Ok, well I know that some of this might not be possible, but I've noticed that there are times when I've wanted to go to things but I don't realize what time it is and end up missing what I wanted to do. Well, I have some ideas that could prevent that:
1) I'm not positive if there is an intercom system of some sort at the convention center, but it would be cool if maybe announcements could be made just saying "the next session of panels is now begining" or "cosplay chess will be starting now" stuff like that. I know this would be hard because it could get hectic with all the things that are on the schedule, but maybe only big things would be mentioned? I don't know, just an idea ^^;
2) Another idea would be if there could be screens strategically placed throughout the convention that say what's going on at the moment... this could get pricey though.
3) I guess it would even help to just have clocks put everywhere ^^;
Nothing that has to be done, but I'm just saying that this could help.
The screens idea is supa easy with old clunky laptops and wifi, maybe more stuff could be done with twitter and sms messaging on phones as well.
All of these things have been brought up, however the problem is that we don't have access to really go and make announcements on the PA system and are very limited on the screens.
Basically, the convention center loves us, but not that much =P
That SMS and Twitter idea sounds really good. Sure, SMS will cost money, but using Twitter will mean that Twitter pays to send those SMSs. =]
Actually Fanime has a twitter, I found it pretty useful, they announced stuff that was going on at stage zero, music fest, masq and when the pre-reg for next year begins.
its @Fanimecon if Im correct
I dunno they didn't really use it that much this last year I think. Maybe they should add more twitter accounts so people can follow just what they're into and more updates can go out without flooding those who only wanna hear about certain things and not other stuff.
Also I'm willing to donate an old laptop if they say it's the tech they're lacking in. Really between now and the con it wouldn't be hard to scrape together some comps and monitors and make em constantly connected to wifi or wlan or something. But that's up to staff I suppose and if they want the idea or not.
What do you mean by tech is lacking? You mean we don't have enough computers at fanime to announce stuff or what?
Quote from: Steve.Young on July 11, 2009, 01:49:26 AM
What do you mean by tech is lacking? You mean we don't have enough computers at fanime to announce stuff or what?
Ah I guess I took your "and are very limited on the screens." to mean that you lacked computers and monitors to setup with wifi around the con to act as mini display/announcement spots.
Along with the Twitter, Fanime also puts out a newsletter everyday of the convention. They have a section where the large events of the day are listed with their times. They're usually hanging around Info Desks. A lot of people don't notice them though. ^^;;
Clocks might be an idea. Maybe putting digital clocks at the info desks could assist? This could help people without watches or cell phones figure out when something is about to happen. I have no idea if that could be implemented though, or how useful it would really be.
Every year, we try to implement new ideas to help our members stay up to date with our programming (planned and last-minute changes). I'm just going to comment on each idea that has already been posted.
- Intercom systems: We have access to the intercom system in the San Jose Convention Center, but we use it to play music. We do have announcement for the "bigger" events on Stage Zero. We would prefer not to make announcements for every (or most) events as it would get annoying to hear an update every 10-20 minutes. (Read the next point for more on this)
- Twitter/SMS: For our members that would like updates on events and whatnot, we do offer updates on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/fanimecon). Twitter's service also allows you to get a text message whenever certain accounts update, which is what some of our members do. As far as I know, this is the best way to get live updates when you aren't near an info desk.
- Use of the Convention Center Screens: We have used these in the past to give programming updates and will try to use them again for 2010. Due to a change, they were not used for 2009. The current plan is to use the screens to give daily (live, if possible) updates to programming among other things.
- Clocks Everywhere: Honestly, this is easier resolved by carrying around a cell phone, watch, iPod?, Pager?, etc. than having FanimeCon purchase clocks and place them everywhere. Each of the exhibit halls do have the time. Besides, if an event is really important to you, won't you keep track of time? ;)
- Tech Being An Issue: Tech is not an issue.