Lord Ashram | 10 Nov 2018 6:13 p.m. PST |
Come on, boys… help out those of us who couldn't make it! How's it going? |
ViscountEric | 10 Nov 2018 6:51 p.m. PST |
The horror… the horror…. Okay, the Host wasn't entirely all bad news. If the AC works half as well as the heat in (half of) Distelfink, we could reverse global warming overnight. Attendance seemed a little light. With relocations and moves I could be wrong. My daughter and I persevered the logistical problems and had a blast. |
billclo | 10 Nov 2018 7:52 p.m. PST |
The hotel was a wreck, as expected. The Distlefink was COLD yesterday to the point where I had to wear my heavy coat all day. So I brought an extra sweatshirt to wear so I wouldn't have to wear the coat and guess what? They must have finally turned on the heat, because I didn't need even the sweatshirt. The outside food vendor, while it was pretty cold getting the food, the food was better than I normally get at the Host (I don't eat at the restaurant, just the quickie food like hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, etc). It did seem like lighter attendance, but I could be imagining it. I am not sure I will be attending Cold Wars though; normally the Host has my allergies acting up a fair bit due to the mold/dust/etc. But this weekend, my allergies went berserk, to the point where I felt awful and had a hard time functioning – I get what I call "stupid head" where my sinuses are dripping and I can't concentrate well. |
Milhouse | 10 Nov 2018 8:41 p.m. PST |
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TSD101 | 10 Nov 2018 9:48 p.m. PST |
Its time to start doing something about no show/no post GMs. For the THIRD convention in a row, a friend who comes up from the local area for the morning/afternoon had his Saturday 10 AM game cancel or no show. I really hope HMGS is tracking who was supposed to host a game, claimed a free badge, and didn't hold the actual game. Only 1 person showed up for my Camden game and yet instead of sending him away (as he offered) Corzin stepped in and played. With only two people playing, and both of us knowing the rules the game ran quickly and smoothly with us explaining things to the ticket holder and a good time was had. I was one of the people bumped to the Vistas restaurant. With no elevator and the parking situation we had to lug everything, fortunately it there wasn't much weight. My cousin won a PELA award for the Friday 10 AM slot for an ACW naval game, so that was a positive. I won't eat the Host, so I can't comment on the food but people seemed happy with the outside catering. As Billco mentioned, attendance did seem very light. I hope it was just because we were more spread out than usual. I was able to score some nice Perry Samurai in the flea market, so I left happy at least. Despite the deplorable conditions in Distlefink and some of the other rooms, a good time was had. |
Saurocet | 11 Nov 2018 6:24 a.m. PST |
I ran a ancients game Friday afternoon in one of the Vista rooms. Kind of nice and quiet – easy to hear people across the table. (I hated the conventions down in Virginia because of the noise level.) Had room for six players, one ticket was taken, and he showed up to play. Had fun playing. My wife walked through the lobby and mentioned that attendance seemed light this year. |
billclo | 11 Nov 2018 7:16 a.m. PST |
Millhouse, yes allergic to molds, dust, pollen, you name it. Usually the Host causes problems for me – after all, I doubt they had EVER cleaned the ducting/ac/heat system. But this time was the worst for me ever, allergy-wise. Not sure I want to attend Cold Wars just due to this again. It will take a day or two to just recover. |
muggins | 11 Nov 2018 8:02 a.m. PST |
The vista windows room was a sauna. Asked the hmgs information desk if they could do something to help and got laughed at. |
corzin | 11 Nov 2018 10:44 a.m. PST |
my guess is the vista window rooms was a couple of degrees warm. playing with two guys from the same gaming group…the first said it was incredibly comfortable. the other guy had to go outside to cool down. for me i took my jacket off and didn't notice the temperature until someone else started talking about it, thus implying the temperature wasn't insanely hot The host has fallen apart, it seems the new owners are actually trying to fix it, but it was worse than they expected. the problem for me with the windows room was it was too far from any door to bring in large quantities of stuff mid con since i was notified at 1130pm on the Wednesday before the con that my game was switched. I'm pretty sure HMGS did not know about this particular issue until very late i thought attendance was light. i played or ran 5 games… 4 were less than half full and 1 had extra players. |
TheKing30 | 11 Nov 2018 11:37 a.m. PST |
Millhouse, yes allergic to molds, dust, pollen, you name it. Usually the Host causes problems for me – after all, I doubt they had EVER cleaned the ducting/ac/heat system. But this time was the worst for me ever, allergy-wise.Not sure I want to attend Cold Wars just due to this again. It will take a day or two to just recover. Funny – I skipped my allergy shots this week and I really wasn't affected by any mold…. I guess it affects people differently. |
95th Division | 11 Nov 2018 3:37 p.m. PST |
The Vista Windows room was particularly warm if your games were right by the windows. However, IMO, overall the room was nice and I though less noisy than Distlefink. Considering the games were moved Wed/Thur, I think the HMGS staff did a great job in keeping the games on the schedule. |
HMS Exeter | 11 Nov 2018 4:58 p.m. PST |
I can't puzzle out my dates correctly. Did the Host overhaul begin after the 2017 Cold Wars? Our first stay with the retooled Tennis Barn/Expo Center was Fall in 2017? I think that's right, but I may be mixed up. |
DaleWill | 11 Nov 2018 5:18 p.m. PST |
Had a great time. Arrive around 11am Friday and left Sunday morning. Stayed across the street in walking distance. Now, the Host was a dump. I've never complained before but it was bad. The worst had to be no carpet in many areas. I know my legs seemed to hurt more then usual. The food was MUCH better though. Really good breakfast and nice cheesesteak for dinner. I felt bad for the people in many of the room because they were so hot. Was able to talk with several of the vendors and they were happy with the crowds until the rains hit Friday. It died out a lot because of that. With the entry on the far side of the vendor hall down a pretty good hill, I meet two people that said they didn't go because they couldn't make the walk. Someone said there was a shuttle on Saturday but don't know if that was true or not. For the future, maybe a golf cart or two running every 15 minutes up and down the hill would have been helpful for many. Purchased too much at the vendor hall and flea markets. I look forward to next years cons. DaleWill |
Bowman | 11 Nov 2018 5:55 p.m. PST |
So here are my impressions: 1) I found the registration process to be the best experience I've had at an HMGS event. Remember the long lines and wonky computers of times past? Those days seems to be gone. Well done. 2) A friend had a minor glitch with his game. The convention staff did a great job trying to sort this out. 3) After listening to the whining about the Host renovations from Historicon (I myself couldn't get there this year) I had some trepidation about the situation at the Con. I found it much better than what one would be led to believe from reading the Historicon stuff on TMP. A lot of "Sturm und Drang" about minor problems and inconveniences. 4) Likewise, I was pretty "underwhelmed" by the "horrible" conditions in the flea market area. Yes, the room was a bit dark, but not enough to make me want to complain. I even bought some good stuff at the Flea Market, something that usually doesn't happen. Now I wasn't at Historicon, so the conditions may have improved a bit since then. I have no way of knowing and can only relate my experience. 5) As for the "killer mold", as someone with allergies and asthma, I haven't felt any undue consequences as described on TMP. I do realize that people's responses are all different, and I feel for those, like billclo, who do suffer. 6) I was one of those who played in the Sharp Practice game that was in the very corner of the Vistas Windows room (thanks to GM Ed Bowen and my fellow players). My experience was that the room was a bit warm, but describing it as a "sauna" is a bit of hyperbole. My experiences are similar to corzin's above. I asked the Lardy US people how they liked the room and it seemed they were all positive. The lighting and lack of noise was a plus. 7) The biggest issue with the Host is the matters of accessibility. Even with my MS, I found it easy to get around, but I am recognizant that many cannot. This situation has not improved. 8) I also thought that attendance seemed a bit light, but that could be just my impression. 9) I didn't eat anything at the Host. I did hear that the food was quite good and catered by Coffee Co. I ate at the new Longhorn Restaurant 3 times(!) and once at Coffee Co. That was good and only a short walk from the Host. PS, I hope someone got George his stuff from WAWA. 10) The Lampeter Room was much nicer than in previous years and there were plenty of free tables available. The new tables and chairs are a VAST improvement over the previous ones (even those at the FCC). Feel free to agree or disagree, these are my personal observations. I thought Dan and all his volunteers did a great job once again. I had a great time. Already planning what I'm doing for Cold Wars. |
Bowman | 11 Nov 2018 5:58 p.m. PST |
It died out a lot because of that. With the entry on the far side of the vendor hall down a pretty good hill, I meet two people that said they didn't go because they couldn't make the walk Dale, there was an entrance on the opposite side of the building. It opened to the top level, overlooking all the vendors. So one didn't have to walk all the way down the hill. |
DaleWill | 11 Nov 2018 6:52 p.m. PST |
Bowman: true but there were times on Friday and Saturday that the doors weren't open. I used it every time I left. |
DaleWill | 11 Nov 2018 6:55 p.m. PST |
I forgot the WORST thing to happen. The person in front of me got the last free beer on Saturday! I watched the bartender pour the last of the beer then go ‘sorry but we are out'. A real tragedy. Hahaha! |
robert piepenbrink | 11 Nov 2018 7:06 p.m. PST |
I did my own yelling at the Host management. Perhaps "improve" means something different in their native tongue? But in fairness, for those of us who stayed there, virtually all the rooms are thoroughly modernized, and the "residential" corridors that go with them, and I couldn't find anyone with a room who had any complaints about electrical systems, plumbing, heating or what have you--all the usual Host complaints of the past five or ten years. They really do seem to have fixed the core systems. That said, the restaurant has been out of commission for four conventions running, and I never want to hear them say "next time" again. (Coffee Company was an improvement over last time, though, and having the Longhorn almost next door was nice.) Real problem is having most of the rooms we use for gaming worked on at the same time and the exterior not finished which cost us others--including space we were promised. The Convention staff did a great job of improvising, but they shouldn't have had to. Flea market remains at the "new normal"--nice layout in a hard to reach room they can't light. Well, we're on the hook for CW2019 regardless, and I gather than no one will make a commitment CW2020 until we see what they've delivered--not promised--at that point. I'm booked for 2019. What can they do they haven't yet? (Please, PLEASE let me not find out!) |
Double G | 11 Nov 2018 7:15 p.m. PST |
"PS, I hope someone got George his stuff from WAWA." Thanks B; I got a burger from the caterers on Friday, Tom from NJ was kind enough to bring me a great chicken sandwich from the new restaurant in the Roadhouse/IHOP/Applebee's area………….thanks again Tom, you're aces………… |
muggins | 12 Nov 2018 7:18 a.m. PST |
With all due respect, I was in the Vista Windows room Thursday afternoon / evening and all day Friday and Saturday and it was hot, and overbearingly hot near the windows during the day. Even having the electricity turned on in the room so the fans would work and they didn't have the hot construction lights on would have helped. The broken doors and standing puddles in the Lampeter? room were pretty bonkers – I have only been doing Fall In for two years now but I have a feeling no other hobby convention would deal with stuff like this. I go to AdeptiCon, GenCon and other local cons and this is stuff that would turn off people instantly. These thoughts are really only related to the facility itself – the Coffee Co food was better, the games and GMs are great, and the vendors are amazing. I had a ton of fun playing Lard America games and running one. |
Please delete me | 12 Nov 2018 9:17 a.m. PST |
muggins- If HMGS charges what those cons charge for everything I think only you and I would be in attendance. :) |
muggins | 12 Nov 2018 9:55 a.m. PST |
I am not sure about that – and while Fall In is very reasonable in terms of $$, I'd pay more for electricity to work. |
kcabai | 12 Nov 2018 10:36 a.m. PST |
CSherrange Leaving out Gencon, which is in a class by itself, the prices are more reasonable than you think. Adepticon has a $35 USD weekend fee which includes everything but tournaments. There is an extra charge for those. But for the remainder of the 300+ events they are free. |
TRUgamer | 12 Nov 2018 11:00 a.m. PST |
You are very welcome GG… the restaurant was the Lancaster Brewing Company Tap Room TRU |
Bowman | 12 Nov 2018 11:23 a.m. PST |
Leaving out Gencon, which is in a class by itself, the prices are more reasonable than you think. Adepticon has a $35.00 USD USD weekend fee which includes everything but tournaments. The $35 USD entry does not get you into any "events", which is about 80-90% of what goes on at that particular Con. I was there playing Saga and Hail Caesar a few years back when they wanted a bigger historical presence. They were classed as tournaments and I paid a fee. Here are the definitions of the different levels of badges: link Same with Origins where you pay for everything except vendor's Demo games. We are talking apples and oranges. But yes, the conditions at the Host wouldn't be tolerated elsewhere and that is why HMGS is moving the cons. The three conventions in Lancaster were a stop gap measure. And @ muggins, we'll just have to disagree over our definitions of what "overbearingly hot" is. I'll have to reserve that description for the Historicon during the first year in Fredericksburg. |
muggins | 12 Nov 2018 11:44 a.m. PST |
I think I pay about $100 USD total to play games at AdeptiCon and I'm there from Wed – Sunday. I don't see it as a massive barrier, to be honest. I'm sure Fredericksburg would definitely be hot. One room being very hot wouldn't really be a killer, but having entrances closed, puddles, holes everywhere, no electricity, etc. It was pretty nuts. |
Please delete me | 12 Nov 2018 12:29 p.m. PST |
I was just arguing that I can stay in Lancaster for 3 days under 200 bucks, and walk to the convention hall. Aint no where near that for Chicago area hotels. Trust me, I have gone to many Origins, Gencons, etc., but in terms of bang for my buck nothing beats the HMGS cons (perhaps WBC…). |
kcabai | 12 Nov 2018 12:36 p.m. PST |
Bowman The HMGS-Midwest and other miniature games are free events. We have been putting on games there for 4 years at no charge. "AdeptiCon 2018 Weekend Badge ($35 – required, unlimited) The Weekend Badge DOES NOT automatically come with a swag bag. If you wish to receive a swag bag, you must upgrade your badge during the registration process (see below). Access to the convention for all four days and the ability to register for all events at AdeptiCon 2018 (individual event fees apply). Access to free events, demos and open gaming. One entry per category in the Crystal Brush Painting Competition. Ability to check out board games from the AdeptiCon Librarium (Board Game Library). Ability to participate in Bitz Trading on Friday and Saturday nights." |
kcabai | 12 Nov 2018 12:38 p.m. PST |
CSherrange Hotels are a different item. 3 nights at Little Wars will range $360 USD-$250. |
AuttieCat | 12 Nov 2018 2:00 p.m. PST |
My $.02 USD, I arrived about 4pm Friday evening. The drive down from north-western Pennsylvania was not fun (rain, rain and temperatures at or slightly above freezing/31 to 34 degrees) until I got past Penn State University. If it had gotten just one or two degrees colder, it would have been nothing but ice and snow. Perhaps that was one of the reasons for what I also thought was a lighter-than-usual turn out. I did not game, but spent most of Saturday set up in 'Walley's Basement'. In my opinion the location was just about as crappy a place as the flea market has ever been located. It wasn't the lighting---it was workable. It wasn't the space--both sides of the table, seemed to be roomie enough for all. It was the lack of easy access for those folks who have difficulty getting about. The freight elevator was available only for those who were setting up and taking their items in and out. I had also heard from a few of the folks who set up that it had broken down several times, but I did not experience this for myself (I was lucky). The center railing on the stairway was not very sturdy. It was really luck that someone did not fall on the stair-well and get injured! I am not a 'spring-chicken'. I am one of those who is in their early sixties, extremely over-weight, have major problems with my knees and lower back. Lucky for me, I have not yet reached that stage where getting up and down that stair-well was a dangerous undertaking. However, I saw more that a few 'impaired' folks taking that risk. Thank God, I did not see or hear of anybody falling down those steps! If somebody did, I hope that they were not seriously injured. If somebody did fall and get hurt, I hope that the person(s) who didn't place the Flea Market in a safe 'handy-capped' location are 'drawn and quartered' for this lack of insight on their part. ACCESS FOR THOSE DISABLED, was totally lacking! Also, in my opinion the staff and management at the Host on Saturday were really helpful in making the freight elevator available during the morning set-up, the afternoon set-up and the closing of the place. It was also an excellent idea to allow those who had a seller table during the 'late' Friday session and the 'early' Saturday session to not be forced to remove their 'treasures' on Friday night. Who-ever thought of this and allowed it to happen-----HUZZA TO YOU! Sincerely, Tom Semian Irvine, PA. 16329 |
Mollinary | 12 Nov 2018 2:24 p.m. PST |
I am puzzled that this debate (?) can still be ongoing. I attended the first Fall in! at Lancaster after it moved from Gettysburg, and vowed never to darken its doors again. How many years has it been? As long as people are willing to put up with it, will it ever really chnge? |
historygamer | 12 Nov 2018 2:30 p.m. PST |
First off, hats off to the staff for making this work. But, HMGS needs to seriously consider moving Cold Wars. Even though it has issues of its own, I'd suggest a serious look the the Ike. A couple of people took some serious spills this weekend while walking to the dealer hall. I heard an ambulance was called for one person. I spoke with a couple of other people who slipped on the pavement as well. Given past weather conditions at Cold Wars with snow and ice, that makes the risk of someone getting seriously hurt off the charts and that should be unacceptable. The Host has never been particularly good at snow removal – this when times were "good." If there is snow, and that construction mess in the parking area is still going on (does anyone believe it won't be?), forget parking for anyone. I'd also point out that parking in the grass, as people did at Hcon and this past weekend, would also be a no-go. Add to that a seriously treacherous walk to the dealer area, and added liability to the corporation, and again the risk goes off the charts. Risk, by the way, is measured by comparing the likelihood (snow and ice, someone getting hurt) to the consequences (law suits, bad publicity, etc.). You do the calculation. HMGS does not need to puts its attendees or itself at such risk. So at least consider the Ike – which at the very least is on level ground. This weekend proved that outside food vendors can and did meet our needs. Hire a limousine shuttle bus to make runs between the hotel and All Star complex. I am told there are hundreds of thousands in the bank. Spend it on our second biggest con, even if we lose a little money. That's okay. Protect the product, protect the people. Or, find another venue. I don't care either way. But safety first. Enough is enough. |
AuttieCat | 12 Nov 2018 2:38 p.m. PST |
historygamer, You do mean Fall-In, not Cold Wars--don't you? If you don't--sorry for this posting. Tom Semian Irvine, PA. 16329 p.s. Regardless of which convention it is, dangerous conditions should be a concern for all of those who belonging to H.M.G.S. East, especially those in charge! |
historygamer | 12 Nov 2018 2:41 p.m. PST |
They need to consider moving Cold Wars in March. Fall In is done for now. The chance there will be bad weather in mid-March only multiples the risk of bad consequences. And I, for one, don't think the Host will be in much better shape in four months. In fact, like many, I was stunned at how little progress has been made, and what been made seems scattered and haphazard. |
TSD101 | 12 Nov 2018 3:06 p.m. PST |
In fact, like many, I was stunned at how little progress has been made, and what been made seems scattered and haphazard. The fact that their contractors can't even build an entryway to code is telling of the quality they've hired. All the stop work notices plastered on it were still there. |
Double G | 12 Nov 2018 4:37 p.m. PST |
I'm with HG 1000%; move it out of there, snow on the ground would be a disaster. That facility did a horrendous job of plowing/shoveling several years ago. At this stage, forget it, I wouldn't expect anyone to attempt to come down that hill in bad weather/cold weather. So I agree, move it to Gettysburg, bring in a caterer, bring in a shuttle service if you have to, but do it now before it's too late and there are no other options. |
EJNashIII | 12 Nov 2018 5:44 p.m. PST |
The funny thing as bad as things were, the contractor doing the food, Coffee Co, did a great job. The food was good, reasonably priced, they kept the line moving and busted thru the ridiculous conditions they had to work with. |
historygamer | 12 Nov 2018 5:52 p.m. PST |
Winter is coming, and the Host is not prepared |
BTCTerrainman | 12 Nov 2018 6:22 p.m. PST |
There are obvious improvements going on, but progress seems slow since there is so much to do at the Host. I understand the rooms are pretty much done, and it is obvious that a lot of the facility is underway. The vendor hall has a brand new fire sprinkler system installed. HVAC has been much improved. A walkway was laid along the large wall with the multiple doors (but was only in use as a fire escapeway since that side of their improvements have not been done. Also the lighting was upgraded as well with all new fixtures. A new retaining wall is being built where the old proshop was. Also the exterior of the building is being prepared for new insulation and skin/siding (crews worked all day Thursday which was quite a racket – not sure if they planned to work on Friday, but the rain cancelled that anyway). |
War Scorpio | 12 Nov 2018 6:42 p.m. PST |
Came from Central Jersey to arrive in time for a 10PM game. My wife was off to attack the outlets. Check in was great, scan your ID and done. Except, my 10AM game had CANCELLED on it! Luckily picked two tickets for the day and had great games. The first ticket had a W for location, but no W in the book. Congrats HMGS! Our first game was to find our game! The Host was a dump like people have said. I was surprised a place in that condition could be open for business. The concrete floors were particularly obnoxious, watching two glass bottles getting dropped and shattered during games. Not to condone bringing glass bottles, but the conditions were a bit of a surprise. HMGS staff were great, they managed to pull off a very good convention under peculiar circumstances. Was in the Vista Room twice and have to say, would take the extra heat in exchange for the sun and bright lighting. Felt about right in my Pz IV being stalked by a Firefly in a fun game! Overall in spite of the Host conditions, had a terrific time. Met old friends and made a few new. Purchased in both flea and dealer areas. They should think about it, Host in winter conditions? I probably sill will go, but have to be concerned for myself and others. Most likely under contract so it will be there. Cancellation clauses? Who knows… |
custosarmorum | 12 Nov 2018 8:04 p.m. PST |
I went to Fall In on Friday for a day of shopping and to catch up with friends I don't see that often. Check in was smooth this year, I had preregistered and it was a breeze and it was also pretty easy for my friends (we got there about 12:30). I was not impressed with the "swag bag." The bag itself is not impressive and the pen/laser pointer was disappointing. Whatever happened to having a miniature commissioned? For those who paid $30 USD for a single day admission to shop, it is not much of an incentive. As one of those (seemingly many) who have mobility issues, I did appreciate the increase in the number of parking spaces reserved for those with handicapped plates/placards. They were placed near the Lampeter as well as relatively close to the vendor hall. That said, in the rain and with the wet leaves, the walk up/down the hill was a bit of a chore. I did not know the back door was open -- in fact I was told there was a sign that said staff only or something similar. It would have been nice if the convention staff had mentioned the fact it was open during check in -- otherwise I think the staff did a very good job and are to be commended. The vendor hall itself was good -- I like the new layout. It was easy to navigate with a good bit of room in the aisles and I appreciated that there was seating scattered around if one needed a rest. The flea market was what it was -- no surprises from the previous two cons. This may be my last time at the Host since I am think I will skip Cold Wars (the weather in March is just too iffy for the drive from southern New England) and I don't think I will shed too many tears. |
ScottWashburn | 13 Nov 2018 5:11 a.m. PST |
Overall my experience was good. unloading at the dealer's hall was the same as always. Loading was a little harder on Sunday, but not terribly so. When we got to our room on Thursday we found that it only had one bed instead of two. Went to the front desk and in ten minutes we had another room with two beds. Can't complain about that! The construction is a bit annoying, but at least they ARE working on it. You could see the construction crews all weekend. Nothing worse than coming back 4 months later and not seeing any progress. That is not the case here. I'm sure we will see more improvements by Cold Wars. |
Bowman | 13 Nov 2018 5:56 a.m. PST |
The HMGS-Midwest and other miniature games are free events. Kevin, I do know that….I've been to Little Wars a few times. I'm planning on being there for 2019! A great convention. But my comments stand as to Adepticon (also a great convention). From the link I gave: Access to the convention for all four days and the ability to register for all events at AdeptiCon 2018 (individual event fees apply). |