Unfortunately we had people in the parking area early but most shifted to other duties as the day went on. We probably should have had at least 2 people down there all day in shifts. That'll be addressed.

One to help people know where to go. 2... to make sure people aren't steeling stuff, denting people's cars or breaking any rules.

one complaint I dealt with from the rangers was that people were blocking the roads. Half hour later I look over and the ranger is trying to drive down the road while about 15 people blocked the whole damn road and didn't realize or didn't care she was there.

We'll have more signs next year. i'm going to build some.

 

*Raffle could have gone quicker if Myself and Other's weren't hacking on Hide. My bad.*


Parking/Entry Line: What we've done in the past is at that time of morning the local Mall(s) Parking Lots are yet to be filled. Use TheHub or Newpark as a staging and pre-reg area to take the toll off of the local road and parks entrance. Send out groups of people rally style with a phone call between the Reg-Exit and Gates Entrance to set your vehicle group arrival timing properly. It's something that's an ebb and flow. You actually want say a 5-7 minute lag between entry groups to more readily address any issues as they happen. This also inherently reduces the stress on the Security and Parking Staff.

 

The biggest factor with the raffle was the combination of people talking and us not being amplified. It made it take longer and not run as smooth as it should have. And yes... some folks did give some of the people up there a hard time.

It'll go faster and run smoother next year.


I was proud of the members that stood up and returned stuff they knew they wouldn't use. And the ones that bought tickets knowing they probably wouldn't win. So... overall. happy with the raffle.

 

OMA,

Do you understand why I have said it needs to be redone? why I have a major problem with the current people in "charge"? I am not going to directly call anyone out here, but, words were posted, threats were made, and they were a prime example of what the bigger problem is.

Now, if your really serious, if you truly believe it can become something more. Get me offline, I will provide you with a sample charter, the proper forms to fill out to become a incorporated non profit, and I will offer to sit vice-chair the first year, to help get it all rolling smooth, then step down and let you younger folks have at it.

What I suggest is how major conventions do things, from comicon, to further confusion, to dundracon. its a proven way to get a strong base, and a ever growing and expanding event that everyone can have fun with.

Keep in mind, even CES started as a one hotel, one day gathering. I don't mean to suggest there are enough subie fans to make it that big, but you sure as hell could, one day, be pulling people from all over the world, with a hotel, and a whole weekend event if you aim big.

 

Guys, please take that part of the chat offline, in fact, have someone there to chill-moderate. Heck, I'll do it, Coffee, Saturday, My Spot.

I don't want to see you two going at things like this when in the end I see you two being very passionate and actually thinking likely closely to the same ideas but it not being conveyed and understood in this fashion.

We're all Members here, please, don't make me be the one to ask you to "Chill Out".





Cripes, I just did?

 

I'll drop you a line right now.


but...
1. We're not a for profit major convention. We'll never have 10,000 people and I don't think anyone involved with this wants that.

2. CES started with the intention of getting huge. I don't ever want our event to be an event we do all over the world. There's already local meets and huge meets all over the world run by the local area that knows what that area wants to see.

3. I'm serious about making this BETTER.

I'm happy to hear what you have to say. PM coming.

 

I got nothing bad to say. I told everyone... good or bad... this is where you voice it. What kind of person would I be if I only listened to and looked at the positive. That's cowardice in it's finest form.

Beyond that... it's not just me. We'll be doing a wrap up meeting for this year and to lay ground work for next year. I am not the only one there. The whole group will be there and we'll have this thread to refer to.

So i don't mind. What he's giving is very solid advice. I'll be it in only a way that he can accomplish... lol. But none the less. I agree for the most part.

 

This was the first time I attended BAM, and I have to say the event was very well organized, but I did noticed a few things. These things are already addressed, but I feel I should voice my suggestions anyways to help prioritize what can/should be done better next time.

The event could use some signs. Although the layout was pretty obvious, some people still question about where to go for certain things i.e. restrooms, registration, food, car show, vendors, raffle drawing, etc. We have personnel for that too, but we could distribute a few signs at places where we can't staff the whole meet.

Personnel indicators. I could not tell who were volunteers or vendors and who were not initially, except those I already know, who were behind the food/vendor tables, a "Hello my name is..." sticker, and eventually a bright red BAM shirt. I volunteered, but I wasn't given a "Hello my name is..." sticker or anything to indicate I could be of help if one needs it, except my raffle tickets when I'm on duty. For security, I guess it depends, as seeing them around will minimize any illegal activities, but being discreet can also root out violators. I agree volunteers do not have to work around the clock on their duties, but imo at the very least be ready and able to assist or answer most, if not all, questions attendees might have.

Thankfully, the event this time around was not big enough for these to be a problem, just food for thought. I understand the notion of easier said than done, but I'll be happy to physically contribute more next year in the event, whether or not I'll attend.

 

Good input. You're right... need signs.

And probably could have been more obvious with the red thing. For the most part it's announced... need help find a red shirt. The volunteers are fine but they're not expected to answer questions and honestly... not really wanted to. The red shirts represent the event so they need to be people that know what's going on. Most of the volunteers just know to do what they're asked. I don't want them doing much else.

But I do get what you're saying. It is something that can use some more organization for sure.

Thanks again.

 

Signs, definitely will work on that. We couldn't legally make a barrier due to the rangers needing access to the areas and being able to drive around. But we'll definitely look into signs for next year.

 

I thought things went smooth for the amount of people. The long lines were to be expected. The food line was stalled at the condiment section, where people were getting lettuce/tomatos/relish/ketchup. It takes time to put on condiments. The lack of shade is not your fault and people were advised. I thought a megaphone would have helped the raffle. And I also think the idea of a ticket tumbler would have made winning more "random".

 

I understand, but at least they could direct them to nearby signs (if present) or another representative who can answer them. It probably would've sufficed if the "Hello my name is..." stickers were distributed though.

I came with some new friends, and they only knew about BAM through a friend and not on the forum, so my suggestions were more for those who don't use the internet as much as most of us do.

 

+1 for the signs as well as "branching out" to attract people who are not familiar with i-club. Even home-printed sign's would have helped to state where check in/ food area/ etc was.

I also think Overbear has some valid points but I don't think it's possible without drastic changes to the current "committee" but I have no supporting idea's.

Everything else that I had issues with have already been addressed

 

1. Needs more mod parking
2. Needs a parking spot for the person that came the furthest.

Other than that It was great. Got to meet people and put faces with names and SNs.

Screw people that didnt put a name tag on. I rocked two! and I matched my avatar!

how do we have 350 subarus and no one posts here?

 

Volunteering for security I didn't really see anything going on that shouldnt. The only issue I had was some people not knowing to only drink outside of the parking lot. I had to let probably 5-8 people know, alot of people were cool about it but a couple were pretty dismissive (I couldnt tell if they were taking me seriously). So maybe next time have a few signs in the parking lot area.