"So, why did Fall In registration take so long?" Topic

… and 51…

We are working to improve, always are, but there are some things I just cannot fix.

@HG thanks, but I know we still have a ways to go. I could list a long line of excuses, but won't… we just need to get better. We will. I now have 2 shows as CD under my belt and have a really good idea on what needs to be fixed BEFORE I try to make other improvements. Thanks for your feedback.

@grtbrt… I am sure you are a good person, but haters gotta hate I see? If you want to volunteer and think you can make things better, PLEASE do! I do not mean this as an underlying insult… seriously… we need peoepl who are motivated and have insight into making things better. I plan on expanding my staff a touch AND getting the reg desk volunteers in a day early to really get them trained.

It wasn't all their fault though, the net slowness killed us. As I said elsewhere, we could not do wireless.. yet.. but if HMGS gets a wireless SECURE hotspot… that would do the trick!

Dan

Poniatowski,

Thank you for commenting on this topic and for your volunteerism at Fall In. I see that you are a good person and want to improve the registration process for next time. For those who would like to register, I see that you have addressed and will fix those issues; good on you. However, I would like to submit for your consideration that there is a portion of the convention customer base that only wants to have access to the vendor's area. In other words, these customers are not interested in giving out their personal information. They don't want to register in any way at all. They are not interested in computer speeds or guide books or mailings or T-shirts. They simply want to pay cash like they are buying a movie ticket and get right in without undue delay. This should be a simple fix as most events/conventions do this all the time.
Cheers,

Really ??-That is your take away ?? Haters have to Hate ??
There's a open mind at work .
I learned my lesson about volunteering for HMGS when I lived in NJ a few years ago . I did TRY to volunteer a few times-at least 4 . and was told (among other excuses)that "we don't like to use people who have professional experience because we know how to do it" other times there was no response beyond a polite -"thank you, we'll be in touch "
So I put my energies into volunteering to run/help other events and conventions(gaming ones included)

… the net slowness killed us. As I said elsewhere, we could not do wireless.. yet.. but if HMGS gets a wireless SECURE hotspot… that would do the trick!

Please address the primary question WHY you "need" the net?
What is wrong with taking our money and giving us a "HI! My name is…." tag?
WHY do you need ANY information?

You are acting like a utility company that needs to know my dog's name to allow me to pay my bill on line. All I wanted to do was go and sit at my flea market table and then go shopping. Why the NSA data mining?
So there were 6 people with my last name? So what? What did that have to with getting a one day pass?

You really have to address the issue of WHY all this is necessary, and not just say "When we are better trained we will do a better job."

Dan,

I would like to put in my 2 cents as a GM and as an attendee.

Let me start by saying that I really appreciate the volunteers and all they do in putting on the con. Without their efforts we would not have a con. Overall I had a good experience. The information I am providing below is not complaints but my observations.

Registration: Since I was GM for 2 games I was preregistered and it took about 2 minutes. They asked for a picture ID and asked if I was still going to run my game. I am not sure why they needed to see the ID but I thought checking to see if I was going run my game was a good idea.
The line for those that hadn't preregistered was too long. There has to be a fix for this. I say this not complaining but simply as someone who cares about the con and want them to succeed and grow.

GM: Everything went fine we did have a couple of no shows even though the game was sold out during preregistration. It was not a problem since we had more people wanting to get into the game. The table numbers were unreadable in the program and the tables did not have large numbers on them like in the past. These items caused a little inconvenience. You had to go up and refer to the map on the door to Distlefink to see were you were located.

Games: I agree that the number of canceled games seemed higher than normal. Did not effect any games I was in but has in the past and can be very disappointing to attendees.

Vender Hall: I agree it seemed a little empty and I missed some of the regular vendors that were not there. I understand that this is probably a sign of the economy. I think to have a strong show it is important to have a large vendor hall. I would suggest trying to get feedback from the vendors both those that attended and those that are choosing not to.

Thanks to everyone who helped make Fall IN go

John

I cannot answer perfectly the "why" we need this stuff. I can speculate a lot though… and please don't take anything I say as an "aggressive stance" against anyone.

@grtbrt… seriously, come see me, we are always looking for volunteers AND, I am absolutley there with you. I have tried to volunteer with HMGS for years and years… it used to be a "closed" group of people and I had the same success rate as you… "sorry kid, we don't need anyone right now"… I felt like a plague victim…. Well, those days are gone now and if you approached me I would take your info and see where I could best use you. I was very bitter about HMGS for years. Times change.

Now addressing the show stuff. I cannot talk on things I don't know about, but it is very common to have a membership fee and a member database in most organizations. And then, in turn, the organization offers discounts, special features, etc to its members. HMGS does not sell this info. I can understamd the paranoia that is out there.. if someone has ever been a victim of identity theft, but the extent some people go to to try and keep their info to themselves is weird to me sometimes. Didn't you have to supply your REAL info to be a member here? It is just as culpable as supplying it to HMGS.

You ask why is this info gathering necessary… well, how would you get your show info each year without a brochure sent to your house? How could we keep track of memberships without this information? It is used for everything.

Instead of turning the conversation to why HMGS needs it, how about asking yourself why is anyone so hesitant about giving it to the organization? It is entered into a secure system (yes, anything can be hacked, but I see HMGS as a very low priority on any hacker's list and it is used for membership purposes). As I said above, you provided it for a forum, but HMGS is the anti-christ?

Seriously, the information is for membership management. if you don't want to give it or be a part of the orgamization, well then why should you reap the benifits of it?

Such as….

@ John… flea market tables are for members only, how can we track your membership without a database of info to prove you are an active member? Membership has its privlidges and, in the long run is cheaper to do, especially if you do more than one show per year.

I do not think it is fair for a non member to expect to reap the benifits of the organization without being a part of it. So no John, we are not a utility company asking for unnecessary info. We need to be able to prove you are a member so we can sell you that flea market table.

Now, someone showing up for a day pass to "hit the flea market and dealer hall"… I understand your take there, seems silly at times doesn't it? but HMGS does not see it that way… they see it as an oppertunity to increase membership, offer you discounts to other shows and tell you about the other shows through mailers/brochures… It is very innocent… and, if you still don't see the need, I am confused as isn't the war gaming world a social one? I woudl think "hey, these guys will send me info on othe rshows.. that is great"…. I guess I am a tad too trusing… because i wouldn't be thinking "OMG! if I give them my info I will get spammed through email or have unwanted porn show up at my house".

Don't get me wrong, I can understand a person's fears, but my thoughts would be… why would I extend the benifits to someone who only wants to use the organization for their own needs and not be a part of it? When you order stuff online and pay with a cc, etc.. you supply them with your info… how is this any different than giving it to HMGS???

What, I ask, is the big hang up with giving HMGS your info?

My other suggestion is please go back to printing first names on the badges in LARGE print. I am terrible at remembering names and when I am running a game it really helps if I can read name tag.

Thanks,

John

@Duke42… Asking for ID is simple… you learn a lot of faces and names at the shows over the years and yes… happened to a close friend of mine at F-I! last year… Someone walked up and asked for "Bill Smith"…. and got my friend's badge.. they ask for ID to prove you are who you claim to be when picking up your badge.

Yes… I agree there!!! As my name is Dan and I was called Dave at lest a dozen or more times AFTER people looked at my badge… I clearly see your point! And this was early… too early to be inebriated….

well, how would you get your show info each year without a brochure sent to your house?

I've never once gotten a brochure or any other form of mailing at my house. Every time I called up my name as part of the registration it got my name it told me I lived in Alberta. I've edited it myself at this point with the new system, but that's certainly not what I put in.

You guys need a better web presence – think google, not USPS. :D That would also help you with your other issue – more preregs onlline, less time in line at the con getting registered.

As far as the collection of data goes, I understand that. Hopefully you'll have a better option to use the system next year.

But honestly, I have to wonder if you need to do all the data input during the registration process.

The primary benefit I gain from my membership is letting me run games. That's of dubious utility to be honest – paying for the privilege of putting on games.

Regardless, hopefully you have some decent feedback on the con. Overall it was a good time, but the two big issues were registration time and IMO the issue with the table numbering and the need to make it legible in the con handout.

The second is certainly fixable. I wish you luck with the first. Seems to me you may need a layered response – hit things from multiple angles.

Just to be clear, Dan, and other CDs do not set policy for the registration system. So don't bury Dan with electronic brick bats. :-) I can't imagine the hours he, and other senior con staff put into this con. Same for the other cons. The people who run this stuff give up a lot of personal time to make it work. The question as to why they do a lot of it is better reserved for the BOD, who sets such policy, not guys like Dan. That said, I think the Con Ops for the BOD is a decent guy and will consider some of the policies and procedures he inherited.

Grtbrt – you are venting to the wrong guy, though your points are more than valid. How about I let you help me run an event? :-)

Overall, I think there are some lower tech solutions to many of these issues. The value in the HMGS membership is to vote, GM for free (that is somewhat of a savings), and get a flea market table. There is a slight discount if you go to all three cons, which I suspect fewer and fewer people are now doing, for a variety of reasons.

@demiurgex… I agree, well said.. Now, about entering the info onsite. The only reason I see for that is this…. renewals. If you renew on site, you get the reduced rate for admission… grant it.. $25 USD onsite and $25 USD membership is $50 USD while non member weekend is $40 USD… but if you don't do it online… and go to more than one show, then you have to do at at "a" show and you will have saved money… also, if you wanted a table in the flesa too… you would have to update your membership, which goes right back to proving you are a member and in the system.

I don't make the rules, but I do try to follow them!

@Historygamer.. well said… thank you for the help. I am here to serve and try to improve all I can… I WANT good volunteers and won't be turing anyoen away. I knwo I lost some folk's info, but I will always invite new volunteers.

I want to run a good show and try to grow the hobby. The show isn't possible without you guys. All of you… in no oprder…: members, non members, vendors, GMs, volunteers, etc…

I thank you all.

@Dan – thanks for the explanation. Yeah, I can see the need for that. And a two tiered approach (such as a scan sheet combined with a manual sign up for new renewals that would need to be entered later) would no doubt lead to lost data. So, back to the issue of how do you get more people to prereg, and how do you get onsite registration flowing more smoothly.

I tend to brainstorm on these topics, so just throwing out ideas. Hopefully something will be helpful, if not c'est la vie.

@HG – sorry about all the 'electronic brick bats' (LOL – why do I have a picture of Walter Matthau right now?), but registration with the new system is largely a technical issue, not just a procedural one. Hopefully Dan got some ideas, we'll see if any are worth following up on. I think a club that has $150 USDK at its disposal could spend a fraction of that on ensuring its new system was efficient not just as a website but as a con registration system, but ultimately that isn't up to either one of us.

One thing I have seen is that the CDs do take feedback here and try to do what they can to make the con better, and of that I'm very appreciative.

..but how were the restrooms???

What, I ask, is the big hang up with giving HMGS your info?

Because you do not need it, and it took me an hour to get my entrance because you THINK you need it.

Exactly….. you do not need it.

Have a line for those that want to opt in….. let the rest of us that like to think we have some right to privacy still have that illusion while paying to shop.

You don't need to know who I am.

I've thrown more than my share of electronic brick bats.
:-) I just wanted everyone to know that any final decisions are not Dan's, no matter how good his suggestions.

Well, I see your points guys, but HMGS is not the local mall. And the information *IS* needed for membership regulation, especially in your case John, you just need to accept it… you want a flea market table.. you need to be a member… which requires verification, etc…

Now, the one day shoppers/visitors… I see your points, seems very valid. I cannto say more than that except if you want the benifits of the mega miniatures store or th eflea market, you need to play by HMGS' rules. Like I said… this isn;'t the mall, it is akin to a trade show… and yes, I know you can get into trade shows without much data… not my rules, I just have to enforce them.

I wish I could say more… and, as I mentioned… your right to privacy? I still don't see the difference between surrendering it here on TMP to allow the "niche" membership and its privlidges or to surrender it to HMGS to reap those perks. Sorry… you can't win that one. If you were that concerned, you wouldn't be a member here either. This is what is known as a "flase stand".

So what you are really saying is you willingly surrendered that info to Bill because it was worth it to you…. but, giving it to HMGS is unacceptable as you feel that you do not get enough out of it???? You can argue this any way you like, but my impression is that it has nothing to do wtih privacy but is more about having an axe to grind against HMGS… I don't get it?

We decide to provide (very little) information to the forum here because of the perceived benefit of posting and industry standard to requiring a login to to do so.

Other than a valid email address (which could be a one time, throw away address) you can provide any detail you want. I can make up any name I want to provide – and maintain my privacy.

I agree, you want a table or to take advantage of dicounted entrance fees, then go right ahead and ask for whatever you'd like. The consumer can decide if the perceived benefit(discounts and access to tables) is worth the cost (loss of privacy and outrageously long lines).

I know now that I am not alone in wanting to attend the convention (for one day even) to just shop. Looking at the tables is nice, but I do not play. Why do you need my information again?

And honestly, if it wasn't for the added insult of ridiculously line waits to gain entrance I wouldn't be nearly as upset. Just annoyed that my information is required.

PS. From my past several conventions – providing information – I have recevied ZERO mailing, information or material. Why do you *need* this information again? Why do I need to let you examine my drivers licence?

Heck, let me give you a fake name and address in a fast queue if MUST have this information and I think we'd shut up about it.

The mailings of HMGS are a mess. I didn't get any either and I have been a member since the late 80s.

The requirement to be a member to get a flea market table, get reduced admission, get in free if you run a game, etc., can be taken as either perks of membership, or ways to pressure you into becoming a member. Frankly, I say make everyone who attends a member, or simply drop all the membership requirements for all the other stuff. Think of the volunteer staff hours wasted checking this stuff, and what does that achieve? Be a member if you want, but it carries no special benefits, other than voting and supporting the organization with a membership.

The argument for gathering data to do mailings is an exceedinly weak one at this point. It really is the membership check that is gooning up the process.

Didn't there used to be a one day per-registration. That would take a lot of pressure off Saturday, which is likely the biggest day for those coming for only one day.

I'm sure someone else has said this – but just have the folks that want to go shopping, pay at the door leading to the dealer area, at which time the gatekeeper simply stamps the back of their hand with a date stamp. That gives them access throughout that day, if they come back the next day, then charge and stamp again.
Those that are members, running or playing games, and have the HMGS name tag, get to walk in without the need to pay.
I realize that wouldn't give HMGS an accurate count of actual attendees – but what's the difference, it's either approximately 2,000, or 2,235. It's the demeanor of the hobbyists, and the money in the till that should be important.

There is still a one day badge, but you have to get in the registration line to pay for that.

Ligniere, good idea, but some also come for one day to play too. The need for badges is really unenforcable for gaming, unless HMGS staff want to prowl the halls looking for gamers without badges. I know, we don't need no…. :-)

But I think your idea of a hand stamp for those just wishing to shop is a good one, and yes, they could tell how many people just came for that by counting the cash and dividing accordingly. It is only the need to reconcile the difference between member and non-member prices that makes the entire system so danged complicated.

and yes, they could tell how many people just came for that by counting the cash and dividing accordingly

Precisely.
Those that come for one day to play [and shop] that still need the badge, should have less of a problem at registration, because the lines would be much shortened/reduced, as they're not padded by the shopping crowd. Once they've got their badge, they can simply show that when they want to shop – no hassle.

PS. From my past several conventions – providing information – I have received ZERO mailing, information or material. Why do you *need* this information again? Why do I need to let you examine my drivers licence?

We are talking to the wall.
They think the need the data.
Since some of us seem to have been enrolled as HMGS-E members in spite of ourselves, remember this when, if ever, they send us ballots. (Don't hold your breath…)
Check who supports such obtrusive and time consuming practices and follow your conscience.

I am also puzzled when a flea market table became a "perk" of membership. That's news to me. I have not been a member for years, and have had no problems getting a table.
AND, if I do have to be a member, I have never received a ballot. Hmmmmmm…..

John.

Me too.

Eric

I think members get first hold on the flea market. If tables are left after all member request are filled, its open to everyone? But I hardly sure of that.

So then members get a free take at the Flea market if that it is a perk of membership?

Yeah…… didn't think so.

Perhaps someone from the conventions could confirm or deny that, as the web pages are down that would show that.

I said, "first hold". The members still pay for flea market tables, it's just that the members get assigned tables before the rest of the attendees.
If no members want table the organizers isn't going to just close down the market. If 3 slots are left, they're not going to let $60 USD lie on the floor if they can sell the slots.

Are you with the con staff or organization? If so, does that mean they sell any open tables day of, not in advance?

Guys, I do not set the policies or practices, as a convention director, I have some but not full control of how things go. I honestly think the whole request for info is nothing so horrible and this is simply "a mountain of a molehill" arguement…

The real issue at hand is the lines. Period.

I go could into point by point details about all of your questions, but I feel you should address these concerns on the HMGS Yahoo group where it will get the proper attention…

And, you are correct.. you give info to be on this website and you feel it is worth it. Personally… I could say a lot of really nasty things to the people bucking the system. I won't. I understand your stance, but in the end it come sdown to this: It is HMGS' sand box, if you do not like the rules, then simply don't come. It sounds harsh and I mean no offense, I don't make the rules and I am not on the BoD. I agree.. I think Ligniere's idea is grand.

But I want to remind you all… all of those dealers would not be gathered together in one place if it wasn't for the HMGS show… without HMGS organizing it, you would have to go elsewhere (other shows or order online… so… again.. you want something someone else is providing and you expect it to be without "attachment"? HMGS makes a lot of decisions based upon the data they collect on memberships, etc….

Again.. I think Ligniere's idea is awesome, but I am still hung up on the thought of making such a huge fuss over this info. What I think is that you guys are looking for a vent and want to take a stand that originates against the long lines. Have none of you ever been to a professional sporting event? Lines are a part of life and if you don't want to wait in one… pre-register….oh, but that woudl mean surrendering your personal info….

I wish I could please everyone. I am not in that position. I did open up a "cash" only line on both Friday and Saturday… and later was reprimanded for it because I did it wrong. I tried. I will keep trying to make th eshow what everyoen wants it to be, that is my job. But for Pete's sake, stop harping on petty stuff… I would be more angry about the lines than parting with my info. And, if giving up that info got me in quicker, you can bet I would. I know in this case it didn't, but you see my point.

Here is one last thing to mull over… as great as the cash box sounds at the dealer hall area… you would see people with the hand stamp wandering around the gaming areas too… it isn't a perfect world we live in.. where I have to run down GMs who pick up their free badge and then go right downstairs to cancel their event, even if it is sold out…. HMGS has a right to track GMs, vendors, attendees, etc… as it seems that "some" people are always trying to get one over on the organization…. how honest and fair is that? We work very hard to put on a show and all we get is disrespected and taken advantage of and then others get upset and want more and more… for less and less….

I don't make the rules, but I will enforce them. So, these issues you bring up… very valid in my eyes… bring them up to the BoD on the HMGS forums… take the fight home, don't hide behind anonymity here, let them know how you feel and by all means VOTE!!!! if you are a member.

Believe me… cash only lines move so much faster, the key is this…. hand stamp or wrist bracelet and no other purchases… (additional purchases like flea market tables and merchandise is what slows these lines down, that and how much weekend member, weekend nonmember?)… Day passes should be a set price for anyone.. member or non… pay your cash and move along. I really do like that.

Dan

The real issue at hand is the lines. Period.

Exactly! Let's hope the BOD pays some attention to this thread and understands that there is a problem.

Have none of you ever been to a professional sporting event? Lines are a part of life and if you don't want to wait in one… pre-register….oh, but that woudl mean surrendering your personal info….

Sorry Dan, that's a false equivalency. I have been to many other miniatures conventions, but registering for a HMGS convention is by far the worst experience. The whole process has to be re-thought.

I agree.. I think Ligniere's idea is grand.

I do too. In fact, I think it is such a good idea that I expect that it will be ignored.

I could please everyone. I am not in that position. I did open up a "cash" only line on both Friday and Saturday… and later was reprimanded for it because I did it wrong. I tried.

No better argument to show that a re-think is due.

Thanks for your efforts, and sorry that you have to catch crap from all sides. I preregistered so my entire Fall-IN experience was great. Hopefully you can pass on some of these ideas to the BoD and we can expect some changes by Cold Wars

The real issue at hand is the lines. Period.

Do you think I would have had this rant if I had not spent an hour in line?
That is what crystallized my feelings about what is needed and what is not.

Dan,

The penalty of leadership. I encourage you to focus first on things YOU can, as CD control;

1. quality of maps/table markings

2. quality of training of volunteers

start there.

Policies and systems provided/dictated by the BoD are beyond your direct control. You may some influence [by feedback on lessons learned and continuous improvements; though it would be stronger if the CDs agreed as a group].

Variation is NOT the friend to running an event this size, multiple times in different venues, different staffs, across time.

Hang in there. No one should expect perfection, but we should strive for improvement!

but I am still hung up on the thought of making such a huge fuss over this info. What I think is that you guys are looking for a vent and want to take a stand that originates against the long lines. Have none of you ever been to a professional sporting event? Lines are a part of life and if you don't want to wait in one… pre-register….oh, but that woudl mean surrendering your personal info….

First of all the personal info thing (at least in my mind ) is 2 things
1) The priority of getting that info as opposed to getting attendees into the con .
2) The lack of any concrete notion of what you do with it .I have not received any communication from HMGS in years (paper or electronic )HMGS seems to lose it every year . Collecting info for the sake of collecting info is an absurd waste of time and effort and merely exists to make some people feel more important than they are in real life .

Standing in Lines : yes I wait in a line at a sporting event -they are searching belongings and there are 10's of thousands of people getting in . Generally the wait is less than 10 minutes . HMGS can only dream of that efficiency .
Please try to remember that registration is the first actual contact people have with a HMGS convention (and the organization) IS this how you want to thought of ???

Anybody with or without a hand stamp or badge can already wander anywhere in a convention except the dealer hall and flea market. There's no guard on say the Distlefink (sp) room and any of the gaming areas.

@rmcaras… the maps were my fault. I had the oppertunity to fix them and I did not. I accept that full on.. it will be better next year.

@grtbrt… now that I agree completely with! What I can tell you:
1. Newsletters are online now, not mailed, so that is one strike for gathering info from members.

2. Next up is voting… for years I always wondered why I never received a ballot to vote… when actually, that was incorrect!!! I had been throwing them away AS JUNK MAIL!!! For those that do not know this… ballots arrive in an envelope that seems to be from a law office or insurance or somehting like that, I forget… I would take on elook at it go ???? and then pitch it in the circular file. Seriously folks… I woudl have NEVER known it was the HMGS ballot if I did not open it!!! A quick question on the HMGS forums would tell you exactly where the ballots come from so you could note it!

3. This one is important… if you are a member and you are NOT getting any mailers.. ballots (see above)… it coudl very possibly be that your address is out of date in the system. You see, people renew all of the time, but often fail to let them know if they moved, so as far as HMGS knows… you are a member and your mailing address is the same, so I plead with you! If you are a member and you do not get anything in the mail… ballots of convention adverts, I implore you PLEASE contact HMGS and get your info in the system correctly!!!!

@thomalley… you are correct…. and, to be honest.. I am NOT trying to be a bad person here, but if I see someoen with an old badge or no badge, I do report them or as CD escort them to the reg desk *IF* they are playing in a game, etc… but yes… the badge is mostly only looked for in the vendor and flea market areas.

@Bowman…. Sigh.. I will do my best here…. I will NOT say it will get ignored because I know that certain peopel woudl really consider this!!!

Dan

I'm spending part of my holiday weekend catching up on all the TMP posts regarding Fall In. Another thing I can be thankful for on Thursday.

A few observations:

First, Dan, I give you credit for coming on here and engaging the critics. Not everyone in your position would do it. (In the past, plenty of others connected with HMGS have passed on the opportunity.) It's only further proof of your dedication to improving your convention (which I enjoyed this year) in particular and HMGS as a whole. Sorry to hear that you were given a hard time over the cash only line. I saw the lines for registration (they were longer than any I can recall at an HMGS convention) and I think the cash only option helped.

Speaking of long lines, Dan, do you have any numbers on attendance? I hope you did well.

Second, all of Ligniere's ideas are good ones. This is just the latest in a long line. Please allow me to expand on it a little if I may. I noticed that the balcony area of the Vendor Hall was empty this year. In addition to using that area as a "cash only" registration area, think about moving a couple of your registration laptops to the balcony area. That way you could have a "no info/cash only" line, plus an alternate registration area where you could distribute badges. You also want to keep the line indoors for both Fall In and Cold Wars where weather may be an issue. The line might work better if it were "back to front"--get in line at the back of the balcony area and work your way forward to the steps leading to the Vendor Hall. Everybody stays inside that way. You can also sell t-shirts and other HMGS items there.

Lastly, to those who can pre-register for any HMGS convention, I strongly suggest that you do so. After a multi-hour drive, nothing is more frustrating than another delay. I always pre-register and have never had a problem picking up a badge. It took less than a minute this year and most of that time was spent saying hello to the guys working the pre-reg desk. I understand that some people don't know whether they can make the conventions until the "last minute." But if you can plan ahead, pre-registration is your best friend.

Once again, Dan, my compliments on another successful Fall In. I look forward to the next one.

One other suggestion to improve registration that I forgot to mention earlier:

Move one of the conventions back to Valley Forge; hire local Hooters girls to work the laptops and pass out free chicken wings to those waiting in the registration lines. Problem solved.

I'm not kidding. Well, maybe a little, but I would like to see a return to Valley Forge.

I'm not kidding. Well, maybe a little, but I would like to see a return to Valley Forge.

Wasn't the VFCC very expensive?

Coming late to the party. Simple solution: don't conflate admission and membership.

Have one area for admission--step up; pay the fee; get a badge; on your way. If you want a discount, flash a current HMGS membership card (one of the things they USED to mail you). Don't have one and want the discount? No problem:shuffle over to the membership area….

…Have another area for membership--t-shirts, information collecting, renewals, all of that.

I attend real national professional conferences, and that's how I've seen it done. I've never, ever, spent more than 10 minutes in a registration line.

Ed M

Bowman;
Not for me. Given the resupply of Tim's provided by yourself, I could almost jog from home to there and back…

Of course, if we ever returned to the Great Valley Forge Casino and Resort, I'd be willing to fire up my grill for you in return…

Eric

VFCC was very expensive – something like three times the cost of the Host at only 1/3 more floor space, IIRC. The place is smaller now, but I wonder if the price is too? We got a discount the last year there as they cancelled, then rescheduled when the construction was late starting, again, IIRC.

edmuel2000 – HMGS is trying to generate an updated mailing list (whether it is used or not is another matter), simplify their staffing needs (one stop fits all), and trying to use the computer to aid in all that. I'm not defending what they do, just trying to explain it. I think they have made it overly complicated and perhaps need to go back to a simpler way – though pre-reg seemed very easy.

>>> HMGS makes a lot of decisions based upon the data they collect on memberships, etc….

Are you at liberty to share a few examples?

DM

Who said that?