Difference between revisions of "Checklist"

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*Parking
 
*Parking
 
*Courtesy bus
 
*Courtesy bus
===Restaurants & Shops===
+
===Restaurants
===Atmosphere===
+
===Disabled access===
+
===Hotel===
+
*Bedrooms
+
*Function space
+
*Overflow
+
*Food
+
*Drink
+
*Price
+
*Cheaper at weekends
+
===Campus===
+
*Not term time
+
*Room types
+
===Holiday Camp===
+
*Out of season
+
*Licensing problems
+
**All pre-registered, no walk-ins
+
===Ship===
+
*No walk-ins once convention starts
+
*Overflow?
+
 
+
==When==
+
*Holiday weekend
+
*When venue available/cheap
+
*Not same time as similar con
+
 
+
==Who==
+
===Committee===
+
*Group of like minded people
+
*Friends
+
*Hand picked team
+
*Need to be able to communicate/meet regularly
+
===Staff===
+
*people with special knowledge/talents
+
*enthusiastic helpers
+
===Advisors===
+
*Professional
+
*Experienced conrunners
+
 
+
 
+
=Finance=
+
==Expenditure==
+
===Fixed expenses===
+
*venue
+
**function space
+
**furnishings
+
**AV equiipment
+
*guests
+
**travel
+
**accommodation
+
**food
+
**drink
+
**fee
+
*equipment
+
**hire
+
**deposits
+
**delivery
+
**repair
+
*transport
+
**deposits
+
**petrol
+
*publications
+
**number or publications and page count
+
**later publications trimmed to fit budget
+
*insurance
+
**cover set-up and take down times
+
**cover guest non-appearance
+
*programme
+
***prizes
+
**awards
+
**souvenir gift for guest
+
**consumables
+
**appearance fees
+
**refunds to participants
+
*childcare
+
**babysitting
+
**creche
+
*entertainment
+
 
+
===Administration===
+
*committee
+
*postage
+
**Use carrier for international mail
+
*phone
+
**Encourage off peak use
+
*e-mail
+
*stationery
+
 
+
===Other outgoings===
+
*gratuities
+
*charity donations
+
 
+
==Income==
+
===Membership===
+
*Membership rates
+
**Estimate numbers attending and relate to anticipated outgoings
+
**Set final rates early and budget within them
+
***Daily rate vital to local publicity
+
***Walk-in membership money hard to spend usefully
+
*Credit card payment
+
*Group discount
+
*Encourage conversion from pre-supporting and supporting
+
 
+
===Advertising space===
+
*Publications
+
**PRs
+
**Souvenir Book
+
**Pocket Programme
+
**Others
+
***Newsletter
+
***Fan publications
+
*Website
+
*Merchandising
+
*In member pack
+
*Billboards at con
+
*At programme items
+
 
+
===Merchandising===
+
*Sales
+
*Special editions
+
*Promotional offers
+
 
+
===Dealers tables===
+
 
+
===Tables for other conventions===
+
 
+
===Commission on auction sales===
+
 
+
===Sell recordings of programme items===
+
 
+
===Sponsorship===
+
*Big deals must be done 12 months in advance
+
*Decide on  your ethics before agreeing deal
+
**Nuclear power?
+
**Drugs companies?
+
**The Sun newspaper?
+
**Tobacco?
+
*Sources
+
**Arts council grants
+
**Literary society backing
+
**Publishers help with author expenses
+
**Local council funding
+
**University funding
+
*Sponsors
+
**made to feel special: give them perks - memberships, GoH **memorabilia, info on how  their product will be promoted.
+
**Prepare thank you letters in advance for immediate posting post-con
+
**Get sponsors to publicise con in their publications
+
**Direct press to sponsor representatives at con
+
*Sponsored items
+
**Publications
+
***Programme streams
+
****Science
+
****Media
+
****Fan
+
****Film
+
****Literary
+
***Programme items
+
****Relevant items
+
****Big events
+
****Parties
+
***Merchandising
+
****Joint items: bags, T-shirts with sponsor’s name on one side.
+
**Awards
+
**Art show/exhibitions
+
**Equipment
+
***PA & lighting
+
***Radios
+
***Computers
+
***Photocopiers
+
***Stationery
+
**Transport
+
***People
+
***Van
+
***Postage
+
**Childcare
+
***Babysitting
+
***Creche
+
 
+
==Assets==
+
===Equipment===
+
 
+
===Mailing list===
+
 
+
===Merchandise===
+
 
+
==Expected shortfall/profit==
+
===Decide what to do with any profit before convention===
+
 
+
===Publicise decreasing loss  as income accrues===
+
 
+
==Measure in terms of memberships to be sold==
+
 
+
=Programme=
+
==Streams==
+
*Tie stream themes to guests or convention motif
+
*No more than one stream per 100 members
+
*Don’t let one type of item dominate
+
*Don’t fill up the programme with make-weight items; leave gaps
+
*Have 3 big draws per day: aft, eve, night
+
*Overnight programming for insomniacs
+
*Allocate  items to stream with suitable space
+
 
+
==Individual items==
+
*Every item should have one person  who cares about it shepherding it from planning to completion
+
*If a great item has a rotten name, fewer will go
+
*Minimise tech setup changes between items
+
*Record programme items
+
 
+
==Item formats==
+
===Outdoor/indoor===
+
===Talk===
+
===Reading===
+
===Interview===
+
===Panel===
+
===Workshop===
+
===Game, Competition, Quiz===
+
===Treasure hunt===
+
===Auction===
+
===Discussion in round===
+
===Slide show===
+
===Video/film===
+
===Gaming===
+
===Trial===
+
===Debate===
+
===Simulation, Re-enactment===
+
===Costume event===
+
===Tasting===
+
===Awards===
+
===Opening/Closing ceremony===
+
===Performance===
+
*Musical, Theatrical, Cabaret, Costume
+
 
+
===Social event===
+
*Party, Banquet, Meet the guests
+
*Dance
+
**Theme, Costume, Disco, Live band
+
 
+
==Style==
+
*Serious, Silly, Fun
+
*Pre-selected or Spontaneous selection of participants
+
*Specialised subject
+
*Teams, Individuals, Mass participation
+
*Mental, Physical
+
 
+
==Topics==
+
===Literary===
+
*Writing, Publishing, Magazines, Criticism
+
*Adult/juvenile
+
 
+
===Science===
+
*Technology, Computers, Internet, Serious science, Pseudo science
+
 
+
===Fandom===
+
*Fanzines, Conventions, Gaming, Costuming, Comics, Anime, Media
+
 
+
===Media===
+
*TV, Film, Radio, Press
+
 
+
===Art===
+
*Painting, Cartoons, Artists
+
 
+
===Religion===
+
*In fact, In fiction
+
 
+
===Politics===
+
*In fact, In fiction
+
 
+
===Collecting===
+
*Books, Art, Comics, Memorabilia, Fanzines
+
 
+
===Gripe session===
+
 
+
==Guests==
+
 
+
===Approach===
+
*Through mutual acquaintance
+
**previous convention committee
+
**other author/actor/artist
+
*At convention
+
**buy them a drink
+
*By phone
+
**be prepared to leave message on answering machine
+
**be aware of time zones
+
**confirm with letter
+
*By letter
+
**Keep letter brief
+
**enclose reply paid envelope
+
**address in writers and artists yearbook
+
**address in Who’s Who
+
**address in SFWA members list
+
***ask SFWA member
+
*Through agent
+
**address in writers and artists yearbook
+
*Through publisher
+
 
+
===Prepare offer===
+
*dates
+
*location
+
*expenses paid/fee
+
**accommodation
+
***Guest
+
***Guest and partner
+
***Food
+
***Drinks
+
**travel
+
***type
+
***class
+
***dates
+
***how paid
+
****booked by convention
+
****cheque sent
+
****guest pays and reimbursed
+
*items and appearances
+
**number
+
***no more than 3 per day
+
***1 major, 2 minor
+
**type
+
***speech
+
***interview
+
***panel
+
***signing
+
***quiz
+
***judge
+
***slide show
+
***autograph
+
 
+
===Souvenir===
+
*Artwork
+
*Trophy/tankard
+
*Special edition convention book
+
 
+
==Participants==
+
===Have a “Green Room” for participants to gather in===
+
*Staffed during programme times
+
*Allow Green Room discretion with hospitality
+
*Provide drinks & food
+
*Information
+
*Place to sit and chat
+
 
+
===Be over polite and sickeningly grateful to participants===
+
===Give all participants a letter of welcome and another of thanks===
+
===Use all the professionals possible but mix and match===
+
===Avoid over exposure of good performers===
+
 
+
+
==Space==
+
*Fill spaces rather than have empty seats
+
*Signpost programme areas well
+
*Display list of items outside each venue and update as required
+
*Clearly mark smoking/non smoking areas
+
*Disabled access and reserved seating
+
*Crush space for exit from popular items
+
*Remove litter after items
+
*Avoid trailing cables
+
 
+
==Dealers Room==
+
===Location===
+
*Easy access for boxes and trolleys
+
*Not too remote from cente of con
+
*Signposted
+
 
+
===Opening times===
+
*Consult dealers
+
*Close for GoH speech
+
 
+
===Layout===
+
*Aisles wide enough for safety and avoiding crush
+
*Fire regulations
+
*Islands/rows
+
*Doors and exits
+
*Wall location for easy display
+
 
+
===Dealers===
+
*Books
+
*Comics
+
*Art
+
*Jewellery
+
*Clothing
+
*Memorabilia
+
*Toys
+
 
+
===Pricing===
+
*Discount for early booking
+
*Includes membership
+
*Premium for near door
+
 
+
===Security===
+
*Badge check on door
+
*No smoking
+
*No drinks
+
*Check bags
+
*Locked overnight
+
**Portable alarm sytem
+
**Gopher sleeping in room
+
+
==Artshow==
+
===Layout===
+
*space for people without brushing against artwork
+
*security desk at entrance
+
*fire regulations
+
 
+
===Hanging===
+
*Tables/display cases for sculpture
+
*Boards
+
*Wall mounts
+
*Lighting
+
*Labelling
+
**Info slip
+
***Artist
+
***Title
+
***Price or Not For Sale
+
***Space for written bids
+
 
+
===Times===
+
*Close before auction
+
 
+
===Security===
+
*Rota
+
*No food/drink/smoking
+
*No bags
+
*Insurance
+
 
+
===Auction===
+
*Near end of con
+
*Sale of pre-bid art first
+
*Charity auction
+
*Staff
+
**Auctioneers
+
**People to carry artwork to and from auction
+
**People to display item in auction
+
**Secretary
+
***note item/artist
+
***note sale price and buyer
+
***Add up total sales by artist
+
***Calculate commission
+
***Collect payment
+
***Pay artists
+
**Uncollected artwork
+
***Announce at convention
+
***Return art to artist
+
 
+
===Sales===
+
*Print shop
+
*Direct sale by artist
+
 
+
 
+
=Publicity=
+
==General Public==
+
===Website===
+
===Press Release===
+
*Eyecatching - colour paper, folder
+
*Contains dates, place, contact info
+
*short biographies of guests
+
*photos of guests
+
*photos of previous events
+
*pre-written story for lazy journalists to use
+
*details of press access
+
**interview opportunities with guests
+
**pre-con photo opportunity
+
 
+
===Radio===
+
*Local
+
**interviews with guests and organisers
+
**competitions with membership prizes
+
**paid adverts
+
*National
+
*write to all DJs asking for a mention
+
*invent silly event to get them talking eg light sabre duel
+
 
+
===TV===
+
*Local
+
**Have telegenic event on or before opening day
+
*National
+
**mentions at end of SF programmes
+
**Late Show
+
 
+
===Press===
+
*Local
+
**mention local participants
+
**photo opportunities
+
*National
+
**letters to papers and magazines
+
 
+
===Posters===
+
*at venue
+
*in libraries
+
*in local bookshops, video shops
+
 
+
===Fliers handed out to public===
+
*cinema queues
+
*at bookshops
+
 
+
===Roadsigns===
+
*Put up by AA or RAC
+
*Created by convention
+
==Conventions==
+
===Fliers===
+
*In member packs of other cons
+
*On tables at other cons
+
*On seats on programme rooms at other cons
+
 
+
===Posters at conventions===
+
===Table hop to sell memberships in bar===
+
===Programme items===
+
*put up teams for  games and quizzes at cons
+
*auction memberships at cons
+
===Swap fliers/ads with other conventions===
+
 
+
==SF groups==
+
===BSFA===
+
===University groups===
+
*Publicise before summer break
+
*Cover letter suggesting “University field trip” to con
+
*Try to “piggy back” on mailouts to freshers
+
===Local Groups===
+
*Ask them to publicise in local SF outlets
+
*Ask for info for Fan Map
+
 
+
==SF outlets==
+
===Bookshops===
+
*Posters don’t stay up long
+
*Fliers by till put in with SF purchases
+
*Bookmarks
+
*Piggy back on author signing publicity
+
*Organise signing sessions in Strathclyde pre-con
+
===Comics shops===
+
===Libraries===
+
*University and college libraries
+
*some authorities don’t allow commercial advertising
+
 
+
==Word of mouth==
+
*get people talking the convention up
+
**Guests
+
**have a few good programme items as examples
+
*people want to go to a good convention and enjoy themselves. Talk up the positive aspects.
+
==Professionals==
+
*recruit writers and publishers to mention con at every opportunity
+
*get TV involvement early and use to promote con inside media
+
*Literary agents
+
**emphasise business opportunities
+
**publicity for clients
+
 
+
=Member services=
+
==Communications==
+
===PRs===
+
===Correspondence===
+
===Telephone===
+
===Website===
+
===E-mail===
+
===At con information desk===
+
*Message board
+
*Programme updates
+
*Voodoo board for members to contact members
+
 
+
==Member pack==
+
===Pocket programme===
+
*programme details
+
*programme summary
+
*venue details
+
*local info
+
**restaurants
+
**cash points
+
**parking
+
**shop hours
+
**emergency services
+
**bookshops
+
**travel
+
 
+
===Badge===
+
*visible name
+
*convention name/logo
+
**colour coded for type of membership
+
**staff badges
+
*membership number
+
*town/country of origin if required
+
*disclaimer on back
+
 
+
==Programme participants==
+
*list of items agreed to
+
*green room location
+
*thank you letter
+
*contact name and number for queries
+
 
+
==Hotel package deals==
+
==Travel deals==
+
==Knock on discounts from advertisers==
+
==Disabled access==
+
 
+
 
+
=Operations=
+
==Communications==
+
===Local===
+
*Phone
+
*Radio
+
*Bleeper
+
*Runner
+
 
+
===National===
+
*Mail
+
*E-mail
+
*Phone
+
*APA
+
 
+
==Logistics==
+
===National===
+
*Close coordination with programme
+
*Central store
+
*Transport coordination
+
*Late arrivals bring forgotten items
+
 
+
===Local===
+
*Equipment suppliers
+
*Contract restrictions
+
*Set up times
+
*Strike times
+
*Hotels
+
 
+
==Site==
+
===Liaison===
+
*pre-con
+
**confirm technical facilities available on-site
+
***test facilities
+
***confirm emergency technical support available during convention
+
***confirm cost of using facilities and call-out charges
+
**confirm times for access and take down
+
***goods access and elevators
+
***size of access door and elevators
+
*at con
+
**have named site staff for liaison
+
**maintain log of problems/accidents
+
 
+
===Secure storage room===
+
*Inventory
+
**derived from equipment list
+
**other valuables
+
***cash box
+
***prizes
+
***personal items
+
*Access
+
**locate close to programme areas for moving equipment
+
**only certain staff may enter
+
*Supervised
+
**duty rota
+
**log-in and out procedure for equipment
+
*Locked
+
**keyholder contactable
+
**sign on door saying door should always be locked
+
 
+
===Luggage deposit for members on final day===
+
*hotel cloakroom
+
**use hotel system
+
*convention luggage store
+
**supervised
+
***duty rota
+
***system for checking ownership
+
**locked
+
***sign saying how to contact keyholder
+
 
+
===Childcare===
+
*Location
+
*Facilities
+
 
+
===Tables===
+
*Other conventions
+
*Fliers/newsletters
+
 
+
===Litter clear up===
+
*In corridors/public areas
+
*In programme areas
+
*Plastic glasses to avoid accidents
+
 
+
==Tech==
+
===Safety===
+
*first aid kits
+
*equipment checks
+
*fire regulations
+
 
+
===Audio visual===
+
*sound
+
*lights
+
*video
+
*film
+
*OHP
+
 
+
===Power===
+
*sockets
+
*supply type
+
*cable runs
+
*safety tests
+
 
+
===Equipment===
+
*liaise with programme
+
**check programme clashes over equipment
+
*borrow
+
**make sure insurance covers
+
*hire
+
**get competitive quotes
+
*buy
+
**check if can sell back after use
+
 
+
===Training===
+
*safety
+
*hours on duty
+
 
+
===Repairs===
+
*toolkits
+
*service engineers
+
 
+
===Record programme items===
+
*Video
+
*Audio
+
*Get clearance from participants
+
 
+
==Staff==
+
===Organisation===
+
*Committee posts
+
**outline specific areas of responsibility
+
*Staff organisation table
+
**show lines of communication and responsibility
+
*Pre-con
+
**committee organisation
+
*At con
+
**Duty committee member
+
**Operations manager
+
**Programme manager
+
**First aider
+
 
+
===Recruitment===
+
*expand staff nearer convention
+
**volunteer form in PRs
+
*ask for skills
+
*ask what days available
+
*ask what times available
+
**recruit at registration desk
+
*signs at desk
+
*volunteer form in member pack
+
*recruit  specific people to fill vacant posts
+
 
+
===Timeline===
+
*Don’t let deadlines slip
+
*Get everything done that can be done in advance
+
*Get students doing most work during summer -avoid exam times
+
 
+
===Morale===
+
*Encourage initiative
+
*Make sure information flows down as well as up
+
*Have a welfare officer, not on committee, who can pass on gripes
+
*Staff newsletter
+
*reserved seating
+
*staff party
+
*work vouchers
+
 
+
===Staff Handbook===
+
*Distribute draft at pre-con staff meeting
+
*Rotas
+
**Prepare shift rotas in advance
+
**Assign staff to shifts
+
*Emphasise need for staff to have good knowledge of procedures
+
 
+
 
+
=Publications=
+
==Progress Reports/Website==
+
===Contents===
+
*Name of convention
+
*Location
+
**venue name
+
**town
+
*Dates
+
**give start time - afternoon/evening
+
**give finish time on last day
+
**include the year in dates
+
*Guests
+
**have names prominent on cover
+
**get publicity pictures for publication
+
**credit photographer
+
*First PR to publicise convention
+
*Membership list
+
**joined since last PR
+
**show membership status
+
**alphabetical order for easier checking
+
*Hotel prices/booking form
+
**prices for types of rooms
+
**dates rates apply before and after convention
+
**deposit required
+
***payable to hotel/convention
+
**sharing
+
***other member
+
***convention finds sharer
+
***each responsible for individual bills
+
*Membership details/form
+
**explain types of membership
+
**dates of price increases
+
**child/baby rates
+
***age breaks
+
**Volunteer appeal/form
+
**Competition entry forms
+
**Merchandise available
+
**Advertising rates and publishing schedule
+
**Last one to give details of how to get there
+
***address of venue
+
***phone number of venue
+
****convention phone number
+
***map
+
****separate sheet to take along
+
****clearly marked venue
+
****mark stations
+
****mark parking
+
***directions
+
****by road
+
****by rail
+
****by bus
+
****from airport
+
**Adverts
+
***no more than 20% of page count
+
***from guest’s publishers
+
***other conventions (ad swap)
+
***fan rate/pro rate
+
***charge for artwork processing
+
***fliers inserted with PR
+
 
+
==Souvenir Book==
+
*Convention name and dates
+
*Guest appreciations
+
*Membership list
+
*Committee list
+
*Adverts as per PRs
+
**premium rates for back and inside covers
+
*Do before convention and post out
+
**high postage costs
+
**gives members time to read before attending
+
*Do after convention
+
**include photos of convention
+
**reports of programme items
+
 
+
==Pocket Programme==
+
===programme item times===
+
*programme notes
+
===location of programme rooms===
+
===food times===
+
===bar times===
+
===convention offices===
+
*information desk
+
*ops room
+
*first aid
+
*internal phone numbers
+
===weapons policy===
+
===smoking areas===
+
===local information===
+
*restaurants
+
*cash machines
+
 
+
==Others==
+
===Convention newsletter===
+
===Fan publications===
+
===Guest short stories===
+
===Internet progress reports===
+
===Christmas card to members===
+
===Committee online forum===
+
*details of organisation
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*programme ideas
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*distributed to interested parties
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[[category:Administration]]
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[[category:Executive Committee]]
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[[category:How To]]
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[[category:Checklists]]
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Revision as of 07:41, 10 July 2007

A contribution from Ian Sorensen, the originator of the Conrunner fanzine, these Checklists provide a way to account for the Who, What, When Where, Why and How of putting a convention together.

The Convention

Why

  • Enthusiasm for an idea (the only good reason)
  • Fame (not likely!)
  • Conrunning in the blood (compulsive activity disorder)
  • Conrunning as a social activity (too sad to filk)
  • Someone asks you to do it (eager puppy syndrome)
  • No one else doing this type of convention (simple minded enthusiasm)

What Type

Large or Small

  • Bidded convention
    • conform to pattern
    • need to know rules
  • Single stream
    • may also have workshops
  • Multi-stream
    • problem of numbers in each stream
    • increased staff requirement
  • Aimed at established fans
  • Aimed at attracting new fans
  • With or without dealers room

Literary

  • Science fiction
  • Fantasy

Relaxacon

  • Limited number of members
  • By invitation
  • Limited programme

Fannish

  • Fanzines
  • Conrunning
  • Filking
  • Tech

Trek

  • Classic
  • Others

Media

  • Dr Who
  • Red Dwarf
  • Babylon 5
  • Buffy
  • Stargate
  • Anime
  • Mixed

RPG

  • Single game
  • Multiple games
  • Tournament

Comics

Where

Transport links

  • Parking
  • Courtesy bus

===Restaurants