GaoSalad
Hardcore Otaku
Yaoi Catboy
Posts: 160
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Post by GaoSalad on Mar 31, 2009 6:41:20 GMT -5
They asked for all IDs at Travis' panel. But that's actually what should be done, because random spot checks do not absolve you from blame, as seems to be the concern. This is true. I'll dissolve the red/green system. I was just going with what worked. And that was it. Changes can be made :3 No ma'am! D: I was way looking forward to having a green badge and being a child molester next year. ;-; lolz
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Post by playingthemelody on Mar 31, 2009 8:58:38 GMT -5
Overall the con was very well planned! This opperated better than some of the bigger cons...but we wont name names. I was a panelist and the panel programming was run very well!! Great communication and all that..
My only suggestions are these. First off, registration line. When I was standing in the line, they were comming out and taking those who had NOT pre registered to the front of the line and having them register. Hi,I pre registered to make the line shorter, not longer. Those who already have their information in the system need to be taken to the front. Its one of the benefits of preregistering!!
OR there needs to be a totally seperate place where those who had not registered can go to do so. An hour and a half in line for pre-registration just didnt seem right to me.
Also, I think the idea of comp badges would work well for this con. Having a seperate room to find staff within the convention center. This would be where volunteers, panelists, whatever would go to pick up their badges and confirm their panel times. So they dont show up, 30 minutes early to their own panel because they cant read the schedule. Like someone I know did (me!)
Anyway, overall this was a good time to be had by all. See you in 2010.
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LordPrometheus
Hardcore Otaku
Welcome your new overlord, Emperor Warusa! Cower in fear, Earthlings!
Posts: 154
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Post by LordPrometheus on Mar 31, 2009 9:08:13 GMT -5
Since this was my very first con ever, I don't have anything to compare ASTL 09 to, unlike a lot of previous posters, so I don't know how helpful my observations will be. Well, here goes. If you've read my post in the General section, you'll know that I had a freaking awesome time overall. However, there were a few things that I did not enjoy. First, as everyone else said, the pre-reg line was goofed up. I know this wasn't Zayane's fault; she did a kick-a job, almost entirely by herself. Mad props to her for not going insane. But seriously, whoever volunteered and didn't show up to help, shame on you. That is not even cool. Secondly, there was WAY too much dead time on Sunday. After Travis, there was like, absolutely nothing going on, except for an abbreviated Lisa Furukawa concert. I spent more time standing around on Sunday than anything else. Saturday was mostly alright, but there were a few blocks of time that had nothing going on as well. This time could have been allocated a bit better, I think. Third, MOAR SIGNS PLZ! I didn't even realize there WAS a dealer room until Sunday! The map was slightly less than helpful, but maybe that's just because the convention center is laid out weird. Whatever the case, I had difficulty finding a lot of the rooms I wanted to get to. Fourth, PARKING. Wow, was it awful. I could not believe I had to park across the street on a rainy day just to get inside on Sat. I realize you guys aren't responsible for this, but the hotel should have known better than to do the gun show at the same time. That was just ridiculous. Finally, I don't know why some people are against the whole age-coded badges thing. I thought it was a good idea. You should keep it. Well, there it is. Just a few observations from a first timer. I hope I was helpful.
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Post by vern on Mar 31, 2009 11:01:54 GMT -5
Ok so I have a few things to say, mostly apologizing and explaining. Explanation and apology number 1: To the panelists whose panels we didn't use who got a confirmation e-mail _that was an accident_ that I will kick myself forever for. I have a bad habit from my office assitant days of seeing a stack of paper and plowing through it, especially if I've already looked them over. I apologize and hope you try a new panel next year and that we can make ammends. Explanation 2: Why so few panels and events? Because there were that few forms and that few people willing to do their panel on Friday or Sunday. The Sunday panels were _all_ guest and staff. Almost everyone wanted a Saturday afternoon panel, and most of them got it. I saw so many great ideas in the panels forums and about half of them didn't give me a registration form. Sending me an e-mail or putting up a thread going "We should do a (insert topic) panel!" And me going "That sounds awesome!" does _not_ equal a registration and confirmation. I had awesome Jeremy add a reminder note for people to send me their forms, and it didn't happen. I can't force people to host panels and considering the size of our staff, none of us did more than a couple panels (and I think only 3 of us did at all) because stuff would've been left unattended that needed not be. I wish I'd been able to spend more time keeping an eye on the panel rooms but there aren't enough hours in the day. The map...that's what the convention center had on their website and it wasn't big to begin with, and I knew the anime room schedule had to fit too (by the way, to all the people telling me to use both sides of the paper.... ? I used both sides and every bit of that paper.) so I tried to compensate by adding the numbered code of what room is what. I'm sorry it wasn't more helpful to people, we will see what we can do for next year. Another note: To _everyone_ who registered for panels and/or the Date Auction: Thank you! You are all appreciated! If any mistakes I made led you to think otherwise, it was not my intention and not the accurate depiction on how I or the staff view you. _Please_ come back and apply again next year. No con runs perfectly and without complaint, all us staff types can do is listen and try to fix the problems for next time. We are _human_, which means by definition some things won't go as planned, some actions won't come off as intended, and we're just doing what we can with what we have. The main thing we get out of this is an exciting, fun, but hectic time and a chance to see your (mostly) smiling faces. I hope you don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
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Post by cosplayerrika on Mar 31, 2009 11:31:19 GMT -5
A couple of my complaints...
The schedule was sometimes to crammed together at points, then at others there was nothing going on. I haven't read all seven pages of this thread, but like others have said earlier on I would have like to seen more fan panels. I mean the Pokemon panel was actually one of my favorites all weekend.
We couldn't find anything. It took us until Friday night to figure out where everything was. Put up a sign of all the events that are going to take place in the rooms and maybe signs leading there since it was a large convention center.
I know this was not the staff's fault in any way, but I hated the gun show people. I even saw them coming upstairs, looking around, and making rude comments. They took up a ton of parking space and walking out to the car was a nightmare when they were there. They filled up the outside with cigerette smoke. I hope in the future this doesn't happen again. Once again, not your fault, but it is a complaint.
The Masquarade was not a good experience for our group. Someone told us we had a meeting at 2, then ohters at 3. So we waited around from 2 until 3. When we finally got in there the MC went through everyone's names making sure they were pronounced correctly, but he still made a lot of mistakes like we had a Kakuzu and he called him Kabuzu. (which I think is halarious.... I'm not a Naruto fan, but I'm digressing.) We did have a really good skit planned out, but we ended up switching to a walk on. We didn't get a chance to have a tech rehersal, which really feels like an important element especially if you have a skit. I think the walk ons and skits should have been separated and at least have let all who were going to do a skit do a quick runthrough because there were so few this year.
The rave had pretty cool music, though I wish a couple anime songs were thrown into the mix, but that's not really a big deal to me. The music was a bit too loud because I was temporarily deaf when I came out.
I did like the colored badge idea, but I didn't like to constantly pull out my license to show that I was over 18.
So in a nut shell - more fan panels, signs, boo on the gun show people, turn down the volume slightly, no more whipping out my ID everytime I wanna go to a panel.
Though all in all I had a pretty good time.
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Rakuen
Hardcore Otaku
I survived ASTL '10!
Posts: 245
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Post by Rakuen on Mar 31, 2009 11:36:25 GMT -5
That's now how it was working. There were two lines, one for on-site registration, and one for pre-registration. It just happened that the pre-reg line was ridiculously long. They were actually shortening the line for you, not lengthening it.
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Post by playingthemelody on Mar 31, 2009 12:51:08 GMT -5
my mistake then, it seemed to me that those who were pre registered stood there and waited forever while those who hadnt registered moved along quicker.
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Post by doublej on Mar 31, 2009 12:58:17 GMT -5
Oh! And Jeremy, you were the one who did the date auction, right? You've gotta work on your auctioneering! Berg...and here I thought I did a decent job, heh. Was it something I said? But seriously, that was my first time being the auctioneer, so I'll play the 'inexperience' card, heh. I would like to hear why I didn't do so hot, as others have said I wasn't the best or shouldn't do it next year (which I don't mind of course, just sucks to hear that). I probably should have thought of background music, as that would have killed a lot of silence that was in the room. By the way, any AV folks interested in helping next year, hint hint... In response to other comments that have come up: -Yeah, parking, from what I heard, was terrible on Saturday, and the weather wasn't helping. I had heard from folks that the hotel had its own parking section for those with room keys, which I think some of the staff wasn't aware of. If we take the con center again for next year, we'll definitely mention it on the website. -With panels and not having enough of them, like Julie stated, we had quite a few good ideas, but no one followed through with them. If you like a panel idea, or just want to have a meeting of any sort (Sasuke Fans Anonymous? Just saying.) then submit a form and make it official. PM folks or discuss it in the forums on who should take charge of it. If we get more than one form for the same panel type, we'll work together with those people to make one panel that'll fit the schedule. So don't be afraid to submit a form and start a panel. We're pretty easy to work with. Some ideas for next year: -- Meeting people panels. Icebreakers, things to get new congoers to meet and open up, like the con virgin panel. -- Panels for parents. There are some parents that have no clue about anime. Teach them what it is, or others on how to explain it. --Writing panels. Fanfiction. Need I say more? --Music panels. As an amateur DJ and music game fanatic, I always enjoy hearing new stuff. Any kind of panel where folks can get together and expose others to new genres and artists is great.
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Post by Zayane on Mar 31, 2009 13:39:12 GMT -5
That's now how it was working. There were two lines, one for on-site registration, and one for pre-registration. It just happened that the pre-reg line was ridiculously long. They were actually shortening the line for you, not lengthening it. FYI, Last year for thursday badge pick up more than just 30 people showed up. A BOAT LOAD showed up last year making pre-reg very very nice. This year, only 30 people showed up out of the 500+ people who registered. I thought badge pick up on thursday was a fabulous idea. But I guess it doesn't work? Any suggestions? Keep it? Stop it?
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Post by saraht3hpixie on Mar 31, 2009 13:44:20 GMT -5
Thursday badge pick up is a great idea and saves a lot of hassles.
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Post by Zayane on Mar 31, 2009 13:49:24 GMT -5
Thursday badge pick up is a great idea and saves a lot of hassles. It's just that I DID have it. Everyone who followed all the steps on the paypal, got a comfirmation email. All those who pre-regged got one (unless they wrote unclearly--I only try three times) In the confirmation email it stated this: Thank you for Pre-Registering for Anime St. Louis 2009! The convention will be held at The St. Charles Convention Center, St. Louis, Missouri, on the date of March, 27~29th. Pre-Registration will be open on Thursday (no events scheduled) from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. to pick up badges. Do not worry! Pre-Registration is open through out all three days. Thursday is just to minimize door traffic and cater to our guest who might have booked a hotel room at neighboring hotels. *Note: If Cosplayers really want their badges on Thursday, then just present your costume (you don’t have to be in it). **REMINDER: There are NO events scheduled for Thursday. Retrieve your badge and Go home or check-in! Thank you very much for joining the Anime St. Louis community! For further information and the Anime St. Louis forums please go here: www.animestl.net~*~ But even soo only 30 people showed up. Last year about 1/3rd of the pre-registered people showed up cutting the line by a 3rd. It allowed people to pass through registration freely. Not to meantion I had as many expendible volunteers as I wanted. Like volunteers who weren't doing anything were rerouted. D: That...That's another story. But yes. I think maybe people blew it off, and said I'll do it on friday because registration was so super special awesome last year. But what I think people didn't realize the reason why it was so super special awesome was that people were edger to Get their badge and go to their hotel rooms, or back home. Which minimized the door traffic. ~_______~ I'm not blaming people for blowing it off. But man, if people had actually shown up on thursday like last year...
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Rakuen
Hardcore Otaku
I survived ASTL '10!
Posts: 245
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Post by Rakuen on Mar 31, 2009 14:29:13 GMT -5
Definitely keep badge pickup on Thursday. I can't think of a big convention that doesn't do that, it's just too useful to keeping the line down. If I recall, the rooms this year were pretty pricey, so people from out of town aren't all that likely to come down the day before and have to shell out another 150+ dollars for a room. Hopefully, though, next year people that actually live in St. Louis will take advantage of it.
Any time saved on Thursday is better than nothing though.
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atticcat
Hardcore Otaku
~the sleep of reason produces monsters~
Posts: 132
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Post by atticcat on Mar 31, 2009 14:50:22 GMT -5
ALWAYS and forever keep the thursday pick up.... people will learn next yr if you get the word out that that is one of the main reasons the line took so long. Was the hotel price discounted? cus it seemed to be rather expensive...
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newcastleepl
The Sun... It Burns!
Love, Liberty, Disco!
Posts: 819
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Post by newcastleepl on Mar 31, 2009 15:14:12 GMT -5
This was my first con, and I had a good time. I just had a couple issues with things that you all could actually control, and so I thought you all should hear them.
1) A larger merchants room, seriously. There's not much on this one you haven't heard yet, so I'll move on.
2) You need more stuff to do. There were times during the con where it seemed like if you didn't want to hear the one panel happening you were out of luck. If you need more panels find ways to encourage people to host more panels. You could have held a screening of AMVs that were entered into the contest, or let people bring in their own that they didn't want to enter in the contest. More stuff like video games and the sword fighting activity (but free).
3) Understand your con-space better, and plan accordingly to that (this is a multiple part complaint). Many of the guest panels were held in rooms that were too small for the number of people who wanted to see the panels. Figure out which activities will be the most popular and get those into the bigger rooms. Understand the set-up and issues that will be encountered in each room and plan to compensate for those. I went to two panels in the Main Events hall and neither of these panels had microphones for the speakers set up. That room is too large to have people speaking without microphones, the sound just dies too quickly. Spike Spencer's "Don't Kill Your Date" panel was in a large room (good move), but there weren't nearly enough chairs in the room (it wasn't even half full of chairs), and the room shared a wall with a rock concert (bad moves). The tabletop game room was separated from the rest of the events, causing it to be ignored.
4) Have a designated signing time set up in advance for your guests. There's really not much more to this other than it being nice to know when they will actually be able to sign stuff.
Just some other misc. stuff, not really complaints that you can control, though. 1) More open space is needed. This probably would have not been an issue if the Military collectibles show hadn't been using the building at the same time, though, so it's a pass. 2) I liked the separate con guide book and schedule. It allowed me to go through to book the first day, figure out what I wanted to see and mark it on my schedule. After that I was able to just carry around a sheet of paper as opposed to the whole book, which is a lot more convenient.
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Post by amarathine on Mar 31, 2009 15:47:30 GMT -5
I liked having badges that distinguished minors and adults. It was convienent to know at a glance what you were dealing with and what you should and shouldn't say.
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