Auto Assembly 2012 Suggestion Box

[Deleted]

We are constantly looking for ways to improve Auto Assembly. We know that that convention is far from perfect and while most of you seemed to enjoy Auto Assembly 2011, we know that there were things that didn't go according to plan or there were things that we could have done better.

At the same time, we know that there are things that many of you would love to see, guests you'd like to see at future events or ideas that you may have for general improvements for the convention so we've decided to give you all a chance to have YOUR SAY to help influence what we do here at Auto Assembly.

We are running this virtual "suggestion box" here and on a number of other forums to get your thoughts on the convention so we can start work now on Auto Assembly 2012 so we have plenty of time to make plans and to help us make Auto Assembly 2012 even better than ever!

Simon

[primenova]

What are the hotel details - not room rates, mean on the food side. What is there around for us to eat & prices. We can't nip out to Tescos with being a bit far out. Does it cater for outside attendees - must do with it being aplace for conventions - or do they reply on food outlets at the NEC? Us lot booked in the hotel will be looking for maels for Friday 16:00, Sat 12:00, 18:00, Sunday 12:00 if in room with breakfast only.

[Philip Ayres]

I'm going to stick my limited mobility hat on here:

I don't know what your room layout is going to be like at the new gaff Simon but perhaps giving some consideration to making the dealer room separate might be useful. The setup the last few years has proved problematic for the less able bodied amongst us (this year I spotted at least two wheelchair users and several people with sticks in addition to myself) has made it problematic for movement between stalls as the row space isn't wide enough for people to move through at the same time as having people browsing each side of the aisle.

as per last year the dealer area at the rear was roped off on a friday night. If you're doing this again next year could you do it so the roping off is set back from the rear row of chairs making movement along the rear of the hall possible and improving access then? A few chairs set back with the tape between them should make that possible.

Some chairs for the queue on Saturday morning might be useful for the less able bodied or even some form of priority access.

From a general point of view both years I've been there I've found it very frustrating to see volunteers carrying cherry picked toys past those of us queueing up to get in. While I recognise that many are going to be busy during the day and can't buy at another time this has caused some stress in the queue both the last two years. Could they conceal their purchases in the convention hall somewhere? Or at least bring them out covered up?

More as I think of them....

Oh I have thought of something (but it'd be limited by the layout of the hotel): a disabled loo, on the same level and close to the convention hall would be useful! In two years I never found on on the R level of the holiday inn!

[Deleted]

The Hilton has three restaurants and we will be talking to them about sorting out some form of special convention menu as well for our attendees.

In terms of food outside the hotel, there are a few subways and a Wetherspoons just inside the NEC a few minutes walk from the hotel, and there is a free monorail service that is a 60 second journey to the airport where there is a pretty varied food court as well with places like Burger King and a range of other outlets, but the hotel itself will be well-stocked!

Obviously, food purchased from outside of the hotel isn't to be eaten anywhere inside of the convention areas in the Hilton although you will be free to bring it into the hotel to eat in your rooms.

[jameso]

Definitely, definitely some kind of early/priority access for disabled persons if wanted should be implemented.

[The Doctor]

I was going to suggest the very same thing after Phil had some issues getting into the hall. I would also suggest priority/early access for disabled persons to the guests for getting stuff signed, etc as waiting in queues may not be as easy for folk with mobility concerns.

RE: early purchases for dealers/volunteers. Speaking as someone who has helped out at a stall the last three years and thus benefited from early purchasing I would have no problem with that being curtailed and no sales before general opening. If it's annoying folk waiting in the queue then make it a level playing field.

-Ralph

[blueshift]

Aug 19, 2011 16:35:25 GMT jameso said:

Definitely, definitely some kind of early/priority access for disabled persons if wanted should be implemented.

Absolutely. And maybe make the aisles wider so people don't get crushed by wheelchairs.

The problem with early sales to volunteers is that you see some nip out and show off to the queues of people outside, which can be a bit offputting. I don't mind it in principle but I do think some people abuse that priviledge.

[Deleted]

Space to move about won't be a problem for 2012... as you probably saw, my mobility wasn't the best either this year and it's something that's only going to get worse in the coming years so comfort is one of our top priorities.

The main problem we have had with the Holiday Inn for the last few years is its size. We genuinely had no idea that we would grow to the size we have so quickly - an increase of almost 50% over the last couple of years - and basically the Holiday Inn really just isn't large enough anymore.

The main hall we are using at the Hilton is about triple the size of the one we are using at the Holiday Inn and we are planning in a LOT more space for the walkways and not overdoing it in terms of dealer tables and display space. We do prefer the single hall format wherever possible because until we get sufficient volunteers or grow large enough to have the budget to run video feeds of all the panels to other rooms, then really we need to keep things central so we don't alienate dealers or guests!

We'll definitely look into the early access issue and we've already started on some of the convention information packs so there will be a LOT more information about the convention and the venue and it's facilities available sooner for next year.

As for the volunteers getting early access to the hall, we are going to be a lot tighter on dealers and selling policies. We have attempted to set down selling policies with our dealers in the past, but we have struggled to get a lot of things planned due to personal reasons but we are making a lot of changes behind the scenes to plan things out well in advance this year. This will also include tightening up on our prohibited list of what dealers are allowed to sell (we know several dealers who were in breach of these rules this year) and we'll look at the volunteer buying policy as well.

However, we do need to also look at things from the volunteers point of view as without them, we wouldn't be able to run the convention and many of them do give up a large part of their time over the weekend to help make the convention happen. I know of one person in particular who spent most of the weekend on duty so it's striking a healthy balance.

[blueshift]

Oh and as for guests:
BOB BUDIANSKY

I'm never one for guests usually, but that is the one person that would make me sit up and go "HOT DANG!" C'mon, the guy created Transformers!

[blueshift]

From the POV of someone who spent most time behind a dealers table, I thought this year went very smoothly. Yes there were some problems with late setting up (technical I believe which can't be helped) and some VERY rude hotel staff members, but overall I really enjoyed it.

Keep everything in one room, from experience splitting conventions this side into smaller rooms never works. The one-room model keeps a 'buzz' about it, and makes sure everyone can see what is going on.

[The Doctor]

Indeed. The only problems I had this year were consistently rude hotel staff, which was outwith AA's control and won't be a problem next year.

Put it this way. I had previously decided I was done with TF cons and had planned to call it a day with 2011 but had a sufficiently enjoyable experience that I will be back in 2012 (finances and annual leave permitting). And I too spent a lot of time behind a dealer's table!

-Ralph

[blueshift]

Aug 19, 2011 17:15:51 GMT The Doctor said:

Indeed. The only problems I had this year were consistently rude hotel staff, which was outwith AA's control and won't be a problem next year.

I thought Ralph and co were joking till I saw it for myself. Bloody hell they were almost psychotically rude. I can't imagine how lax their management must be, people are fired for far less!!

[The Doctor]

Well they lost money from me due to their attitude. I spent about a quarter less at the bar compared to the last two years as I was so hacked off with their attitudes. They seemed to forget we were their *guests*.

Tis no reflection on the con itself, however.

-Ralph

[Deleted]

It seems to have been a consistent problem for the last couple of years with problems with the staff but unfortunately for 2009 and 2010 I haven't heard about most of the issues people had until well after the convention, otherwise we would have relocated much sooner.

Everyone at the Hilton has been fantastic so far though and I would say that we are in very safe hands...

[Grand Moff Muffin]

Rather unhelpfully, I can't get the image of Phil in his limited mobility hat out of my head. (It has multiple arms and suckers and things to hold him in place and prevent him from moving about the room.)

But I must say that even I might even attend one of these if Bob Budiansky was down as a guest.

Martin

[Bogatan]

I'll agree no volunteer should be seen with purchases before the convention outside the main hall. Showing off the purchases should be enough to get them banned from volunteering in the future, however innocently they do it. It can't help but annoy or upset people.

But I have no problem with some selling going on between 9.00 and 9.30 for people who are going to be run off their feet for the following few hours. All I'd say is have an area behind the registration tables where they can safely leave purchases till they have a chance to take them to their room.

Hall layout.
I definitely like the idea of a single hall, While I understand why Botcon needs to be spread out the way it is the main result is to create extra lines. At least with AA while your in a line you can still watch the panels or videos that are playing.

But, as the hall is bigger I hope your able to work out some way to spread the activities more. Most of the panels seemed to be drowned out. Part of the problem I think is that the seating tends to be used by people in need of a break (and chat to friends) in equal numbers to people who want to watch the panels. Combine that with the noise coming from the dealers area and listening to the panels is tough.

If possible I'd like to see
* The dealers just far enough from the stage that the panel area doesn't hear the dealers too much.
* Speakers set up near the dealers so that the dealer section can hear the panels/videos.

I think your already trying to do this anyway, but as you said its just too small an area at the moment.

* A separate seating area specifically for taking a break, having a chat or opening your new toys. Maybe just put an additional section of rows of seats behind the main group (which would help put some distance between stage and dealers). Or have it less formal have some tables to sit around or some comfy chairs if there are any. An alternative to decamping to the bar.

[Rich]

Didn't go this year and I might not be able to go next year, but I'm not keen on the one room setup. Maybe it'll be different in a bigger space, but I've always found it rather disrespectful to the guests and distracting to me as a member of the audience that the guests have to talk over the noise of the convention, especially when there are dealer tables close to the stage. Also, and again maybe this was done this year, I think it's more effective if the guests are interviewed, rather than just having a Q and A. Perhaps you could audition fans to play the part of Jonathon Ross?

Many of the changes sound very positive, though.

edit

Bogatan's suggestions sound sensible re: room layout

[Philip Ayres]

I'll agree no volunteer should be seen with purchases before the convention outside the main hall. Showing off the purchases should be enough to get them banned from volunteering in the future, however innocently they do it. It can't help but annoy or upset people.

But I have no problem with some selling going on between 9.00 and 9.30 for people who are going to be run off their feet for the following few hours. All I'd say is have an area behind the registration tables where they can safely leave purchases till they have a chance to take them to their room.

Spot on.

[Philip Ayres]

Aug 19, 2011 17:45:14 GMT Grand Moff Muffin said:

Rather unhelpfully, I can't get the image of Phil in his limited mobility hat out of my head. (It has multiple arms and suckers and things to hold him in place and prevent him from moving about the room.)

If only such a thing existed......

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2011 18:09:01 GMT Bogatan said:

I'll agree no volunteer should be seen with purchases before the convention outside the main hall. Showing off the purchases should be enough to get them banned from volunteering in the future, however innocently they do it. It can't help but annoy or upset people.

Especially with high demand items, like on Friday night I saw a TFA Arcee for sale on one of the tables (Toy Fu I think) but by the time I got to the table first thing on the Saturday (like half a minute after the doors opened) she was long gone, most likely by a Volunteer.

So basically I think that if volunteers can get items early, then it should be just the less in demand items honestly

[Bogatan]

Aug 21, 2011 17:43:35 GMT @aesir said:

Aug 19, 2011 18:09:01 GMT Bogatan said:

I'll agree no volunteer should be seen with purchases before the convention outside the main hall. Showing off the purchases should be enough to get them banned from volunteering in the future, however innocently they do it. It can't help but annoy or upset people.

Especially with high demand items, like on Friday night I saw a TFA Arcee for sale on one of the tables (Toy Fu I think) but by the time I got to the table first thing on the Saturday (like half a minute after the doors opened) she was long gone, most likely by a Volunteer.

So basically I think that if volunteers can get items early, then it should be just the less in demand items honestly

I think that would be far too hard to enforce. The problem is gauging what is a high demand item. There weren't many Arcees at AA (though there were a few others I saw) but its actually not that hard to get hold of.

Plus in the end most people could choose to volunteer (yeah I know not everyone for one reason or another, but most) and gain the early access for themselves.

[The Doctor]

Indeed. One person's high demand item is another person's trash. For example I was overjoyed to find a Battle In A Box Universe Treadshot. It's generally reviled but I have hunted far and low for it since 2004! I was so happy to see it and grabbed it early, but I doubt anyone else was bothered!

I think the only way to deal with complaints of this nature is to have a 'no sales before hall opens' policy.

-Ralph

[legios]

The whole issue of early sales to volunteers is something that I have noticed cause a certain amount of unrest and jealousy amongst people in the queue in previous years. (I can't speak to this year so much but I did detect an undercurrent last year).

I do think that if there are going to be early sales to volunteers then they should probably be requested to be discreet about it. (Ideally that sort of thing would be seen as compensation for the fact that the volunteers are restricting the time they have for shopping as they will be busy doing stuff around the convention rooms much of the time, rather than a "perk" per se. At least, that is the way I look at it).

I would echo the issue of circulation space that has already been raised, hopefully with a larger main hall space this is something that will resolve itself for next year.

And whilst I am thinking about this year, although there were a number of hotel staff who could have done with moderating their attitude towards convention guests I do want to say that they weren't all bad. The woman at reception who arranged to change the pillows on my bed for foam ones after I had a nasty allergic reaction on the first night was the very model of customer service itself. They could do with more like her.

I would add that I was another who had decided that I probably wasn't going to be at AA:2012, but my experience of AA:2011 turned me around completely.

Karl

[The Doctor]

To be honest, every staff member I dealt with at the hotel had an attitude problem. I've never felt so unwelcome in a hotel. The Holliday Inn have lost future business from me in future stays in the Brum area.

-Ralph

[legios]

Aug 21, 2011 19:56:49 GMT The Doctor said:

To be honest, every staff member I dealt with at the hotel had an attitude problem. I've never felt so unwelcome in a hotel. The Holliday Inn have lost future business from me in future stays in the Brum area.

-Ralph

I can understand that. My experience at Reception stood out - and I felt it was worth mentioning - because it was the exception, and it should have been the rule.

If I am down in Birmingham in the future then I am likely to look elsewhere for accommodation myself.

[Bogatan]

Ihave to admit while I didnt rate my stay, I would struggle to remember one really unpleasant experience. Most of the staff were as helpful as I needed. The problem was mostly due to the hotels policies. Not being allowed to eat non hotel food in public areas or paying for drinks with cash after 11pm.

So if I had to stay there again it would not be to bad, but after staying in the ibis on saturday I would much rather stay there and save some money the next time im in birmingham.

Going back to the volunteer buying. Even if it stopped there are still 500 people lining up to get in, so for most of those it would make little difference,.

[Kingoji]

Last year I got the disting impression that what was pissing off people in the queue (i.e. Me!) was that staffers were going back and forth from the hall with bags of stuff before the doors even opened. There was one committee member who I shall not name who went past Ben and I three times, each time with a huge bag chock full of gear that he was clearly just dropping with a friend in the bar so he could get back in asap. THAT, imo, is just wrong, and borderline rude.

However I cannot say that this year I did not buy anything before the doors opened. My first time on committee, of course I did! But what I bought was small, mainly loose, and totally concealed in a sports bag which folded in on itself, such was the small amount I bought. But I didn't leave the hall until the queue was moving.

I was thinking of suggesting something along the lines of staffer storage to Simon myself, so I'm glad that others have picked up on it.


Also, and this is a new topic, I would suggest that perhaps words could be said with some of the sellers. Even if the sunday was slow for them, they sure as hell shouldn't have started packing up as early as they did... easily a good two hours before the doors closed! David Kaye had yet to take the stage for his Q&A when some of the stalls were barren and, consequencially, attendees started to fizzle out in their presence. It wasn't fair on David, and it wasn't fair on some of the guests. Nick, for example, didn't get the chance to check out any stalls until very late on the sunday, and some were already gone by then.
Perhaps an agreement could be made that the sellers, regardless of how much custom they are getting, can only start packing up at around the same time as the closing ceremony takes place?

[Bogatan]

I too was disappointed to see the sellers close early.
But it probably helped Toy Fu's late sales hurly burly.

[The Doctor]

I too was surprised by the dealers closing early,
Those gates of toys were not so pearly.
Except for some like Nigel and the Toy-Fu,
To their customers they stuck like glue.

-Ralph

[blueshift]

Aug 22, 2011 15:51:08 GMT Kingoji said:

Last year I got the disting impression that what was pissing off people in the queue (i.e. Me!) was that staffers were going back and forth from the hall with bags of stuff before the doors even opened.

That happened this year too sad to say. It's a tricky balance - sellers want to sell their stuff, but don't want people feeling cheated because no-one had a fair chance to buy the cool stuff.

Aug 22, 2011 15:51:08 GMT Kingoji said:

Also, and this is a new topic, I would suggest that perhaps words could be said with some of the sellers. Even if the sunday was slow for them, they sure as hell shouldn't have started packing up as early as they did... easily a good two hours before the doors closed! David Kaye had yet to take the stage for his Q&A when some of the stalls were barren and, consequencially, attendees started to fizzle out in their presence. It wasn't fair on David, and it wasn't fair on some of the guests. Nick, for example, didn't get the chance to check out any stalls until very late on the sunday, and some were already gone by then.
Perhaps an agreement could be made that the sellers, regardless of how much custom they are getting, can only start packing up at around the same time as the closing ceremony takes place?

That's a good point, part of the atmosphere of the room is the dealers, and having stuff being packed away in boxes whilst the convention is going on makes it feel like 'it's all over' even if it is only 3pm. But then again you can't force people to stay.

Personally I think they're nuts, there's always a last surge of people as they finally decide what to spend their last bit of cash on - I know I do!