"Fall in and the Host" Topic

I am thinking of attending my first Historicon. So I decided to check out trip advisor to see how the Host is rated. OMG! It is rated so bad by so many people. What are you guys back East thinking? There is no way in hell I am going to allow my family to stay in that fire trap. I am going to stay in another hotel and drive there.

The ONLY reason I go to HMG conventions is to play MINATURE WARGAMES. IDO NOT go for food or room service. It is the main time, I can play miniature war games.

If you want to have any games to play and if you want to appeal to families, you had better care or if you want to grow the hobby, you had better care. I was going to bring my nephew and his young family to their first big game convention but not now. It will probably be only me.

HMGS please ignore this old dinosaurs who don't care about having a decent place to stay and only care about the gaming. If you want to be a premier gaming event then you need to provide accommodations to match

link

There are several nice hotels within walking distance of the Host. I've stayed at the Tru by Hilton the last two conventions.

Rallynow, remember Historicon has moved for 2019 to the downtown convention center.

Also I have not stated at the Host for 18+ years. Plenty of nicer hotels in walking distance or a short drive.

I've been staying at the Host for years and it's like an old shoe. Looks kind of beat up, but very comfortable :) Sort of sad to see the conventions leave.

Even if you're staying offsite, the fact that for the second con in a row, the Host can't even muster up basic food services is inexcusable . Are they going to jack up prices 50% mid con like they did for Historicon? Having to go offsite for anything other than luke warm cafeteria food is not going leave a good impression on first time attendees. At least with the temporary bar in the Vista room the pathetic lottery of "are the beer taps working or not this year" won't happen.

"Are they going to jack up prices 50% mid con like they did for Historicon? Having to go offsite for anything other than luke warm cafeteria food is not going leave a good impression on first time attendees."

I have to be honest, for some reason I found that funny; "I'll have a cheeseburger"….."That'll be 7.00"…….."Wait, what; yesterday it was 6.00"………."Yeah, that was yesterday, today it's 7.00"…………

It was probably yesterdays cheeseburger too………..

As a dealer, I'm stuck as I am by myself and can't leave my booth to go grab something to go off site, so either I eat that prison food or skip lunch……………….

What are you guys back East thinking?

Rallynow, you may not be aware of the extenuating circumstances that have placed the cons at the Host for this year. Don't make it sound like the BOD isn't aware of the issues. Next year Historicon is at the LCC. That may be a better fit for the family. And why the absolute need to stay at the Host?

Even if you're staying offsite, the fact that for the second con in a row, the Host can't even muster up basic food services is inexcusable.

There is a lot of good food a short walk away.

As a dealer, I'm stuck as I am by myself and can't leave my booth to go grab something to go off site…..

Now this is a more legit complaint. Sorry George, maybe one of your friends can make a food run for you.

"Now this is a more legit complaint. Sorry George, maybe one of your friends can make a food run for you."

Thanks B.

I could always put a cup out and go by the honor system while I go grab something to eat nearby.

I'll figure something out, there are far bigger things in life to worry about; in the grand scheme of things, it's a flyspeck on the ocean of life.

Hit s local Wawa in the morning and buy something for lunch?

Hit s local Wawa in the morning and buy something for lunch?

That will probably be the plan…………

GG what kind of food do you like?
I wouldn't mind picking up a meal for you. Honest… would be glad to help out a one man operation like yours.

TRU

Funny to think of, but even bringing in food trucks would have likely been a better option than Host food – considering Host food is only kind of, sort of, stood up for our con, as those are all temp workers serving the food, etc.

I don't seem to recall the food being much better at the VFCC either. I wonder if they could get food trucks as well? Might be a good idea for the LCC too. For the LCC, those are public streets, so that might be more of an option.

You think the hotel that plastered "No coolers" signs all over is going to allow food trucks ? LOL.

Just a few thoughts from across the pond…

The Hilton at the NEC (Birmingham UK) for Games Expo allows around 15 food trucks to park up for the weekend right in front of the entrance.

The Hilton can't cope with the demand, still make lot's of profit and no doubt a slice from the food trucks. So if a big brand hotel can do a deal, maybe the Host could?

I forget exact footfall for Games Expo but I think it is around 21,000 over the weekend.

Not same league as HCon but food for thought.

The other good thing is those people running games get food vouchers (depending on number of games hours they run) and even have expo volunteer staff offer to get food from the trucks to allow them to continue running their games.

Maybe not a perk for the current host food…

;)

Something to consider during future contract negotiations. The Host is toast after March anyway. I recall food at the VFCC as very expensive and very poor. Think it got any better or cheaper? LCC is surrounded by public streets, so no special agreements would be necessary with the facility.

Food trucks sound like a great idea, but where would they park?

And for bringing the youngins to the con, my daughter will be attending her fourth Fall-In next weekend (she's 9). If she's survived the twisting rooms, random debris, and jagged rusty metal at Historicon (and had a blast), Fall-In should be no different.

Thank God the Continental is becoming a Cartoon Network theme resort next year (Haven't told her about that).

"GG what kind of food do you like?
I wouldn't mind picking up a meal for you. Honest… would be glad to help out a one man operation like yours.
TRU"

Wow, many thanks TRU………..shoot me a PM here or email direct at gguerriero@msn.com………..extremely gracious of you, we'll work something out, I'll 100% take care of you.

" I recall food at the VFCC as very expensive and very poor. Think it got any better or cheaper?"

There is a huge food court upstairs now where the casino is with all sorts of food choices, I attended a toy soldier show there two years ago and the food in the court is fine, there is also a nice pub type restaurant with very good food.

Lastly, downstairs in the vendor area they had a food stand set up, nice breakfast sandwiches in the morning, numerous sandwich and salad choices for lunch.

So you're wrong.

If I had to choose between attending a convention at the Host or the VFCC, I'd choose the latter and it's not even close.

At this stage of the game and it's still early, I'm taking a pass on CW at the Host, enough is enough with that place, something fishy is going on with this "renovation", it should not take a year to renovate the place, not to mention why would you stay open during major renovations and subject your guests to poor service, imagine what sort of reviews they are getting.

Sorry, when it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck.

I have a pretty good idea what is really going on here with the new owners and their half assed renovation.

I've stayed in countless hotels as I've traveled to and from about 25 shows a year for the past 22 years and have never seen a hotel with such poor service, not to mention the attitude of the majority of the staff, they have an attitude like they really don't care.

It's pathetic.

I wonder if they could get food trucks as well? Might be a good idea for the LCC too. For the LCC, those are public streets, so that might be more of an option.

Food trucks sound like a great idea, but where would they park?

Lancaster has a food truck court located on Prince St. between Orange and Chestnut. It's two and a half blocks from the Marriott. Check it out.

In 2009 we had large disagreements over the venues and the scope of how big we were going to be at the next level. I was a member against a lot of decisions. The most important being financial in my estimation. So I fumed and fussed and did some diatribes against the BOD right here on these pages.
I don't feel that way at all today. So much has happened, good, bad, and indifferent. We at least have people trying to keep this thing going, despite some setbacks over the years. Nobody has a crystal ball. It would be nice at my age to continue to do this a few more years and then I will stay home and play boardgames or go to local cons and hobby shops if able. So I'm not, and haven't for a long time, felt any need to criticize our elected board members. Your time and money will determine whether you can attend wherever the venue is. If it's too much don't go. I've missed a few cons along the way. I am still a "wargamer" in spirit if nothing else. And I don't have the time or inclination to carp and complain about the people who have stepped forward to lead this group. It's been a helluva lot of fun over the years and thanks to everyone that ever made it possible. Many of you are my friends and I really appreciate your efforts. I especially have enjoyed gaming and selling stuff and the general camaraderie at all the conventions I have attended. I will go away still happy that I did it in the first place. Take care. Maynard.

It's been a helluva lot of fun over the years and thanks to everyone that ever made it possible. Many of you are my friends and I really appreciate your efforts. I especially have enjoyed gaming and selling stuff and the general camaraderie at all the conventions I have attended. I will go away still happy that I did it in the first place. Take care. Maynard.

+++ What vonLoudon said. Plus, I'd add, I have enjoyed buying stuff, too! And perhaps putting on games as much as playing them, or even more.

Hey everyone, just a heads up since we just received final confirmation. A group of vendors are sponsoring a customer appreciation event at Fall In. As a result, free beer will be on tap in the Vendor area on Saturday from 2pm-6pm (or until it runs out). Come have a beer or two on us and stop by our booths and say hello. ( a list of sponsoring vendors will be provided later and also at the event).

I agree with VanLoudon. I agree we've got a much different and vastly better BoD than we had then. That said, I think they're trying to accommodate all the screaming about the Host, and I suspect, with more honesty than the last bunch could claim (the less said about that the better), I still think there are going to be lots of problems that would be needless. For one, I think anywhere without enough rooms for everybody within walking distance or a two minute drive should be DOA as options, except in a dire emergency.

Double G:

"Hit a local Wawa in the morning and buy something for lunch?

That will probably be the plan…………"

One just up Route 30, near the Dunkin Donuts. Great Coffee and excellent hoagies (you'd have to go to Philly to get better, unless a Lancaster native can point out better). Sounds like breakfast, lunch, and dinner to me!

Wawa…. goodness I love their coffee. I can't wait – in a few days I'll be in Lancaster, getting a cup o joe from Wawa, rolling dice with my friends and enjoying some good food with those same friends!!!

Sometimes life doesn't get any better!

Don't forget Tony Wang's !

Don't forget Tony Wang's !

Oh goodness – I'll never forget getting sick there. Honestly, I don't think it was the food – it was just something going on with me. But I can't bring myself to go back there.

"But I can't bring myself to go back there."

Unfortunate- Years ago I could easily say it was the best, these days it's just good, but better than most in the area.

I agree with you PJ – I haven't seen many good Chinese food places in Lancaster..

I can't say whether they are good or not, but there are two Chinese restaurants on Rte 30 just to the west of the Host. One is definitely in walking the distance and the other if is you are fit :)

One thing that may be worth thinking about. While we are pretty disappointed in the progress of work at the Host, it may well be that the Host Management is just as exasperated. They are dependent on their contractors, and may find themselves as much at their mercy as we feel we are at the Hosts.

Just a thought.

This gesture is very much appreciated!

TRU

I've seen lots of comments about Historicon next year and people's concerns about the facility. This is a Fall In thread and I don't want to spend a lot of time getting into Historicon on this thread. I'll also be leaving for Lancaster tomorrow to have time to spend a day at the LCCC preparing for next year and I'll be at Fall In (working in registration) if anyone has questions, comments, or concerns they want to speak with me about directly and I'll be happy to make time to speak with everyone who wants to. As for Historicon attendance, we had 2523 this year, up some from last year. An email (I hope) will go out shortly after Fall In.

Joby

As for Historicon attendance, we had 2523 this year, up some from last year

Fantastic. We moved the convention to a less expensive venue and we had an increase in attendance! This board should be very proud of themselves for a job well done!!

Thanks for the update, Joby, and for a job well done.

Hope to see you at Fall In.

Thanks double G for the WAWA tip. I probably need to bring a sandwich on Saturday and I was wondering where to get one.

Thanks double G for the WAWA tip. I probably need to bring a sandwich on Saturday and I was wondering where to get one

There's Wawa and also Panera Bread in the Target shopping plaza. Of course, if you want really good food there's Arbys also :-)

coffeecocafe.com

This place right next to the Tru Hilton did great food and sarnies

Check out the Google reviews or download their menu for an idea.

My wife was there ever day at HCon and if you want a short walk for a decent light meal / sarnie you can't imo beat it.

please excuse the cross-posting;
Will the gentleman who purchased the book on WW1 warships in Wally's Attic on Saturday afternoon from the merchant with all the HO-scale buildings please contact me to arrange getting it to you somehow?

time the HMGS lawyer up. The HOST management is not honoring their part of the contract to provide a functional facility with parking.

Several attendees slid down the mud pile on the way to the vendor hall. They had more brown on them then a confederate foot soldier.

the host has no intention on providing in future a facility for our needs.

ugh. we need to move cold wars pronto and start a lawsuit against the host for failure to meet their obilgations.

Thoughts?

I heard someone say that the Host offered to let HMGS out of the March contract. I also heard that VFCC was booked, thus why I am urging a very quick look at the Ike for consideration. Mess and glacial speed progress aside, if it snows the weekend of Cold Wars, the Host will be unable to clear the parking areas due to the construction mess blocking the pavement. Add to that the lack of parking in the grass – as happened this weekend – and snow and ice on the walk down/back to the dealer hall, and you have a recipe for disaster.

If the con moves, I would think HMGS could consider being flexible with the date as well. Or, stay the course, suffer through the place some more, likely see attendance drop again, and hope it doesn't snow. Hard choices, hard decisions. All this and GMs have 25 days to get their games in to make the PEL.

…ugh. we need to move cold wars pronto and start a lawsuit against the host for failure to meet their obilgations.

Thoughts?

Phil,

I don't think we have the war chest to fund such an endeavor.

And given the above, I don't think the BoD has the will to investigate such an action.

I am incredulous that a commercial concern, in the hospitality industry can get away with remaining open to the public while their facility is in such disarray, but then remember the old saying "Caveat Emptor".

While the general public can pivot on their heels upon walking into the property [not heeding the on-line reviews, or perhaps they had to see for themselves] but HMGS really does not have that luxury.

We can't walk down to the Holiday Inn Express, or the Country Inn & Suites and relocate the entire convention!

Very happy winter waited a week!!

Cold Wars

The Ike.

That is all…