Quoted from TigerLaw:How was the hotel? Was it too crowded? Are they for sure staying in the same hotel for next year?
The hotel itself was fine. I like the hotel but we have been there several years now and you can tell it is getting older in some ways. It could use a bit of revamping in some areas. I enjoy the breakfast and cocktail hour in the evenings. I also like the proximity of the gameroom to the rooms so you can bop back up if you need to for a quick rest or if you forgot something.
I am not sure what the status of the venue for next year is. There is a thread on facebook that started with what seemed to be a rude troll post but has sparked a long discussion about the size of the convention center and if they have outgrown it. Personally, I think it was a large crowd, especially Saturday, but I did not ever think it was so overcrowded that is was uncomfortable. I also believe part of the reason the crowd was larger was the unprecedented amount of new games that debuted here this year.
In my opinion, if a few things were done to change up the main room, it would be just fine. I don't want all of this to sound like I am complaining. I had a wonderful time! One of the best years ever. These are just some things I believe would make the show even better.
I have said in the past that I think it would be a lot better if all of the vendors had a separate room from the main gameroom. I love looking at all the products and parts and everything to buy, but I hate having try and discuss things with vendors and yell at them and strain to hear their answer in the very loud gameroom. Also, I find it hard to see all the vendors because of the floor layout and maze of games. Many times I found after returning home that some seller was there that I wanted to purchase from but never saw the booth. If they were all together in another room, it would make more space in the gameroom and be much easier to visit all the vendors.
This brings me to another point about the gameroom. I think it could be worlds improved if it were laid out better. There are way too many bottlenecks and odd choices that do not flow well at all. This may be in part to the vendors being in there and that would solve two problems by moving them (less space taken up and less people because a number would be in the other room). I go to SFGE every year and feel the floor layout is great. I never feel blocked it or stuck somewhere and have to walk around 5 booths to get to the next row of games.
Also, the load in and out situation is SO much better at the SFGE hotel. I know this is nothing the TPF organizers can change but the load out is pretty terrible. Load in is ok because it is spread out over about two days but everyone trying to load up and leave at the same time through the two truck max roll up door with a street right outside the door instead of a parking lot or open area, is a major cluster. We started breaking down my machines at 2:00 but didn't pull out of the hotel until 5:30 and I have a 7+ hour trip ahead of me. This really makes you want to say forget it about bringing games next time. Again, no fault of the TPF organizers just a terrible design of the hotel.
Again, I enjoyed myself immensely and will be back next year. I just hope they can maybe put some of these things in motion so it will be an even more enjoyable show.
Sorry for the long diatribe.
Flowood, MS
) but, it was well worth it. I didn't do as well as in the tournament as I would have liked but I always enjoy talking and visiting and meeting new people as much or more than the tourney. Hope I can see you all again on the 13th.
LOL
Hopefully I'll be able to make it next time.
