Event Size Clarity
Aug. 12th, 2010 08:30 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
femkes_folliesLet me restate, as I was awful confused with the last post. So, given some of that backgrounds, what I'm sort of saying is this:
It seems that a lot of groups have just flat out lost access to larger sites (especially if they need to be indoors) due to increasing costs. Yes, we could raise site fees, but sometimes that won't do it. I DID surf some of the available sites in the Detroit area, and getting enough space for Crown as it currently runs might set you back anywhere from $3500-$7000. There just isn't anyway to confidently expect to not lose your shirt on that. And that's for sites that may not have much to recommend them, OTHER than size. The nice sites are a lot more!
So then, what do you do? Do you look for a site that will hold your event? Or do you cap an event at a certain number of attendees? Or do you deliberately alter the event to lower it's appeal?
I think that most of us would agree that we'd prefer smaller, well run and themed events with only one or two things going on to yet another of the same ol', same ol'. Though it is hard to convince groups launching a new event that they don't need something for EVERYone.
And, in the case of Crowns and Coronations -
Do you choose a less-than-ideal permanent site in one corner of the Kingdom and just figure those too far from it will have to suck it up?
Do you opt to limit the event to 400 attendees, and thereby make it easier for groups to bid for the events, as the site needs just dropped by half?
If you pick the first option, do you allow the formation of Principalities in the outlying regions, so that they can still have the benefits of Royal Events, even if they don't have the opportunity to host Crown and Coronation?
It seems that a lot of groups have just flat out lost access to larger sites (especially if they need to be indoors) due to increasing costs. Yes, we could raise site fees, but sometimes that won't do it. I DID surf some of the available sites in the Detroit area, and getting enough space for Crown as it currently runs might set you back anywhere from $3500-$7000. There just isn't anyway to confidently expect to not lose your shirt on that. And that's for sites that may not have much to recommend them, OTHER than size. The nice sites are a lot more!
So then, what do you do? Do you look for a site that will hold your event? Or do you cap an event at a certain number of attendees? Or do you deliberately alter the event to lower it's appeal?
I think that most of us would agree that we'd prefer smaller, well run and themed events with only one or two things going on to yet another of the same ol', same ol'. Though it is hard to convince groups launching a new event that they don't need something for EVERYone.
And, in the case of Crowns and Coronations -
Do you choose a less-than-ideal permanent site in one corner of the Kingdom and just figure those too far from it will have to suck it up?
Do you opt to limit the event to 400 attendees, and thereby make it easier for groups to bid for the events, as the site needs just dropped by half?
If you pick the first option, do you allow the formation of Principalities in the outlying regions, so that they can still have the benefits of Royal Events, even if they don't have the opportunity to host Crown and Coronation?
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(no subject)
Date: 2010-08-12 09:18 pm (UTC)I don't know if you are looking for camping sites or halls for coronation?
Basically, we use a few large sites for camping and are always on the hunt for more. Preferably they are near an airport (half hour) and can hold a couple thousand people (big events here). Crowns and the summer coronation are camping events, and 12th Night coronation switched to 'convention' style at a hotel or hotels at a convention-plex. I was leary at first, but it ended up being a lot of fun.
The sites for camping include a few state parks, and private areas that people go out and find. A $7000 rental fee is not out of line for our large events - especially in 'downtown' of the Kingdom. The site of An Tir West War is on, I believe, private property in the boonies near the California/Oregon border. Normally that would be a recipe for low turnout BUT the royals of both kingdoms LOVE this event and so the clan follows, as it were.
Our kingdom A&S events are now held at schools with hotels nearby. They are usually pretty cheap to rent. I do have to say that sit down kingdom feasts are a thing of the past, and replaced by local feasting events around the holiday season.
(no subject)
Date: 2010-08-12 11:47 pm (UTC)I don't think we've ever done an outdoor coronation, either. Spring Coronation is late April. Think, cold and drizzly to cool and watery sunshine.
MI state parks normally center around beach activities. Not real conducive to other things.
Local schools - not so cheap these days. Hotels tend to (believe it or not) be cheaper, if less useful in terms of space for heavy fighting, etc.
IKA. ;-)
I'm just feeling my way toward a conclusion that an increase in liability issues and custodial costs is driving the costs of larger sites WAY up. And that may start making Kingdom events harder and Principalities make more sense.