""Fall In" location change?" Topic

I have always heard from some people that Gettysburg was not a good location, and I've seen low attendance at times, not to mention poor sales, but I am wondering why? Gettysburg is only an hour east of Lancaster and set in such a nice rural area. If you dont' like fighting city traffic, it's great with easy access off of route 15. So, if there are politics involved in this subject, I want to hear them, but lets try to be honest,polite and base any comments on facts and not hearsay. I know that is difficult for some people when on a forum?

Is there any truth in the rumor that "Fall In" is to be renamed "Fall Out"?

I think the Eisenhower is much more expensive than the host, which is the reason for the move, or at least what I was told. I don't think it has anything to do with politics, just dollars. Someone told me it was the least attended but most expensive con of the big three.

Eisenhower is also smaller than the Host or, at least, is not as conducive to holding a horde of gamers and a retailer hall.

The battlefield was a big plus for many but it did not outweigh the cost, the inconvenience of the All-Star Complex, the limited hotel rooms and the just plain awful food options.

I never stayed at the Host or the Eisenhower. I found more affordable romms elsewhere. Especially when at Gettysburg, the first town in maryland always had plenty of rooms. Gettysburg was a lot closer for me but I can understand a move to the Host.

Attendance from what I have seen has been improving for Fall In. I have understood that the costs are much greater at the Ike than the Host.

I have never understood why this convention was not better attended as it is a great location and provides the opportunity to buy holiday gifts for the gamer(s) in your family as well as the opportunity for some site seeing and getting connected to the history of the location.

I do understand that having the exhibitor hall and the main gaming in 2 separate locations a short walk away on the same property is a little inconvenient but there has always been a shuttle.

It is a shame that it is moving as we have always looked forward to our annual Gettysburg trip. However, as an exhibitor if the attendance rises even more I will not complain.

One advantage for me is that my daughters goes to college in Lancaster so it will be more convenient.

The Ike also simply refused to step up like the Host and provide service to HMGS. Getting reasonable food on site was like pulling teeth. Plus they were charging tons for the All-Star and the bus.

From what I heard the Host sent people to see what the Ike did for Fall-In and then put in a bid for the convention.

You can still do Gettysburg if you want. As has been pointed out it is only an hour away.

I believe that I read a post on here once before that stated that the contract that HMGS has with the host included the pricing if there were two conventions held there throughout the year. I will admit the memory is a little foggy at times as there are so many things posted on here about HMGS and the conventions that it is hard to keep it all straight, and determine what is true and what is rumors.

I have also heard about the cost being a serious issue. I enjoy the convention being in Gettysburg, but I do like the Host as a location. I would try to attend the convention in either location.

Has HMGS looked at other locaations in Gettysburg? The new hotel on the other end of town seems like a good spot. Forgot the name however.

Part of the contract with the Host is a garantee of two conventions. The move to Baltimore meant that there HAD to be a second convention to maintain the contract, thus Fall In is moved. As for the low attendance, I believe it has more to do with putting three major conventions a year in the same general area so people who want to cut one cut the one closest to Christmas as there are major bills coming up in the two months after the show.

For me the major draw of Fall In has been Gettysburg so I doubt I'll be attending Fall In next year.

I really love Gettysburg, but I will not miss the IKE.
I did not like the dealer hall being in the All-Star.
To spread out. The Host is much easier to get around.

I think HMGS should consider the new Oaks Convention Center. Just north of Valley Forge, PA.
phillyexpocenter.com/facility
It is in a great location.
There is a new Regal 24 Stadium movie theater, huge King of Pruissa Mall, Valley Forge National Park, large go-kart facility, tons of restaurants in area, and hotels.
new hotels opening in 2010. Hug outlet shopping complex in Lemrick, just about 5-10 minutes away.
230,000 square feet of space, FREE parking.
The Greenburg Train show will be there in December.
Not sure how cost compares to The Host though.

I was so-so at the Ike. Rooms nice, all in one building with games and close, not miles away like at Host. The walk to the dealers was good exercise. Where to eat, however, was a problem. The drive is a hour closer, but over back roads.

The move to Host seems good, I will stay next door. Have pig meat for dinner. The walk from the Lampeter Room to the dealers seems about the same as at the Ike.

Walking and the site itself is fine with me but the Host has more around it and is easier to get too driving. I'll go regardless.

I like Gettysburg more than the event. I went every year to Fall In BECAUSE it is in Gettysburg. With the move next year I'll probably just stay home. :(

I usually don't have the time on such a short event to ride to Gettysburg for the day from Lancaster and back. I want to stay in Gettysburg and tour the field and shop. Oh well… the end of an era. Perhaps I'll just keep going to Gettysburg for giggles on that weekend.

I think they did consider Valley Forge as one of the possible alternatives for Historicon,but if I recall correctly,there were too many problems with site,such as huge fees for the flea market or something like that.Fall In was a little too busy for me,I didnt feel as if I could do everything that I wanted,between the battlefield,the con and the shops downtown. Also,the food was lousy,as others have stated.