Norwescon Clubs

*****MESSAGE AND ADDRESS UPDATED*****

Yo!

Well, here it is Wednesday Morning, and I'm still suffering from post traumatic party syndrome. I'm tired, a little fuzzy arround the edges, work seems like a daydream place where I am there physically but mentally I'm off somewhere else thinking

Bigger, Better, Stronger, Faster, Cooler...

That's the thing with me- May I never be complete, may I never be content, may I keep pushing farther so that those who roll with me find new and undiscovered countries with a dream of something greater...

Cause being at the top is no fun if there's no one to party with.


So- in the interest of the above, there will be a Post Mortem (Onions and Roses, cheers & Jeers, whatever you want to call it.) this Sunday at 7:30 for the Gnomes, CoSB, and LotB on Capitol Hill. As this is going to be at one of our fellow Party Hikers homes, we need to keep it cool and brief so those comming please bring a list of what you want to discuss as well as a list of *how* we can make it better.

So, specific details-

WHO: CoSB, Gnomes, and LotB Staff (+ a few special guests who really contributed over the Top aka DETHCON Crew)
WHAT: Post Mortem
WHEN: Sunday, March 30th, 7:30 - 9:30 pm.
****MEETING WILL START ON TIME!!!****
WHERE: Capitol Hill 116 E 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98102 (One block east of Broadway behind where the Crypt used to be the Password is "Sproing!!!" )
WHY: To review how the show went, plans for next year, and get everyones imput on how we can make the show better for next year.

Please bring Karen, the nice lady whose home we're Hiking to, a bottle of wine as a thankyou for the Crazyness that is about to ensue.
This is going to be fun, light hearted, and far less serious than our other business meetings.

POINT OF CONTACT

Sean "McBastard" Prather
Cell: 206-276-3813
Email: Scholar013@Comcast.net

Please RSVP me on this forum or via the above email address privately. Call me if you get lost on your way or there is something you'd likie to talk to me privately about.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

~Sean

i should be able to make it.

I live a few blocks away from there.

definate maybe.

unfortunately i'll be at work then, so i'll just post some stuff here

good:
i got a lot of liquor into people's livers, which was my primary goal and it was exceeded.
the gnomes rocked, they let me into their space and were nothing but helpful and friendly
the dancing on friday night was great

could be improved
the hot tub being closed friday night when i finally had time to relax was sad
the inability to get fresh daiquiri's to the contestants due to crowding
having to shut down the parties so early each night

suggestions:

i heard there were noise complaints. i wonder if that was mainly from the first or second floor? since when i went to the 6th floor to get supplies during the parties i didn't hear anything. if that's the case, maybe we could sell out the first floor with party people and help minimize that issue. plus if we could get a floor or two booked up, the room nights would help with

perhaps broadcasting the activities in the conference room to the smoking and bar areas would help with the overcrowding and inability for some to get in to enjoy the festivities. we've got a cult member with multiple projectors which could help

maybe the smoking area could be increased? it got pretty packed at times, and there was a lot of lawn to the east that could have been fenced into the party

resolutions:
what i need to do if we do this again
a. get another machine, there was too much demand for the output of the 2 bin slushee machine at times, especially when both would be offline waiting to slushify
b. get my own tent thingy, both to avoid imposing on the gnomes, and to improve visibility and queueing
c. get hot barbacks that don't flake out or get drafted by the rest of the con.

oh btw sunday is the 30th

errhead wrote:unfortunately i'll be at work then, so i'll just post some stuff here

good:
i got a lot of liquor into people's livers, which was my primary goal and it was exceeded.
the gnomes rocked, they let me into their space and were nothing but helpful and friendly
the dancing on friday night was great

could be improved
the hot tub being closed friday night when i finally had time to relax was sad
the inability to get fresh daiquiri's to the contestants due to crowding
having to shut down the parties so early each night

suggestions:

i heard there were noise complaints. i wonder if that was mainly from the first or second floor? since when i went to the 6th floor to get supplies during the parties i didn't hear anything. if that's the case, maybe we could sell out the first floor with party people and help minimize that issue. plus if we could get a floor or two booked up, the room nights would help with

perhaps broadcasting the activities in the conference room to the smoking and bar areas would help with the overcrowding and inability for some to get in to enjoy the festivities. we've got a cult member with multiple projectors which could help

maybe the smoking area could be increased? it got pretty packed at times, and there was a lot of lawn to the east that could have been fenced into the party

resolutions:
what i need to do if we do this again
a. get another machine, there was too much demand for the output of the 2 bin slushee machine at times, especially when both would be offline waiting to slushify
b. get my own tent thingy, both to avoid imposing on the gnomes, and to improve visibility and queueing
c. get hot barbacks that don't flake out or get drafted by the rest of the con.

I had a great deal of these same thoughts, hence why i have like 12 pages of notes now for next year.

Sort of a point by point-
Booze- we spint over $2500 in booze for this weekend. We stil have some left so I have locked it away for next year to help keep costs down.

The Gnomes did indeed kick much ass. Personally, I'd love to see them do a "Pimp my Gnome Hat" contest or something. I'm a goofball that way...

We did have several top shelp DJ's for friday *and* saturday, and their shows did rock the house. I am pissed at the Hotel Night Manager for closing us down early (Actually, we closed it down before she actually said the words, but we knew it was comming so better to beat her to the punch.) so the Saturday Night Set with DJ Liquid was missed. Next year we will have everything in writing.

Hot Tub. *Sigh* As much as I wanted a hot tub, the Liability for injury is just way too high to keep it open. I am looking for a way where we can make it Staff, Special Guests, and VIP Only and have it open for the afters party.

We do need to find a better set up for your Daqueri machine. If we can pull it off, next year we're going to have more space so we can have a VIP Lounge and we'll put you in there to hook folks up with your Daqueri Yumminess.

As for being shut down early, see above and next year we're asking to not have her on site. She cost us over $1500 in lost revenue, paying for the rooms the hotel she "deliberately" comped (We paid for these voluntairly as soon as we heard about them. LotB takes care of the people who take care of us without hesitation. It's just good business.), and "appologized" to non-con people about the "Freak Show". I'm willing to take a great deal of grief and hold my tounge when I want to snarl and growl when I want to accomplish something, but don't attack my peeps- I'll let the wolf out on that.

Needless to say, Brian and I really pissed at her. As for the rest of the LaQuinta staff, we love them and they thought we were great. We made sure that there was no damage and that we had a clean bill of health. Brian even fixed a few things for them too as I recall. All emotion asside, we believe that our best plan of action is to just work around the problem and go forward. The wolf don't need to bite on this, showing a little tooth will do just fine.

Noise- We're still trying to find out which complaints were real and those "Encouraged", but for next year we are looking at contracting with NorWesCon *AND* the LaQuinta to fill it with Party Hikers. We think it will accomplish two things- 1) It makes a Party Hikers Room closer to stagger too at 4:00 AM 2) It means less crossing of the street late at night. I can only hand out so many LED toys and shiny hats you know.

And yes, the bright and shiny was indeed by design. I knew people would cross the street to come to the party, so the least I could do is give them something reflective.

Let's talk privately about broadcasting, but we are thinking alike on this matter. I want EVERYONE at the party to be able to see the shows we put on, not just those lucky enough to get in the room. I'm working on the logistics of that right now.

As for outside, I think we need the WHOLE yard next year and Two tents. It will require a whole lot more fencing (We still have to stay within WSLCB laws and guidelines, but I think we'll be fine as long as we don't trash the place.) So i agree we need to find a way to make a larger space work. Mainly because my fear is that a party this big will outgrow the space we have right quick.

Sort of on that note, we're going to two entrances next year. 1 will be for regular guests and one will be VIP Only that will walk directly into their lounge. It will make it easier on the Hotel and give thew VIP's something extra.

As to the resolutions-

1) Yes, I think another yummy slushy machine is in order.
2) We can get you a tent with a space heater (Call it the Bakula Liquid Luv Shack or something) or get you inside, whichever you preferr.
3) We Do need HOT Barbacks and barstaff, so I'm willing to do what it takes to get them. We don't call it the Lordss of the Bling Body Shot Bar for Nothing...

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday! Please get this invite to the folks that need it, like Sharron and Gibbit from CoSB, and as many Red Hatted Gnomes as possible.

Lots' of love to my fellow Party Hikers!

~Sean

I crossed the street to attend the party. My first encounter was with one of your security people outside the party who was, positive, cheerful and helpful. So far, a good experience. My second enounter with your security, also a good experience. Once in the door, however, my good experience ended.

One of the reasons I enjoy the NWC parties soooo much is the general ability to get into a party, wander through, see people, be seen, and wander out. Sometimes, I even drink. There was very little chance for this at your party with the massive levels of overcrowding and bad traffic control inside.

Your security inside were horrible and not at all helpful. Trying to get some answer from one, and being yelled at was not an example of good customer service. One of your staff trying to push me into the womens' restroom (where the gals were preparing for the wet t-shirt contest) was just stupid. I understand lines and a bit of chaos, but coming from someone that wanted to be reasonably warm and just get a drink, it seemed very chaotic. It felt like 350 people in a room intended to house 100.

With the cramped quarters, inadequate signs, and my experience with certain staff, I am not likely to participate next year. Prove me wrong and you might get some of my hard earned monies.

If we need more space we can add a second 20x30 to create a 40x30 or 20x60. If we had the space we an even span a cover between the tents to create a 30x60 covered area. We can also insolate the tent and bring more heaters; with a wind block entryway to the tent should stay in the low to mid seventies all night. We would also be happy to host Airhead and his yummy slushies if he wants to stay in the tent.
I’ll be at the meeting on Sunday and we can talk more about the outdoor options.
Jeff

your complaints are noted and well it was a general complaint as in most room parties.

now i do not know about the yelling, maybe it was crowds to hear you and be heard or you just caught someone at a bad time.

as for the crowds, sounds like you caught the lineup for the wet shirt hence the crowds and stuff. next year we might be able to line them up outside in the yard and usher them in.

1st year errors that will be brought up at the meeting but thanks for the heads up

Was it just that I misread something, or was it put down that you had to have a con badge to get in? because most of the people, I heard (heard, because I won't go when it's in full swing, unless there is something between me and people. I'll help set up, but anyone who knows me knows my problem with crowds) from a very reliable source, that alot of the people ddidn't have badges

I was very dissappointed when I bought a VIP badge for one of my workers, and he couldn't even get in. Is there something we can do to make sure that VIPs actually GET IN? (and no, he couldn't come earlier.. he was running demos)

I'm serious about this. VIPs get special privileges, why not also guarenteed entry? now, I like the idea about from 2 on having a special vip party... but then there are the liquor laws to work with.

As for next year.. I am SO there to help set up, tear down and stuff in between the parties... As a Bakulite, and as a con goer, I LIKE this idea.

Gibbitt

Mornin Gibbit!

Ok, as for badges, for the Party we are recomending them and encouraging them, but they are in no way manditory. We do this for two reasons

1) Some people just want to come to NWC and get their party on. They don't do pannels, they don't do art shows or the masquerade, they want to party, see their friends, and drink. As a long time party hiker myself, this should be a no badge required event especially since we are not using convention facilities.

2) In an estranged sort of way, not requiring a badge lets people who would normally just walk on by a chance to walk in, party with us, and maybe in the future want to support fandon and the convention circuit. For far too long I've seen onventions go the "Geekier than Thou" route to the point where if you just have a passing interest in something Sci Fi you are made to feel like you don't belong unless you have your own wizard robe, phazer, tri corder, light saber, ect ect,.

I say, why not welcome these people in exchange ideas, and welcome them back next year. Who knows? We may help them unleash their inner party hiker.

As for the VIP's the only thing I can say is that we tell them in their VIP Pass Info tat to make sure that they can get in they should show up early. Not to snub them or any such thing, it's just that it's hard to make tings happen for them if they show up late and we are allready at capacity. VIP or not, the Fire Marshal trumps all.

However you are right- we need to do something more for our VIP's, so next year we are cutting te number of VIP Passes down and giving them their own lounge and entrance. This will give them a place to go insider, their own flat screen monitor to watch the other shows on, if all goes well their own bartender, and their own entrance and exit to the party. I REALLY did not like hearing that VIP's could not make it in, andevery year we do try and go the extra mile for them, but if they cannot even make it in what's the point? Cajun said we made some first year mistakes, and we recognize that. This is the first year anyone has ever done a party to this magnatude, so if we pulled it off flawlessly I'd be spooked as hell.

We're having our meeting this weekend, and we are going to go over what worked, what didn't, what we can do better, and how can we make it over the top next year as well.

Last, I've gotta tip my hats to the Gnomes and the Bakulites- they were not affraid of hard work and jumping right in. I will always be the first to say "We couldn't do this without you. "

Holla at ya soon!

~Sean

Richards wrote:I crossed the street to attend the party. My first encounter was with one of your security people outside the party who was, positive, cheerful and helpful. So far, a good experience. My second enounter with your security, also a good experience. Once in the door, however, my good experience ended.

One of the reasons I enjoy the NWC parties soooo much is the general ability to get into a party, wander through, see people, be seen, and wander out. Sometimes, I even drink. There was very little chance for this at your party with the massive levels of overcrowding and bad traffic control inside.

Your security inside were horrible and not at all helpful. Trying to get some answer from one, and being yelled at was not an example of good customer service. One of your staff trying to push me into the womens' restroom (where the gals were preparing for the wet t-shirt contest) was just stupid. I understand lines and a bit of chaos, but coming from someone that wanted to be reasonably warm and just get a drink, it seemed very chaotic. It felt like 350 people in a room intended to house 100.

With the cramped quarters, inadequate signs, and my experience with certain staff, I am not likely to participate next year. Prove me wrong and you might get some of my hard earned monies.

Richards -
Thanks for your feedback. You were not the only one who had this experience; I heard this many times from people both the night of, and after, Saturday night's show. If we don't hear this directly from people it's hard to make a case for change, so thank you for posting candidly.

I personally would like to see these problems addressed next time. Some of it can't be helped; we have limited space to work with - you physically can't cram 1,000 people into that wing of the hotel, try though we might! But we can do better on traffic control, the flow of events, things like that. This WAS our first time out of the gate, and we learned a whole lot. I hope we'll get the chance to show you a better time next year.

~Peggy
aka HotSauce!
(...I sometimes WEAR hot pants...)

I won't be making it to the postmortem meeting, but Chikin' Hed and Sharon should be showing up to talk shop. Chikin' and I have already discussed stuff and whatever he says at the meeting has got my endorsement (as if my backing is truly needed by him, lol). Anyway, I'm eager to hear the results of the meeting, and I'm sorry I won't be attending it with all you fine folks.
Keep the pimp hand strong.

It was good seeing everyone at the Sunday meeting. I heard a few good suggestions for improvements and thought I would post them before they drifted from memory. I think this party was a great success and it will be better next year based on what we learned.

VIP Badges
One of the complaints of the VIP badges was the card holder could not get in. The advertising and supplied documentation clearly stated that the VIP hold had a responsibility to show up early that might be asking too much of the average Con attendee. The recommendation I liked is to grantee admittance by including the number of VIP badges in occupancy count. The idea would be that you paid for your spot in the room and it should be available to you even if you don’t go, just like paying for a seat at a sporting event. Adding a VIP door and VIP only bar and lounge I think will also help to reduce the stress on the VIPs. I also hear talk of broadcasting the contest to the VIP lounge.

Overcrowding
Someone suggested reducing the number of VIP badges. The combined occupancy for the conference rooms is 88 according to the hotel rep. This means that when you include staff and participants we don’t have sufficient occupancy to support the targeted 100 VIP badges (even with new math). I don’t know how many badges where sold but even if only half the VIP showed up you would be hard pressed to fit them in much less non VIPS. Please pardon me if my numbers are a little off and incomplete, this is just a rough estimate to prove a point (not looking for flames or corrections). We are also planning to bring a 60x30 structure next year (tripling our tent size) and creating a smoking/overflow area on the lower lawn. We also have opportunities to increase the flow with more security and planning but that will take more volunteers.

Lack of volunteers
All I can say is we have more time to recruit and we (the gnomes) are considering providing food and shelter for the volunteers (it will be discussed at the next gnome meeting). The good news is that we will have more time to put together a team for next year.

Noise complaints
I suggested turning down the base but then again I’m not a DJ so I’m sure it’s not that simple. Another suggestion was to block out the rooms that would be affected and stuff them with Con people. There was also a suggestion to create a partition to muffle the noise and only allow VIP to enter from the hotel. We would also like to take steps to reduce the number of partiers loitering in the lobby.
Please excuse the spelling, grammar, and incoherent thought , I still have not recovered from the party.

Jeff

We need to start planning the decoration and we need to know if the hotel has agreed to let us set up two tents next year. Please contact me at stewartdba@yahoo.com.