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"Caveat Emptor: Convention Wisdom for the
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"Caveat Emptor: Convention Wisdom for the
Fan" |
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Conventions are something Star Trek Fans have all been to at some point. In the Midwest region one of the only promoters we get is Slanted Fedora. Contrary to popular belief promoting a convention is a business and that’s how Dave Scott runs the shows. His bottom line is not the fans it is his wallet. He must make the shows a profit for him in order to continue bringing in guests. At a recent convention he asked the audience two questions. “How many people thought they got a great deal for their money?” and “How many people don’t think they got their money’s worth?” A few people applauded for the first question and a few for the second question, but most, probably felt as I did that I got what I expected from Dave for that money. However, having been to several conventions of his I may have low expectations. Dave then pointed out that if people didn’t like the way he did things don’t come. Go to a different convention. However, he knows that for all intents and purpose he is the only game in town. The choice is not see any Star Trek star, or play by his rules, but only after you give the money to him. So with those things in mind here are some tips when going to a convention. If autographs are not that important to you, do not pre-register. You will get better seating if you pay for tickets at the door. You may be on the side from the main stage but you will be closer to the front and have better photo opportunities. If you pre-registered bring a telephoto lens if you want a good shot. And remember no video is allowed, so leave those cameras at home. Be prepared for occasional delays and problems with the sound system. While Dave blames the hotel for their poor quality I feel some part for which he must take responsibility. In general Dave will try and blame the hotel for any logistics problem, don’t expect him to act on your complaint. Never-the-less the promoter and his crew, all volunteer or not are responsible for checking equipment prior to events. I don’t mind sound checks early in the day but they should be conducted by a trained crew, not by one person standing on stage one minute before the main guest comes out. And not by trying to query an audience which has patiently so far listened to other guest’s appearances, enduring a system alternating between feedback and being too loud in seats cramped together with no allowance for the average human width. I wondered what a fire-marshal would have said concerning the safety of having that many people in a confined space with locked exits. As in all conventions the dealers’ room was stocked with a variety of items; cards, pictures, T-shirts, toys, and many more items. Shopping at a con requires a deal of consumer awareness. You have to way the want you have for an item versus its price. Many times items are around the price you will see listed elsewhere. But those items that are rare, hard to find, or no longer produced, will often carry premium prices. And sometimes if you have patience these items can be found in catalogs for cheaper prices. You just have to wait longer to have it. The only problem with the convention was the logistics of the signing. Many times there is simply not enough room provided to set up separate areas for the guest to sign. As a result many times their tables are set up in an already cramped dealers room or in the hallways of the hotel. Imagine what the fire-marshal would say if he saw those snaking lines in the hallways of the hotel. Be prepared to wait. Staying in the hotel of the convention may provide more access to parties and a possible glimpse of the star, but I would not recommend it. If you shop around you can find less expensive hotels, with the same level of service as the larger hotel. This is because the larger hotels, at least in the immediate area, are disrespectful of science fiction fandom. And of course cram as many people into the hotel room as possible, it’s cheaper that way. Along those lines take a sleeping bag and extra pillows. Hotel pillows are simply never what you want. They are either too hard or too soft, too high or too flat. Plan ahead. It sounds simple and it is. Make a checklist of things to pack, pictures you want signed (based on who you know will be there), extra batteries for the camera, and extra film or disks for the camera. You can’t sit and listen to all the speakers and still get the autographs of the supplementary stars. Timing is everything and you will have to juggle it between the speaker and the line for the table where the guest is signing. Take extra money for eating. Eat a big breakfast it will have to last you. Most of our area conventions do not provide a lunch break time. The convention will run from 10am to 6pm. Leave to eat and you will miss something. The hotel may provide food but be prepared to spend $2 on one hotdog and $1 for the equivalent of a 6oz drink. Also the hotel will indubitable not plan for the attendance and they will run out of food. Therefore further items to add to your packing list are cans of soda (or beverage of your preference) and snack items like cookies, pretzels, crackers or the like. Hopefully with these tips, your convention-going will be as positive as it can be and after all: You've need to make the best of whatever situation comes.
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