[IRT_Guardian]

This post is meant to address any and all Questions Comments and/or Concerns that any Congoer might have for IRT for this upcoming year (2010).
So Ask Away.

[Alkaren Hyralt]

Pin'd'd.

[IRT_Guardian]

so No One has any questions comments or concerns about ACEN the 13th 2010 for IRT?

EXAMPLES:
What About the Changes in prop rules?
What about the line policies for the soap bubble?
What about the policies on Air Soft and gun replicas?

I know someone must have a question and it doesn't matter how lame you think the question is there is always someone else also wants to know to but is to afraid to ask so ask away guys don't be shy?

[slrphebos]

A concern I have is over the elevators in the Hyatt. This is sometimes watched but for most of 2009 it wasn't. I don't appear to have medical problems, but when I need a break I need a break and waiting 30 minutes to get on an elevator worries me. Is there anyway they can be watched a bit more close and have a little more flow? Other cons have a handle on this, but not Acen.

[frzndaqiri]

And a suggestion to go with the concern: It was Youmacon last year I believe that had someone (hotel staff?) staffing (not sure cost and liability etc for this) the elevators -

This reduced/eliminated the "mashing all the buttons", excessive crowding (someone of authority dictated when it was full), and allowed for someone to make sure that those who had a physical disability that required elevator access was not pushed aside.

[Bloo09]

That Hyatt did that because an elevator broke and they were trying to prevent further damage. Normally a convention has no say over what the Hotel workers do.

[KnitChick]

If anyone who has a medical need to use the elevators (if you're disabled or, like me, have asthma, or are pregnant, etc.) and there's overcrowding, just come to the Special Needs office in the Hyatt boardroom, right near Main Programming, and we can take care of you!

[Voxx]

A comment I have is how you handle lines.

I would highly recommend having a taped line on the floor or something like a sign that specifies "Line for ____ starts here!!!" because for some events the lines kept jumping back and forth and people were running all over the place and it wasnt very organized and a lot of people were angry. So if you had someone beforehand put a sign or something for lines that would be awesome. Also it is very difficult for a lot of new people to even find the lines and know what they are lining up for.

[Alkaren Hyralt]

Ska_Toranpetta, on Apr 7 2010, 01:20 PM, said:

A comment I have is how you handle lines.

I would highly recommend having a taped line on the floor or something like a sign that specifies "Line for ____ starts here!!!" because for some events the lines kept jumping back and forth and people were running all over the place and it wasnt very organized and a lot of people were angry. So if you had someone beforehand put a sign or something for lines that would be awesome. Also it is very difficult for a lot of new people to even find the lines and know what they are lining up for.

Hotels are very hardline when it comes to putting tape on their carpet.

[Voxx]

Alkaren Hyralt, on Apr 7 2010, 01:58 PM, said:

Hotels are very hardline when it comes to putting tape on their carpet.

What about signs? (Not taped to the carpet of course =3)

[frzndaqiri]

Ahh. I only used them once so didn't know. At any rate, if it's feasible it's nice. Even just someone stationed in the main elevator area (again, maybe next year IRT could try and buffer staffing to account for this) watching traffic (you know, park a cop car and watch everyone suddenly do the speed limit...).

Thanks for mentioning the Special Needs office KnitChick - hopefully folks will keep that in mind.

[obakasan]

Ska_Toranpetta, on Apr 7 2010, 01:20 PM, said:

A comment I have is how you handle lines.

I would highly recommend having a taped line on the floor or something like a sign that specifies "Line for ____ starts here!!!" because for some events the lines kept jumping back and forth and people were running all over the place and it wasnt very organized and a lot of people were angry. So if you had someone beforehand put a sign or something for lines that would be awesome. Also it is very difficult for a lot of new people to even find the lines and know what they are lining up for.

Not that IRT doesn't already have enough to do, but someone with a "sandwich board" or holding a sign that marks the various lines (and *identifies* what that line is for) could be helpful. Perhaps a volunteer/gopher could be pressed into service for such? Or a staff member from the department the event is connected with?

I have felt there has been need in the past for more signage, but how to do it, and how to find the personnel to "maintain" and update may be difficult.

And if someone ever figures out how to get the elevators under control (and I mean at just about *any* convention) I think they will win the Nobel Peace Prize.


My opinions.

[Voxx]

The elevators soley depend on the con-goers and the hyatt. Luckily you get some awesome people that actually know how they work and when they are too crowded and when more can come on. I remember the broken one... *shudders* That really wouldve helped lol

[IRT_Guardian]

As for putting up signs for the lines for events it is a nice idea and i will bring it up with my DHs and other management to see what can be done if anything.

however the likely problems we are to find are with the hotel and/or the fire department telling us NO or telling us we need to move the line after the line has already started. We also run into the fact that every year many of the event lines will reach lengths that go well beyond the line perimeters that we set up and some event lines can even end up outside so placing up signs might end up being more of an inconvenience than they would be helpful.
Something to think about but we will discuss it.

[Soulcrash]

I got a random question that's been in my head for the past few years about ACen...

Will there be a dress code for IRT members, other than just wearing a vest that says IRT???

To be honest... it's hard to take someone serious (for me) if that person is wearing ... I don't know.... raver pants and dread locks...

[Popstar_Yunie]

A response about the elevators - maybe put up a sign saying there are more elevators back through the hallways on the floor of the lobby? I've been going to ACen for quite awhile and always use the elevators (or the stairs) towards the back and there is usually 1/10th (or less) of the crowd from the front elevators back there. A lot of the new(er) people of ACen don't know about those I don't think..just a suggestion.

[HellHawk]

Soulcrash, on Apr 25 2010, 06:50 AM, said:

I got a random question that's been in my head for the past few years about ACen...

Will there be a dress code for IRT members, other than just wearing a vest that says IRT???

To be honest... it's hard to take someone serious (for me) if that person is wearing ... I don't know.... raver pants and dread locks...

Well I'm IRT this year so there really is not "dress code" for IRT but i will say its all about how the person act's, if i'm being serious and i have that Vest on and i'm in nothing be PJ's take me serious when i work i don't play around alot there is times i have a bit of fun but yeah i'm all work

But Soul you know me lol

[Smokey]

Popstar_Yunie, on Apr 25 2010, 08:45 AM, said:

A response about the elevators - maybe put up a sign saying there are more elevators back through the hallways on the floor of the lobby? I've been going to ACen for quite awhile and always use the elevators (or the stairs) towards the back and there is usually 1/10th (or less) of the crowd from the front elevators back there. A lot of the new(er) people of ACen don't know about those I don't think..just a suggestion.

I hope that you're not referring to the service elevators. Those are for the hotel staff ONLY. Attendees and convention staff are NOT allowed to use them, except by special arrangement. By using them without authorization, you are trespassing. If IRT catches you, you stand the risk of losing your badge. If the Hyatt catches you, you risk being handed over to the police.

[HellHawk]

You were gave legs if they work use them and take the stairs

[Popstar_Yunie]

Dave, on Apr 25 2010, 05:24 PM, said:

I hope that you're not referring to the service elevators. Those are for the hotel staff ONLY. Attendees and convention staff are NOT allowed to use them, except by special arrangement. By using them without authorization, you are trespassing. If IRT catches you, you stand the risk of losing your badge. If the Hyatt catches you, you risk being handed over to the police.

Nooo no no not the service elevators, the elevators that take you up through the wings or the 'cylinders' of the hotel I suppose you could call them

edit: are those the service elevators? i've used them tons of times and never had any trouble..hm. oops?

double edit: they're the one's past the bathrooms around this round room kinda area..I'd just imagine the hotel would have more than one set of 4 elevators, especially with being connected to the convention center and what not

[Smokey]

Popstar_Yunie, on Apr 25 2010, 08:30 PM, said:

Nooo no no not the service elevators, the elevators that take you up through the wings or the 'cylinders' of the hotel I suppose you could call them

edit: are those the service elevators? i've used them tons of times and never had any trouble..hm. oops?

Oops is right. Remember that old Asian proverb. "Just because you haven't gotten caught yet, that doesn't mean you never will. It just means you're overdue." You'll be smart to quit while you're ahead.

Popstar_Yunie, on Apr 25 2010, 08:30 PM, said:

edit: they're the one's past the bathrooms around this round room kinda area..I'd just imagine the hotel would have more than one set of 4 elevators, especially with being connected to the convention center and what not

Yep, that's the one. If you'll look at that metal plate on the wall by the buttons, at the very top it says STAFF USE ONLY. That's all the notice they're required to give you. In addition, the doors on the lobby floor are right outside the IRT office. Talk about playing next to a hornet's nest, huh?

Yes, it's a rotten shame about all those poor elevators go through, and what responsible people have to deal with to use them. 4 is usually more than enough for a building that size, they were just never intended to be used as a playground.

Unfortunately, until responsible con goers are willing to step in and say something to those abusing the elevators, the situation is going to stay the same. They're hotel property, which maintains IRT's authority over the convention members using them, but limits their say so about the elevators themselves, and if Hyatt is going to have to hire extra security to clear the situation up, guess what that's going to do to the room rates. The pay for that extra security's going to have to come from someplace, and since we're the reason they're there to begin with, we're the ones that are going to be supplying that payroll.

So that gives everyone a choice. Put up with it without interfering with hotel operations (stay off of their work elevators,) clear the problem up internally (attendee to attendee) for free, or pay someone else to do it.

[/soap box]

[fotaku07]

IRT_Guardian, on Apr 25 2010, 04:15 AM, said:

As for putting up signs for the lines for events it is a nice idea and i will bring it up with my DHs and other management to see what can be done if anything.

however the likely problems we are to find are with the hotel and/or the fire department telling us NO or telling us we need to move the line after the line has already started. We also run into the fact that every year many of the event lines will reach lengths that go well beyond the line perimeters that we set up and some event lines can even end up outside so placing up signs might end up being more of an inconvenience than they would be helpful.
Something to think about but we will discuss it.

At Comiket in Tokyo to handle huge lines waiting for certain doujinshi ciricles they make up a sign for the last person in line to hold to tell what the line is for and to notify others that's where the end of the line starts. When people join the line they pass down the sign so it's always at the end.

Maybe an idea like this is something that could be helpful?

[IRT_Guardian]

HellHawk, on Apr 25 2010, 04:13 PM, said:

Soulcrash, on Apr 25 2010, 06:50 AM, said:

I got a random question that's been in my head for the past few years about ACen...

Will there be a dress code for IRT members, other than just wearing a vest that says IRT???

To be honest... it's hard to take someone serious (for me) if that person is wearing ... I don't know.... raver pants and dread locks...

Well I'm IRT this year so there really is not "dress code" for IRT but i will say its all about how the person act's, if i'm being serious and i have that Vest on and i'm in nothing be PJ's take me serious when i work i don't play around alot there is times i have a bit of fun but yeah i'm all work

But Soul you know me lol

To address this question yes we do have a dress code it is casual clothing with nothing offensive written or depicted on your clothing. As for hair we are a volunteer organization so we do not regulate an operative's hair or facial hair. What this means is blue jeans and a t-shirt are fine, and for girls if u want to wear a skirt that's fine but nothing shorter that just above the knees. This means no tripp pants, no mini skirts, no clothing with offensive language or pictures in any language, and no sexually explicit clothing (this means nothing you are likely to pop out of at any time even if you are wearing a vest).
Disclaimer: For any IRT staff that read this. This is only while you are on shift. If u are off shift you may wear what ever you like as long as it dose not breaking any convention, state, and/or hotel rules.


If any one has an issue with this please send me a private message and we will discuss it thank you

[IRT_Guardian]

Dave, on Apr 25 2010, 10:52 PM, said:

Oops is right. Remember that old Asian proverb. "Just because you haven't gotten caught yet, that doesn't mean you never will. It just means you're overdue." You'll be smart to quit while you're ahead.

Yep, that's the one. If you'll look at that metal plate on the wall by the buttons, at the very top it says STAFF USE ONLY. That's all the notice they're required to give you. In addition, the doors on the lobby floor are right outside the IRT office. Talk about playing next to a hornet's nest, huh?

Yes, it's a rotten shame about all those poor elevators go through, and what responsible people have to deal with to use them. 4 is usually more than enough for a building that size, they were just never intended to be used as a playground.

Unfortunately, until responsible con goers are willing to step in and say something to those abusing the elevators, the situation is going to stay the same. They're hotel property, which maintains IRT's authority over the convention members using them, but limits their say so about the elevators themselves, and if Hyatt is going to have to hire extra security to clear the situation up, guess what that's going to do to the room rates. The pay for that extra security's going to have to come from someplace, and since we're the reason they're there to begin with, we're the ones that are going to be supplying that payroll.

So that gives everyone a choice. Put up with it without interfering with hotel operations (stay off of their work elevators,) clear the problem up internally (attendee to attendee) for free, or pay someone else to do it.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[Popstar_Yunie]

Dave, on Apr 25 2010, 10:52 PM, said:

Oops is right. Remember that old Asian proverb. "Just because you haven't gotten caught yet, that doesn't mean you never will. It just means you're overdue." You'll be smart to quit while you're ahead.




Yep, that's the one. If you'll look at that metal plate on the wall by the buttons, at the very top it says STAFF USE ONLY. That's all the notice they're required to give you. In addition, the doors on the lobby floor are right outside the IRT office. Talk about playing next to a hornet's nest, huh?

Yes, it's a rotten shame about all those poor elevators go through, and what responsible people have to deal with to use them. 4 is usually more than enough for a building that size, they were just never intended to be used as a playground.

Unfortunately, until responsible con goers are willing to step in and say something to those abusing the elevators, the situation is going to stay the same. They're hotel property, which maintains IRT's authority over the convention members using them, but limits their say so about the elevators themselves, and if Hyatt is going to have to hire extra security to clear the situation up, guess what that's going to do to the room rates. The pay for that extra security's going to have to come from someplace, and since we're the reason they're there to begin with, we're the ones that are going to be supplying that payroll.

So that gives everyone a choice. Put up with it without interfering with hotel operations (stay off of their work elevators,) clear the problem up internally (attendee to attendee) for free, or pay someone else to do it.

[/soap box]

well, considering my room is only on the 4th floor this year I plan to take the stairs all weekend but I guess I learned something new today! the more you know!