dragoncon: Greetings from Atlanta (and back!)

crazeyal (

crazeyal) wrote in

dragoncon,
@ 2008-03-02 21:15:00

Greetings from Atlanta (and back!)

Not too much..

*sigh*

I suppose it was too much to hope for, to be allowed to stand up and voice my opinions and strategies. No-one has a CLUE who the $#%# I am, and if I'm worth listening to. The entire meeting was simple introductions, and a statement of "This track needs X number of volunteers this year"

And yeah.. IT TOOK HOURS TO DO THIS... I knew the staff was big but .. DAMN...

A couple of things I got from the meeting:

One hotel is sold out. (*forgive me.. my brain hemoraged on the drive back.. I'll edit when I can think again...*)
There are still rooms left (I *THINK* he said Hilton.. don't quote me)
The Security contingent is short by 20 - 30 people so far...

oh.. and..

THIS...

</lj>

(Post a new comment)

lady_kathana
2008-03-03 03:03 am UTC (link)

When I first started, I was surprised too at how little actual business goes on at the all staff meetings. But as you pointed out, there were hundreds of people in that room and it's simply impossible to give everyone a chance to say something. The Director's meetings are much more business oriented and I imagine the Senior Directors much more so.

If you have ideas for improving the convention, email the appropriate staff member. We're all listed on the website. If you don't know who to contact, email dragoncon@dragoncon.org and it'll be forwarded to the right person. You won't be ignored, but don't be offended if the action you expect isn't taken. The issue you want to fix may not be within our control.

(Reply to this)

	vampirate777 2008-03-03 03:03 am UTC (link)
	Holy geez, the great amoeba that is D*Con has engulfed the Sheraton now! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	kleinerkolibri 2008-03-03 04:13 am UTC (link)
	yeah, and it sounds like the costume contest might be taking place there...on a map it looks to be several blocks away, is it? we stay in host hotels so we DON'T have to walk the streets of atlanta in august in our costumes! sigh (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) -

9jack9, 2008-03-03 08:39 am UTC

(no subject) -

pagemasterjim, 2008-03-03 12:36 pm UTC

(no subject) -

kleinerkolibri, 2008-03-03 01:30 pm UTC

spambrian
2008-03-03 03:19 am UTC (link)

That's the way every staff meeting runs. It's a general meeting so people interested in volunteering can hear from each director. Details of how the convention runs are implemented at the staff level, and getting people on staff is important to making the convention go.

There are two ways to get your input into the convention ...
1. Join a staff relevant to your interests, work with them to see how your ideas can improve the convention. This is how most serious change happens at the convention.
2. Send a nice e-mail to the director associated with the area you think might need improvement. All of the directors have their e-mail addresses on the website for a reason (mine included). Senior directors get tons of e-mail, so try going to the director closest to the area where you have input first.

http://dragoncon.org/dc_contact.php#Teams

Staff has dozens of directors and around 1,200 volunteers. The meeting ran till a little after 5pm, so that's just over an hour for each director or senior director to say a few words about their staff. We could be more efficient, but that's not bad.

The real works happens when each individual staff gets together after the meeting, or at one of their off-site meetings. There's no way over a thousand staffers can meet as one and hash out the details of running the operation.

As for the meeting details you missed or could not remember ...
* The Hyatt added 50 rooms to their block today (get them while they're hot)
* The Hilton has over 200 rooms, similar number left at the Sheraton
* The Marriott room block is sold out and will not be increased
* Dealer's Room & Art Show at the Marriott, Gaming in the Hilton
* New tracks, programming & guests to be added ... check the website for details
* Security does need reliable people to work staff this year. Having security well staffed makes the con run a whole lot smoother.

(Reply to this)

	carencey77 2008-03-03 03:26 am UTC (link)
	Interesting...Katee Sackhoff and Morena Baccarin aren't actually on the guest list on the website at this point, are they? and I totally don't know you, but you do rock for putting your money where your mouth is, seriously. Edited at 2008-03-03 03:26 am UTC (Reply to this) (Thread)

	crazeyal 2008-03-03 03:33 am UTC (link)
	Thank you. But I get to crow AFTER Dcon 2008. All I did right now was drive, look confused, and bitch online. I do that EVERY DAY!! ;) (Reply to this) (Parent)

	greenwitch 2008-03-03 03:40 am UTC (link)
	but you do rock for putting your money where your mouth is, seriously. Seconded. Major kudos. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	fiareynne 2008-03-03 03:46 am UTC (link)
	Neither are Erick Avari, Don S. Davis or Erica Durance. (Presumably there are others; I only noticed them specifically because they, like Morena, are Stargate-related.) (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) -

carencey77, 2008-03-03 03:52 am UTC

Actually..

crazeyal
2008-03-03 03:32 am UTC (link)

I *DID* get to talk to a few people, but the progression starts NOW, through email. The trip would've been a waste for me, except for getting some actual conversation time with a few individuals.

I got to bring up my idea about manning the elevators, but it's gonna have to take the long route and have me following up. I'm going to be starting a seperate thread about it soon.

The physical meeting is good for Atlanta locals, but they REALLY should start utilizing modern tech for meetings. The Track heads are the only ones who desperately need to see each other as well as the con hierchy. Everyone else is pretty much in and on their own.

The only thing I can see, being an actual use, in having a physical meeting, is giving a good barometer on who is passionate about showing up. That, and getting the volunteers together with the Track heads.

I think that they'd be better served having each track head create a video or text blurb about their Track. Put the entirety of it on a recruiting web page and have smaller, more useful meetings online and in person when possible.

Dragoncon attracts people worldwide. It's time to stop acting like a small time con.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	Elevators? pathulk 2008-03-03 03:56 am UTC (link)
	what is your elevator idea? i know what my elevator idea is....I am incorperating stair climbing into my workout routine so I can climb regardless of the room level I get in the Hyatt. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: Elevators? -

dark_blade, 2008-03-03 04:06 am UTC

Re: Elevators? -

pathulk, 2008-03-03 04:21 am UTC

Re: Elevators? -

dark_blade, 2008-03-03 04:23 am UTC

Re: Elevators? -

linnea4, 2008-03-05 03:17 am UTC

Re: Elevators? -

pathulk, 2008-03-05 08:05 am UTC

Re: Elevators? -

thalictrum, 2008-03-03 04:23 am UTC

Re: Elevators? -

pathulk, 2008-03-03 04:27 am UTC

Re: Elevators? -

jellibean, 2008-03-03 08:56 pm UTC

Re: Elevators? -

crazeyal, 2008-03-03 04:47 am UTC

Re: Actually..

astralfire
2008-03-03 08:14 am UTC (link)

We do have smaller meeting. Each department has meeting for there group and the different levels such has Directors, and Sr. Directors have meetings throughout the year. The General Staff meeting is use for recruiting and gathering information, tasks, and proposals to take to the smaller meeting.

You spoke to me about your elevator idea, and as a Sr. Director (or TPTB and many refer to us) I will present your idea at the Sr. Directors meeting. I asked for your name so I could give credit to you when I present it.

Even good ideas, sometimes take time to get implemented.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: Actually.. -

crazeyal, 2008-03-03 05:06 pm UTC

	dark_blade 2008-03-03 04:04 am UTC (link)
	The Sheraton now has events too, main ones? That.. sucks. Where is it? I specifically booked at the Hyatt because my best friend and I are disabled, have trouble getting around, and fatigue ridiculously easily. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	AH.. crazeyal 2008-03-03 04:18 am UTC (link)
	But the con has people SPECIFICALLY designated to help disabled people around. You should be aquainted with them. If not, let me know and I'll get the info for you. There are also shuttle buses between hotels. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: AH.. -

dark_blade, 2008-03-03 04:32 am UTC

Re: AH.. -

crazeyal, 2008-03-03 04:45 am UTC

Re: AH.. -

crazeyal, 2008-03-03 04:54 am UTC

Re: AH.. -

layrenelement, 2008-03-03 06:00 am UTC

Re: AH.. -

crazeyal, 2008-03-03 06:38 am UTC

Re: AH.. -

happi_feet, 2008-03-03 08:55 pm UTC

Re: AH.. -

crazeyal, 2008-03-03 09:33 pm UTC

Re: AH.. -

dark_blade, 2008-03-03 11:41 pm UTC

Re: AH.. -

happi_feet, 2008-03-04 12:10 am UTC

Re: AH.. -

dark_blade, 2008-03-04 12:19 am UTC

Re: AH.. -

happi_feet, 2008-03-04 04:59 am UTC

	boomergoodheart 2008-03-03 04:20 am UTC (link)
	The Sheraton is across from the Hilton, catty-corner to the Marriott; southeast corner of that intersection. I figure it's no harder to get to than going to the Hyatt from the Hilton. Hope this helps! (Reply to this) (Thread)

pagemasterjim
2008-03-03 12:50 pm UTC (link)

Actually the Sheraton is a block down the road from the Hilton. So yes, it is an extra walk, but thankfully not a far one. For anyone wanting to go straight from the Hyatt/Marriott to the Sheraton: the skywalk runs all the way down, and across the street between the Marriott/Hilton and there is an elevator at that end that takes you directly to street level. From there, the Sheraton is just a stone's throw away on your left as you get back on the street.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

dude . . . -

hollycomb, 2008-03-04 11:36 pm UTC

Re: dude . . . -

pagemasterjim, 2008-03-05 12:23 am UTC

Re: dude . . . -

hollycomb, 2008-03-05 03:14 am UTC

	lin_bai_mao 2008-03-03 02:33 pm UTC (link)
	AWE man. I was hoping I could wait until April to get a room -- sounds like not :-P. We don't have to pay before hand do we? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	happi_feet 2008-03-03 08:59 pm UTC (link)
	If you reserve with a major credit card, most hotels won't charge until check-in. I put my room on MC, but I'm paying with cash, and no charge until then. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	iunnrais 2008-03-04 01:39 am UTC (link)
	The Hilton does require a refundable one-night deposit if you want the special Dragon*Con rate, but as far as I'm aware the Hyatt does not. No idea about the Sheraton, since this is their first year as a con hotel. (Reply to this) (Parent)

arkhamrefugee
2008-03-03 02:52 pm UTC (link)

I suppose it was too much to hope for, to be allowed to stand up and voice my opinions and strategies.

I am curious as to where you would have gotten this impression? I've never seen, heard nor read that the staff meetings were places where random individuals can stand up and express their opinions on how the con runs.

No-one has a CLUE who the $#%# I am, and if I'm worth listening to.

So are you? I am not attempting to be flippant (okay, well maybe a little) but that would be the same at any business anywhere that has more than ten people as employees with Ma or Pa Kettle running the register as owner-operators.

You've taken a good first step in signing on as staff. And according to the TPTB that commented, you're getting your suggestion forwarded on to the Senior Director's meeting which is also good. So be patient. It's not just a virtue at Dragon*Con; it is a necessity.

Also, you said you got accepted as staff. I should be quite interested to know what department.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

crazeyal
2008-03-03 05:38 pm UTC (link)

That was my point. I didn't know what the staff meeting was actually trying to accomplish, and had a(completely incorrect) vision of the meeting being a planning session.

And as far as how I got to that assumption? I had been involved in smaller cons before, and when they had meetings it usually was for the purpose of planning strategies and such. They usually turned into bitch sessions, but that's another story.

I offered my services to the Tech and Media services area. I am a CCTV serviceman as well as loud obnoxioius NYer (KIDDING!! I can be quiet..) It remains to be seen who'll need me where. I've already gotten a plaintive cry from electronic gaming, so I might be running an overnight for them..

We'll just see.

And as far as patience goes.. There is a differance between being patient and being passive. I am fine with waiting. I am fine with being told no. I will just be active in understanding the situation.

I'm a US Marine. I know plenty about earning your stripes. Me walking in, good idea or not, doesn't mean I have the right to express my opinion. The senior staff built this con from the ground up. It's world class. They don't HAVE to listen to me.

What you see here is not a bitch that I was disrespected, or some whine because "THEY" didn't do things "My way!!!" Far from it.

One thing my father taught me has stayed with me since high school. It's the "Chessman's point of view". Two masters sit and stare at a game that they've been playing for weeks. Neither has made a move for days. A young player with three weeks of experience walks up and wonders why they weren't done with a Bishop taking the King? Neither man had seen that VERY obvious move.

Sometimes another opinion that is outside of the regular boundries can see things that someone who has more experiance cannot. I've been an attendee for a few years. I know NOTHING about the workings of the con and don't pretend to. I just see some obvious (to me) solutions to some re-occurring problems, and I'd like to help. If it doesn't work out, it's not an earth shattering event. If it's explained to me that my idea only sounds good, but isn't practical because of "XXX" I will be happy that I tried.

It's easy to complain. I do it often enough. :)

It's not so easy to step up and do something about it. Succeed or not.. I AM going to try.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) -

h0stile17, 2008-03-03 07:04 pm UTC

	crazeyal 2008-03-03 09:29 pm UTC (link)
	What is this "WAS" you talk of? Tis confusing.. (Reply to this) (Thread)

h0stile17
2008-03-04 01:40 am UTC (link)

WAS as in No more active duty. Retired. Moving in a different direction. Still hold the title sacred but I've grown beyond that part of my life. I also bear other titles such as friend, father, brother, husband, geek, fanboy, etc....none of which give the right to start stirring up a hornets nest. I view a Marine as a person with much patience and tact....until the bullets start flying...then you should get out of the way.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) -

crazeyal, 2008-03-04 10:37 pm UTC

(no subject) -

h0stile17, 2008-03-04 11:34 pm UTC

(no subject) -

crazeyal, 2008-03-05 01:34 am UTC

Crowd issues?

claygilbert
2008-03-03 11:32 pm UTC (link)

I realize the talk about elevators may fall under this topic, but was the issue of the massive crowd clusterf*ck from last year addressed at the staff meeting?

Maybe have certain panels simulcast on D*conTV--more than, say, just the Masquerade?

I know I would really like to know that if I get in line two hours early to see the Firefly or Galactica folks this year, I'm actually going to get to see them ;)

I'll be at the con, regardless, though..and if I miss a panel, hell, I'll do something else. :) This is NOT bitching, really.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Crowd issues?

astralfire
2008-03-04 01:40 am UTC (link)

There were several things mentioned under the items you listed.

- We have picked up a forth Convention hotel.
- The Marriot has finished adding more convention space.
- Main room programming events will be scheduled at all 4 hotels.
- The Larger events in the Centennial II-III will be on DCTV. So if you are cut off in line or just can't wait in line, check the Pocket program and see if the event will be on DCTV and stay in your room at any of the main hotels to see it.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

question about costuming -

pathulk, 2008-03-04 02:41 am UTC

Re: Crowd issues? -

nestra, 2008-03-04 05:51 pm UTC

I dunno about you...

grimthorn
2008-03-04 06:17 am UTC (link)

Here's what I accomplished at this staff meeting...

1) Filled out my remaining 2 staff slots
2) Met with the Stargate Track director to coordinate an event involving Stargate Worlds
3) Met with Tech Ops to try and get high-resolution digital projectors for our panel room
4) Met with the Tolkien Track director to let her know that Lord of the Rings Online will be sending some folks to Dragon*Con this year.
5) Met the other Gaming Division Directors and hashed out room assignments
6) Had a meeting of all of my in-town staff to figure out what we need to do in the next 4 weeks.
7) Met with the Costume Contest folks about having an MMORPG costume contest this year
8) Found out where I'm going to be hosting all my panels this year
9) Got information on when submittals are due for the program and pocket guides
10) Met with the signage and website people to start defining requirements for some of the one-off activities we'll be doing on the MMORPG track.

Not bad for 3 hours work.

If you are a first time staffer, you need to pay attention to which groups have openings (so that you have something to do at the Con and remain on staff for next year), and meet with your director and the rest of your group so that you know who you will be working with.

You don't have time to figure all of that out when the Con starts, so you do it at these meetings.

The real work gets done in between meetings. And some of us have been working on this year's con since the last one ended. If you show up to one of these and expect to change anything immediately, then you've never worked with a large group of people. You get in, you listen, and you identify the people who can help you do what needs to be done. Then you talk with them after the meeting and introduce yourself... THEN you might have a chance to present your idea, but you're more likely to hear "Send me an email". The Director types are getting hounded by their staff, their bosses, and their peers all at the same time. It's not a good time to start a debate.

-Grim

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: I dunno about you... crazeyal 2008-03-04 10:41 pm UTC (link)
	"It's not a good time to start a debate." Yeah... Caught that. Tis why I shut me big trap (not a common occurance!!) and then started this thread. The slight whininess was from the 7 + hours drive. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: I dunno about you... -

grimthorn, 2008-03-05 03:39 pm UTC

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