CaliFur

[vik_thor]

Well, we are here at CaliFur.
It is not impressing me as a well run convention...
Part of it is the hotel... it is not well laid out for this type of convention, IMO.
Several of the 'panels' have been in the hospitality suite itself... (the 2 that we have gone to, have not had any type of moderator or anything, and never got arount to the topic.) I'm going to try 1 more tomorrow, the Pagan Furs.

The fursuit parade was very disorganized.

methinks we will not be coming back to this one.

Comments

[animist.livejournal.com]

Some cons just are not strong programming cons, but focus on art or fursuiting. But it sounds like this lacks focus. Perhaps it's mainly a private party kind of con?

[javarod.livejournal.com]

Its not supposed to be, otherwise we wouldn't've come. Two problems are happening, one is that they need a stronger more organized staff, something that should come in time, and the other is the hotel. Having hotel hunted when I was working on putting together a Phoenix con (never got off the ground obviously), space with an emphasis on flexiblity was a big deal, after all, while the first year is typically small, one can expect it to grow, and its easier ifn you pick a hotel that can handle that growth. One that's familiar with fan cons is a plus. While I don't know about the hotel in regards to the last one, the first one is an issue here. With the need for the main ball room for dances, awards and other large functions, that leaves a smaller event room for the dealer room (small) and art show (even smaller), and the third, last and smallest function room serves as the gaming area. Aside from that there's three or four suites in use, which I think is all they have (here's the meeting space: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/laxcm/event-facilities/meeting-rooms ).

With how small the facilities are here, it keeps it from attracting a serious number of dealers, minimizes those that'd take it seriously and help staff it. Also the fursuit parade was rather disorganized, there were a lot of suiters, and the place really can't accomodate that many in a parade. I'm looking at next years hotel now, and we'll see what I think of it, they are moving to Irvine and what is supposed to be a bigger hotel, so perhaps in two years this'll be better. I must say that I wish we were near Huntsville, I'd love to go to RCFM, for a young con (fifth year), its a very nice looking con.