having even worse experiences on the forums. I know that a security person at PS wouldn't fix everything, but at least people would know there was someone safe to ask for help outside the hotel.
That gate was keep closed to prevent people from coming in and messing up the head count to keep the entire level within fire code. Plus people could just walk down the ramp and skip the line starting at the top of the escalators and people in line for a while wouldn't be able to get in if we had to close the doors when the main room capped.
the only thing I wish would change is that events would start ON TIME and that the dances would start and hour earlier since the curfew for minors is midnight, the dances didn't start until 10:00 or 11:00 and they started LATE.
correct me if I'm wrong, but to be more fair to the minors, it should start around 9:00
isn't that how it was at 2008?
Besides, how do we get the kids out of the dance by midnight? I'm still confused at how this was supposed to work...
Do we just ask nicely? do Yojimbo get to go around with flashlights and check badges 1/2 durring the dance?
Or will there have to be an early dance for under-agers next year that ends early, everyone has to leave or have a stamp
or something....
AHH! it just seems like a logistical nightmare...!
~Allykat
Yeah... There is Sak/S-con/Sakura-Con.... but if you are really in the know there is Sac-Anime in
Sacremento CA and then you are talking about Sak and Sac and you could really get confused!
LOL
I had a feeling a minors early dance just wouldn't work... well perhaps someone will come up with
an ingenious idea by October! Maybe since they are technically on private property in the hotel
as long as they are in the dance minors can have a specific little sticker on their badge that permits
them the DANCE ONLY as a way to stay up late. There room would have to be in the Hilton main
tower, barring youth who have to cross the street to the other executive tower-
see this is just too hard... oy!
~Allykat
The only time we've had the dances earlier is when we didn't have a band. If we want to go back to that, then no bands is an option.
The Masquerade Ball timing was not affected by a band, it was affected by the Cosplay Contest. We can look at moving it earlier in the day (which has been expressed by others as not a good thing), or shortening it (same thing). And I know this is not going to be a popular thing, but the Ball was a dance that minors were allowed to go to... it just wasn't a rave.
Like I said in Rant and Rave... it's a balance issue. I have one big room to schedule all the big events, and timing is an issue. We do our best to try and ensure that it is fair for everyone... we are not singling out any one group to screw over.
If people want bands... could we consider a mini battle of the bands?
Con-goers can sign up with their band and perform a 1-2 song set and have it
be a sort of competition or exhibition of fan bands, we can even ask them to try
and keep the songs anime/japanese based!
Thats free publicity for bands, and free bands for the con, this has probably already
been thought of and found to not have enough momentum behind it but... it might
show you... I don't know how many people are really intent on seeing a band at the
con...
~Allykat
We have equipment to setup on band on stage. Every band requires slightly different tech. We'd need two complete setups. While one band played the other set would need to be changed over. We'd need 2x the soundboards, amps, cords, mikes and tech crew. And likely other fiddly things I am blissfully ignorant of ;)
Just to have two bands we have to have an one hour tech walkthrough to set up them and thier change-over.
We have equipment to setup on band on stage. Every band requires slightly different tech. We'd need two complete setups. While one band played the other set would need to be changed over. We'd need 2x the soundboards, amps, cords, mikes and tech crew. And likely other fiddly things I am blissfully ignorant of ;)
Just to have two bands we have to have an one hour tech walkthrough to set up them and thier change-over.
It may be worth having 'new' and 'old' equipment duplicating that task (or renting 2x as much; IDK what we do now), just to eliminate that 'waste hour' when we do have two bands.
Though I wonder why we don't have the bands on one night, and the dance stuff on another.
Though I wonder why we don't have the bands on one night, and the dance stuff on another.
- edit -
Right, it wasn't the band, it was Cosplay... hum... It's too bad we can't hold Cosplay somewhere else that's large and open and easier tow wander in and out of...
It costs alot of money. As it was, the bands were sharing some equipment to lessen setup time. Also, since we did not hit were we though we would on numbers, we have LESS money to plan next year, not MORE.
It costs alot of money. As it was, the bands were sharing some equipment to lessen setup time. Also, since we did not hit were we though we would on numbers, we have LESS money to plan next year, not MORE.
Seeing as it seems to be a niche audience to begin with, do you think it would be possible to /paid/ tickets for the shows? I mean, at first it might seem ridiculous but this happens all the time at amusement parks and such and I imagine people who wanted bands would prefer paying $3-8 rather than them being cut entirely. This would lighten the financial strain, but I guess it wouldn't do much for scheduling conflicts.
With the price of admission, we try to avoid charging extra for events if we can avoid it. I have some plans to deal with this, but, can't really talk abotu them because:
a) New Board is not elected yet.
b) It's *reeeeealy* bad form to talk about potential guests. All GoH and band bookings are kept secret until 100% confirmed and that will be a whiles off ... no matter who is running it.
With the price of admission, we try to avoid charging extra for events if we can avoid it. I have some plans to deal with this, but, can't really talk abotu them because:
a) New Board is not elected yet.
b) It's *reeeeealy* bad form to talk about potential guests. All GoH and band bookings are kept secret until 100% confirmed and that will be a whiles off ... no matter who is running it.
And because Programming might kill you if it's found out that multiple bands are in the works >:(
It would seem to make more sense to me to have the Masquerade Ball on one night (all ages) and a concert/dance on the other night. You'd only need one band. And is there a way to start them an hour earlier? I'm not used to being up that late anymore and I've been too tired by that time to mess with it.
I don't suppose you can please everyone though.;)
The only time we've had the dances earlier is when we didn't have a band. If we want to go back to that, then no bands is an option.
The Masquerade Ball timing was not affected by a band, it was affected by the Cosplay Contest. We can look at moving it earlier in the day (which has been expressed by others as not a good thing), or shortening it (same thing). And I know this is not going to be a popular thing, but the Ball was a dance that minors were allowed to go to... it just wasn't a rave.
Like I said in Rant and Rave... it's a balance issue. I have one big room to schedule all the big events, and timing is an issue. We do our best to try and ensure that it is fair for everyone... we are not singling out any one group to screw over.
whoops! Forgot about the cosplay thing that was going on... Perhaps that could be shifted slightly in the scheduling as well? Such as:
Day 1: Cosplay mid-day, Masquerade ball afternoon/evening, rave in late evening to early morning...
Day 2: Other events morning and mid-day, Concert afternoon, Rave evening to early morning...?
Is there a way to get a higher stage? I was 2/3 the way back during the cosplay contest and skits, and I couldn't see a dang thing below waist level of the people on stage- several of the skits had people sitting down, and so I didn't get much out of the show.
Even a small thing like making sure skits don't involve getting on the floor (couldn't even see the tube thing in the Wonderland skit) would help. And would a plywood box for the presentees help things? (Or several, if there's a group;))
I also was not impressed with the mall across the street down a few blocks. It WAS good for meals, yes. Shopping, No. Better off to go to Lloyd Center.
ahhh! one last thing
I know it's a masquerade BALL, but that doesn't mean the DJ should play 'formal/ball' music. it's very VERY hard to dance to, so naturally, no one will.
I guess you're right. As much as I love dressing up in formal wear, and wearing detailed masks, it just isn't worth it if you're not going to have fun.
I guess we should stick to anime dances, it is an anime-con after all, but a FEW slow songs every now and then for the couples at the dances would be nice. and probably the best option as far as compromise goes.
Hum... if we're -expanding- the AA I have two ideas for it.
1) Grow it around the corner.
2) A mirror of some kind to make it obvious there is more stuff around the corner.
There are -many- security and safety issues involved in the area between the 'dead end' and the other part of the areas.
If I had to lay things out, I think I'd probably put vendors who need deliveries periodically in that area, given the freight elevator/loading dock access.
I think that would actually -benefit- Uwajimaya, so they could more readily replenish their wares and optionally take some off site/refresh mid-day. With that in the area down there it would naturally be a crowd magnet. Nekopan might be a good fit for the other part of that corner. Then maybe a photo area as extra crowd capacitance and the AA in a rough L from the elevators to the corner and a bit around it.
I have a idea do it at the Oregon Convention Center...the place is big enough for the con and more even though the hotels are around the convention but it breaks up the mayhem from what happened this year.
*cowers in the corner in case anyone doesn't like the idea*
What if one of the big events, either a concert or a masquerade ball or a rave, were moved to Friday night and a separate charge applied? That might actually alleviate not only some of the during-con crowding of the schedule and the rooms, but also generate money, and also meet the needs of those who, for whatever reason, didn't pre-reg and find out (before or on con Friday) that there won't be the ability to buy a ticket at the door for the con, but they could go to this one event with everyone....?
I have a idea do it at the Oregon Convention Center...the place is big enough for the con and more even though the hotels are around the convention but it breaks up the mayhem from what happened this year.
Already mentioned in at least two other threads...
http://www.kumoricon.org/forums/index.php?topic=11118.msg466864#msg466864 (http://www.kumoricon.org/forums/index.php?topic=11118.msg466864#msg466864)
http://www.kumoricon.org/forums/index.php?topic=11175.msg465789#msg465789 (http://www.kumoricon.org/forums/index.php?topic=11175.msg465789#msg465789)
The short answer (summarizing others) is that event spaces in hotels are subsidized by the room reservations. The hotel naturally also shaves off a little of their usual price to encourage people to use the event code and because of the bulk rate block booking of the rooms; though there is still a portion of what would otherwise be profit from the rooms paying for the space used for events.
At a convention center the space is rented out at rates that are for the profit of the space; and the convention center is one of few places in Oregon that large of that configuration. They charge accordingly for the scarcity. However read the other threads, there's far more information there.
True but for this year it was overfilled and needs to be bigger for next year that's basically it.
True but for this year it was overfilled and needs to be bigger for next year that's basically it.
Actually, that brings up a logic issue I've been having with the common responses given to the "Why aren't we going to be in the Convention Center next year?" question. Always the response seems to boil down to "its too expensive, we don't have enough money or people yet". However it was previously stated on the forums that Kumoricon is almost entirely funded by the last year's profits. If this year we reached (or indeed exceeded, considering there were people who were turned away) our maximum attendance, how could we make more money after next year? If people get used to non pre-reg'ers getting mass rejected, as people are worried about happening next convention, how will we have more people? It seems like all of the problems, minus the contract, that we'd have with switching venues this year, we'd have the year after that, and there is likely going to be a similar amount of negative response next year based solely on the (in my opinion) questionable merit of the venue. I'm certain that the convention staff have given at least as much thought into this as I have, but reached a very different conclusion. What am I not understanding?
I understand the money problem but one way or another it's going to have to expanded in the future
In past years, live events rooms have been smaller, so when we had the ball there people were turned away. However, live 2 + live 1 is quite a bunch of space. There could be a more formal dance there with little problem.
my friend may of already posed it but hey, my idea so i'm throwing it out there. I was in Gaming Staff and was stuck with bag check. i know ppl have said we will now have shelves and all that. but we should also color coordinate the columns of the shelves.
finding #37 in column red would be much more efficient then just #37.
I know that it might be extremely inconvenient, but I really really think we should post a Yojimbo (or a Hotel Staff, or a designated police officer, etc) at the Pioneer Square MAX station from maybe 10PM-3AM.
I noticed a lot of little problems this year at the convention but this was the only thing that caused me to feel really uncomfortable and unsafe. By that late at night everyone creepy in downtown PDX has heard about the anime convention and everybody normal has gone to bed. I had some really uncomfortable situations myself and I've read about people having even worse experiences on the forums. I know that a security person at PS wouldn't fix everything, but at least people would know there was someone safe to ask for help outside the hotel.
In past years, live events rooms have been smaller, so when we had the ball there people were turned away. However, live 2 + live 1 is quite a bunch of space. There could be a more formal dance there with little problem.
Little Problem Except:
Removing the chairs from previous live events.
Setting up Music and Light Equipment and removing the Live Events Equip.
Taking the room dividers down and creating one Live events room.
Creating a queue line and managing it prior to the dance.
Removing whatever panel/workshop that was supposed to be in Live 1 AND Live 2 for that time
Getting enough people interested in an extra dance to justify the time and EXPENSE to changing the room.
Changing the rooms back into two (reversing the above proccess) at graveyard hours and wages (for hotel staff)
preping the rooms for further events.
Only a few problems! LOL Not trying to sound mean... but we keep forgeting all the red tape and black wire
that goes into moving and managing these events.. There is ALOT.
Hope none of us is planning on being a band manager when we grow up... lol I know I'd fail!
~Allykat
Anywhere that there is public transportation (MAX/bus stop, etc) there are going to be "undesirables" (creepy people); it's like that all the time and has nothing to do with the con. Your best option is to ignore them; they are harmless. If it makes you feel better, carry some mace with you.
None of these above problems are valid.
#1 chair are already removed for dance lesson.
#2 music is already set up for dance
#3 there already was a big line for the dance lesson, wasn't that bad.
#4 again, the room was changed out anyway, no need to change it out more.
#5 change back? This year once live events was combined it was left that way for the rest of con.
Anywhere that there is public transportation (MAX/bus stop, etc) there are going to be "undesirables" (creepy people); it's like that all the time and has nothing to do with the con. Your best option is to ignore them; they are harmless. If it makes you feel better, carry some mace with you.
Umm... clearly you missed earlier discussions of this topic. Several people have voiced actual concerns about their safety, including myself. And it was markedly worse than the past 3 Kumoricons (in my opinion).
Yeah, that's because it was held downtown (whereas the previous locations were Lloyd, Vancouver, and Jantzen Beach). Look, I'm downtown late at night all the time. I understand that there is a "presence" there of "scary" people, but there is also a police patrol that visits the Square every fifteen minutes. It's a lot safer than you think. Especially when you add police presence to population density and the fact that there are ALWAYS people walking around downtown, even at four in the morning, I would say that's it's a LOT safer that over in Lloyd, where statistically you are more likely to get shot or abducted in one of the many dark, empty parking lots over there.
But like I said, if it makes you feel more comfortable (because you have the right to feel safe and comfortable) keep your cell phone on and with you, and carry some mace/pepper spray. Walk in well-lit areas where there are people. You'll be fine. :)
I hate to be like this but were you a young girl in a frilly costume? If not I doubt you get the sort of negative attention downtown as me and others experienced. And, like myself, some of us do not have access to cell phones or pepper spray. Also, I am not sure hotel/convention policy even allows us to be carrying the former to begin with. I am not worried for my personal safety, I bring up that idea because, despite lots of other discussions about "inappropriate conduct", the most dangerous situations I saw or were involved in were definitely all off site, and the majority of them were at night. As I said earlier on the forums, if something really bad were to happen (ie a cosplayer being abducted and raped) the negative press would likely focus on our convention rather than the dangers of downtown.
And, on the subject of police presence, the time that I was most specifically harassed (by a large, drunk man) there was a police officer less than one-hundred yards away who started walking /away/ when she noticed him messing with me. So excuse me for questioning their reliability.
It's the laws of a safe city dweller, and those who are NOT from metro should ask
those of us who have lived there and done that. It's a hard fact of life that cities just are not that secure, not as
secure as small towns at least, and even then I've seen more creeps messing with people in McMinnville then I ever
got in Portland, but that may be cause people in portland KNOW, and small town folk just have never gotten the message.
This is Animeman73. I've been hearing a lot of people talking what they can do to stay safe.
I know I am gonna sound horrible for saying it but I honestly don't care:
Easy everyone, easy. Let's not start anything negative here. Murder_of_raven, it was never my intention to berate anyone. I'm just simply offering up advice on how to stay safe. If you have anything to add put it in the comment box at the bottom of my post and be nice about it. I'm more then happy to listen to other people's view and get suggestions on safety. As a matter of fact I've mentioned a buddy system in my COMMUNICATION IS MUST and THERE'S STRENGTH IN NUMBERS...REALLY THERE IS maybe not directly but it's there believe me. Animeman73 is many things but I'm no liar, if I tell you something you can take it to the bank.
And Scrum Yummy XD oh that was good, that was very good. Touche' my good fellow Touche', you win. :D
(Although, should this be implemented, I IMPLORE you PLEASE, do not make it sound scary! Take the approach that being prepared is always a good thing, but don't give the impression that people need to walk around frightened.)
14A.80.010 Curfew.
A. It is unlawful for any minor to be in or upon any public property or public right of way between the hours specified in this Section, unless such minor is accompanied by a parent, guardian or other person 21 years of age or over and authorized by the parent or by the law to have care and custody of the minor, or unless such minor is then engaged in a school activity or lawful employment that makes it necessary to be in or upon any city property or public right of way during the hours specified in this Section.
For minors under the age of 14 years who have not begun high school, curfew is between 9:15 p.m. and 6 a.m. of the following morning, except that on any day immediately preceding a day for which no public school is scheduled in the City, the curfew is between 10:15 p.m. and 6 a.m. of the following morning.
For children 14 years of age or older who have begun high school, curfew is between 10:15 p.m. and 6 a.m. of the following morning, except that on any day immediately preceding a day for which no public school is scheduled in the City, curfew is between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. of the following morning.
sketchy part of downtown
Pioneer Courthouse Square/the banking district are hardly sketchy. This is the last time I'm going to say this--the current con location is actually "safer" than the Doubletree in the Lloyd District. Please stop making this area of town out to be a big bad monster, because honestly, it isn't.
But, perhaps we can help facilitate an attendee volunteer run one.
But, perhaps we can help facilitate an attendee volunteer run one.
I am not sure why this idea didn't occur to me but it seems to solve all our problems quite nicely. I don't know how much help I can be (seeing as I live in Eugene most of the year and am of course in need of this sort of buddy system) but if there's anything I can do to help make this happen, anybody should feel free to contact me.
And on the subject of the MAX line: I have two things to say about this. First, the Pioneer Square transit stop is a lot sketchier than I think people would like, 24-7 really. Its worst at night but I guess its not ever really /dangerous/. I think the buddy system thing should focus largely on getting people to and onto the MAX, which seemed to be the biggest problem. Secondly, the MAX stops running really early on Sunday (11PM I think?) which wasn't posted anywhere and sort of screwed over a lot of people, like myself. Luckily I had a ride but I watched young people who didn't have rides go off alone in a bunch of directions. Kcon should really try to warn people about that next year.
@AllyKat- Thanks for the concern you've shown, personally I will be ratifying many of my little mistakes next year (specifically I will obtain pepper spray and a cell phone) but I did get perhaps a little hysterical about protecting others. I really love the idea of having a booth in the dealer's hall selling safety things like that, I think that'd be a really smart idea. And weirdly, I come from NE Killingsworth with is technically "one of the most dangerous places in PDX" but I feel /way/ safer there then Pioneer Square, any time of the day. I don't really know how to explain that one :D
And yeah, if volunteers organized a buddy system, maybe they could have a little booth with hand-outs or something. The booth could be volunteer-run, but maybe the con could allow them to be there (in one of the front areas)?
note: quite a few of the big burly yojimbo have volunteered to assist with thisI thought about asking one to help me head home to the PSU dorm then thought that could be read the wrong way :o
walking alone for them aint no big deal
Allykat hit the nail on the head; there are a lot of weirdos/creepy people that go through that area looking for spare change, but they are pretty well harmless.
Anyway, back on topic, I personally think a page in the con book would be best; if you have people selling "safety gear" attendees might wonder if there is actually a need for it.
My only concern with a buddy system booth is that it basically plays out one of two ways:
note: quite a few of the big burly yojimbo have volunteered to assist with this
walking alone for them aint no big deal
"Outside the hotel is public property. Our staff can only call 911 and act as group deterrent/witnesses. Further they are strictly volunteer."
"Outside the hotel is public property. Our staff can only call 911 and act as group deterrent/witnesses. Further they are strictly volunteer."
Definitely seems to negate many of the concerns with liability that we've argued about in relation to this topic.
"Outside the hotel is public property. Our staff are only normal upstanding citizens can only call 911 and act as group deterrent/witnesses. Further they are strictly volunteer."
I agree that the Ops Director would logically be involved in this discussion, but I would not think it to be logical to hold without conferring with the convention's attorney, in case there are issues of legal liability involved.
I agree that the Ops Director would logically be involved in this discussion, but I would not think it to be logical to hold without conferring with the convention's attorney, in case there are issues of legal liability involved.
Absolutely. Unfortunately we must remember that legal trouble could make Kumoricon go bye bye, so we are all very careful about liability. Its great to talk about what we'd like to see happen, but we always need to do the legal reality check.
please ntoe that I did say we would be willing to volunteer, not as con staff but as safe people. :) were just that nicethat's sweet :)
please ntoe that I did say we would be willing to volunteer, not as con staff but as safe people. :) were just that nicethat's sweet :)
I am looking into a parking program, but here is the problem;
The actual parking lot that the Hotel controls for guests and such, is where we have the Exhibitors Hall.
Meaning their parking is over run by our fun fun dealers! We use parking structures that work WITH the hotel, but not all of the surrounding ones (The one just up the street from the main tower) are actually owned by hilton I believe.
I am looking into a parking program, but here is the problem;
The actual parking lot that the Hotel controls for guests and such, is where we have the Exhibitors Hall.
Meaning their parking is over run by our fun fun dealers! We use parking structures that work WITH the hotel, but not all of the surrounding ones (The one just up the street from the main tower) are actually owned by hilton I believe.
Hate to be the downer but.... doesn't the con recive funds from the venders renting out space? So to put it simple it's costing us, the attendees, to have the venders there.
you wouldn't happen to remember what hotel that was at that year? Or even just what year that
was?
~Allykat
I had to go find my notes, but yes, it was the 2007 hotel. The free parking lot was a block over and around the corner, something kind of like:you wouldn't happen to remember what hotel that was at that year? Or even just what year thatI think she was the Vancouver Hilton in 2007 that had the huge free parking lot next to the hotel. I remember because I had to get there early so I could get a spot. :)
was?
~Allykat
I remember having to go around a random building and over to get to the hotel. But that was an awesome one, I loved having the anniversary party with all of the people dressed up in Victorian outfits, and us in our cosplay there at the same time, plus the food was yummy :D
Hate to post again so soon, but I'd like to say I am actually equally happy with both ideas. I think not all of us are too hard to please, I just really really do not think we should ever be downtown again, if we have a choice. This is my only preference. :DI would have to agree. True, there are a lot of places downtown that are larger for the size of our convention, but personally it can get really crowded really fast. Being in the middle of downtown was kind of a pain, mostly because there were so many of us cosplayers running around and I heard a lot of people who weren't attending the convention complaining about us taking up the sidewalk and I felt there was more pressure for us to stay inside as much as possible. I know it's asking for a lot, and it's probably impossible, but I think it would be great if we could get a place next to a park or something, that way we can roam about and won't upset as many people who are trying to walk along the sidewalks and yet there is not the pressure of having to stay inside either. Not to mention I just generally really like hanging out in parks.
2. I know that the location is just right across the river, but I (and other Eugenians) really would prefer it stay in Portland. If we can go to the convention hall, awesome. If we stay at the Hilton, fine. If we go back to the Doubletree, even better. (I loved that park so much.) But if it is at all possible to keep it in portland, the better. Maybe not to say that we won't come to Kumoricon should that happen, but it will certainly make it harder.
Oh yeah, I dunno if this is the right place, but...
Is there any possibility of splitting the Artist Alley into two parts this year; One on the second floor and one in the exhibitors hall?
I heard that having it on the second floor was considered last year, but there would be space for more artists if it was in the exhibitors' hall. (of course, I might've heard wrong) You could charge more for spaces on the second floor, since artists there would be able to set up/take down tables whenever they wish, and they would get much more exposure.
And I know I'm not the only one who'd love Nekopan being at the center of the con *u*
...um, yeah, I'm not really sure how to wrap this up. I hope that this is at least read and considered, and I'm more than happy to offer suggestions if you need them regarding anything I've mentioned!
I also think deleting that thread was a bad move on whoever made it; from a detractor's PoV it looks like you are hiding criticism and from someone like me who just doesn't want a repeat of the mistakes made last year it prevents easy access to what I considered an almost encyclopedic collection of suggestions (if I remember correctly it was thousands of posts long and discussed a huge number of issues).
...Um, I just typed that up last night, thanks. I may have posted a similar critique-type thing awhile ago, but I would have remembered an "extensive discussion." Don't just assume I copy and pasted and how horrible of me (because people HAVE been saying similar things for awhile, just read this entire thread for that. Not to mention I reference previous posts in this specific topic in my post), I just wanted to make sure that this far in the game people still remembered some of the issues, and offering YES, here's yet another person's comments about their con experience.
ARGH ARGH ARGH. Let me explain my clear confusion (and lack of research). I thought that it was some 40 miles due north of portland. I, (with my NON-RESEARCH SKILLS) totally did not get that it was RIGHT over the river. Got it. Infinitely better.2. I know that the location is just right across the river, but I (and other Eugenians) really would prefer it stay in Portland. If we can go to the convention hall, awesome. If we stay at the Hilton, fine. If we go back to the Doubletree, even better. (I loved that park so much.) But if it is at all possible to keep it in portland, the better. Maybe not to say that we won't come to Kumoricon should that happen, but it will certainly make it harder.
What location? I am confused? What are we talking about here? If you are referring to anything in Vancouver,
exactly what makes the 8 mile difference so much of a hindrance? I'm not upset, just confused. I don't want
to miss an obvious issue with a Vancouver hotel option, if we put Vancouver hotels on the table as an option.
On the subject of dances vs bands; I think this issue has, for the most part been resolved. There isnt going to be
anything we can do about the curfew, but most likely their should be a way for dancing to happen for those
loverly kids and minors who can't stay about the con after late! More details to follow from prog eventually.
We luuurve input. I just want to make sure I'm getting the most out of the suggestions to make future conventions
better. However;
Lets remember this thread was for the 2010 year, not future years. We cannot do anything about hotel stuff
this year. We are at the Downtown Hilton for the 2010 con year, no ifs ands or buts.
~Allykat
I have a suggestion for you Kumoricon staff members. Do you think you could make a large prinbt copy of the pocket schedule for the visually impaired?
So, I'm curious about something regarding the curfew and dances, then.
Year before last, ('08) the dances were allowed to go until 1 with minors. Then they got kicked out, told to go to bed, the like. But what was the dramatic change from 1 'o clock to midnight curfew? Does the hotel itself have a curfew?
WHAT THIS MEANS: While portland has a curfew, and we abide by it, Vancouver does not. That said, we still
have rules and policies within our own convention and as such, for liability and safety of our patrons we retain the right to enact a curfew on all guests under the age of 18. City laws are a ceiling to our policies, but within that we may decide on further procautions.
In short; We are ALWAYS under legal requirement to match City Regulations; where the brightline is remains very ambigous because no one at the city level is going to come in and start checking IDs
You are right, thats a good distinction to make.
Of course, how many people are going to bother to sift through the muck that is our law books and
understand the differences in jurisdiction and brink of a law... is probably less than one might like.
Though you never know, anime fans tend to enjoy stuff like debate and parlimentary commentary.
I want to post my concerns about last year *** NOTE IM TOO LAZY TO READ ALL 10 PAGES****
overcapacity rule.
What is the legal capacity for the hotel? we had thousands of people there but the hotel kept on interrupting our events in rooms cuz we had too many people in one room. I was in the the Hentai panel. That had only one viewing during the whole con and had about 100 people * that i saw for myself* who wanted to go. but the hotel staff wouldn't let people stand to watch the event, and there was only 30 chairs. before the hotel staff came in there was about 50 people in the room 30 in chairs 20 standing in the back. the hotel kicked them all out!!! saying its a fire hazard and then 50 more people tried to get in but was turned away. I personally didnt think it would be that bad because one it was curfew time for the younger people (less threw traffic). Also it was in the hotel part that had hardly anyone in it. and that wasnt the only thing they interrupted. they took away the ramen for the ramen eating contest, and the food for the host club also was taken. Overall the Hotel staff were not con friendly at all. We should have told them if you can supply us the same product for teh same price FINE!! serve us your ramen for the contest for free , or the food in the events for the same price. Also we couldn't do congo lines during the dance!! that was a fire hazord!! its not like if there was a fire the people wouldnt have broken it up and ran for the doors. -----huff--huff--- glad that got out of me ^_-
I went to the rant and rave after the con and everyone was mad at the hotel. There was a movement going on!!! so many people had a bad experience because of the hotel. I cant wait for us to be in a different location.
there should be more hentai panels offered. somany people got turned away
Ok first let me say a thanks to all the Kumoricon staff as they did excellent with what they had to work with. Having been staff at things before I know how it is to be stuck between various rules, regulations, fun, attendees, owners, other staff and all that jazz.
However I did want to present some thoughts and concerns I had about last year. And yes I read the previous pages.
My first concern is with the lobby and hallways. I know fire regulations prohibit blocking exits and entrances. Also I understand keeping walkways clear so it’s not one big human wall. However in areas like the lobby or a huge hallway I really enjoy just hanging out and talking to people. However on several occasions we were told by hotel staff and kumo staff that we had to keep moving. We weren’t allowed to sit on the carpet in the lobby or stand next to seats. Only people who had seats were allowed to remain. For the rest of us we were basically pushed outside in the rain, even those of us who were hotel guests. We never had this problem at any of the hotels in the past 4-5 years. What little there was, was never to the extent that it was at the Hilton.
My second concern is the hotel staff blocking of entire floors, via escalators, saying that there is only one event down there and it’s full. So they didn’t let us move down to the floor even if there actually was another event about to start or even just to look around to familiarize myself with the layout of the place.
Thirdly is the masks. Now I know that masks have been an issue with past hotels, but usually by the second day they lighten up and are ok with them. I was told during all three days at the Hilton though that my mask was not to be worn. I being Jack Skellington need my mask to complete the costume, but I was told that I could never have it on except for a quick photo. It’s really frustrating, especially since that is one of fulcrums for a con is the ability to dress up.
My last thought, that has been talked about a bit in previous pages, is getting organized with age limits at events. Several events I attended that was, according to some material, adult only, ended up being any age. This confusion caused various costumed events with some people dressing up and behaving in adult manor not knowing that it had been changed to a kid friendly event. One confrontation with one of my friends at one of these events had an accusing tone to the attire. They ended up crying and left feeling humiliated. There was sympathy and comfort offered, but it didn’t change the initial reaction of ‘you know this is a kids event so you are blatantly breaking the rules’ tone that was taken. (Note: all the other events I attended were very amusing and well organized. So great job on them in my opinion)
Excuse my ignorance but, what is signage? ???
Excuse my ignorance but, what is signage? ???
The signs we put up in the hotel directing you to things/people/events/points of interest
ie; Sign next to elevator which reads: "ELEVATOR THIS WAY ->"
That's what I thought. You can wear your masks in the ballroom area, in your room, the kumoricon events, and downstairs where you can buy things, and outside correct?. I also heard that the mask rule is also a fire hazard rule?The only thing that was not answered here was "downstairs where you can buy things." You are not allowed to wear your mask in dealers hall, this is because of theft and being able to see people just like a regular store.