"Thank you, conference organizers" Topic

There are several threads going that are getting quite heated about Historicon.

I want to say thank you to the organisers of Historicon, Origin, Gencon, Salute, Partizan, etc. etc. etc. These are volunteers doing the best they can to put on events for us. Sometimes they will get it wrong. Sometimes they will do things some of us dont like. But never forget they are volunteers doing the best they can.

If you dont like how an event has been set up, instead of posting snarky messages and walking off in a huff, approach the organisers with ideas, ask how you can work with them, or try working with the organisation to set up an additional event that is run just the way you want. And remember that the organisation isnt set up to do what you want – if the organisation doesnt follow your ideas that is their perogotive. I set up volunteer events for my work and I know how hard it is to do what the organisers are doing. We need to say thank you to all of the volunteers for what they are doing.

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I am also very thankful.

It is a great deal of work with little recognition by volunteers to make game conventions take place.

I volunteered extensively at HMGS-East conventions starting in late 80's and continued all through the 90's.

A great amount of fun working with likeminded others, all trying to give entertainment to fellow dice rollers at a show. There is a vast amount of work to that goes on to make these shows happen that the attendees never see.

Working with the event coordinator for one Historicon in mid 90's so each GM the correct tables, location, time slot and other requests was like juggling while tap dancing. I also did many hours behind the table for registration and event pre-reg.

Also did work at my regional convention for 20 years in all roles, including convention director 3 years in a row, show had 300 – 400 attendees.

Every gamer should do sometime as a volunteer at a show they enjoy, it is a good experience.

Thanks to all who put in the effort for others to have a memorable time with friends and family.

Agreed 100%. Thank you for all you do, selflessly.

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And thanks to Nick Bowler for pointing it out.

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Well said Nick, +1.

Another +1. Nice one Nick.

Well said everyone. +1.

Thanks for providing some perspective on things. The folks putting on the shows must take a load of grief even in the best of times. Hats off to them for soldiering through even in the rough times.

Well said.

Bravo, and +1.

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Bravo Zulu to all!

Began organizing miniatures gaming events locally
in 1971. Took a break 1985-2000, then again from
2001 – 2015.

T'ain't easy, McGee, even when the events are small and it
helps to have good folks working with you.

@Nick Bowler: Well said!

@Oddball: Totally agree!

The convention experience is so different for volunteers. At Enfilade, which is the con I'm involved in, volunteers still must pay registration like everyone else. They are often tasked with lots of busy work, which they do willingly. They surrender sometimes all their convention time to help out. They often give up opportunities to play games and host games. Nobody coerces them to do so, they do it willingly to make it all happen. I appreciate them so much.

Nick, thanks for posting this. It is right on.