Convention Etiquette: Discussion and Advice on Do's and Don'ts

[BruTak]

The Convention organizers always need to make sure that all their ducks are in a row before hand

Very true.

Which is why the committe of Valiant Conventions (Dr. Who cons in Glasgow) have decided to postpone an event scheduled for March of this year, until October.

Primarily, this is due to a lack of funds (unforseen events meant attendance at a Who con in October of 2007 was down compared to an event in March). But also because the chairman had a bit of a health scare just prior to New Year, and is taking some time off to get fit again.

[prion]

Oh, if only!! Last year, someone from the con fouled up and left an actor scrambling for a ride to the airport. The actor was not happy. Another time, the con organizers ran out of photos for sale for the actor to sign, so provided photocopies to the fans. Again, the actor was not happy. Since other fans were in the vicinity to see that happen, the information got around very quickly. So, I'm not certain that some convention companies get it about keeping the actors happy. Yes, we are only human and foul-ups happen, but if we keep track of things as they happen, then the convention company won't drop the ball and irritate the talent and thus, the fans. I think that, from what I've seen, the Convention arena is one place where mistakes are not often tolerated. The organization ends up looking unprofessional.

Well, I was at a Creation last november and attended the second day. They'd sold out on a number of items and weren't replenishing them. Mind you, this was Saturday (con started on Friday) and is the key day that most people come in off the street, and their dealer's room was slim pickings. The con organizers should have enough stock to keep the CUSTOMER happy otherwise people stop coming.

[Arctic Goddess]

Well, I was at a Creation last november and attended the second day. They'd sold out on a number of items and weren't replenishing them. Mind you, this was Saturday (con started on Friday) and is the key day that most people come in off the street, and their dealer's room was slim pickings. The con organizers should have enough stock to keep the CUSTOMER happy otherwise people stop coming.

I know who you are talking about. That is a regular occurence for them. It is very frustrating for the fans.

[Mickey23]

I know who you are talking about. That is a regular occurence for them. It is very frustrating for the fans.

I agree, it is very frustrating! But how you deal with it is also important. This happened at a con I was at, and the lady was yelling at the lady behind the table. Remember, the people you are yelling at are not necessarily the ones who made the decision to bring too few photos (or whatever). (It was also embarrassing as it happened in front of Cliff Simon, and that might have given him a bad impression.)

[Arctic Goddess]

I agree, it is very frustrating! But how you deal with it is also important. This happened at a con I was at, and the lady was yelling at the lady behind the table. Remember, the people you are yelling at are not necessarily the ones who made the decision to bring too few photos (or whatever). (It was also embarrassing as it happened in front of Cliff Simon, and that might have given him a bad impression.)

This is also true. There are always mitigating circumstances, and different perspectives of what actually happened at an event. However, we still come back to the need to be prepared for a greater demand then was anticipated. After all, it's not like that was the one and only convention and the organizers would be out of pocket if they are stuck with extras of anything. The material, if it doesn't have a specific date on it, can be recycled to the next convention.

[Mickey23]

This is also true. There are always mitigating circumstances, and different perspectives of what actually happened at an event. However, we still come back to the need to be prepared for a greater demand then was anticipated. After all, it's not like that was the one and only convention and the organizers would be out of pocket if they are stuck with extras of anything. The material, if it doesn't have a specific date on it, can be recycled to the next convention.

Oh, I completely agree that the convention planners should...well...plan better. Stargate fans like to buy lots of stuff! And they should know this by now.

[SG7]

This is also true. There are always mitigating circumstances, and different perspectives of what actually happened at an event. However, we still come back to the need to be prepared for a greater demand then was anticipated. After all, it's not like that was the one and only convention and the organizers would be out of pocket if they are stuck with extras of anything. The material, if it doesn't have a specific date on it, can be recycled to the next convention.

Agreed.....I could understand if it were cercomstances where it was a once thing but when various convention organizers are doing events on a regular basis, then they should always have more than necessary because it is easier to take away what they cannot sell rather than scramble to get more when they run out.....And in most cases the markup on that they charge on various items far outweigh the actual cost for them to make/stock the items, so if they did have lots of stock left over then it is not that big of a deal, just peddle it at the next convention where the actor(s)/actress(es) are at (if it is photos)

Running out of items can also reflect negatively on the guests that appear at the conventions as many of the fans may not see that it is quite often the Convention Organizers and such that would be responsible for ensuring that there is enough product, photos etc. for the fans to purchase

[BruTak]

I do like a well stocked dealers room.

[Mickey23]

I do like a well stocked dealers room.

Indeed!

Hey! Where's my O'Neill bobblehead and Pez dispenser. You're sold out!?!
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[SG7]

I do like a well stocked dealers room.

Oh I completely agree.....Nothing worse than going to a convention fully armed with a pocket full of money totally expecting to buy the world and get there and find nothing left worth spending it on.....

[Gate Geek]

Oh I completely agree.....Nothing worse than going to a convention fully armed with a pocket full of money totally expecting to buy the world and get there and find nothing left worth spending it on.....

That is a big disappointment. Especailly when one attends quite a few cons and its all the SAME stuff at each con!!

[Sa'Hut_IH']

One thing is, if you HAVE to get copies of an image.... take the time to color correct the scan, and have it printed on GOOD paper (the paper can make or break and image.

Or have a new image built from scratch (this has happened, some conventions just happen to have graphic artists on hand, and they turned out fairly decent) but once again GOOD paper is the key...don't order the cheap paper, it ruins images sooooo darn fast

[Sa'Hut_IH']

Very true, Skydiver.

While the dangerous fan is rare, you can't tell just by looking at people which one might be dangerous and which one is just very, very, excited.
Our biggest challenge was our James Marsters year. Ours was the only US convention that he did that year - and he was at the height of his fame as Spike on Buffy. We were besieged with screaming girls -- we kept comparing it to Beatlemania or Osmondmania (depending upon the age of the person doing the comparing). Normally we can walk our guests to their autograph tables with just one or two people acting as escorts. That year I got the five biggest guys and told them to surround him to get him safely through the crowds. It was crazy!!

I also know of a married actor that makes sure that he brings someone from the convention staff or another unaffiliated witness with him when he meets privately with his fans. Smart guy! That way no one can ever make anything up about "what they did last night."

Ahhhhh James, Mama loves James, but his fans?! Wow...just...wow

[Sa'Hut_IH']

Oh, if only!! Last year, someone from the con fouled up and left an actor scrambling for a ride to the airport. The actor was not happy. Another time, the con organizers ran out of photos for sale for the actor to sign, so provided photocopies to the fans. Again, the actor was not happy. Since other fans were in the vicinity to see that happen, the information got around very quickly. So, I'm not certain that some convention companies get it about keeping the actors happy. Yes, we are only human and foul-ups happen, but if we keep track of things as they happen, then the convention company won't drop the ball and irritate the talent and thus, the fans. I think that, from what I've seen, the Convention arena is one place where mistakes are not often tolerated. The organization ends up looking unprofessional.

Happy Talent=Happy fans
Happy Fans= a successful show

simple yes? You'd think so anyway

on another note

Mama works with and for a few different shows now, volunteer coordinating, arranging security and (this year at Wrath of Con) Talent Coordinating.
She has become known for keeping them in line, and on time (and spoiling the talent in many ways)
In part what makes the talent trust her so much is she has the best interest of the venue in mind yes, but the Talent matter to her a great deal, and she goes out of her way to keep them safe/make them happy. And so far, Mama is no ones fan girl...fan of the shows...yep, but all the talent are judged on who they are as a person, not who they play on tv.

Mama has become High profile at almost any event she attends or works, but is always a VOLUNTEER never a payed employee, please do not think that her actions completely represent the show managers.
(specially after show hours in the bar, with certain talent who like drinking contests, and refuse to take 'no' for an answer. or in the elevator doors, fighting with drunkin' idiots who attack her talent)

[Arctic Goddess]

Happy Talent=Happy fans
Happy Fans= a successful show

simple yes? You'd think so anyway

on another note

Mama works with and for a few different shows now, volunteer coordinating, arranging security and (this year at Wrath of Con) Talent Coordinating.
She has become known for keeping them in line, and on time (and spoiling the talent in many ways)
In part what makes the talent trust her so much is she has the best interest of the venue in mind yes, but the Talent matter to her a great deal, and she goes out of her way to keep them safe/make them happy. And so far, Mama is no ones fan girl...fan of the shows...yep, but all the talent are judged on who they are as a person, not who they play on tv.

Mama has become High profile at almost any event she attends or works, but is always a VOLUNTEER never a payed employee, please do not think that her actions completely represent the show managers.
(specially after show hours in the bar, with certain talent who like drinking contests, and refuse to take 'no' for an answer. or in the elevator doors, fighting with drunkin' idiots who attack her talent)

I know what you mean, Sa'. I've seen Mama treat every fan the same, no matter what, when it comes to being around the talent. It's not just keeping the talent safe, it's about what the public perceives. If one fan were to get away with something, then all the fans that see it, would think they could do the same thing. And for everyone's safety, that is not an option. Also, the talent are working. They enjoy the attention, yes, but they need to be treated with respect by the fans. They are people first.