My 2 cents:
Carpet: If the trend continues to move shows from hotels to convention spaces, the trend from carpet to concrete is a foregone conclusion. The amount they charge to carpet the space is almost as much (in some cases more) than they charge for the space. So it's really a non-starter. I, hands-down prefer the "hotel space" type of show. But if shows continue to grow as they did pre-COVID, get used to concrete.

"Vendor" room/hall: Expo has always had hours where that area had limited access and I understand why. As a vendor, you don't want to be chained to that space for the entire hours of the show. Most vendors are just hobbyists and this is just a hobby business. They want time to relax and enjoy the show as well. However, Expo could learn from other shows and make the "new game" part of the vendor hall part of the free-play hall space. These things generally run themselves (or get powered off if they don't) so there is no need to put them in the with the booths. For those early games that need babysitting, fine put them in a limited play area or let the owner decide.

Berk/Pacak: I'm embarrassed and disgusted by what has gone on behind the scenes. Expo would have died if Pacak had continued to be involved as a number of key vendors/contributors were fed up. A lot of game bringers were also fed up. A change was needed (just ask those that tried to help Pacak organize the free-play hall in the last couple years he was involved). That said, I've heard rumblings the way that the collector community has been treated by the new group may not be much better. It's possible that Expo (as an event) may be better served by new management entirely. But, since the event is owned by an individual now, it will be up to him to figure it out.

Overall: I was there for the day on Friday and had an OK time. But, my main goal was to reconnect with some people I had not seen in a while. I'm not familiar enough with the area to know if there are decent places in walking distance to go off-campus to eat and have some beverages. The Westin was good for that (although that was diminishing). Convention center choices are abysmal and hugely expensive.

Hopefully the organizers keep an open mind and get the issues sorted out. Plus, need to get past this whole COVID things and on to whatever the new normal holds.

Jaz

Um - that was in the parking lot at the Westin right? I was there when that happened. Poor dude got blown over in the wind...

That's funny s**t right there...