ConRunner - New pages [en]

Wellington

2022-01-16T11:45:25Z

John Bray:

A pre-con [[registration]] system developed by CoNZealand and used by Worldcons since.

[https://github.com/ChicagoWorldcon/wellington Webpage]

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Member Relations]]

Liability

2022-01-13T19:54:32Z

John Bray: Created page with "See Liability on wikipedia"

See [[Wikipedia:Liability‏‎|Liability on wikipedia]]

Performance Licenses

2022-01-13T19:49:18Z

John Bray: Created page with "See Music Licensing on Wikipedia"

See [[wikipedia:Music_licensing|Music Licensing on Wikipedia]]

On-Site Meeting

2022-01-13T19:42:20Z

John Bray: Created page with "While selected committee members will visit the site several times before the event, for larger events its a good idea to have a more general on-site meeting for a wider selec..."

While selected committee members will visit the site several times before the event, for larger events its a good idea to have a more general on-site meeting for a wider selection of staff. This could even be a staff weekend with overnight accommodation and social events. Ensure hotel staff with sufficient seniority are on hand to answer technical questions.

Registration Form

2022-01-13T19:24:38Z

John Bray:

==Paper Forms==

Largely obsolete, but include:

* Name of convention, location, date, email address
* Given Name
* Family Name
* Badge Name
* Postal address (if expecting international attendees, don't force them into your parochial format)
* Email address
* Membership type with prices (show expiry date)
* Signature
* Tickboxes to indicate whether payment taken at condesk (and by who) or that a cheque was attached.

Optional tickboxes for volunteering, programme etc

==Electronic Forms==

Collect same information as paper, but decide on what payment method, credit card, paypal etc. Ask for email address twice.

[[Category:Member Relations]]

Internet Access

2022-01-12T17:44:54Z

John Bray: Created page with "Internet Access is vital in the modern convention. Not only might it be used for science talks using offsite resources, or key to your hybrid convention, fans will be busy..."

Internet Access is vital in the modern convention. Not only might it be used for science talks using offsite resources, or key to your [[hybrid convention]], fans will be busy on their phones and tablets all day, both socially and checking your website/programme app. If your membership is local, they may be happy to use their mobiles, but check that signal reaches into the depths of the site. International attendees faced with high roaming charges will be keen to switch to wifi. Hotels and convention centres trying to charge extra will be unpopular, try to negotiate group access.

Fans will be heavy users, and may overload the network. Do you want to setup a separate staff network for internal and program porpoises. If you have abandoned [[wallyphones]] in favour of the internet, how would you cope if it struggled. Running 2 networks might appeal to techies, but could confuse everyone else.

[[Category:Member Relations]]

Signage

2022-01-12T17:33:48Z

John Bray: Created page with "[https://eastercon.fandom.com/wiki/Signage Excellent guide at eastercon.org]. Category:Member Relations"

[https://eastercon.fandom.com/wiki/Signage Excellent guide at eastercon.org].

[[Category:Member Relations]]

Overflow Hotels

2022-01-12T17:16:03Z

John Bray: Created page with "If your convention won't fit main hotel, you may need overflow hotels, either for accommodation or function space. The function space needs to be close by, or have a significa..."

If your convention won't fit main hotel, you may need overflow hotels, either for accommodation or function space. The function space needs to be close by, or have a significant fraction of the convention in it to persuade people out of the main hotel, and footfall could collapse in poor weather.

For accommodation, some fans like having recommendations for other hotels on the booking forms, especially if a convention discount has been negotiated. Others will search out their own options. Overflow hotels charging the same or more than the main hotel will be unpopular, pairing with a budget chain works better.

While fit fans might walk 2 miles for a bargain, official convention hotels must be much closer or have good transport links for those with [[Access]] needs. Make sure the the hotel booking form allows people to request rooms in the main hotel for Access reasons, and allocate rooms to key staff members too. Shuttle busses are expensive, and demand very hard to predict.

The overflow hotel may view your event very differently to the main hotel, if they are not getting paid for their function space or getting the bar receipts, and may be a lot less tolerant of unusual behaviour, so room parties should be discouraged.

If a substantial number of fans are staying off-site, make sure the main hotel has left luggage facilities they can use for free.

[[Category:Facilities]]

Weapons Policy

2022-01-12T16:59:24Z

John Bray:

Fans like to carry weapons as part of their [[Hall Costume]]s or in the [[Masquerade]], but not only can they be dangerous if misused, they can make other attendees uncomfortable, so conventions tend to define weapons policies from the one line "the committee reserve the right to use your weapon against you", to the comprehensive [https://dublin2019.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Dublin_2019_Weapons_Policy_Final_Web.pdf Dublin 2019 Weapons Policy].

[[Category:Glossary]]

Receptions

2022-01-12T16:47:51Z

John Bray: Created page with "While banquets are now rare, conventions still hold buffet receptions, the biggest profile one is for the Hugos. DisCon III got lots of negative feedback for trying to..."

While [[banquets]] are now rare, conventions still hold buffet receptions, the biggest profile one is for the Hugos. [[DisCon III]] got lots of negative feedback for trying to restrict the number of Hugo finalists +1s that could attend.

[[Category:Hospitality]]

Banquets

2022-01-12T16:44:17Z

John Bray: Created page with "Popular in the 50's and 60's they have faded away, see the [https://fancyclopedia.org/Banquet Fancyclopedia history]. Category:Hospitality"

Popular in the 50's and 60's they have faded away, see the [https://fancyclopedia.org/Banquet Fancyclopedia history].

[[Category:Hospitality]]

Webex

2022-01-11T18:47:02Z

John Bray: Created page with "Web conferencing and video conferencing platform from Cisco. Wikipedia Category:Software Category:Virtual"

Web conferencing and video conferencing platform from Cisco.

[[wikipedia:Cisco_Webex|Wikipedia]]
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Virtual]]

Skype

2022-01-11T18:45:46Z

John Bray: Created page with "Voice (and video) over IP telephone service. Inferior to Zoom. Wikipedia Category:Software Category:Virtual"

Voice (and video) over IP telephone service. Inferior to [[Zoom]].

[[wikipedia:Skype|Wikipedia]]
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Virtual]]

Jitsi

2022-01-11T18:44:30Z

John Bray: Created page with "Open source video conferencing and messaging software. Wikipedia Category:Software Category:Virtual"

Open source video conferencing and messaging software.

[[wikipedia:Jitsi|Wikipedia]]
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Virtual]]

GotoMeeting

2022-01-11T18:43:16Z

John Bray: Created page with "Meeting and video conferencing system Wikipedia Category:Software Category:Virtual"

Meeting and video conferencing system

[[wikipedia:GoToMeeting|Wikipedia]]
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Virtual]]

Google Meet

2022-01-11T18:42:06Z

John Bray: Created page with "Video chat service from Google. Wikipedia Category:Software Category:Virtual"

Video chat service from Google.

[[wikipedia:Google_Meet|Wikipedia]]
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Virtual]]

GetVokl

2022-01-11T18:40:54Z

John Bray: Created page with "Livestream video service [https://getvokl.com/ Website] Category:Software Category:Virtual"

Livestream video service

[https://getvokl.com/ Website]
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Virtual]]

Facebook Rooms

2022-01-11T18:38:59Z

John Bray: Created page with "A video chat system from Facebook Wikipedia Category:Virtual Category:Software"

A video chat system from Facebook

[[wikipedia:Messenger_(software)#Messenger_Rooms|Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Virtual]]
[[Category:Software]]

Streamyard

2022-01-11T18:33:23Z

John Bray: Created page with "Virtual meeting software. [https://streamyard.com/ Website] Category:Software"

Virtual meeting software.

[https://streamyard.com/ Website]

[[Category:Software]]

Concierge

2022-01-10T17:24:56Z

John Bray: Created page with "A member of the hotel staff who offers advice on the local neighbourhood, and can organise things. See Wikipedia"

A member of the hotel staff who offers advice on the local neighbourhood, and can organise things. See [[Wikipedia:concierge|Wikipedia]]

ConClar

2022-01-10T17:13:51Z

Seven: Added the Irish spelling of the program's name.

ConClár is a program schedule display tool being developed by James Shields, as a modern replacement for [[KonOpas]]. It can be used as a front end to [[Zambia]]. It uses JSON or CSV for importing the data.

[https://prog.octocon.com/ Example output]

[https://github.com/lostcarpark/conclar Website]
[[Category:Programming]]
[[Category:Publications]]
[[Category:Software]]

Octocon

2021-12-28T14:06:30Z

John Bray:

The long-running Irish natcon [https://fancyclopedia.org/Octocon Octocon] went online for 2020 and 2021, being free it attracted members who would not normally attend and ran well.

{{SeeAlso}}
[[Category:Virtual]]
[[Category:Conventions]]

Boskone 58

2021-12-28T14:05:52Z

John Bray: Created page with "The long-running Boston convention [https://fancyclopedia.org/Boskone Boskone] went online with [https://fancyclopedia.org/Boskone_58 Boskone 58], and [https://fancyclopedia.o..."

The long-running Boston convention [https://fancyclopedia.org/Boskone Boskone] went online with [https://fancyclopedia.org/Boskone_58 Boskone 58], and [https://fancyclopedia.org/Boskone_59 Boskone 59] will be hybrid. It ran smoothly, and a very strong programme was made available online for a month, and its [[virtual consuite|consuite]] was active all weekend.

{{SeeAlso}}
[[Category:Virtual]]

Signings

2021-12-28T07:09:42Z

John Bray:

Many people come to cons to get their books/photos signed. It can be a real buzz for a newcomer to fandom to meet their heroes. Actors tend to attract bigger numbers than authors, but a big name author can generate great interest.

Have one or more tables in the exhibition/dealers space with enough open space for the [[Line Management|lines]].

Match popular authors with unpopular ones to even loading, even if its dispiriting for the neglected ones.

Discourage authors from selling books at the signing, instead tell people in the publicity where they can be bought in advance.

Don't let sessions run more than an hour. Have multiple sessions for popular authors, keep back slots for the unexpected successes.

Let the author decide how long to spend on each person, but with have a quiet word if they seem oblivious to lengthening queues.

Authors are usually not handled by [[Green Room]].

While commercial conventions have actors charging for autographs, fannish conventions don't.

Decide whether signings should be part of the [[programming|programme schedule]], separate but still in the [[Pocket Program]], or just advertised on a board where they will happen.

[[Category:Programming]]

Line Management

2021-12-28T06:56:49Z

John Bray: Created page with "Lines, or queues, may be predictable given your site, or spring out of no-where. Common bottlenecks are registration, signings and programme handover. Discuss with th..."

Lines, or queues, may be predictable given your site, or spring out of no-where. Common bottlenecks are [[registration]], [[signings]] and programme handover.

Discuss with the site, as they will have seen most problems before. Agree a plan that fits with fire safety rules.

White tape on the ground looks clear until people actually arrive and stand on it.

Snaking queues feel better than straight ones, as the tail can see what's happening at the head.

Provide wide open lanes for others to pass. Not only is a mass of people triggering for some people, its very hard to negotiate from the lower sightline of a wheelchair.

Provide queue wranglers with hi-vis jackets.

If multiple queues, make it very clear what they are all for. Assign a staff member to the head of each line, produce a placard with the queue name that can be passed back as new people arrive.

If the queue is slow-moving, give time estimates from each point. If the queue is waiting for a room to open, issue reminders as to when that will happen. Keep walking the queue to update people, and allow them to vent.

If queue members need to do something, walk the queue checking they have everything ready, forms complete, id etc.

Escort people with time pressures that affect the con, like programme participants on shortly to jump the queue.

Queues are usually good natured, but the mood can turn if they feel bullied, or are missing out on something. Getting queue members to chat makes the wait seem shorter.

Strolling players entertain the queue with their bagpipes may start to grate.

Have a policy on those unable to stand for long periods. Do they queue jump, have seating, get a token allowing them to come back when its quieter but with the same precedence.

Sponsorship

2021-12-27T15:25:03Z

John Bray: Created page with "Sponsorship can be a double-edged sword for a convention. On one hand they can bring in valuable funds and from publishers, AV and games companies valuable contributions in ki..."

Sponsorship can be a double-edged sword for a convention. On one hand they can bring in valuable funds and from publishers, AV and games companies valuable contributions in kind, from publishers and games companies, and tapping into the company's followers can broaden the reach of an event.

But often the companies most keen on sponsorship are ones wanting to improve their poor reputation, and attendees want to distance themselves from them. An awards ceremony with the winners photographed under a sponsor's banner can lead people to feel they are endorsing the company's morality.

Companies closest to SF are best, but even publishers are problematic, if their output is politically different to a vocal element of your membership.

When negotiating sponsorship, have a clear agreement on where the sponsor's logo will appear on your publications or on stage, is the deal exclusive such that rival companies logos' cannot naturally appear on equipment. Will rival companies be precluded from taking out ads. Are you obliged to refer to your event as the "MegaCo convention", as pomposity will be ridiculed by fans. Do you need to meet certain membership numbers to get the money?

How will you handle a boycott campaign started on [[Twitter]]?

Do not be tempted to pass on your membership list to the company so they can do a mailshot.

[[Category:Finance]]

Regency dance

2021-12-27T14:49:27Z

John Bray: John Bray moved page Regency dance to Regency Dance

A [[CosPlay]] event where people attend an English Regency dance.

[https://fancyclopedia.org/Regency_Dance Fancyclopedia]

[[Category:Costuming]]
[[Category:Programming]]

Groups.io

2021-12-27T08:32:03Z

John Bray: Created page with "Full featured and free mailing list software [https://groups.io/groups Website] Category:Communications"

Full featured and free mailing list software

[https://groups.io/groups Website]
[[Category:Communications]]

Chaos Costuming

2021-12-26T12:31:44Z

John Bray: Created page with "Unlike the Masquerade with its elaborate, pre-prepared costumes shown off at a choreographed event, or Hall Costumes which are often purchased, '''Chaos Costuming''' a..."

Unlike the [[Masquerade]] with its elaborate, pre-prepared costumes shown off at a choreographed event, or [[Hall Costume]]s which are often purchased, '''Chaos Costuming''' aims to get people in a room full of material and accessories, and let them rip. Popular with children, this allow collaborative creation. The costumes can be warn round the con, or displayed as part of an awards ceremony (probably not a [[closing ceremony]], as people will have packed). Prizes can be awarded, make sure all children get one.

[[Category:Costuming]]
[[Category:Programming]]

Contests

2021-12-26T12:15:18Z

John Bray:

These could either be [[awards]] or at-con fun program items. Possibilities include:

* Young writers contest
* Anime Music Video
* Original Animation
* Fan Art
* Student Art
* Best Academic Paper
* Pre-built or con-build robot wars. MileHiCon did this for years.
* [[Chaos Costuming]]

[[Category:Programming]]

Opening Ceremony

2021-12-26T11:57:31Z

John Bray:

The first official [[programme]] item, though with bigger cons its later in the day to allow people to arrive, and the programme is in full swing by them.

The committee introduce the guests and describe the convention highlights, often with some razzmatazz like a [[Short Films|short film]] or a band. The local mayor might come to say some words.

Not universally popular, its OK to schedule other programme against it.

The matching [[Closing ceremony]] is generally simpler.

[[Category:Programming]]

Closing ceremony

2021-12-26T11:52:45Z

John Bray: John Bray moved page Closing ceremony to Closing Ceremony

The final event of a convention where the committee and guests gather on stage to thank everyone and give out awards. Normally without the razzmatazz of an [[opening ceremony]], it should leave everyone with a fuzzy warm feeling. There can be a ceremonial handling over of the baton to the next convention in the series.

[[Category:Programming]]

Awards

2021-12-26T11:50:11Z

John Bray:

Many conventions run awards, from the monster of the Hugos to recognising the work of local volunteers. The Hugo ceremony is a big draw for many Worldcon attendees, but is exceptionally hard work, sucking in many people and lots of money.

The bigger awards have their own ceremonies, but many are just awarded as part of the [[Closing Ceremony]]. [[Voting]] can be done in advance or at-con, when the word goes out as to who is deserving of the good guy award like the Doc Weir at [[Eastercon]], or just decided by a panel of the great and good.

3rd parties like the BSFA can sponsor awards, with a dual electorate of their members and convention attendees. Shortlists can be the basis of programme items.

If giving an award to the reticent, ensure you have dragged them to the ceremony to receive it, or have a nominated proxy. Its often kinder to pre-warn people, as not all like the limelight.

Dead Dog Party

2021-12-26T11:00:40Z

John Bray: Created page with "People staying another night after the convention ends gather for a '''Dead Dog Party''', to consume the last of the convention food and drink. Its a good opportunity to dispo..."

People staying another night after the convention ends gather for a '''Dead Dog Party''', to consume the last of the convention food and drink. Its a good opportunity to dispose of things bought for the convention that no-one wants to take away, like plastic chairs.

Attendance depends on how far people are travelling, and whether public transport that evening might be impacted because of holiday work. A younger demographic may need to get back to work.

Critiques of the convention often lead to SMOFfing and new events being planned.

Novacon

2021-12-26T10:55:32Z

John Bray: Created page with "British regional convention held in the Midlands for 50 years in November, the counterpoint to Eastercon. Their beer tasting/banquet replacement for a Dead Dog Party w..."

British regional convention held in the Midlands for 50 years in November, the counterpoint to [[Eastercon]]. Their beer tasting/banquet replacement for a [[Dead Dog Party]] works well.

[https://fancyclopedia.org/Novacon Fancyclopedia]
[[Category:Conventions]]

Hotel Food

2021-12-26T10:52:54Z

John Bray: Created page with "Hotels dealing with work and academic conventions, and of course weddings generally expect to provide higher quality food at a higher price point than conventions require. But..."

Hotels dealing with work and academic conventions, and of course weddings generally expect to provide higher quality food at a higher price point than conventions require. But if you explain your needs they can generally provide simple options at reasonable prices and still make money.

For breakfast, ask for a buffet and allow attendees to seat themselves. Queues quickly form if the staff try and seat each singleton on their own table. The hotel will usually check names against a list of staying guests to stop free-loading. "There are never enough mushrooms" is a common fannish cry. Get extended hours on the morning after the night before, but some people like a 7.30 breakfast.

For daytime food, offer a buffet served by hotel staff with jacket potato+fillings, curry etc. Remember vegan options.

Have bar food and sandwiches. Quick food is important for busy people.

Late night bacon butties are popular.

Allow people to pay with [[groats]].

The number of people eating in the hotel depends on the nearby alternatives.

Some people will pay full price in the hotel restaurant, don't try to shut it down.

==Banquets==

Conventions used to hold banquets, often in conjunction with [[awards|award ceremonies]], but a succession of rubber-chicken events have made this less popular. Don't make attending the banquet a condition for seeing the awards. [[Novacon]] replaced their [[Dead Dog Party]] with a beer tasting (bring 3 interesting bottles, or pay £5) with optional buffet meal. Its a popular event with near universal take up of the food.

Short Films

2021-12-26T10:02:44Z

John Bray:

See [[media]] for how short films can promote your convention.

[[Category:Communications]]

Karaoke

2021-12-26T10:01:34Z

John Bray: Created page with "Not a feature of UK conventions, setting up the equipment is a job for Tech. Category:Programming"

Not a feature of UK conventions, setting up the equipment is a job for [[Tech]].

[[Category:Programming]]

Souvenir Book

2021-12-25T13:01:03Z

John Bray: Created page with "Many conventions produce a glossy Program Book, which is rather a misnomer, because the longer lead times mean any programme is outdated compared with the Pocket Program..."

Many conventions produce a glossy [[Program Book]], which is rather a misnomer, because the longer lead times mean any programme is outdated compared with the [[Pocket Program]]. It is actually a con souvenir.

A few conventions decide to delay its production until after the event, so they can include photos and reports of the event, with the risk that burnout might delay its release so long people have lost interest.

[[Category:Publications]]

Sensitivity reading

2021-12-25T12:50:41Z

John Bray: Created page with "A process were all convention publications, from Progress Reports to Program Books and Panel Blurbs are reviewed by a 3rd party to ensure they do not contain cultu..."

A process were all convention publications, from [[Progress Reports]] to [[Program Book]]s and [[Panel Blurb]]s are reviewed by a 3rd party to ensure they do not contain culturally sensitive material that some might find offensive. This takes time, and may cause dissent if the rewording is clumsy or distorts meaning.

[https://knliterary.com/sensitivity-read/ What’s a Sensitivity Read, and Why Is It Important?]
[[Category:Programming]]
[[Category:Publications]]

Presentations

2021-12-25T12:30:23Z

John Bray: Created page with "Anything from scientific talks to plays. ==Talks== Often done by non-fans invited to the convention for their specialist knowledge, they won't be familiar with [[Green Room]..."

Anything from scientific talks to plays.

==Talks==

Often done by non-fans invited to the convention for their specialist knowledge, they won't be familiar with [[Green Room]] etiquette, so will either arrive very early or not at all. They need specialist joining instructions, and [[Registration]] warned if they aren't getting membership packs, badges and the time. Important speakers should be met and escorted.

They may be bringing AV material on laptops or USB sticks, and should be introduced to the [[Tech Crew]] to ensure everything works. For complicated setup, block out the room in advance with an invisible to members item in the schedule software.

Encouraging speakers to interact with the rest of the convention is good outreach. Giving day memberships rather than paying expenses is a good idea

It might be a false economy to not offer badges, as they'd then need to be escorted.

==Plays, Concerts==

3rd party performers won't be familiar with convention etiquette, important ones need to be greeted and escorted. Some will need to be paid by someone in [[Finance]]. Handle with [[Green Room]], warn [[Registration]], decide whether they get a membership pack. Good idea for solo performers, bad for a dance band.

Solo fannish performers can be handled by [[Green Room]], but might want to go straight to their venue for setup, so get their drinks order in early, or expect them to return for it. Items with lots of participants are not handled by Green Room, but will need their own assembly areas.

For complicated setup, block out the room in advance with an invisible to members item in the schedule software.

[[Category:Programming]]

Columbus 2020 NASFiC

2021-12-25T11:08:07Z

John Bray: Created page with "[https://fancyclopedia.org/Columbus_2020_NASFiC Columbus 2020 NASFiC] pivoted to virtual and ran well, using Discord, Zoom, Google Forms and Gathertown. It was..."

[https://fancyclopedia.org/Columbus_2020_NASFiC Columbus 2020 NASFiC] pivoted to virtual and ran well, using [[Discord]], [[Zoom]], [[Google Forms]] and [[Gathertown]]. It was free.

{{SeeAlso}}
[[Category:Virtual]]

Anime Los Angeles

2021-12-25T11:05:25Z

John Bray: Created page with "Anime convention in California. Wikipedia Category:Conventions"

[[Anime]] convention in California.

[[wikipedia:Anime Los Angeles|Wikipedia]]
[[Category:Conventions]]

Bubonicon

2021-12-25T11:02:56Z

John Bray: Created page with "New Mexico regional convention. [https://fancyclopedia.org/Bubonicon Fancyclopedia] Category:Conventions"

New Mexico regional convention.

[https://fancyclopedia.org/Bubonicon Fancyclopedia]
[[Category:Conventions]]

Capricon

2021-12-25T11:01:45Z

John Bray: Created page with "Chicago regional convention [https://fancyclopedia.org/Capricon Fancyclopedia] Category:Conventions"

Chicago regional convention

[https://fancyclopedia.org/Capricon Fancyclopedia]
[[Category:Conventions]]

Anime

2021-12-25T11:00:19Z

John Bray: Created page with "Hand-drawn and computer animation from Japan, the focus of some specialist conventions or streams. Wikipedia"

Hand-drawn and computer animation from Japan, the focus of some specialist conventions or streams.

[[Wikipedia:Anime|Wikipedia]]

Parties

2021-12-25T10:51:02Z

John Bray: Created page with "Bids and publishers hold public parties, fans hold room parties. Virtual conventions can host the former on Zoom. See [https://fancyclopedia...."

[[Bidding|Bids]] and publishers hold public parties, fans hold [[Room Parties|room parties]]. Virtual conventions can host the former on [[Zoom]].

See [https://fancyclopedia.org/Bid_party bid party] at Fancyclopedia.

[[Category:Virtual]]

Bar

2021-12-25T10:43:51Z

John Bray: Created page with "While American conventions might have the consuite as a social hub, in the UK its the '''Bar'''. With legal drinking age of 18, there is less social stigma, and many peopl..."

While American conventions might have the [[consuite]] as a social hub, in the UK its the '''Bar'''. With legal drinking age of 18, there is less social stigma, and many people will spend all day there sipping their [https://fancyclopedia.org/B(h)eer b(h)eer]. Bar proceeds always impress hotels during negotiations, as fans have a reputation for drinking like rugby fans but acting like clergymen. Provided the hotel provides Real Ale and orange juice/coffee at reasonable prices, they will make good money.

Virtual consuite

2021-12-25T10:37:31Z

John Bray: Created page with "A traditional Consuite is a social hub that attracts people with food and soft drinks. It does not exists in UK conventions where the focus is the Bar. A virtual vers..."

A traditional [[Consuite]] is a social hub that attracts people with food and soft drinks. It does not exists in UK conventions where the focus is the [[Bar]].

A virtual version cannot offer nibbles, but needs to provide the alternative in physical cons to chance meetings in corridors and rolling conversations round groups of comfy chairs. It also can provide space for [[parties]] and informal programme items, though probably not things like [[kaffeeklatsch]]es which would not welcome interruptions.

For something with a key function, it has proved surprisingly unpopular. People drop in early on, find nothing is happening and never return. Desultory conversations occur in the lobby, but the staff on duty there feel an obligation to stay low-key and the atmosphere fades.

[[video chat]] seems the best approach, [[ConFusion (Eastercon)]]'s use of [[Gathertown]] proved very unpopular.

The core hours for a consuite should match those for the hosting country, 10am - 10pm, but for events with an international flavour they should be extended. 24hr cover is too much, but 7am - 1am for an East Coast US event would open it up for European and West Coast participants. Australian and NZ fans tend to accept they need to adjust to meet up with others.

The consuite needs a host to greet people at the lobby, rename breakout rooms, enable screen sharing and the like.

[[Hybrid convention]]s need to use the consuite to connect remote and on-site participants, but it proves hard. One thing that works is a physical attendee doing a walkthrough of the hotel, perhaps at a quieter time of day when wifi is less stressed. This could be extended to have someone wandering with a consuite hat on for other attendees to wave to, though the interaction would be shallow. Docent tours of the [[Art Show]] would reduce reduce the disconnect between the groups, but the No Photography rule would need to be waived.

Party spaces can have virtual bartenders who can recommend drinks. [[DisCon III]] tried employing professionals who would ask you what you had in your cupboards and suggest cocktails.

Virtual food and beer tastings can work with attendees advised what to buy in advance.

Watchathons for outside events like TV shows or contentious programme items are good, allowing more informal audio snarking.

{{SeeAlso}}
[[Category:Virtual]]

Video chat

2021-12-25T10:35:11Z

John Bray: Created page with "Something like Zoom, used for virtual program and virtual consuite Category:Virtual"

Something like [[Zoom]], used for [[virtual program]] and [[virtual consuite]]

[[Category:Virtual]]

Virtual Green Room

2021-12-25T10:34:11Z

John Bray:

The space where [[virtual programme|programme]] participants muster, unlike physical ones in the [[Green Room]].

Physical green rooms have the attractions of nibbles and free drinks, and are often popular social spaces in their own right, which is needed as their spikes of activity and long quiet periods. Sometimes they host programme ops.

Virtual green rooms can be the lobbies of a programme specific [[video chat]]. Remote attendance can lead to participants joining very late, so there is no time for a panel to prepare.

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[[Category:Virtual]]