how can we improve bobw and other cons?

[neith4]

Hello there now that the dust has started to settle
its time to get serious
really I've seen people post about this issue who normally dont complain
so what can we do to stop future problems ?

at bobw and gate cons or elsewhere
perhaps we can start by listing and tallying up what the major complaints were and then sending the results to adele ?

I know what my list would be but I want to cross check?

so please short terse sentences or statements
what do you want to see changed or improved next time?

come on people let's see some collective social protest

that has a result - we've had our say - what action should we take ???

neith

 

[Gatecon]

I know I should be watching this thread instead of writing for it, but I just wanted to list the main areas of concern that I have had feedback for so far.
All of the organisers of Gatecon have already strted discussions on how we can fix these areas for next year and future cons.

- Security : Well there were a lot of reports that some Guest Services people were nothing short of rude. his was totally unexcusable, and we are firstly trying to identify any main offenders, and definitely not have them back on the team next year.
There were also times where security personel were spread too thin, with too much to do, and unfortunately moods get shorter when things like this happen.
There will now be a strict code that all guest services must follow, and that means being as nice and friendly as possible at all times. Offenders will immediately be removed.

- Numbers at the banquet : That was puely and simply a screw up on our part. I personally tried to fix it as best I could, but some people didn't get what they asked for, and were upset. This is totally understandable, and hopefully was a one off incident.

- Autograph lines : The problems here was trying to get everyone through line with all of the guests. With that number of guests, and people waiting for autographs, it would be better to split the stars into 2 or 3 groups, and then an attendee could join one of the lines, then join another afterwards, making priority to their specified star first, then so on.

- Stars Availibility for Autographs : There were a lot of complaints that people missed out on autographs for some stars who left early.
This is a hard one, because the easiest way to get people through is by ticket number, and we have no control over when a cast member has to leave the convention.
The stars already gave an extra 2 hours to sign autographs, but with 600 people all wanting to get autographs, it takes a hell of a long time to get through them, and some will miss out.
I also have to put some of this back onto the attendee's... Everyone was asked to get their autograph, then move on, but way too many wanted to chat to the stars, effectively holding up the line behind them. Maybe we need to be a bit stricter on this.


There were other areas of concern at gatecon, but these were the main ones.

In this thread, we would not only like to hear what you thought wasa problem, but try to help us out and tell us if you have any ideas on how it could have been better.

Thanks

 

[squire]

Okies, bobw - I think the program should be free (as I mentioned before, but thats one thing that really stood out to me).

The passes that they gave us were for seperate days, I think there should be ONE pass for people going both days (so they dont have to line up twice), and seperate passes for people only attending one day.

If I think of anything else, Ill let ya know.

Squire :wink2:

 

[neith4]

so more staff on registration ?

and maybe shorter shifts and higher turnover of
volunteer security staff might help?

(i'm also running this topic on gaters and crosscomparing notes so everyone can hopefully benefit???)

thanks for contributing!

 

[prion6]

Suggestions

What makes a good convention is open communications between the staff and the congoers, which doesn't always happen, for whatever reason.

Virtually every convention has a website now, and there's really no excuse not to have a FAQ that would cover ever conceivable question, which really isn't too difficult. Some cons have yahoo lists where people ask questions - simply cull that question and paste it and the answer to a FAQ.

I know with the gatecon site, the last time I dropped by, I'd hit a link and end up at a page which wasn't what I wanted, although it sounded like what I wanted when I first clicked.

To also do surveys is good: and to post the results of the surveys and let the fans know what will be fixed is good relations.

In reading back on the post on gatecon here, yes, please do fire (get rid of, etc.) the rude security people. There's NOTHING worse than rude security at conventions, or security people who think they're god.

I look at conventions just I look at any store I might visit: if the customer service and product are good, I'll go back. If the customer service is lame, and the product not as advertised, I won't go back, and I sure won't recommend it.

 

[LGammaRay2]

Con Ticket Fees

Just wanted to reply to those who have suggested that cons should be "free." There is no way that could ever happen, nor should it. Organizers of cons have to PAY the guests - after all, actors and actresses are working when they appear at a con and it costs a lot of money to be able to afford the guests. That's just for openers. Some cons pay for the guests' transportation and accommodations as well. All of the above can run into the thousands of dollars per guest. Think about it. The venue, whether it be a hotel or convention hall, costs money. Organizers must pay rent for however many days the con runs. When there are other events at cons, such as banquets, cocktail parties, etc. the room, food, etc. costs money. How could a con ever be free?

I've yet to attend a con that wasn't worth the money I've spent.

 

[padders]

Re: Con Ticket Fees

Originally posted by LGammaRay2
Just wanted to reply to those who have suggested that cons should be "free."

I think they meant the programme, ie the printed thing you get not the event itself...

 

[LGammaRay2]

BOBW con

Ah, thanks for the clarification, Padders. Boy do I feel stupid now. LOL :blush: