[YoungBirdcall]

antisocialist, on 23 May 2012 - 02:31 AM, said:

Because, quite honestly, I'm not a great beauty, but it's screwed up when I've got some Sigma Pi d-bag hitting on me and propositioning me and he's only here for a rave. Ultimately, what the convention needs to worry about is not only the anime-related events, but the caliber of people that their events attract.

It makes me sad that he and I share the same fraternity. I promise that not all men of Sigma Pi are d-bags!

This post has been edited by YoungBirdcall: 23 May 2012 - 11:40 AM

[Nanashigurl01]

I agree with the fact that the Soap Bubble and the Hardcore Synergy should become 18+. I also agree that the badges should have the color system that tells the age of attendees. Children one color, under 17 another color, 18 to 20 another color, and 21+ another. I have seen it in other cons and it works well for them to control who goes to certain panels and dances. It also helps with any kind of problems that might involve the police.

Also, I have been to ACen when they had the tickets and it didn't work. People would get tickets to the events, like the concerts, then decide not to go when others had been trying to get tickets. That would cause the concerts not to get filled and the artists to get mad because they weren't getting promoted. Hand stamps too! You only have 2 hands, how is this supposed to work?!

Also, I was NOT happy with IRT with the Autograph area. My friends and I were standing in the line for the LM.C. session and we started to get yelled at that we weren't supposed to be in that line then got told that it was going to be at their booth. When we told them that there was a sign at their booth stating that it was in the back where the guidebook was saying it was supposed to be, they didn't even bother to check over the waves to find out, just told us to get out of line because we were taking up space. Needless to say, we were not happy. My friends stood at the booth while I went to the information desk to get info about it. The desk told me that it was still in the back but when I told them what IRT said, they were confused. Luckily, one of the Senior Staff was there to help and they got us back in our spots that we were forced from.

This post has been edited by Nanashigurl01: 24 May 2012 - 10:39 PM

[S1NN3R]

I've taken the time to read EVERY post in this thread as well as many of the other threads on this and other forums. I'm also factoring in conversations held as well. This is what I've come up with.

Simply remove the "Family Friendly" tag from advertising. As STVO pointed out, It's a pick and choose - lose/lose battle. Those who want to come, will come. Just as before. When suggestive/aggressive themed anything (cosplay/panels/behavior) is this abundant, the claim is too difficult to maintain. With the vast amount of different people attending, there will be too many opinions.

Lines - Earlier on in this thread someone stated the "Mob Mentality" form of people management. Including the use of obvious marking of lines with tape on the floor as well as directional markings for said lines. This is an awesome idea! The only item not mentioned as of yet, would be the scheduling of lineup times listed in the program book. If we factor in the timing and "coloring" of the line directly into the schedule, the "30min" rule would be non existent and mob mentality would actually work in favor of IRT.

Raves - People have stated they would like to either get rid of the dances, or move them both to the same night. I'm AGAINST this. The reasoning is the finances taken in(badge purchases) from these alone pay for a major part in bringing in guests, as well as expansion for the convention its self. I believe that the solution would be to move them to another ballroom - say Doubletree or Embassy? We have already acquired them for the convention, why not utilize them? This may also help keep the congestion down in their respective lines as well. As for making it 18+, I don't know personally, I don't go to them.

Crystal Ball - It was a great attempt in bringing back a favorite but could benefit from some improvement. If its advertised as a formal event, by all means, keep it a formal event. People are willing to pay extra, so give it to them. Food is not needed, music appropriate to the occasion is. Not one formal song was played. Dress code: if its stated, it should be kept. L cosplay nor a "tux" tee shirt is formal, its an insult to those who've made the effort and sacrifice. Gift bags are not needed. Those funds could have been better allocated towards music, space, or overall experience.

Main Events - Are just that. The staples of the convention are indeed the masquerade and Anime Hell as well as certain special events. They, in my opinion, should always be held in the Grand Ballroom. Concerts can and should be divided into two groups; Special Events and Other. EyeShine (and bands like) are great (and a great draw), but have almost no connection to anime or Japanese culture. I'm not saying get rid of them, just move them to another ballroom. Maybe where the industry panels set up? This would allow what ever setup needed for the other programs appropriate time to do so. Fashion shows are growing rapidly, you may need to start including them in Main Events again. Ticketing and stamping has its own headaches. The easiest solution would be to make use of badge space and work it into the design.

Panel Cancellations/Updates - Sadly, there are always panel cancellations. No way around it. Pre-made self-inking stamps saying CANCELED are cheep. Working one or two into the budget would keep the message clear on the posted sheets. If for some reason they can't be budgeted in, PM me, I'll donate. As for changes in scheduling, Hyatt has monitors posted all around. Is the convention able to utilize them? It would be a great way to help keep attendees informed. This could also apply to changes in photo shoots as well.

IRT/Staff - I love you guys and gals! The volunteers make it all possible. The only thing I can think of is a true walk through, pre-con. Lines are mainly what I'm referring to here. Have the IRT for an event/concert/panel walk through theirs, possibly Wednesday or Thursday, a few times each to get acquainted with how they will handle it. It will show! Under general staffing, maybe create a tie in department for overall coordination. This will help establish "Flow" as well as giving the convention as a whole, a more uniformed/ organized perspective. Since it is all volunteers, I don't know what the numbers are, but I'd be willing to help in this area.

Single Day Badges Online - Great idea! I would advise against tier pricing though, too much lost revenue. Mailing options are always a plus.

As for the issues with different colored badges for age groups... In theory its great, but some argue that it actually "marks" potential victims. The sad truth is, the world if full of sick people. That aside, the printing costs alone would be drastically increased. Bulk runs would be shorted and multiple casts would need to be made. Thus the cost increase. Maybe something along the same lines as the ticketing solution with the badge? just a thought, but then the first argument kicks in.

If any staff or other con goers would like to discuss any aspects of my post in farther detail, just PM me! I'll also be following this thread, but I don't want to miss any opportunities to help where I can.

This post has been edited by S1NN3R: 25 May 2012 - 03:41 AM

[YoungBirdcall]

S1NN3R, on 25 May 2012 - 03:09 AM, said:

I've taken the time to read EVERY post in this thread as well as many of the other threads on this and other forums. I'm also factoring in conversations held as well. This is what I've come up with.

Simply remove the "Family Friendly" tag from advertising. As STVO pointed out, It's a pick and choose - lose/lose battle. Those who want to come, will come. Just as before. When suggestive/aggressive themed anything (cosplay/panels/behavior) is this abundant, the claim is too difficult to maintain. With the vast amount of different people attending, there will be too many opinions.

Lines - Earlier on in this thread someone stated the "Mob Mentality" form of people management. Including the use of obvious marking of lines with tape on the floor as well as directional markings for said lines. This is an awesome idea! The only item not mentioned as of yet, would be the scheduling of lineup times listed in the program book. If we factor in the timing and "coloring" of the line directly into the schedule, the "30min" rule would be non existent and mob mentality would actually work in favor of IRT.

Raves - People have stated they would like to either get rid of the dances, or move them both to the same night. I'm AGAINST this. The reasoning is the finances taken in(badge purchases) from these alone pay for a major part in bringing in guests, as well as expansion for the convention its self. I believe that the solution would be to move them to another ballroom - say Doubletree or Embassy? We have already acquired them for the convention, why not utilize them? This may also help keep the congestion down in their respective lines as well. As for making it 18+, I don't know personally, I don't go to them.

Crystal Ball - It was a great attempt in bringing back a favorite but could benefit from some improvement. If its advertised as a formal event, by all means, keep it a formal event. People are willing to pay extra, so give it to them. Food is not needed, music appropriate to the occasion is. Not one formal song was played. Dress code: if its stated, it should be kept. L cosplay nor a "tux" tee shirt is formal, its an insult to those who've made the effort and sacrifice. Gift bags are not needed. Those funds could have been better allocated towards music, space, or overall experience.

Main Events - Are just that. The staples of the convention are indeed the masquerade and Anime Hell as well as certain special events. They, in my opinion, should always be held in the Grand Ballroom. Concerts can and should be divided into two groups; Special Events and Other. EyeShine (and bands like) are great (and a great draw), but have almost no connection to anime or Japanese culture. I'm not saying get rid of them, just move them to another ballroom. Maybe where the industry panels set up? This would allow what ever setup needed for the other programs appropriate time to do so. Fashion shows are growing rapidly, you may need to start including them in Main Events again. Ticketing and stamping has its own headaches. The easiest solution would be to make use of badge space and work it into the design.

Panel Cancellations/Updates - Sadly, there are always panel cancellations. No way around it. Pre-made self-inking stamps saying CANCELED are cheep. Working one or two into the budget would keep the message clear on the posted sheets. If for some reason they can't be budgeted in, PM me, I'll donate. As for changes in scheduling, Hyatt has monitors posted all around. Is the convention able to utilize them? It would be a great way to help keep attendees informed. This could also apply to changes in photo shoots as well.

IRT/Staff - I love you guys and gals! The volunteers make it all possible. The only thing I can think of is a true walk through, pre-con. Lines are mainly what I'm referring to here. Have the IRT for an event/concert/panel walk through theirs, possibly Wednesday or Thursday, a few times each to get acquainted with how they will handle it. It will show! Under general staffing, maybe create a tie in department for overall coordination. This will help establish "Flow" as well as giving the convention as a whole, a more uniformed/ organized perspective. Since it is all volunteers, I don't know what the numbers are, but I'd be willing to help in this area.

Single Day Badges Online - Great idea! I would advise against tier pricing though, too much lost revenue. Mailing options are always a plus.

As for the issues with different colored badges for age groups... In theory its great, but some argue that it actually "marks" potential victims. The sad truth is, the world if full of sick people. That aside, the printing costs alone would be drastically increased. Bulk runs would be shorted and multiple casts would need to be made. Thus the cost increase. Maybe something along the same lines as the ticketing solution with the badge? just a thought, but then the first argument kicks in.

If any staff or other con goers would like to discuss any aspects of my post in farther detail, just PM me! I'll also be following this thread, but I don't want to miss any opportunities to help where I can.

Great suggestions my man.

[STVO]

S1NN3R, on 25 May 2012 - 03:09 AM, said:

I've taken the time to read EVERY post in this thread as well as many of the other threads on this and other forums. I'm also factoring in conversations held as well. This is what I've come up with.

Simply remove the "Family Friendly" tag from advertising. As STVO pointed out, It's a pick and choose - lose/lose battle. Those who want to come, will come. Just as before. When suggestive/aggressive themed anything (cosplay/panels/behavior) is this abundant, the claim is too difficult to maintain. With the vast amount of different people attending, there will be too many opinions.

Lines - Earlier on in this thread someone stated the "Mob Mentality" form of people management. Including the use of obvious marking of lines with tape on the floor as well as directional markings for said lines. This is an awesome idea! The only item not mentioned as of yet, would be the scheduling of lineup times listed in the program book. If we factor in the timing and "coloring" of the line directly into the schedule, the "30min" rule would be non existent and mob mentality would actually work in favor of IRT.

Raves - People have stated they would like to either get rid of the dances, or move them both to the same night. I'm AGAINST this. The reasoning is the finances taken in(badge purchases) from these alone pay for a major part in bringing in guests, as well as expansion for the convention its self. I believe that the solution would be to move them to another ballroom - say Doubletree or Embassy? We have already acquired them for the convention, why not utilize them? This may also help keep the congestion down in their respective lines as well. As for making it 18+, I don't know personally, I don't go to them.

Crystal Ball - It was a great attempt in bringing back a favorite but could benefit from some improvement. If its advertised as a formal event, by all means, keep it a formal event. People are willing to pay extra, so give it to them. Food is not needed, music appropriate to the occasion is. Not one formal song was played. Dress code: if its stated, it should be kept. L cosplay nor a "tux" tee shirt is formal, its an insult to those who've made the effort and sacrifice. Gift bags are not needed. Those funds could have been better allocated towards music, space, or overall experience.

Main Events - Are just that. The staples of the convention are indeed the masquerade and Anime Hell as well as certain special events. They, in my opinion, should always be held in the Grand Ballroom. Concerts can and should be divided into two groups; Special Events and Other. EyeShine (and bands like) are great (and a great draw), but have almost no connection to anime or Japanese culture. I'm not saying get rid of them, just move them to another ballroom. Maybe where the industry panels set up? This would allow what ever setup needed for the other programs appropriate time to do so. Fashion shows are growing rapidly, you may need to start including them in Main Events again. Ticketing and stamping has its own headaches. The easiest solution would be to make use of badge space and work it into the design.

Panel Cancellations/Updates - Sadly, there are always panel cancellations. No way around it. Pre-made self-inking stamps saying CANCELED are cheep. Working one or two into the budget would keep the message clear on the posted sheets. If for some reason they can't be budgeted in, PM me, I'll donate. As for changes in scheduling, Hyatt has monitors posted all around. Is the convention able to utilize them? It would be a great way to help keep attendees informed. This could also apply to changes in photo shoots as well.

IRT/Staff - I love you guys and gals! The volunteers make it all possible. The only thing I can think of is a true walk through, pre-con. Lines are mainly what I'm referring to here. Have the IRT for an event/concert/panel walk through theirs, possibly Wednesday or Thursday, a few times each to get acquainted with how they will handle it. It will show! Under general staffing, maybe create a tie in department for overall coordination. This will help establish "Flow" as well as giving the convention as a whole, a more uniformed/ organized perspective. Since it is all volunteers, I don't know what the numbers are, but I'd be willing to help in this area.

Single Day Badges Online - Great idea! I would advise against tier pricing though, too much lost revenue. Mailing options are always a plus.

As for the issues with different colored badges for age groups... In theory its great, but some argue that it actually "marks" potential victims. The sad truth is, the world if full of sick people. That aside, the printing costs alone would be drastically increased. Bulk runs would be shorted and multiple casts would need to be made. Thus the cost increase. Maybe something along the same lines as the ticketing solution with the badge? just a thought, but then the first argument kicks in.

If any staff or other con goers would like to discuss any aspects of my post in farther detail, just PM me! I'll also be following this thread, but I don't want to miss any opportunities to help where I can.

I agree with Youngbirdcall, awesome ideas my friend!

[rondo]

Working off of S1NN3R's excellent post, it kinda revolves around the raves. Typically, how many IRT individuals are assigned around areas that are not part of the Hyatt-Donald cluster? Do the satellite hotels (and their own convention spaces) host any other ACen events that are similar in size? Can they handle Grand Ballroom level events? Would ACen move what they consider a marquee event out and away from the main convention hotel?

[YoungBirdcall]

rondo, on 29 May 2012 - 02:34 PM, said:

Working off of S1NN3R's excellent post, it kinda revolves around the raves. Typically, how many IRT individuals are assigned around areas that are not part of the Hyatt-Donald cluster? Do the satellite hotels (and their own convention spaces) host any other ACen events that are similar in size? Can they handle Grand Ballroom level events? Would ACen move what they consider a marquee event out and away from the main convention hotel?

Important questions, all.

[linlindesu]

S1NN3R, on 25 May 2012 - 03:09 AM, said:

[color="#000000"]Raves - People have stated they would like to either get rid of the dances, or move them both to the same night. I'm AGAINST this. The reasoning is the finances taken in(badge purchases) from these alone pay for a major part in bringing in guests, as well as expansion for the convention its self. I believe that the solution would be to move them to another ballroom - say Doubletree or Embassy? We have already acquired them for the convention, why not utilize them? This may also help keep the congestion down in their respective lines as well. As for making it 18+, I don't know personally, I don't go to them.

[r]

I agreed with all the suggestions you stated except this. You must also factor the dances cost quite a bit of money as well. I do not believe getting rid of the dances will actually truly affect the number of badges being purchased. I'm not one for getting rid of the dances either, simply stating that I think ACen could survive with a smaller/ no dance.

[Bloo09]

The Embassy Ballrooms capacity is about 400, while the double tree is about 300. While the Hyatts is well over 1000. Moving the main dances there would not work, the Crystal Ball barely fit in the Embassy ballroom. The Hyatt is the only hotel we use that has ballrooms large enough for these events.

[S1NN3R]

rondo, on 29 May 2012 - 02:34 PM, said:

Working off of S1NN3R's excellent post, it kinda revolves around the raves. Typically, how many IRT individuals are assigned around areas that are not part of the Hyatt-Donald cluster? Do the satellite hotels (and their own convention spaces) host any other ACen events that are similar in size? Can they handle Grand Ballroom level events? Would ACen move what they consider a marquee event out and away from the main convention hotel?

Bloo09, on 30 May 2012 - 04:55 PM, said:

The Embassy Ballrooms capacity is about 400, while the double tree is about 300. While the Hyatts is well over 1000. Moving the main dances there would not work, the Crystal Ball barely fit in the Embassy ballroom. The Hyatt is the only hotel we use that has ballrooms large enough for these events.

Answered! Then would it be possible to work them in as "Special Events" are stated? Or maybe even just swap the ideas... Just a thought

This post has been edited by S1NN3R: 31 May 2012 - 11:05 PM

[KungPowKirby]

Bloo09, on 30 May 2012 - 04:55 PM, said:

The Embassy Ballrooms capacity is about 400, while the double tree is about 300. While the Hyatts is well over 1000. Moving the main dances there would not work, the Crystal Ball barely fit in the Embassy ballroom. The Hyatt is the only hotel we use that has ballrooms large enough for these events.

Well we have an answer. However, I'm still for cutting it down to one major rave on Friday. Maybe a minor 18+ one that wouldn't really need a big huge room like the Hyatt Ballroom. While I understand why people love the raves, id like to see something like a big concert at night.

[vika838]

Here's an idea for the Crystal Ball. My husband and I took one look at the price of a DJ for our wedding and decided to do it ourselves using his stereo equipment and a computer playlist. I suggest that ACen have interested staff dj the event, and that people who buy Crystal Ball tickets are given the opportunity at registration to make one song request. Provided their request can be found at ITUNES, their song can be easily purchased and put on a playlist ahead of time along with an assortment of other dance songs. Not everyone will like all the requests, and not all requests will have the time to be played, but at least staff dj's can pick from actual requested songs.

[vika838]

Nanashigurl01, on 24 May 2012 - 10:21 PM, said:

I agree with the fact that the Soap Bubble and the Hardcore Synergy should become 18+. I also agree that the badges should have the color system that tells the age of attendees. Children one color, under 17 another color, 18 to 20 another color, and 21+ another. I have seen it in other cons and it works well for them to control who goes to certain panels and dances. It also helps with any kind of problems that might involve the police.

Also, I have been to ACen when they had the tickets and it didn't work. People would get tickets to the events, like the concerts, then decide not to go when others had been trying to get tickets. That would cause the concerts not to get filled and the artists to get mad because they weren't getting promoted. Hand stamps too! You only have 2 hands, how is this supposed to work?!

Also, I was NOT happy with IRT with the Autograph area. My friends and I were standing in the line for the LM.C. session and we started to get yelled at that we weren't supposed to be in that line then got told that it was going to be at their booth. When we told them that there was a sign at their booth stating that it was in the back where the guidebook was saying it was supposed to be, they didn't even bother to check over the waves to find out, just told us to get out of line because we were taking up space. Needless to say, we were not happy. My friends stood at the booth while I went to the information desk to get info about it. The desk told me that it was still in the back but when I told them what IRT said, they were confused. Luckily, one of the Senior Staff was there to help and they got us back in our spots that we were forced from.

[vika838]

Easy fix for events not getting filled using tickets. Either reserve space for a certain number of walkups, fill no show seats with walkups, or both. The most important part of this would be that line IRT and ticket staff desseminate this info as part of their spiel. "You don't have a ticket? Well at X time we will be filling unoccupied seats from walkups. Providing there's space you could still get a seat."

[Bloo09]

vika838, on 01 June 2012 - 05:26 AM, said:

Here's an idea for the Crystal Ball. My husband and I took one look at the price of a DJ for our wedding and decided to do it ourselves using his stereo equipment and a computer playlist. I suggest that ACen have interested staff dj the event, and that people who buy Crystal Ball tickets are given the opportunity at registration to make one song request. Provided their request can be found at ITUNES, their song can be easily purchased and put on a playlist ahead of time along with an assortment of other dance songs. Not everyone will like all the requests, and not all requests will have the time to be played, but at least staff dj's can pick from actual requested songs.

We had a request thread on the forum, and asked for requests in emails. We were prepared to buy the requested songs through itunes but unfortunately not a single request was made outside of those who just got married on Friday turning in their song to us. We would love to take requests, but we would not guarantee their song choice like this since many will request inappropriate songs, while others would request good music. We are going to open up for requests again, and hope people turn in their choices. We also did use a staff member who is a DJ as our DJ for the event.

[linlindesu]

Bloo09, on 01 June 2012 - 01:04 PM, said:

We had a request thread on the forum, and asked for requests in emails. We were prepared to buy the requested songs through itunes but unfortunately not a single request was made outside of those who just got married on Friday turning in their song to us. We would love to take requests, but we would not guarantee their song choice like this since many will request inappropriate songs, while others would request good music. We are going to open up for requests again, and hope people turn in their choices. We also did use a staff member who is a DJ as our DJ for the event.

was the thread mentioned on the ACen site ( not the forums ) at all?
I feel like there's a bit too much dependance on the forums for events and things surrounding those events, hopefully it will not be the same for 2013

[Roark]

linlindesu, on 01 June 2012 - 11:36 PM, said:

was the thread mentioned on the ACen site ( not the forums ) at all?
I feel like there's a bit too much dependance on the forums for events and things surrounding those events, hopefully it will not be the same for 2013

This. Forums are a way to facilitate discussion. They are not a primary communication tool for announcements. That should be done by website updates (broadcast communication) or email (direct or targeted communication).

[Voltaire30]

Roark, on 04 June 2012 - 11:50 AM, said:

<br />This. Forums are a way to facilitate discussion. They are not a primary communication tool for announcements. That should be done by website updates (broadcast communication) or email (direct or targeted communication).<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Yep Which is why it was posted on the forums to generate a discussion and potential interest, and then sent out over email.

[linlindesu]

Voltaire30, on 04 June 2012 - 12:16 PM, said:

<br /><br /><br />

Yep Which is why it was posted on the forums to generate a discussion and potential interest, and then sent out over email.

I'm fairly sure events like the tea party (which sold out in a day) were hardly mentioned on the main page.
The point is, people should not need to read the forums to know what is going on at an event they are going to/ considering.

[rondo]

linlindesu, on 04 June 2012 - 08:08 PM, said:

I'm fairly sure events like the tea party (which sold out in a day) were hardly mentioned on the main page.
The point is, people should not need to read the forums to know what is going on at an event they are going to/ considering.

And goes with the whole better communication need, the boards are visited by such a tiny proportion of the overall convention attendance. As you mentioned before, the main event page should be the first online place for such important announcements.

Also, could there be a monthly newsletter that people can signup for? How about each month talk about where ACen stands with the con, any con announcements, perhaps things going on with MAPS, and you can even pimp out the forum boards by highlighting some interesting discussions going on within.

[Bloo09]

There is a monthly newsletter already going out, it has been for a few years now. The link to join it is at the bottom of our website page. CLICK ME It links to forum pages, announces main events, contests, changes, deadlines for registration and applications such as panelist apps, etc.. We strongly suggest joining it

[rondo]

Bloo09, on 04 June 2012 - 08:55 PM, said:

There is a monthly newsletter already going out, it has been for a few years now. The link to join it is at the bottom of our website page. CLICK ME It links to forum pages, announces main events, contests, changes, deadlines for registration and applications such as panelist apps, etc.. We strongly suggest joining it

Hmm, I thought I had already joined at one time and I got a couple newsletters and that was it.

[Bloo09]

It's been active since it began. You should try rejoining, they may have gone to your spam box or something. You could try searching @ACen.org emails in your email as well. I'm a member of it and see it come out on schedule every time Each department submits updates so attendees are kept up to date.

[Evil_Nerd]

This suggestion is for the video game rooms, especially for people bring in their own equipment. I don't know if this is doable, or if its already been suggested but here goes.

Maybe instead of banning bags from the video game rooms, you can require that only CLEAR bags are allowed inside. This way gamers could carry their items inside, and for women who need it can carry a small non see through bag inside with supplies. Kind of like a small cosmetic size bag.

As for the equipment in the game rooms in order to prevent theft mark the items in some bright tape, that way the equipment isn't damaged. Or one of those clear plastic ties, and have a couple of staffers posted in the room to keep watch.

Also having a check in might prove useful as well, for those who want to bring items inside have them sign up at a table where badge names can be taken down, and they can say which items they are bringing in. And once they are done with the game room, they can check out. Have them tag their own stuff before they go in though to prove it was theirs.

Ideally the only thing that should be carried into the video game room is video game stuff, and small bag for personal items.

Also one more idea, in order to keep people from tripping and bags being strewn around, have bags go into one area of the room. And even if someone grabbed the wrong bag, it would need to be checked out anyways.

[myrla]

Problem with that is a liability/insurance/fire hazard issue.

[Rhoran]

I suggest having Technika in the game room next year. I saw it in 2011, but couldn't play it because I was on EMERT staff. Now it wasn't there in 2012. Please bring it back.

[Siren_N0el]

18+ for dances. This is a no brainer. Sorry kids. Too much risk having them all out at late hours usually unsupervised, surrounded by sweaty people grinding. Unacceptable.

[Dark Spellmaster]

@Antisocialist, I agree with you that there should be a cover and a cut down of the rave. Although I wonder if anime fans that like the raves would be rather annoyed with this. Is there any way to maybe subvert this problem? Maybe have it where the advertising is toned down, or something to make it less fun to come to the con just for the rave?

[Tetsuguru]

Since the video game room is the second largest attraction (to me) after the dealer's room, the console room was held at the Hilton while arcades, DDR machines, and the alike, were still in the basement of the same location like every year. I stay at the Hyatt and it was a drag having to walk from here to there. The console room at the Hilton was moderately big but I'm sure the staffs can accommodate to make the room larger if necessary. So I'm suggesting, and asking, for some thoughts here about rotating. Meaning, all arcade games and other machines on the right side of the room should be at the Hilton and console games take its space to be fair. Unless the room size is the biggest factor at the Hilton, I honestly don't see why rotation isn't doable.

My significant partner and I are into fighting games and he wants to book at the hotel where the console room will be held. Unfortunately, the decision of where the console room will be will effect our hotel reservation because we won't know its location until ACen is just around the corner. Like everybody, so we reserve a room at the Hyatt anyways when the room block gets opened. And waiting until we know where the console room will be located at will likely having us with no room at the Hyatt, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, or the Hilton, but instead, a nearby motel or Inn.. So we hope to have the consoles in the basement at the Hyatt for 2013.

[Sailor Luna]

I'm just making suggestions based off what I heard happened last year/my experience with Charity Ball)
Crystal Ball : 25$ seems a bit on the excessive side to me , especially since if I remember correctly (which I could be wrong) when it was the Charity ball , it was like 15-20$ . And for that we had a live band playing. I liked having a live band play , it kind of made it more formal. If it's going to be a DJ I think they should make sure there are plenty of songs that you can waltz/other formal dance to and not seem strange. ( And I'm sure there are many anime songs that could fit the bill). I don't think the food is needed if that would cut the cost down. Since people don't have to pay for the raves individually , it's a bit frustrating the idea of having to pay 25$ to go to a dance that won't probably attract drunks and such.

Also I agree with making sure that panels don't overlap with photoshoots because sometimes people run both. Not to mention if there's only like 2 panels of one anime and then the photoshoot is at the same time of one of them it splits the cosplayers who might have gone to both.

I agree with the tickets for the rave. I would have it so you can get tickets of it the morning of it at the help/info desk.
And have it based on numbers and times (almost like lining up early but there would be a set time since those areas open at 10am)
so like ( obviously this could be done more accurately by someone who knows the total people who went to each rave and such)
1-400 (or a little under what the fire capacity is) can line up and go in at starting time
401-801 can line up starting 30-45 minutes after starting time
and so forth with 45 minute intervals. That way the actual "waiting time" and lines would be shorter.

Those who have a ticket that's say #45 must show up within their slot or 1 after .( so a total of 90 minutes late) (and when they could arrive and the last time they can get in would be on the ticket)

Oh also if you could get Sailor Moon related guests that would be cool!

This post has been edited by Sailor Luna: 04 October 2012 - 11:50 AM