The wife and I would be up for this, I'm sure...
Claim Jumper was last year, not helpful for this year though.
Not sure what 'level' of food everyone is going for, but there is a Denny's not too far up the road. Usually pretty good to get a large group in with some notice.
There are a few other places around the hotel too.
Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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There will be several issues with the meet and eat idea this year. First, it will fall on the 4th of July, a day off for most everyone, so restaurants will be fuller than usual...that will make it hard to squeeze 125+ con-goers in. Next, the hotel is kind of not near anything, so it will likely require getting a ride somewhere (or taking the light rail downtown).
Lastly, it's REALLY getting hard to find a place that we can reserve tables for so many people. And it's sort of a personal financial risk that I personally have to take, by putting a deposit down. Last year was ideal, because we just showed up in the saloon of the Claimjumper, and took it over...no reservations required!
There is a Claimjumper down in Southcenter that we could do that again, but I'm not sure we can ever go back to the early days of PaizoCon, and reserve 100 seats.
It would be interesting if we could find a big Chinese buffet place to do the meet and eat, though. I wonder if there's one near Seatac.....
RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4; Contributor; Publisher, Legendary Games
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Yeah, Claim Jumper at Southcenter is a possibility, but if it's the 4th of July it's gonna be busy. I've seen a Chinese buffet or two near the airport, but not the kind of place I'd go on a dare and too small in any event.
Bahama Breeze near Southcenter may also be an option. It's also likely to be busy, but the advantage it has is that it has several "pods" with lots of tables in each, so even though groups would be at tables, the tables would be somewhat close to each other and a bit separated from the rest of the restaurant.
I'll see if I can think of any good places down that way for a large group.
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There will be several issues with the meet and eat idea this year. First, it will fall on the 4th of July, a day off for most everyone, so restaurants will be fuller than usual...that will make it hard to squeeze 125+ con-goers in. Next, the hotel is kind of not near anything, so it will likely require getting a ride somewhere (or taking the light rail downtown).
Lastly, it's REALLY getting hard to find a place that we can reserve tables for so many people. And it's sort of a personal financial risk that I personally have to take, by putting a deposit down. Last year was ideal, because we just showed up in the saloon of the Claimjumper, and took it over...no reservations required!
There is a Claimjumper down in Southcenter that we could do that again, but I'm not sure we can ever go back to the early days of PaizoCon, and reserve 100 seats.
It would be interesting if we could find a big Chinese buffet place to do the meet and eat, though. I wonder if there's one near Seatac.....
I'd be willing to PayPal some fundage to alleviate that financial risk, Tim — not fair in any way to dump that all on you. (And I'm sure I'm not alone.)
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RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4; Contributor; Publisher, Legendary Games
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Somebody mentioned a 50's style diner near the hotel, and that is most likely Dave's Diner. I've driven by it loads of times but don't think I've ever been in. I doubt it's big enough for the Meet & Eat, but certainly would be an option for people wanting a relatively nearby place to the hotel.
Dave's Diner is really quite good, but not big enough for the Meet & Eat.
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Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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Again, we are getting too darned big to actually hold this in just one place, unfortunately. I'd suggest Southcenter, and several spots, actually.
Last year, we were looking at not having anyplace to go. Claimjumper told us that they wouldn't (couldn't) reserve space for 100+ people. No place in Redmond could. So, I was aiming to have a smaller group going to Todai, and those who didn't like Asian food, going to Claimjumper. As it were, the saloon at Claimjumper worked out pretty well for our needs.
Before, we lucked out by reserving the Crab Pot in Bellevue, and they were pretty cool with it. I doubt they'd do that for us on the 4th of July, though. And they are too far away from SeaTac to have that be practical for a Meet and Eat option again.
So, in SeaTac there is a Claimjumper, and right across the road there is a Muzuki Buffet. Down a block or so is an Applebee's. And so on.
I think the best option is to pick several places, and hold smaller courts in them, instead of hitting one place with EVERYONE.
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Resteraunts will be full enough, now you want to find a park on the 4th of July when every family in the area is going to be out for BBQs? :p
That said, I believe the parks in question allow you to reserve space, so it IS possible.
This will be my first year for PaizoCon and I just happen to be moving to 2.5mi from the hotel.
I really like the idea of a park. If it's got any view of fireworks then it's gonna be packed though. But otherwise that sounds good to me. That way everyone can bring what food they want and we'll have lots of space. I'm really excited about this.
For those coming from out of town who would be cooking if it were closer to home but obviously can't, are there any local grocers or delicatessens nearby which would be a good source of picnic fixings? I'm talking sandwiches, fresh bread, and a good selection of cheeses. Especially any German or Russian delis?
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RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4; Contributor; Publisher, Legendary Games
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There's a German deli not far from the hotel (about a 2 or 3-mile drive) called Hans' Sausage & Delicatessen. I've driven past it hundreds of times but never been in so I can't personally comment on its quality, but the local sites give it good reviews.
The QFC grocery store chain also has pretty good delis, better than the other supermarket chains in my estimation, and there is a Trader Joe's in Burien about 2 miles from the hotel.
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BYOPD (Bring Your Own Picnic Dinner) and meet in a nearby park?
*note, I've never been to parks down in SeaTac, but Valley Ridge Park is 1.6 miles from the hotel and Normandy Beach park is 4.5 but on the water.
The three nearest parks to the hotel all have events occuring in them for the 4th of july...
Those are fairly...actually...abosolutly packed.
Who is the organizer of this thing in general? Could whoever it is contact me via PM please? I have an option that might be valid and would like to run it past them first before I throw it out to the public. Thanks!
Who is the organizer of this thing in general? Could whoever it is contact me via PM please?
In case he hasn't seen - Timitius above is the semi-informal organizer. He'd probably have good input on any idea you want to share.
A suggestion from someone who has chaired a convention (non-gaming) and attended a fair number of others. If a meet-and-eat can't be done at local restaurant and the real danger of rain in Seattle, could the ballroom (or similarly sized room) be reserved? Does the Seattle Airport Marriott allow outside catering or outside food to be brought in as a Potluck?
A suggestion from someone who has chaired a convention (non-gaming) and attended a fair number of others. If a meet-and-eat can't be done at local restaurant and the real danger of rain in Seattle, could the ballroom (or similarly sized room) be reserved? Does the Seattle Airport Marriott allow outside catering or outside food to be brought in as a Potluck?
In my experience having been to an SCA 12th Night feast at a California Marriot, the will allow folk to bring their own food in for a feast, but want to be able to run a cash bar for any alcoholic beverages both due to laws and the bottom line.
Renting the room, however, would cost money.
BYOPD (Bring Your Own Picnic Dinner) and meet in a nearby park?
*note, I've never been to parks down in SeaTac, but Valley Ridge Park is 1.6 miles from the hotel and Normandy Beach park is 4.5 but on the water.
This would be an AWESOME new experience for "veteran" PaizoConeers!
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While I would love to do a picnic in the park Meet and Eat, the 4th of July crowds would kill it, I think, not to mention the chance of rain. Someone might give the hotel a call about the meeting room rental... This is the con hotel, after all. If they set up a cash bar, they will be making money (at least from me), so some subtle hints that maybe they could comp us the room might be agreeable. If the last M&E drew 125 people, we could probably promise them that many. The only other question would be food.
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If the last M&E drew 125 people, we could probably promise them that many. The only other question would be food.
I would expect that they would want some individual to guarantee that with a nonrefundable deposit. If someone were willing to do that, that would be great, but with no past experience to go on, I wouldn't expect the hotel to just go on our word.
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Without asking the hotel what they are willing to do/offer us, there is no way to know what they will require. All it would take is a phone call, or a few e-mails to find out. If they want a non-refundable deposit, there are two options, take a collection or just say no thanks.
One point: since I will be flying in, and won't have a car, someplace as close as possible to the host hotel would be best for me. Don't know how many others are in the same situation.
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Without asking the hotel what they are willing to do/offer us, there is no way to know what they will require. All it would take is a phone call, or a few e-mails to find out. If they want a non-refundable deposit, there are two options, take a collection or just say no thanks.
One point: since I will be flying in, and won't have a car, someplace as close as possible to the host hotel would be best for me. Don't know how many others are in the same situation.
I am in the same boat as you sir.
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Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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The problem with doing it in the hotel is that they will likely need to be setting up for PaizoCon. If we had the Meet and Eat in their ballroom, then it is getting pretty darned close to being another banquet, and since this is NOT an official PaizoCon event, I'd rather not go there.
The park idea is a great one, but there are MANY logistical issues to deal with. The biggest hurdle here is providing a shuttle or other transportation to the park and back to the hotel. Big Kyle and I have talked, and while I think it can be done, the amount of cash and organizing this sort of event would take is beyond my capacities, what with Wayfinder, and the increased workload I have now at my full-time job.
I tend to opt towards a Meet and Eat that 1) Is simple in organizing it, 2) Is accessible by the majority of those coming to town for the Con, and 3) Puts the cost of the event squarely on the individuals attending the event, instead of the host.
So, my inclination is still to aim for Southcenter restaurants, like Claimjumper's saloon, and the AWESOME Asian buffet across the street from Claimjumper. I went to the buffet a couple of weeks ago, and it's pretty good, AND it has TONS of seating for us. WIN-WIN.
That said, the picnic in the park has a VERY strong factor...Big Kyle has fireworks. That would be awesome.
RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32
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What about instead of shuttles, those of us who will be there with vehicles offering to give rides to those who need them? We can have a messageboard thread just for that and instead of you having to organize and pay for rides, we do it ourselves?
I love the picnic idea the most, simply because it is going to be the 4th of July and I would love to see fireworks. My area hasn't had a display in years, and most fireworks are illegal in the county. The 4th here is little more than family having a BBQ together, which my family does often during the summer.
I think as long as we reserve a park ahead of time, and people show up early enough, the crowds won't be a big issue. If it will cost money to reserve the park, I wouldn't mind pitching in a few dollars.
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Timitius - you do so much for the community, you don't need to take this on all yourself.
Make a choice, and tell us anything where we can help. We'll get it done.
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Somebody mentioned a 50's style diner near the hotel, and that is most likely Dave's Diner. I've driven by it loads of times but don't think I've ever been in. I doubt it's big enough for the Meet & Eat, but certainly would be an option for people wanting a relatively nearby place to the hotel.
May have been me who mentioned it. I went there a couple of times last visit to Seattle. Not expensive, service was both good and quick. It has a dining room and a bar, but still would not fit 100+ of us.
Might be worth a visit for those who are staying over Sunday night though. 20-30 people I'm pretty sure they could handle.|
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Without asking the hotel what they are willing to do/offer us, there is no way to know what they will require. All it would take is a phone call, or a few e-mails to find out. If they want a non-refundable deposit, there are two options, take a collection or just say no thanks.
One point: since I will be flying in, and won't have a car, someplace as close as possible to the host hotel would be best for me. Don't know how many others are in the same situation.
Also flying in, and not planning to rent a car.
And thinking about joining the masses downtown to watch the fireworks. It's really looking like the place to meet and eat is going to be the con banquet, for better or worse|
RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4; Contributor; Publisher, Legendary Games
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For those wanting to watch downtown fireworks, there is a good chance there may not be any this year. They've been in financial straits the last several years and have been funded in part by community donations. It's easy to say "well, they'll pull it off somehow," but whether Seattle will have a big megashow this year is very much in doubt.
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RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32
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The same thing happened a few years ago here in Monterey. The city couldn't afford both the costs of the show and the cost of security. I can say from experience that we were all saying, "They will pull it off," the first two years there wasn't any fireworks.
Has anyone ever thought about just doing a huge tailgaiter in the hotel parking lot? We might even be able to Okay it with the hotel... Just a thought.
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SO a quick update for everyone following this thread:
I am in the process of checking into getting an event permit for a park about 10-15 minutes away from the hotel.
Depending on how that goes...I will have more information in a week or so.
If this park permit idea doesn't work out...then I think Tim mentioned we would look for someplace in the southcenter area that would be open.
News, updates, monkeys?
Inquiring minds want to know.