Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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Now that PaizoCon 2010 is over, it's time to start planning for PaizoCon 2011. And that means those of you who couldn't make it this year had better start saving up and blocking out time to make it to 2011.
In particular, everyone's favorite warwoof was greatly missed. Be on notice Heathy, you will be drafted into attending next year.
I gotta say Sebastian this is a really good idea, not that I wouldn't have thought of it myself mind you, but to have it out there it sort of brings it into focus... y'know? I believe I know exactly what I'll be preparing for next year... and it does occur right around my birthday too.
Dean; The_Minstrel_Wyrm
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PaizoCon plan for next year: Drive into Bellevue the day before, and leave the day after the Con ends. By doing this the cost of the trip is cut in half, and I'll be able to attend GenCon as well. Next year, I vow to make this happen, even though I doubt GenCon could be anywhere as fun as PaizoCon was. Gaming with you Sebastian was a total blast; you're welcome at my online game table anytime.
When are the dates slotted for next year? Or is that too early to ask?
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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When are the dates slotted for next year? Or is that too early to ask?A bit too early. We still have to decide if we want to keep the same venue, and such. They've been very good to us, but as the con grows, we need to make sure they're keeping up with our needs.
Opinions?
I don't know about ticket sales, but it seemed like more people this year than last.
I heard the attendance was up from about 250 last year to around 320-330 this year? If that's true, I thought the hotel kept up with the increase. But if it grows by that order of magnitude next year, they might be overrun. I liked that the Evergreen room was used for the Paizo panels this year. It's more roomy and can accommodate more people. But the dealer's room (sales room?) was just too cramped for space. Need to work on that. But everything else was clicking fine, based on my limited knowledge of how to best utilize con space at a hotel. Great job, as always, guys!
My two-cents,
--Neil
Opinions?
My feeling is that you're going to need a bigger venue next time. Just please don't leave Western Washington.
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We still have to decide if we want to keep the same venue, and such. They've been very good to us, but as the con grows, we need to make sure they're keeping up with our needs. Opinions?
Even if we had 400 people attending the Con, I think the Coast Bellevue could keep up with us. The only limitations were the Paizo Sales Area and the resturant occasionally, but other than that there was little issue. During most of the slotted times only 3-5 games were going on in the 1/4th banquet room areas which had 6 tables each. With a bit better use of space, all six of those tables could be filled and the Bellevue should suffice for one more year but not beyond that.
That said, noise and heat do quickly become issues with six active tables in each room, so that is worth taking under advisement as well. I trust the Paizo Event staff to make the right call on this; fantastic job again with all the work put into PaizoCon 2010.
The only size issue I saw was when a hundred or so PFS players decended on the free continental breakfast just minutes before the games were to at 8. In fact my only complaint about the Coast Bellevue at all was the service in their lounge. Other than that, top marks all around.
+1
My family and I had a few issues with the lounge service (which was eventually righted by Michelle, who was wonderful). But other than that, need...bigger...store....
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I'll echo all of the major comments above...
- The Con was awesome!!!!
- The restaurant was packed, especially at breakfast, and the staff was really struggling to keep up.
- The vendor room was more then a tad cramped.
- When a full set of tables were going in a ballroom, the noise and heat got to be an issue.
I know the Coast did everything they could to accommodate, and while they seemed to mostly keep on top of it, I couldn't imagine the situation if the year over year attendance growth remains the same. Of the other cons I've been at, I've noticed several practices that really seem to work well:
- Using 1st floor guest rooms for organized game venues. The difference in noise and distraction level is drastic.
- Three day weekends make a ton of difference too. While it may seem like just another day, it also seems to help smooth out transportation plans for most folks, and makes the event generally more approachable.
That said, I know I'm already planning on attending next year. And I thank all the Paizo folks, along with all the GMs, for all their hard work in making the con such a great experience.
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I'll echo most everyone's comments, Hotel was good, the lounge was sub par. Ground transportation that the hotel provided was good and I have to say that being close to mass transportation was a big plus. My compliments to your civic planners out there. They are way more on the ball than Florida.
Another note aboput the lounge, I was there a day early and the seemed to have issues with a light crowd handling breakfast. Food is an after thought there.
Having Whole foods in walking distance was cool though. Never ate so healthy at a con before.
You might want to circulate a survey to the con goers.
Just move it to Lilith's house. There will be plenty of cookies for everyone. YEA!!!!!!
O.o
You might want to circulate a survey to the con goers.
There were quite a few excellent restaurants nearby (either by a good walk or a short drive). Perhaps such amenities might be listed for next year?
Having Whole foods in walking distance was cool though.
Woah wait hold up, Whole Foods is within walking distance of the venue?
PaizoCon 2011 just jumped up about ten spots on my priority list.
Woah wait hold up, Whole Foods is within walking distance of the venue?
Yeah, it's catty-corner from the hotel. Very handy. :)
Woah wait hold up, Whole Foods is within walking distance of the venue?Yeah, it's catty-corner from the hotel. Very handy. :)
Awesome.
And yeah, a restaurant listing would be nifty (and something a local fan could put together pretty easily, I'd think). Anything that takes the guesswork out of picking restaurants in unfamiliar cities is a major plus in my mind.
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I hope it's not asking too much, but maybe add another chart to the events schedule. Have one of the hotel and have a 'city map' of the surrounding area, marking the restaurants, pubs, Whole Foods, and other such sites. BTW the hotel map was really helpful for pointing out where the events were being held.
Fiona
I really didn't have any real complaint's with the con the staff did ok in the lounge, a little slow in the afternoon but at night the staff did much better and the drinks were pretty good too. I really liked the fact you could take your drinks anywhere in the hotel, Hey does this sound like I have a drinking problem? Oh by the way got too sit with the fella's that work in the warehouse very cool guys by the way.
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I like the venue and think they could probably handle it next year, though beyond it, assuming the same growth rate, they may not handle it beyond next year. The staff there was really doing a good job with the influx of 300+ folks over a weekend IMO.
I never had an issue with the lounge (though I wasn't hitting it just before 800am) but I can see where a horde of gamers grabbing breakfast in a rush before the first game would cause an issue.
The store definitely would need more space and second register for heavy traffic times would be a good idea to even the flow of folks through there.
I enjoyed the space the Evergreen room gave for the seminars, though I will definitely need to pick up a directional mic for next year if the venue holds.
In fact my only complaint about the Coast Bellevue at all was the service in their lounge. Other than that, top marks all around.
Tam
Seconded. This was my second Paizocon and the service was just as lousy the first time around. Even sending someone up to the bar to order didn't get them to the table any faster.
Now the quality of the drinks, on the other hand, was just as excellent as the rest of the hotel's services.
When are the dates slotted for next year? Or is that too early to ask?A bit too early. We still have to decide if we want to keep the same venue, and such. They've been very good to us, but as the con grows, we need to make sure they're keeping up with our needs.
Opinions?
The banquet is definitely tight seating. I like the coziness of the Coast (and location) very much, but I think there were plenty of people disappointed that they couldnt get tickets.
But if you doubled the estimated size of Paizocon 2011, it would change the con a bit. Just try to keep it in Bellevue.
All I know about PaizoCon 2011 is that LPJ Design will be there make our first appearance with all new product to sell for fans including Pirates of the Bronze Sky. And since this is my first trip to Seattle I might need a few days just to check out the city and the gaming vibe.
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When are the dates slotted for next year? Or is that too early to ask?A bit too early. We still have to decide if we want to keep the same venue, and such. They've been very good to us, but as the con grows, we need to make sure they're keeping up with our needs.
Opinions?
Myrtle Beach has an awesome convention center, and several local tattoo parlors so everyone can get a Big Blue brand.
What? I can dream can't I? :P
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I wish I could have made it to this years though typically when I go to something like this I like to go for a few extra days to enjoy myself and make a proper vacation out of it. I've never been to Bellevue, Washington before so don't know if there is much to do there but if it had been in Vegas or something I would have taken a week off and been there both to enjoy PaizoCon and the other shows and casinos. Regardless of where it is next year I think I'm gonna try and make it. Sounds like a good time even if PaizoCon is all I do while there.
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Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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I wish I could have made it to this years though typically when I go to something like this I like to go for a few extra days to enjoy myself and make a proper vacation out of it. I've never been to Bellevue, Washington before so don't know if there is much to do there but if it had been in Vegas or something I would have taken a week off and been there both to enjoy PaizoCon and the other shows and casinos. Regardless of where it is next year I think I'm gonna try and make it. Sounds like a good time even if PaizoCon is all I do while there.
Bellevue is not the place you go to visit...Seattle is. And Seattle is 10-20 minutes away. I took folks on a brief tour of downtown Seattle for about 6 to 7 hours, and that was hitting just the "must do" touristy stuff. There's TONS to do in the Seattle metro area, if you are interested in doing more than PaizoCon. EASILY a whole week of stuff to do and see.
Hope you can make it next year!
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I actually would have loved if Paizocon had been a week later. My school had not let out yet, and the idea of taking extra days off a few days before final exams and graduation would have had me murdered by my principal.
Next year school ends June 23rd, so can we have the convention the last weekend of June this time??
Please??
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I actually would have loved if Paizocon had been a week later. My school had not let out yet, and the idea of taking extra days off a few days before final exams and graduation would have had me murdered by my principal.
Next year school ends June 23rd, so can we have the convention the last weekend of June this time??
Please??
Wow that school lets out late. Where is this school?
Never did hear of a school going more than a week into June.|
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I actually would have loved if Paizocon had been a week later. My school had not let out yet, and the idea of taking extra days off a few days before final exams and graduation would have had me murdered by my principal.
Next year school ends June 23rd, so can we have the convention the last weekend of June this time??
Please??
Wow that school lets out late. Where is this school?
Never did hear of a school going more than a week into June.
Many of the schools in Southern California don't start until after Labor day weekend (Sept 8th this year). They go for 180 days. They have lots of holidays anymore (1 week Thanksgiving, 2 weeks xmas, 1 week spring break, 4 days presidents day weekend, and more).
So basically summer is now only two months long (plus two weeks).
Not like when I was a kid, when it started Labor day weekend and ended memorial day weekend. A full 3 months summer.
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Contributor
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As someone likely to attend again in future, I'd love to see a little more space, especially more room between game tables and more space for the banquet. And if you can come up with curtain dividers or some other means of dampening sound in the game rooms, awesome!
As someone who might be on seminar panels again, I heartily support the suggestion (perhaps in another thread) that seminars be schedule between game slots if possible. The space was nice.
And as someone who'd like to play next time, I also like that suggestion of staggering slots or providing some other alternative for folks who are on standby and don't get a table.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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I actually would have loved if Paizocon had been a week later. My school had not let out yet, and the idea of taking extra days off a few days before final exams and graduation would have had me murdered by my principal.
Next year school ends June 23rd, so can we have the convention the last weekend of June this time??
Please??
Wow that school lets out late. Where is this school?
Never did hear of a school going more than a week into June.
Most schools in Washington get out around the 20th or so of June. I think last day this year was the 21st or 22nd.
I'd prefer for PaizoCon to not be on Father's Day weekend, as it did create a bit of a conundrum for me to peel away from the beloved kiddies to go get my gamer groove on for Sunday.
I actually would have loved if Paizocon had been a week later.
Thanks for reminding me - it also overlapped with Father's Day - another reason to have it a week later.
hmm so it is in California, sigh why are all the CONs I want to go to out there, oh well I will have to keep with Mile Hi CON till I can afford the tickets to get out there, maybe 2012
When are the dates slotted for next year? Or is that too early to ask?A bit too early. We still have to decide if we want to keep the same venue, and such. They've been very good to us, but as the con grows, we need to make sure they're keeping up with our needs.
Opinions?
I would really like to see it moved off of Father's day weekend. I don't want a holiday interfering with my gaming :-)
Indeed! I'd like to add my hopes that it might be moved to a week earlier perhaps? Both Father's Day and my Anniversary fall right round there, so that makes it a bit difficult.
If it does stay during the current days, I shall have to beg piteously, but I will!
And...when can we get a definitive date? The sooner the better and the earlier I can justify saving up, all the better!