How long are the lines for Pre-reg on Day 0? How early do you have to get there?
video from last year's line:::
http://youtu.be/CGU3hdaP1V8
Bring a book.......and a back up book for when you finish the first.
The line doesn't actually start to move until 5pm or so when registration actually opens. The earlier you line up the longer you wait. As long as you're in line by 4:30 or 5 I think you'll be fine.
If you're into waiting in line for pre-reg badge pickup, come on day 0. On day 1, I got my badge in 5 minutes.
Quote from: OGIGA on January 11, 2012, 07:45:50 PMIf you're into waiting in line for pre-reg badge pickup, come on day 0. On day 1, I got my badge in 5 minutes.
It really depends on when you arrive. If you arrive later in the evening (before Reg closes, of course), the lines generally have had time to shrink considerably.
Sidenote: I should have a Marketing staffer make a Twitter account that posts live updates to the reg line. :P
Quote from: MPLe on January 12, 2012, 12:40:05 AM
Quote from: OGIGA on January 11, 2012, 07:45:50 PMIf you're into waiting in line for pre-reg badge pickup, come on day 0. On day 1, I got my badge in 5 minutes.
It really depends on when you arrive. If you arrive later in the evening (before Reg closes, of course), the lines generally have had time to shrink considerably.
Sidenote: I should have a Marketing staffer make a Twitter account that posts live updates to the reg line. :P
Of course, warnings abounded last time that the whole line might not get serviced if you got into line before pick-up ended but weren't at the front by the time pick-up ended.
The only thing that's a bummer about going in with the shorter line on Day 1 is that you miss out on Day 0 fun stuff. I sort of wish the people at the doors would unofficially OK you to enter things if you just showed them your registration print-out and ID... I realize that could be abused, but bleh. It's a drag.
Quote from: foester on January 12, 2012, 03:08:01 AM
Of course, warnings abounded last time that the whole line might not get serviced if you got into line before pick-up ended but weren't at the front by the time pick-up ended.
IIRC, we cut off the line at closing...aka no one could get in line after closing but we cleared the line.....however, the staff was registering people until well after closing and we also had to clean up and lock up..... It's always hard to get staff on thurs night and those that show up are some of the most dedicated reg staffers we have......dont want them burning out before the con has even started.
So like last time, we will make a judgment call and if you show up too close to closing, the decision may result in you walking away unregistered...
However, last year, Thursday events were unbadged. I have not heard if we are doing that again this year or not, but its likely that it will be the same. So, you may be able to enjoy the con thurs night and then register your membership come friday when reg opens....[still long lines :( ]
My opinion/experience only:
Depends on whether you want to wait before or after the door opens. Waiting will happen either way, so it's a matter of timing.
Show up early, and you get out early, as once the line starts to move it will move slowly, but steadily. Show up later and you get out later, and depending on how much later you show you may not get in at all.
I have shown up between 2 and 4 on average, and the line is usually about 3/4 full in the first section, preparing to be broken to the second section. I would not show up later than about 5:30 if I could all help it, but that is my personal guideline based on how quickly things start piling into the adjacent hallway around 4:45 or so.
Do bring a book/tablet/portable game thingy/knitting/etc to keep you busy, or bring a few pre-registered friends.
Yeah what the others said. It is best to bring entertainment and a friend to chat with. Or you can chat with your neighbors. A Deck of Playing Cards is good for being social with others in the Line.
Per Usual I will be running a DS Pictochat room in PreReg Line, so hit me up and bring your DS. If we are lucky Trooper will bring his R4 with Mariokart and stuff and we can have some races on that and stuff.
*Shivers* I remember now. I encountered X on DS Pictochat last year. He's gon' give it to ya. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGx6K90TmCI)
Quote from: MPLe on January 12, 2012, 12:40:05 AM
Quote from: OGIGA on January 11, 2012, 07:45:50 PMIf you're into waiting in line for pre-reg badge pickup, come on day 0. On day 1, I got my badge in 5 minutes.
It really depends on when you arrive. If you arrive later in the evening (before Reg closes, of course), the lines generally have had time to shrink considerably.
Sidenote: I should have a Marketing staffer make a Twitter account that posts live updates to the reg line. :P
Follow me @SociallyLegit and I'll post line updates on registration, concerts, black and white ball, etc.
Quote from: Steve.Young on January 25, 2012, 01:38:19 PM
Quote from: MPLe on January 12, 2012, 12:40:05 AM
Quote from: OGIGA on January 11, 2012, 07:45:50 PMIf you're into waiting in line for pre-reg badge pickup, come on day 0. On day 1, I got my badge in 5 minutes.
It really depends on when you arrive. If you arrive later in the evening (before Reg closes, of course), the lines generally have had time to shrink considerably.
Sidenote: I should have a Marketing staffer make a Twitter account that posts live updates to the reg line. :P
Follow me @SociallyLegit and I'll post line updates on registration, concerts, black and white ball, etc.
*ahem* We have a staffer that will be handling that. >=\
The lines tend to inch forward every 30 minutes haha like many said above me it depends on the time you get there. In the thursday morning it IS a drag cause everyone's there like black-friday campers LOL but later in the day like in the afternoon it'll be maybe half of the morning line. Come on thursday in the afternoon you won't miss out on meeting others or gatherings cause it'll be a quiet day. BUT if you have to come the next day come in the morning of Friday EARLY so you won't miss out :D
Quote from: Maskenlav on January 27, 2012, 12:04:35 AM
The lines tend to inch forward every 30 minutes haha like many said above me it depends on the time you get there. In the thursday morning it IS a drag cause everyone's there like black-friday campers LOL but later in the day like in the afternoon it'll be maybe half of the morning line. Come on thursday in the afternoon you won't miss out on meeting others or gatherings cause it'll be a quiet day. BUT if you have to come the next day come in the morning of Friday EARLY so you won't miss out :D
Don't come Thursday morning, you'll just be in peoples way and wasting your time. Thursday afternoon is a much more reasonable time to line up because the line isn't going to move an inch until Registration actually opens.
Does anyone know what time the pre-reg badge pickup ends?
Our train doesn't arrive until 8:50pm. I highly doubt they're still going to be open at 9pm, but I was just curious.
Quote from: Suiseiseki on January 31, 2012, 08:19:11 PM
Does anyone know what time the pre-reg badge pickup ends?
Our train doesn't arrive until 8:50pm. I highly doubt they're still going to be open at 9pm, but I was just curious.
From what I remember last year's time, it was until 8pm.
I waited about two hours last year. Word of advice: BRING POKEMON. My friend and I were standing in line, bored, as everyone else was flying around on their Charizards
Im going to be there 10AM because we check in early ;w;
i plan on going on friday cuz i have skool earlier, and plan on goin sumwhere round evening time? how would the lines be during thn??
Quote from: KyraEnsui on February 01, 2012, 07:24:12 AM
Quote from: Suiseiseki on January 31, 2012, 08:19:11 PM
Does anyone know what time the pre-reg badge pickup ends?
Our train doesn't arrive until 8:50pm. I highly doubt they're still going to be open at 9pm, but I was just curious.
From what I remember last year's time, it was until 8pm.
Aw man, one hour off from possibly making it :( Thanks anyways. Maybe we'll just go early Friday.
Quote from: MidnightPrincess94 on February 09, 2012, 05:06:40 PM
i plan on going on friday cuz i have skool earlier, and plan on goin sumwhere round evening time? how would the lines be during thn??
Give or take, it would be the same since almost everyone would be out of school by then and I think registration closes a bit later in the evening. Just wait until they have their times up as the con gets closer.
It's best to keep yourself entertain while in line because it flies quicker.
The last two years that I've picked up badges for my group we got there around 12-ish on Friday and the lines only took maybe 30 minutes the first year, last year I got almost straight through and only spent time waiting while the insanely polite girl who was working found all of our badges.(Seriously, reg staff is awesome, I've always had a good experience with them as long as your polite as well) Plus, generally my group splits up between checking into the hotel and unloading cars, while two of us pick up badges. Cuts down on time a lot that way.
Last year9since it was our first con and we didn't know how long the lines would be) we went around 6, and we got out somewhere between 8-8:30. If you get there when the line starts moving(I believe it starts around 5), it should be closer to around 1 1/2-2 hours. If you come earlier than that, then it's even shorter.
Is the line indoor or will some be outside?
the line briefly went outside...but it was only out there for 15 min...and the wait from that point is like 4 hours and we usually dont have such a long line.
Since I have to wait in-line this year (last year because I was selling in the Swap Meet, I was able to get my badge there on Thursday night) I'll be there earrrrrly Thursday morning. :) Perhaps at 8am if not earlier.
Quote from: Eurobeat King on May 01, 2012, 11:54:32 AM
Since I have to wait in-line this year (last year because I was selling in the Swap Meet, I was able to get my badge there on Thursday night) I'll be there earrrrrly Thursday morning. :) Perhaps at 8am if not earlier.
I'm pretty sure that the pre-reg lines don't open until 4pm on Thursday... The times were listed in the announcement for Early Registration. If you meant Friday, then okay. But definitely showing up at 8am on Thursday wouldn't really do anything for ya.
Quote from: Navashuryn on May 02, 2012, 12:02:36 AM
Quote from: Eurobeat King on May 01, 2012, 11:54:32 AM
Since I have to wait in-line this year (last year because I was selling in the Swap Meet, I was able to get my badge there on Thursday night) I'll be there earrrrrly Thursday morning. :) Perhaps at 8am if not earlier.
I'm pretty sure that the pre-reg lines don't open until 4pm on Thursday... The times were listed in the announcement for Early Registration. If you meant Friday, then okay. But definitely showing up at 8am on Thursday wouldn't really do anything for ya.
They haven't posted the hours yet for Thursday, have they? 4:00pm is rather late, considering that I need to get my badge and then prepare for the Swap Meet which is over at the Fairmont, and set-up begins at 6:00pm. The sooner I get my badge the easier I can relax a little, so being in line early will help. And I'm sure there will be people waiting in line on Thursday at maybe 9:00am.
Quote from: Eurobeat King on May 02, 2012, 01:37:49 AM
Quote from: Navashuryn on May 02, 2012, 12:02:36 AM
Quote from: Eurobeat King on May 01, 2012, 11:54:32 AM
Since I have to wait in-line this year (last year because I was selling in the Swap Meet, I was able to get my badge there on Thursday night) I'll be there earrrrrly Thursday morning. :) Perhaps at 8am if not earlier.
I'm pretty sure that the pre-reg lines don't open until 4pm on Thursday... The times were listed in the announcement for Early Registration. If you meant Friday, then okay. But definitely showing up at 8am on Thursday wouldn't really do anything for ya.
They haven't posted the hours yet for Thursday, have they? 4:00pm is rather late, considering that I need to get my badge and then prepare for the Swap Meet which is over at the Fairmont, and set-up begins at 6:00pm. The sooner I get my badge the easier I can relax a little, so being in line early will help. And I'm sure there will be people waiting in line on Thursday at maybe 9:00am.
If you look at the Announcement page (http://www.fanime.com/), it lists all the days/times for those days.
And it definitely says:
QuoteRegistration Hours for FanimeCon 2012
Thursday: 4 PM – 8 PM*
And I'm just not even sure if they'll allow you to get in line that much early... You could try, but they might just make you move along. ^_^;;;
Quote from: Navashuryn on May 02, 2012, 02:46:03 AM
Quote from: Eurobeat King on May 02, 2012, 01:37:49 AM
Quote from: Navashuryn on May 02, 2012, 12:02:36 AM
I'm pretty sure that the pre-reg lines don't open until 4pm on Thursday... The times were listed in the announcement for Early Registration. If you meant Friday, then okay. But definitely showing up at 8am on Thursday wouldn't really do anything for ya.
They haven't posted the hours yet for Thursday, have they? 4:00pm is rather late, considering that I need to get my badge and then prepare for the Swap Meet which is over at the Fairmont, and set-up begins at 6:00pm. The sooner I get my badge the easier I can relax a little, so being in line early will help. And I'm sure there will be people waiting in line on Thursday at maybe 9:00am.
If you look at the Announcement page (http://www.fanime.com/), it lists all the days/times for those days.
And it definitely says:
QuoteRegistration Hours for FanimeCon 2012
Thursday: 4 PM – 8 PM*
And I'm just not even sure if they'll allow you to get in line that much early... You could try, but they might just make you move along. ^_^;;;
Crap, just noticed that Reg is opening an hour earlier than last year. Because of school, I can't get there until about 4, which was fine when Reg didn't open until 5, but now I'm worried I'll have to wait in a really long line...
Hypothetical situation: My boyfriend and his brother arrive around 3ish (or earlier) and get in line. I arrive at 4ish. Would I be allowed to be in line with boyfriend, or would I have to wait in line alone? I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, but... it couldn't hurt to ask, right? ^^;
Quote from: Navashuryn on May 02, 2012, 02:46:03 AMRegistration Hours for FanimeCon 2012
Thursday: 4 PM – 8 PM*
And I'm just not even sure if they'll allow you to get in line that much early... You could try, but they might just make you move along. ^_^;;;
Thanks for the info. If the staff gets those yellow-tape lines set-up early they will probably let people start to line-up. I haven't waited in-line since 2010, and when I got there around 10am there were already a good amount of people in-line. I recall pre-reg. opened at 3:00pm that year. 4:00pm (to me) seems rather late to be starting pre-reg. :-\
QuoteHypothetical situation: My boyfriend and his brother arrive around 3ish (or earlier) and get in line. I arrive at 4ish. Would I be allowed to be in line with boyfriend, or would I have to wait in line alone? I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, but... it couldn't hurt to ask, right? ^^;
As much as I would like to be able to say yes, the answer would be no. If we did allow it, that would set the precedent for everyone to just join their friend/bf/gf and defeat the purpose of the line (First come, first serve).
Quote from: Omegax0 on May 02, 2012, 08:22:09 PM
QuoteHypothetical situation: My boyfriend and his brother arrive around 3ish (or earlier) and get in line. I arrive at 4ish. Would I be allowed to be in line with boyfriend, or would I have to wait in line alone? I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, but... it couldn't hurt to ask, right? ^^;
As much as I would like to be able to say yes, the answer would be no. If we did allow it, that would set the precedent for everyone to just join their friend/bf/gf and defeat the purpose of the line (First come, first serve).
I figured. Well, I'll just have to convince him to wait for me then.
Quote from: Eurobeat King on May 02, 2012, 01:37:49 AM
They haven't posted the hours yet for Thursday, have they? 4:00pm is rather late, considering that I need to get my badge and then prepare for the Swap Meet which is over at the Fairmont, and set-up begins at 6:00pm. The sooner I get my badge the easier I can relax a little, so being in line early will help. And I'm sure there will be people waiting in line on Thursday at maybe 9:00am.
If I recall correctly, those who signed up for the Swap Meet pick up their badges at the Swap Meet, instead of having to wait in line... Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.Oh well, I was wrong.
Quote from: Arkham on May 03, 2012, 10:34:16 AM
If I recall correctly, those who signed up for the Swap Meet pick up their badges at the Swap Meet, instead of having to wait in line... Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Last year was the first year they did that. Too many people didnt know what was going on and waited in the wrong line. Doubtful they'll do it again.
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on May 03, 2012, 10:51:21 AM
Quote from: Arkham on May 03, 2012, 10:34:16 AM
If I recall correctly, those who signed up for the Swap Meet pick up their badges at the Swap Meet, instead of having to wait in line... Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Last year was the first year they did that. Too many people didnt know what was going on and waited in the wrong line. Doubtful they'll do it again.
Sorry but it will not be done again this year!
Has anyone experienced the Friday morning lines in recent years? How bad are they in comparison to the recent Thursday/Day 0 lines? I'm planning to be there when the line starts moving Friday but I have an event to be at by 12... I'm hoping it doesn't take 4 hours to get through? ???
Quote from: foester on May 10, 2012, 10:34:14 PM
Has anyone experienced the Friday morning lines in recent years? How bad are they in comparison to the recent Thursday/Day 0 lines? I'm planning to be there when the line starts moving Friday but I have an event to be at by 12... I'm hoping it doesn't take 4 hours to get through? ???
It would depend on how early you mean by 'morning'. There are people who are already lining up at around 3am or so, and the main crowd starts coming in around 6-7.
I mean "when the line actually opens"- I see no point in waiting around for 2-5 hours before the line even opens to "save time" by being close to the front when it does. But I'm gathering from what you're saying that if one joins in @ 8 the line tends to already be pretty heinous.
Hello! as per our FAQ, our Thursday hours are 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Standing in line is so last-cen. The registration system needs to move into the 21st century. You should be able to register from an app on your smartphone.
The furry convention people have developed an open source SF con registration system: "http://code.google.com/p/anthrocon-reg/"
Quote from: Omegax0 on May 10, 2012, 11:26:50 PM
Quote from: foester on May 10, 2012, 10:34:14 PM
Has anyone experienced the Friday morning lines in recent years? How bad are they in comparison to the recent Thursday/Day 0 lines? I'm planning to be there when the line starts moving Friday but I have an event to be at by 12... I'm hoping it doesn't take 4 hours to get through? ???
It would depend on how early you mean by 'morning'. There are people who are already lining up at around 3am or so, and the main crowd starts coming in around 6-7.
Do people really wait in-line for Friday-morning registration at 3am? :o I was planning to get there at 6am, but may have to get there earlier now if people will be camping out or getting there earlier than that.
Will Day 0 require Badges to get into the Swap Meet, or will it be like last year with no Badge Check?
Quote from: TC_X0_Lt_0X on May 13, 2012, 01:23:28 AM
Will Day 0 require Badges to get into the Swap Meet, or will it be like last year with no Badge Check?
angeljibrille said in the Swap Meet thread this:
QuoteYou have to have a print-out staying you are registered, not a badge itself (or, of course, a badge if you actually have time to get one). You also need an ID matching that registration.
However, on Friday, you have to have the badge itself. We are more understanding on Thursday for obvious reasons.
Hope that helps. :)
I'm getting a lot of mixed messages here... is the general consensus that the Thurs line is worse than Fri @ 8 am? Thanks.
Quote from: foester on May 13, 2012, 03:17:58 PM
I'm getting a lot of mixed messages here... is the general consensus that the Thurs line is worse than Fri @ 8 am? Thanks.
It can be, but people go to Thursday pickup to get their badge so they don't have to waste con time on Friday.
To be fair, their are hardly any events on Friday Morning.
Quote from: TC_X0_Lt_0X on May 13, 2012, 04:38:56 PM
Quote from: foester on May 13, 2012, 03:17:58 PM
I'm getting a lot of mixed messages here... is the general consensus that the Thurs line is worse than Fri @ 8 am? Thanks.
It can be, but people go to Thursday pickup to get their badge so they don't have to waste con time on Friday.
To be fair, their are hardly any events on Friday Morning.
Yeah I'm one of those Thursday badge pick up people. It takes a long time but I think that's part of the fun waiting for badge pick up to open while knowing you aren't missing ANYTHING important at the con. *shrugs* it all depends on your preference. Me? I just can't hold my excitement when it comes to Fanime so getting to San Jose ASAP makes me happy. ;D
Is there an estimated time that the online "Postcard" for our registration will be available to print out? I leave for the con on Wednesday and after that won't have access to a computer.
Quote from: Makise09 on May 13, 2012, 09:16:24 PM
Is there an estimated time that the online "Postcard" for our registration will be available to print out? I leave for the con on Wednesday and after that won't have access to a computer.
If it's any help, many of the hotels have business centers where you can get on the net and print stuff for free. I imagine they'll be up before then, but they also let us get our badges last year with just an ID if you didn't have the print-out.
Honestly? I've waited in that long ass line every year about 6pm or so. Never taken more than an hour and a half, maaaybe 2. Sure the line is massive but you're with the crowd and we all seem to be pretty good at keeping ourselves entertained. It's never been terribly boring. I wouldn't bother with getting there hours before the line even opens just to be first. You'll wait more time than I will. Registration's very good at moving people through. Just bring a book, a video game, people to talk to and it'll be over before you know it. Always seems to for me and this'll be my...*counts on fingers* 8th year I think?
Something like that. ^^
Hmm, sounds like whatever events are going on Thursday night will be good to go as long as I have my printout? That's good to hear since I'm taking a train up to San Jose and won't be getting there until nearly 9 PM. I plan to be at registration on Friday fairly early, but not right at 8 I don't think...when I went to Fanime in 2010, the Day 1 line at around 12 PM or so wasn't bad at all, I think I waited maybe fifteen minutes at most to get my badge
I've always stood in line on Day Zero for my badge but this will be the first time I'm opting to wait until Friday morning.
I stood in line for around 2 hours on Day Zero while my roommate who went to get his badge Friday morning got through in 20 minutes.
Also, as TC_X0_Lt_0X mentioned before: there is nothing to be 'missing' on Friday morning.
Quote from: foester on May 11, 2012, 03:33:02 PM
I mean "when the line actually opens"- I see no point in waiting around for 2-5 hours before the line even opens to "save time" by being close to the front when it does. But I'm gathering from what you're saying that if one joins in @ 8 the line tends to already be pretty heinous.
ya last year they had to stop letting people pick up their badges, so it may be a good idea to wait the extra 2hrs to make sure you actually get it. *shrugs* plus if you wait with friends it can be fun.
worst fustercluck ever. Power failed and it took them forever to figure out how to handle it. 4 hours in line, most of it entirely stationary.
Quote from: CatToy on May 24, 2012, 08:22:18 PM
worst fustercluck ever. Power failed and it took them forever to figure out how to handle it. 4 hours in line, most of it entirely stationary.
We apologize and appreciate peoples understanding. We are attempting to deal with the situation as best we can. The swap meet tonight does not require a badge so please enjoy it!
Quote from: eralston on May 24, 2012, 08:29:06 PM
Quote from: CatToy on May 24, 2012, 08:22:18 PM
worst fustercluck ever. Power failed and it took them forever to figure out how to handle it. 4 hours in line, most of it entirely stationary.
We apologize and appreciate peoples understanding. We are attempting to deal with the situation as best we can. The swap meet tonight does not require a badge so please enjoy it!
All of you did an excellent job handing an absolutely unpredictable situation.
Quote from: eralston on May 24, 2012, 08:29:06 PM
Quote from: CatToy on May 24, 2012, 08:22:18 PM
worst fustercluck ever. Power failed and it took them forever to figure out how to handle it. 4 hours in line, most of it entirely stationary.
We apologize and appreciate peoples understanding. We are attempting to deal with the situation as best we can. The swap meet tonight does not require a badge so please enjoy it!
I would have but I wasn't going to throw away 5+ hours of waiting for nothing -____-
Quote from: abcbadcat on May 25, 2012, 08:04:28 AM
Quote from: eralston on May 24, 2012, 08:29:06 PM
Quote from: CatToy on May 24, 2012, 08:22:18 PM
worst fustercluck ever. Power failed and it took them forever to figure out how to handle it. 4 hours in line, most of it entirely stationary.
We apologize and appreciate peoples understanding. We are attempting to deal with the situation as best we can. The swap meet tonight does not require a badge so please enjoy it!
I would have but I wasn't going to throw away 5+ hours of waiting for nothing -____-
It wouldn't have been "for nothing" as those who waited got their badges. Have you seen the line today? It's ridiculously long.
Anyway, nobody likes waiting in a non-moving line, but look at it this way: at least the power didn't go out during the panel/programming block you've been looking forward to. Or while you were in an elevator. If the con center was going to have a power outage during Fanime, it happened at one of the best possible times.
Quote from: foester on May 25, 2012, 12:13:15 PM
Quote from: abcbadcat on May 25, 2012, 08:04:28 AM
Quote from: eralston on May 24, 2012, 08:29:06 PM
Quote from: CatToy on May 24, 2012, 08:22:18 PM
worst fustercluck ever. Power failed and it took them forever to figure out how to handle it. 4 hours in line, most of it entirely stationary.
We apologize and appreciate peoples understanding. We are attempting to deal with the situation as best we can. The swap meet tonight does not require a badge so please enjoy it!
I would have but I wasn't going to throw away 5+ hours of waiting for nothing -____-
It wouldn't have been "for nothing" as those who waited got their badges. Have you seen the line today? It's ridiculously long.
Anyway, nobody likes waiting in a non-moving line, but look at it this way: at least the power didn't go out during the panel/programming block you've been looking forward to. Or while you were in an elevator. If the con center was going to have a power outage during Fanime, it happened at one of the best possible times.
Yea same here. I waited 6 hours for my badge. I was kind of disappointed but at least you didn't make us wait in the hot sun with no water like AX. Although I find it amusing that rovers "borrowed" some volunteers and staff from other departments to help with the line... Over all I was impressed by how staff handled things.
I wish distributing passes would be faster.... like popping cash out of a atm machine...
I appreciate how understanding you guys are! Your input is definitely valued and we are taking time to read these! Our reg staff this year easily worked a LOT more hours than the 24 required hours for staff. We try really hard to keep everyone happy and we try our hardest to keep the lines moving. That being said, hopefully some of your ideas may be implemented!
It really touches my heart to hear that you guys are understanding of reg. :)
If you guys need help stuffing envelopes next year, let us know. I know the idea was shot down last year because staff members didn't want to spend the time stuffing thousands of envelopes. Based on the responses thus far, it seems as if most people would be more than happy to pay extra to have badges mailed out in advanced as opposed to waiting in line 6+ hours. You can use the extra money to feed people at "envelope stuffing parties"! I think doing a little extra work and planning far in advance would lessen the workload and stress on everyone at con.
I'm not going to say that I am psychic but I did seem to be pretty accurate with my post here back in January. Sure computer problems and black outs helped but when got in the pre-reg on Thursday at 2:30pm and didn't get my pass until a little after 8pm was damn glad I had a book with me.
Quote from: PLUMPKIN on May 29, 2012, 03:38:54 PM
If you guys need help stuffing envelopes next year, let us know. I know the idea was shot down last year because staff members didn't want to spend the time stuffing thousands of envelopes. Based on the responses thus far, it seems as if most people would be more than happy to pay extra to have badges mailed out in advanced as opposed to waiting in line 6+ hours. You can use the extra money to feed people at "envelope stuffing parties"! I think doing a little extra work and planning far in advance would lessen the workload and stress on everyone at con.
Ditto this, and I think my husband would be up for it too. We live super close to the convention center, but we prefer to spend our limited free time focusing on large costumes rather than staff. A day helping stuff envelopes would be something we could do though.
I wouldn't mind stuffing envelopes either, since I live only a few miles away.
I also thought you guys did a great job with registration lines despite the power outage. Whoever began the balloon volleyball is also a genius. It's amazing what a little distraction can do. I saw at least 20 frowns turn into smiles over a something so simple.
My cosplay group and I would be more than happy to stuff envelopes depending on the day. ^__^
Hey guys, we will explore mailing out badges, but it is not as simple as stuffing envelopes. There is a reason for our established process. We will examine how that will fit in with mailing badges, but stuffing envelopes is not the critical factor.
Quote from: ewu on May 31, 2012, 05:58:21 PM
Hey guys, we will explore mailing out badges, but it is not as simple as stuffing envelopes. There is a reason for our established process. We will examine how that will fit in with mailing badges, but stuffing envelopes is not the critical factor.
Totally understand that there's more to mailing out badges (such as the risk of lost badges and minor consent forms). However, not wanting to stuff envelopes was most common reason posted on the forums when the idea to mail badges was proposed last year.
I've been asking around to find out how other cons handle registration:
-
Anime Expo does not mail badges. What happens is when you sign up, you're given a barcode. When you arrive at the convention center, you scan said barcode into a machine and your badge is printed out. A registration member then calls your name and checks your ID with the badge.
-
Comic-Con does not mail badges. They do on-site pickup at the convention center and off-site pickup at different hotels. Apparently, the process at the convention center goes much faster than off-site given the large number of computers and staff available, with attendees getting their badges in as fast as five minutes.
-
Sakura Con does not mail badges. Similar to Anime Expo, they use scanners to pull up a person's information. I'm guessing they might have a large number of staff/volunteers because the process apparently only takes about 20 minutes.
-
Wondercon does not mail badges. You bring your confirmation letter and are given a generic badge there. I think they actually process badges manually at this convention. Similarly, there are a large number of volunteers. I think you also line up based on your last name, but that's just what I remember from when I went a few years ago. I also remember waiting less than 10 minutes once the doors opened.
In all cases, minors must bring a consent form signed by their parents. If you want, I can ask more cons, specifically ones that mail badges (if I can find them). I focused on these because they're mostly located in California (except Sakura Con) and hence deal with the same laws pertaining to minor consent forms. They also deal with large numbers of attendees.
I care about improving the process for next year because my boyfriend bailed and my friends couldn't attend as a result of long registration lines. Going to Fanime with my buddies having to wait outside made me sad. Not having a dance partner at the ball also made me sad. I don't want to be sad next year!
Quote from: PLUMPKIN on May 31, 2012, 06:36:25 PM
I've been asking around to find out how other cons handle registration:
Hmm. Food for thought for me. Thanks, you rock!
You might be able to utilize QR codes somehow to speed up the process...
Probably - I know iPads/iPhones/Things that aren't Apple are used in lieu of cash registers in some stores, but I don't know if there's dedicated apps for admittance/events. It'd be helpful if the power blew out like it did this year, but still...
Just as an FYI, the only major anime convention in the United States that mails out their badges (that I know of) is Anime Central.
Quote from: jemz on June 01, 2012, 12:37:55 PM
Just as an FYI, the only major anime convention in the United States that mails out their badges (that I know of) is Anime Central.
Then we'll be happy to see FanimeCon become the second major anime convention to mail out their badges for 2013.
Quote from: PLUMPKIN on May 31, 2012, 06:36:25 PM
Quote from: ewu on May 31, 2012, 05:58:21 PM
Hey guys, we will explore mailing out badges, but it is not as simple as stuffing envelopes. There is a reason for our established process. We will examine how that will fit in with mailing badges, but stuffing envelopes is not the critical factor.
Totally understand that there's more to mailing out badges (such as the risk of lost badges and minor consent forms). However, not wanting to stuff envelopes was most common reason posted on the forums when the idea to mail badges was proposed last year.
I've been asking around to find out how other cons handle registration:
-Anime Expo does not mail badges. What happens is when you sign up, you're given a barcode. When you arrive at the convention center, you scan said barcode into a machine and your badge is printed out. A registration member then calls your name and checks your ID with the badge.
-Comic-Con does not mail badges. They do on-site pickup at the convention center and off-site pickup at different hotels. Apparently, the process at the convention center goes much faster than off-site given the large number of computers and staff available, with attendees getting their badges in as fast as five minutes.
-Sakura Con does not mail badges. Similar to Anime Expo, they use scanners to pull up a person's information. I'm guessing they might have a large number of staff/volunteers because the process apparently only takes about 20 minutes.
-Wondercon does not mail badges. You bring your confirmation letter and are given a generic badge there. I think they actually process badges manually at this convention. Similarly, there are a large number of volunteers. I think you also line up based on your last name, but that's just what I remember from when I went a few years ago. I also remember waiting less than 10 minutes once the doors opened.
In all cases, minors must bring a consent form signed by their parents. If you want, I can ask more cons, specifically ones that mail badges (if I can find them). I focused on these because they're mostly located in California (except Sakura Con) and hence deal with the same laws pertaining to minor consent forms. They also deal with large numbers of attendees.
I care about improving the process for next year because my boyfriend bailed and my friends couldn't attend as a result of long registration lines. Going to Fanime with my buddies having to wait outside made me sad. Not having a dance partner at the ball also made me sad. I don't want to be sad next year!
PAX mails badges by default and they have 70000 attendees.
Printing badges is fast but there's 2 problems 1) The SJCC union rules sucks so the more you have to do on-site, the more problems can occur and 2) Well it's a paper badge instead of a nice plastic badge
So, some people at Fanime, who pre-reg'd, ended up having to have a paper badge due to some mistakes. And Fanime is mailing those badges (fancy pre-reg badges from 2012) to said people, which is nice.
But if they could do this, cant we pay to have our badges mailed to us? That'd cut down on waiting in lines, said lines caused hours upon hours of waiting (some people attribute this to the generators exploding thursday, but I do not believe that it could have affected it /that/ badly. We just saw a larger increase in attendees). And Fanime grows each year, meaning next years lines may be just as unbearable. I, and probably many others, would be willing to pay a few extra dollars to have our badges shipped to us. That way we dont need to worry about getting there at 10AM on Thursday to get out of line fast enough to check into our hotels and what-not.
Anyhoot, just a suggestion. I know a few other cons do this.
Arguments possed:
1. People will counterfeit badges.
And? People get badges at Fanime and STILL manage to counterfeit them. Thatll always be a problem. But Im pretty sure that Fanime badges hav a special holo thats difficult to counterfeit?
2. They could lose the badge before the con.
Mailing the badges so that they arrive a week before the con could help to eliminate that issue. As long as they keep it in a good spot, that shouldnt be an issue.
3. Postage for thousands of members would be quite a bit of money.
Charging a 1 or 2 dollar fee would help to cover that.
4. They could say they lost their badge and hand the re-print to a friend.
Well, that already happens, it wouldnt be a new problem. If im not mistaken, sometimes some rovers ask for attendees to present their IDs with their badges, to make sure the names line up. (doesnt always happen, but sometimes I hear of people using other peoples badges only to have the badges revoked)
Quote from: Tsubasakissu on November 27, 2012, 06:39:01 PM2. They could lose the badge before the con.
Mailing the badges so that they arrive a week before the con could help to eliminate that issue. As long as they keep it in a good spot, that shouldnt be an issue.
Have you ever mailed anything USPS? The delivery date doesn't neccessarily match the estimate. Also, there are a lot of international attendees, so you'd have to allow additional shipping time for them. It's not a question of the attendee losing the badge so much as the badge getting lost in the mail.
That being said, there definitely does need to be some changes to Reg in some way. I don't know what way, but the current system is obviously broken.
I wish I could be like, part-time staff. I don't want to work the whole 24 hours that's required, but I would gladly do pre-con work and/or work on Thursday. I don't even care about the cost of the badge. If my only perk was not having to stand in the main attendee pre-reg line, I would be happy. But I'm not willing to work during con because Fanime is just too damn awesome to miss.
Just a thought.
You can volunteer on Thurs and then get your membership reimbursed:) I'm not sure how it works, but hours MAY be doubled working on Thurs.
Quote from: kookiekween99 on November 28, 2012, 03:40:46 PM
I wish I could be like, part-time staff. I don't want to work the whole 24 hours that's required, but I would gladly do pre-con work and/or work on Thursday. I don't even care about the cost of the badge. If my only perk was not having to stand in the main attendee pre-reg line, I would be happy. But I'm not willing to work during con because Fanime is just too damn awesome to miss.
As for fixing, we are trying. With changes in the last year, both in staff and in the venue, that change may take a bit longer.
And two quick notes: Mailing out badges = more lead time to counterfeit and work out how to defeat security measures. Lost badges is not really attributed to USPS, but people losing them. While we do charge for replacement badges, its not cool to do that if USPS lost it....
<3 trying hard, hopefully improvement can be realized.
Quote from: kookiekween99 on November 28, 2012, 03:40:46 PM
Quote from: Tsubasakissu on November 27, 2012, 06:39:01 PM2. They could lose the badge before the con.
Mailing the badges so that they arrive a week before the con could help to eliminate that issue. As long as they keep it in a good spot, that shouldnt be an issue.
Have you ever mailed anything USPS? The delivery date doesn't neccessarily match the estimate. Also, there are a lot of international attendees, so you'd have to allow additional shipping time for them. It's not a question of the attendee losing the badge so much as the badge getting lost in the mail.
Disclaimer: I staff in a completely different area of FanimeCon and am not involved with Registration.
Unfortunately as kookiekween99 pointed out, USPS is not an error-free system. My (not-FanimeCon) job involves customer service for an online retailer, and we have a lot of issues with USPS. The "delivery date" is just an estimate, and USPS does not offer guaranteed delivery dates. Generally it only takes 3-10 days to deliver domestic First Class Mail, but it can take much longer than that and it is not officially "lost" according to the post office until 30 days after shipment. The international time window is about double that. This also doesn't factor in random post office returns, mis-delivered mail, human error inputting addresses, etc.... there are a lot of logistical issues.
Our Registration staffers are awesome and I know they are listening to your feedback and working on the best solution given the logistics of the situation. They want to improve Reg even more than you do :)
Quote from: Dracil on June 01, 2012, 01:42:46 PM
PAX mails badges by default and they have 70000 attendees.
Printing badges is fast but there's 2 problems 1) The SJCC union rules sucks so the more you have to do on-site, the more problems can occur and 2) Well it's a paper badge instead of a nice plastic badge
If you are going to use PAX as an example of a convention that mails their badges, you also have to understand how their system works. I went to PAX this past year, and I have some experience with their registration issues. PAX has a different system than any other convention I have been too, they do not count people, they count badges. There is a finite number of badges, and when they are all sold (like this past year) there are no more. I left my badge at home. It was mailed out 3 months before the con, I put it in plain site so I wouldn't forget it, and well... I was going to a wedding that same weekend, and hopped on my plane without my badge.
I emailed them, and guess what... there was no way for them to reissue my badge because they were sold out. I was lucky enough to have found a solution, but there was no at con registration. And that is how their system is able to work. There is no check in, you just show up with your badge and you are in. The one year AX mailed their badges, you still had to check in, pick up your lanyard and badge holder, still wait in a 3 hour line.
I still expect a line when I go to a convention, I stuck around for the line of doom last year, and perhaps if a transformer doesn't blow it won't be nearly as bad this year. Mailing out things sounds like a plan, but you also have to plan for 20 other happenstances that go along with planning to mail out badges. Cons tend to stick with at-con pickup because it is easier. Or at least that has been the argument with friends who staff different cons.
The lines were INSANE! And I live about a mile away from the convention center. Luckily we met a lot of nice people and saw loads of great cosplay... so it wasn't THAT bad, but i really hope this year is better.
Please!!!
Quote from: djmonolith on January 22, 2013, 09:08:23 PM
The lines were INSANE! And I live about a mile away from the convention center. Luckily we met a lot of nice people and saw loads of great cosplay... so it wasn't THAT bad, but i really hope this year is better.
Please!!!
Please what? Nothing can be done to get rid-of the lines. Only management and there's a good-enough system already in place. If you don't want to wait in line then get there earlier. Either way, you're in for a long wait.
Last year's line was gnarly, but it wasn't too too bad (with the exception of the power outage that required staff to hand out water, which I didn't experience). I'd be more upset if I had to wait the same amount of time in line Friday morning instead, like a lot of my friends had to.
I trust that after last year, the staff has taken measures to hopefully reduce the lines. Kind of curious to see what new ideas they'll be implementing this time around...
There is really no way to reduce the lines. If a thousand people want to wait in line for badges, a thousand people will wait in line for badges. The only thing the staff can really do is watch out for people trying to cut in line, and maintain safety.
It's highly unlikely that they would be willing to send badges out via USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. I'm sure people would be willing to spend a little extra on their badges for this convenience, but having to maintain a record of tracking numbers for delivery confirmation purposes would be a burden.
In a nutshell, if you want you badge on Day 0, wait in line. Get there early for a shorter wait.
Well one thing that I want is two lines to be clearly marked Pre-Reg(pre paid) and normal Reg.(pay at door)
There is always major confusion on that. To me it just seems like one big long line for both.
Quote from: echoshadow on January 23, 2013, 03:07:51 AM
Well one thing that I want is two lines to be clearly marked Pre-Reg(pre paid) and normal Reg.(pay at door)
There is always major confusion on that. To me it just seems like one big long line for both.
I didn't see that last year, but in 2010 I believe the marriot side was at-door with the hilton being prereg.
Yup, signs would help. Not everyone would think to ask someone and rovers don't really stand out(good and bad thing at that).
Is it true that the non pre-reg people didn't have to wait very long? Would it be worth it to just pay at the door?
Quote from: djmonolith on January 23, 2013, 07:14:33 AM
Is it true that the non pre-reg people didn't have to wait very long? Would it be worth it to just pay at the door?
It depended on the day/hour you went.
We're changing some things up for Fanime 2013. I'd recommend pre-regging because it's cheaper, and *most likely* the lines are shorter.
Quote from: royjovero on January 22, 2013, 11:02:53 PM
There is really no way to reduce the lines. If a thousand people want to wait in line for badges, a thousand people will wait in line for badges. The only thing the staff can really do is watch out for people trying to cut in line, and maintain safety.
It's highly unlikely that they would be willing to send badges out via USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. I'm sure people would be willing to spend a little extra on their badges for this convenience, but having to maintain a record of tracking numbers for delivery confirmation purposes would be a burden.
In a nutshell, if you want you badge on Day 0, wait in line. Get there early for a shorter wait.
Sure, it's difficult to reduce the lines, and yes, the Fanime staff seems completely averse to mailing out badges. However, after the number of complaints following last year's convention, it would be extremely disappointing if Fanime turned a blind eye to its fans and simply told us to "suck it up". Fanime is growing in size each year, and at this rate we'll be having 10 hour waits. Other larger conventions have significantly shorter wait times and hopefully Fanime can adopt some of their ideas.
I guess we'll see what happens this year. Looks like it'll be pretty interesting with the construction and such.
Quote from: TravelingPumpkins on January 23, 2013, 03:01:14 PM
Quote from: royjovero on January 22, 2013, 11:02:53 PM
There is really no way to reduce the lines. If a thousand people want to wait in line for badges, a thousand people will wait in line for badges. The only thing the staff can really do is watch out for people trying to cut in line, and maintain safety.
It's highly unlikely that they would be willing to send badges out via USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. I'm sure people would be willing to spend a little extra on their badges for this convenience, but having to maintain a record of tracking numbers for delivery confirmation purposes would be a burden.
In a nutshell, if you want you badge on Day 0, wait in line. Get there early for a shorter wait.
Sure, it's difficult to reduce the lines, and yes, the Fanime staff seems completely averse to mailing out badges. However, after the number of complaints following last year's convention, it would be extremely disappointing if Fanime turned a blind eye to its fans and simply told us to "suck it up". Fanime is growing in size each year, and at this rate we'll be having 10 hour waits. Other larger conventions have significantly shorter wait times and hopefully Fanime can adopt some of their ideas.
I guess we'll see what happens this year. Looks like it'll be pretty interesting with the construction and such.
Other than the Death March of 2012 (and whoever coined it that is a genius ^^), I've never waited longer than a couple hours on Thursday to get my badge. This will be my 9th time at Fanime, all but the first year I pre-reg'ed. Yes, the line has always been enormous, but it moved well, and I was never able to show up early but got through all the same. You want an even more terrifying line? Try Otakon's sometime. Actually last year was the first time I managed to get there well before 6pm. 2012 was just extraordinary circumstances, everything that could go wrong did. Both Fanime and the Convention Center don't want a repeat 'cause that's even more an embarrassment and terrible for business. Who's going to want to bring their convention to a center who's transformers keep exploding? I'm sure they'll do everything they can to make it just one of those weird things that happened one year.
What were the complaints about the line last year? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the biggest complaint was the fact that people had to wait X amount of hours in line. Yes, there were power issues, and printer issues, and other stuff going on, but things happen. Like I've said before, if you're gonna be all like, "ZOMG, I haz 2 wait here 4 s0 l0ng because t3h linez iz t00 l0ngggg," get there earlier.
Last year was the worst I've heard it's ever been. Hopefully the staff will do a better job preparing the badges this year. I've had friends who've pre-registered, only to end up with a paper badge instead of the color one. To me, the only justified complaints are the ones pertaining to registration itself--not the line.
Quote from: royjovero on January 23, 2013, 06:58:52 PM
What were the complaints about the line last year? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the biggest complaint was the fact that people had to wait X amount of hours in line. Yes, there were power issues, and printer issues, and other stuff going on, but things happen. Like I've said before, if you're gonna be all like, "ZOMG, I haz 2 wait here 4 s0 l0ng because t3h linez iz t00 l0ngggg," get there earlier.
Last year was the worst I've heard it's ever been. Hopefully the staff will do a better job preparing the badges this year. I've had friends who've pre-registered, only to end up with a paper badge instead of the color one. To me, the only justified complaints are the ones pertaining to registration itself--not the line.
I think the complaint about the line wait times are perfectly justified, actually. Unfortunately, some people have jobs and don't have the luxury of showing up 6 hours early. I also have friends who have back and leg problems, though not severe enough to warrant disability. Standing in line for that many hours is a hardship for them. Additionally, I had friends who came for a single day on Fridays and weekends and missed half the day because they were stuck in line. These people woke up early in the morning and drove long distances, too. It's not really fair, considering they still paid for an entire day.
In previous posts, there were suggestions on how to handle the line situation. Eliminating custom badges, having more staff on hand, having multiple pickup locations, etc. Probably too late to implement those now, but caring attendees provide constructive feedback each year. My hope is to simply see lines run more efficiently this year. Especially since badge pick-up is going to be at the Fairmont, so they won't be encountering union issues, which I heard was the main reason there were only 10 individuals on computers for badge pickup. I've talked to people who attended bigger conventions (Comic-Con, Wondercon, and AX) and they've never had to wait more than 2 hours in line.
Like I said, we'll see how things so this year. Maybe it'll be better, maybe it'll be the same. As someone who cares about a convention run "By fans, for fans", and someone who cares enough to provide constructive criticism and encouragement, I appreciate that comments be considered than be tossed out because it's from some "idiot" who "haz 2 wait here 5 so long because t3h linez iz t00 l0nggg".
I just realized that my posts in this thread have come off really pessimistic regarding the issue at hand. And for that, I will apologize. I hope that last year's wait times do not happen again this time. I was having my patience tested last year, but I also understood that these things unfortunately happen.
(From this point on, when referring you 'you,' I am referring to Fanime staff)
There are so many ways that the line issue can be resolved, and I don't quite understand why so many of them are dismissed. I guess that brings up a slew of 'why' questions...
-Why do you not want to mail badges out?
-Why were you so unprepared last year?
-Why weren't the Day 0 problems resolved for people getting badges Friday or Saturday?
and so on.
Will these, and other, questions ever be honestly answered? Probably not. And that's sad.
I like how the 'By fans, for fans' thing was brought up, because it really doesn't seem like those words are being upheld. We, the fans, deserve to get, if anything, answers to our questions. Simple vague apologies don't really cut it anymore. Last year had the badging fiasco, and this year is off to an extremely slow start. Yes, the power problems weren't your fault, but there were things under your control that weren't resolved in a timely manner.
Meh. I'm rambling. I need food.
i like how very few people seem to grasp that "by fan" means that its all volunteers, and thus if they only get say 15 people to volunteer, they can't really run 30 check in stations (counting each computer as a station). i think people need to just relax. if you find the lines to be so deal breaking then please don't attend, it just makes it more annoying of a wait.
i'm sure they understand people have jobs, and that not everyone wants to wait in line, but in the end they are doing the best they can with the resources they have. if you really want to make a different why not volunteer to help with day zero. maybe it will help cut down on the wait. otherwise get over yourself, you aren't entitled to anything. if you really want to have a short line, just pre reg and show up on day one. when that line is maybe a 30 mins wait.
Quote from: urza on January 23, 2013, 08:44:57 PM
i like how very few people seem to grasp that "by fan" means that its all volunteers, and thus if they only get say 15 people to volunteer, they can't really run 30 check in stations (counting each computer as a station). i think people need to just relax. if you find the lines to be so deal breaking then please don't attend, it just makes it more annoying of a wait.
i'm sure they understand people have jobs, and that not everyone wants to wait in line, but in the end they are doing the best they can with the resources they have. if you really want to make a different why not volunteer to help with day zero. maybe it will help cut down on the wait. otherwise get over yourself, you aren't entitled to anything. if you really want to have a short line, just pre reg and show up on day one. when that line is maybe a 30 mins wait.
From my understanding, the lack of people manning computer was due to union regulations at SJCC, not volunteer issues.
Personally, I've done my share of volunteering at fanime. I have volunteered at Day 0. I have stuffed registration bags. I have helped people with badges. I plan on helping out again this year. I think that I am entitled to my opinion, and even if I didn't volunteer, I feel that I should be able to provide my feedback as a consumer who has spent significant amounts of money attending this event for several years. Implying that people who don't volunteer (for whatever reason) are less legitimate fans is frankly an insult to the hordes of people who flock to fanime each year. Without their financial support, this event would not take place.
I just want to say that there are a number of threads that address these questions. I would suggest doing a search first before posting. But this being a forum, I understand how information is scattered everywhere and that posts repetitively ask the same questions. So, I'll see how I can gather the information, but until then I will say, me having seen every Fanime post on the forum, I know these questions have been answered in good faith and thoroughly, just not on this specific page of the thread.
TL;DR - use the search function and you'll find direct and specific answers:)
and lets not get mean either, or I will have to lock this thread even if it will stifle discourse.
Quote from: ewu on January 23, 2013, 08:56:51 PM
I just want to say that there are a number of threads that address these questions. I would suggest doing a search first before posting. But this being a forum, I understand how information is scattered everywhere and that posts repetitively ask the same questions. So, I'll see how I can gather the information, but until then I will say, me having seen every Fanime post on the forum, I know these questions have been answered in good faith and thoroughly, just not on this specific page of the thread.
TL;DR - use the search function and you'll find direct and specific answers:)
and lets not get mean either, or I will have to lock this thread even if it will stifle discourse.
Thank your for your response. I'm excited to see what changes are implemented this year. I'll definitely help out if I can.
As pessimistic as it may seem, to avoid lines on day 0, the best thing to do is not get your badge on day 0. I got my badge on day 0 last year (right before the power outage, I could only imagine what the back of the line was like), but also on-site registered with my friend on Saturday, and it was like night and day. By Friday, I'm sure the line is not as long as a Day 0 line.
"union regulations at SJCC"??????? SERIOUSLY? barf!!! How insanely illogical! Let's make a system LESS efficient by following inane "union" rules. ugh! I really hope that is not the case!
Well, I think everyone knows by now that the lines will be long. Like I said before, waiting for hours was actually fun. It was an interesting way to usher the weekend in.
Just a heads up if someone is looking here instead of the FAQ thread that was just posted but Day 0 Reg lines for this year will be at the Fairmont Hotel, not in the convention center! o.o
CORRECTION - ALL of registration will be in the Fairmont.
Quote from: azreale on January 23, 2013, 11:26:41 PM
Just a heads up if someone is looking here instead of the FAQ thread that was just posted but Day 0 Reg lines for this year will be at the Fairmont Hotel, not in the convention center! o.o
The registration area in the SJCC is, due to construction, a mere shadow of what it was. Well, at least the stairs and escalators are gone, and what remains is simply a hole. :(
On that note, this (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,16648.0.html) is a fun thread with all kinds of expansion related posts.
Quote from: ewu on January 23, 2013, 11:36:07 PM
CORRECTION - ALL of registration will be in the Fairmont.
Quote from: azreale on January 23, 2013, 11:26:41 PM
Just a heads up if someone is looking here instead of the FAQ thread that was just posted but Day 0 Reg lines for this year will be at the Fairmont Hotel, not in the convention center! o.o
The registration area in the SJCC is, due to construction, a mere shadow of what it was. Well, at least the stairs and escalators are gone, and what remains is simply a hole. :(
On that note, this (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,16648.0.html) is a fun thread with all kinds of expansion related posts.
Does this mean you don't have to follow SJCC union rules? Sounds promising already! :D
1) if you dont follow union, you find another venue 2) union issues were a minor part of everything...
E-man OUT
Day 0
This will be my 5th year attending this day of doom!
I waited in that line 4 times and I will continue to wait in it until I die!!!
But in all seriousness it is a choice if you want to wait in the line or not. It's better if you come an hour or 2 earlier than the opening time. I always try to atleast >,<
I have even had friends who came earlier than that to camp out to wait.
It's a pretty interesting experience to say the least. I've always chatted with new people while waiting and you always get a few laughs. Like for example: people rolling on chairs in line, cosplayers in line, a game of tag, in line gaming, randomly yelling, random music, pass the beach ball, watch the rover take away the beach ball, knitting, eating, drinking, rock paper scissors, videotaping, and playing the how long will I wait in this line this year game!!!
Like they say all good things come to those who wait.
Once that badge is your hand the magical weekend begins.
( actually when opening ceremony starts it begins but you see my point ^^)
If you wait to pick up your badge on friday, do you have to wait in the same line as people who are registering at con?
This is my first year doing pre-reg, and I would love to avoid the 5 hour line I had to wait in to buy my badge last year ;;;-;;;
^ At con reg. and Pre-reg. will have separate lines, if I'm correct.
Quote from: Barnes on January 25, 2013, 10:36:26 AM
^ At con reg. and Pre-reg. will have separate lines, if I'm correct.
YOU, SIR, ARE WRONG.
Just kidding. Yeah, there will be separate lines for Pre/Early Reg and At Con.
Thursday is still only limited to Pre/Early reg badge pickups.
Seriously though, thanks for helping answer some Qs. ;__;
Awesome, thanks! Has anyone waited in the pre-reg line on Friday before? I'm curious to know if it's still a super-long death march or not, lol
Quote from: SOawesomeness on January 25, 2013, 12:33:03 PM
YOU, SIR, ARE WRONG.
SOawesomeness, you are
FIRED for being mean to people......wait...please don't go! I'll give you a
600% raise:) we need you:(
But seriously, thank you all for being helpful and answering reg Qs...... SOawesomeness included.....
maybe:)
Quote from: YaoiCat on January 25, 2013, 12:44:46 PM
Awesome, thanks! Has anyone waited in the pre-reg line on Friday before? I'm curious to know if it's still a super-long death march or not, lol
Im pretty sure people have waited early friday morning for pre-reg. Last year though because of the power outage some people thought it would be better to come back friday morning. So last years line was wrapped along the building and bleed into the sidewalk by the Hilton :o
Last year, the pre-reg line on Friday took me exactly 2 hours (to the minute!!), getting in line ~2PM and getting out ~4PM. It snaked around inside for quite some time, then snaked all the way around the outside of the CC, reaching all the way to the Marriott (and beyond --- it got even longer after I got in line).
This is completely atypical. Friday late morning/early afternoon, I've never had to wait more than 20~30 minutes for my badge. The line typically reaches just to the corner of the wall that the registration area is on, which really isn't much of a wait at all.
The new reg location will be interesting, to see how things are handled, but I'm sure that the waits will be quite short, certainly compared to last year, barring any other catastrophies like a power outage. :)
I've never been on Day 0 to compare the waits, but I have enough years of Friday morning/afternoon waits to be able to testify that it really isn't that bad. I typically get there around or a bit after noon, since I'm driving down from Sacto, as a general timeframe. I've never been there earlier than that, to give an idea of the wait in the hours when reg first opens.
Hope that helps!
That does help! Thanks Ninja Star and Saki! That's good to hear, I'm really excited for this year since it's my first time staying for the whole weekend and first time doing pre-reg ^^
if the reg is at fairmont, what about day 0 shenanigans, is the arcade open for day 0?
Quote from: djmonolith on January 23, 2013, 10:55:22 PM
"union regulations at SJCC"??????? SERIOUSLY? barf!!! How insanely illogical! Let's make a system LESS efficient by following inane "union" rules. ugh! I really hope that is not the case!
Well, I think everyone knows by now that the lines will be long. Like I said before, waiting for hours was actually fun. It was an interesting way to usher the weekend in.
Yeah those "inane" union rules (I can do sarcastic quotes too!). All making sure people get paid a living wage, have safe and reasonable working conditions and have a decent standard of living. They're getting in the way of my anime fun time!
Quote from: Rhornez on January 25, 2013, 10:42:18 PM
if the reg is at fairmont, what about day 0 shenanigans, is the arcade open for day 0?
They should be fine... I'll find out what the con looks like in a day or so
How would one go to try and work for the SJCC anyway?
^ sanjose.org is the main website for the SJCC and all other attractions and venues in downtown San Jose. I tried applying for almost every open position at the SJCC (a.k.a. Team San Jose), even with my hospitality degree. Trust me, it's hard. [Also, they're mostly looking for managers]
dance contest during the lines?
Quote from: Rhornez on February 01, 2013, 12:20:34 PM
dance contest during the lines?
I'll be bringing my boombox as always...
I'm taking requests :P
Quote from: Lucifargundam on February 01, 2013, 06:22:26 PM
I'm taking requests :P
Please no Gangnam Style. I have a feeling it'll be played enough in the games room with Just Dance and Dance Central
Quote from: royjovero on February 01, 2013, 06:59:56 PM
Quote from: Lucifargundam on February 01, 2013, 06:22:26 PM
I'm taking requests :P
Please no Gangnam Style. I have a feeling it'll be played enough in the games room with Just Dance and Dance Central
No memes pl0x
yeah the gangnam style popularity is nearly gone which am i glad it is. play old 80s songs lol for day 0 line
How about just bringing your own music, and maybe something to do (knitting?) while waiting in line? If you know you're going to be in line for 3 hours again, bring something to do.
Everyone has different tastes in music. I can't think of anything worse than having to stand next to someone who is blaring their music right in front of you for 3 hours.
Besides, sounds like this year's registration is going to take place in a hotel. I'm sure the staff won't tolerate loud music and bouncy beach balls.
Will it be at all possible for artist alley folks to be able to pick up their badges at a separate location? Like at the artist alley? It really would make things a lot easier for those of us who have to drag around heavy luggage full of merchandise, either having to take it with us from registration at the Fairmont to the convention center or having to make an extra trip back to the car after getting our badge. If there's any possibility, that would be wonderful.
Quote from: Wiccat on February 13, 2013, 12:31:33 PM
Will it be at all possible for artist alley folks to be able to pick up their badges at a separate location? Like at the artist alley? It really would make things a lot easier for those of us who have to drag around heavy luggage full of merchandise, either having to take it with us from registration at the Fairmont to the convention center or having to make an extra trip back to the car after getting our badge. If there's any possibility, that would be wonderful.
Unfortunately, we will not do badge distribution outside of the Registration areas. We can try to work something else out for AA participants, but that information will be distributed in the form of an e-mail from AA's department.
Quote from: SOawesomeness on February 13, 2013, 11:10:53 PM
Quote from: Wiccat on February 13, 2013, 12:31:33 PM
Will it be at all possible for artist alley folks to be able to pick up their badges at a separate location? Like at the artist alley? It really would make things a lot easier for those of us who have to drag around heavy luggage full of merchandise, either having to take it with us from registration at the Fairmont to the convention center or having to make an extra trip back to the car after getting our badge. If there's any possibility, that would be wonderful.
Unfortunately, we will not do badge distribution outside of the Registration areas. We can try to work something else out for AA participants, but that information will be distributed in the form of an e-mail from AA's department.
Any assistance you can offer with that would be great. I do both artist alley and swat meet, and though swap meet last year allowed us to sell without a badge on the first night, since the times coincides with badge pickup time and the lines are usually terribly long, that only leaves a small window for me to pick up my badge on Friday morning, check in at the artist alley and get set up before it opens.