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Hi All,
There have been some responses to an announcement made at BrickFest 2003 about
the 2004 west coast fest. I truly apologize that this wasn't accompanied by a
post to LUGNET with more details. I have been a bit busy the last two weeks with
the ILTCO public roll out, SigGraph, and BrickFest 2003! There have been many
good points made and questions asked that I hope this announcement will address.
Thanks!
SteveB
BrickFest(TM) PDX 2004
I would like to announce plans for the 2004 west coast LEGO festival. It will be
held February 13th-15th, 2004 at the OR Convention Center (OCC) located in
Portland, OR. The fest will be similar in format to the past events including:
speeches, displays, sessions, building challenges / competitions etc. And with
exactly the same goals: fostering community, putting names to faces, and fun,
fun, fun!
Some background.
It has come to the attention of several members of the 2003 BricksWest
organization committee that BrickMedia will not be pursing a west coast LEGO
festival in 2004. We have attempted to contact him and had no responce. Any
questions or comments about this should be directed to Matt Gerber. We in no way
are attempting to "hijack" this awesome festival, but merely want to ensure the
continued momentum on the west coast that Matt worked so hard to create.
Representatives from clubs of the west coast: Robert Powell (SPLTC), Dan Pearson
(SCLTC), Russell Clark (BAYLTC), All (PNLTC), (VLC - TBD) have agreed to try
having the conference in a different city on the west coast each year. By moving
the festival we believe that it will maximize attendance by allowing LEGO
enthusiasts that live with in driving distance to participate more easily, and
we all know that once you attend a LEGO festival you'll want to return the next
time no matter where it is! Moving the festival each year will also seriously
reduce coordinator burn out and offer the local club the
opportunity to become deeply involved in supporting this community effort.
A second effort was made to gain consensus among the former festival "theme
managers", organization committee, and other community leaders including: Tim
Courtney - LDraw, Frank Filz - Gaming (Arrr), Steve Barile - Trains, Jon Palmer
- Space (Moon-base project), Dan Parker - BW Expo Coordinator, Todd Thuma -
Ani-Film Fest, Christina Hitchcock - BrickFest, & Mark Neuman - NW Brick Con.
(Note this is not a complete nor exhaustive list of all theme managers /
community leaders.) After the announcement at BrickFest 2003 in DC, many others
have spiritedly offered their support. So with the support of the west coast
clubs and the community leaders we felt that we could move to the next step.
The first concern was securing a location for the fest. PNLTC's Jeremy Rear has
graciously offered to display his giant model of the OCC in the lobby of the
real OCC for 1 year in exchange for the ~6500 square feet of meeting rooms in
the brand new OCC expansion (it's a wonderful facility)! This request was
excitedly accepted in a recent meeting we had with the director of the OCC.
Since the name BricksWest is a trademark of BrickMedia we did not have the
option to use it. We then approached BrickEvents (Christina Hitchcock, Denise
Jadud, Stephen Roberts, Kevin Loch) with our plans and intentions asking
permission to use the variation of the BrickFest name, BrickFest PDX, and they
agreed (FYI: future events will need to make separate requests for name usage).
This vote of confidence is based on the BrickFest PDX 2004 pre-organizing
committee's combined reputation and the fact that the venue is
secured.
It is well established that these festivals are held for the fans and by the
fans, however it is also well understood that organizing such a complex effort
can not be done efficiently by a committee. We will soon be making announcements
soliciting volunteers to support all the LEGO theme areas and the necessary
administrative positions. It is our vision that each theme will have a small
group of volunteers and they will select a leader from within that will be part
of the event organizing group. It is also our intention to use a combination of
local club members and past administrators for the administrative roles; this
way we get the best of both worlds, past experience and face-to-face meeting
opportunities. Descriptions of these roles will
be posted at the time of solicitation.
More info.
6,500 sq. ft. of space: 1 giant main room, 1 giant expo room, & 2
large class rooms
Downtown Portland (a beautiful city I might add!)
The light rail (MAX) connects the airport to the OCC as well as the
rest of down town.
We hope to see you all there!
Steve Barile
Event Coordinator
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In lugnet.events, Steve Barile wrote:
> BrickFest(TM) PDX 2004
I know this question is going to come up, so I will answer it now. The PDX is
the airport 3 letter/digit designator for the Portland airport.
Or you can assume any of the following versions of what PDX means:
BrickFest PDX - Pretty Dam eXciting
BrickFest PDX - Plastic Designers of eXcitment
BrickFest PDX - Potential Developers of generation neXt
BrickFest PDX - Plastic Dreamers of eXcitment
BrickFest PDX - Portland Doesn't suX
BrickFest PDX - Plastic Diversion of eXhilaration
BrickFest PDX - Public Display of eXciting Brick Creations
All humbly submitted
Todd
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Woohoo! I think I'll make it, I was saving leave days for Brickswest, with it
being in OR the leave days will be more well used! I hope to be there every
day, lots of trains, fire engines, town...;-)
Josh
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In lugnet.events, Steve Barile wrote:
> BrickFest(TM) PDX 2004
>
> I would like to announce plans for the 2004 west coast LEGO festival. It will be
> held February 13th-15th, 2004 at the OR Convention Center (OCC) located in
> Portland, OR. The fest will be similar in format to the past events including:
> speeches, displays, sessions, building challenges / competitions etc. And with
> exactly the same goals: fostering community, putting names to faces, and fun,
> fun, fun!
Steve,
First and foremost, let me wish you luck with this event, and let me also thank
you for taking this on - I know it is in no way a small task. You should be
applauded for taking this on. But at the same time I do have concerns about this
event. Please (everybody) understand I am in no way trying to start anything, or
tell you that you can't have this event - its not my place in any way to take
that stance, and thats not what I am trying to say in any way. I also understand
this is a different event than what was BW. I do have concerns, that in no way
means I am upset or angry about this event. So I ask the people who are going to
try to spin words to stop before they start (or in some csaes stop before the
keep doing it).
Now, my biggest concern is the name for the event. I understand and agree why
the BW name has to be dropped. But I think one of the most important things for
a con is name recognition. Now, I know that will be impossible for a con to have
in its first year unless it uses a pre-established con name. And I see thats the
path you chose to take - to use a pre-established name. But that brings me
concern for 2 reasons. First, you have chosen to have this event move around
from city to city. Now this means the name will not be the same next year - thus
losing any and all name recognition that you would have built up with your first
fest. Second, the choice to use the Brickfest name. I went and re-read the mess
that Scott Costello referred to in his post (see
http://news.lugnet.com/events/brickswest/?n=760 ) this happened about the time
of late 2001 - if you wish you can start here and work back:
http://news.lugnet.com/events/?n=*956,-100&v=b One of the main points that was
brought up and that I agree with is Brickfest is Brickfest. This event will not
be Brickfest. Yes, it may be shaped after BrickFest, but alas all Lego cons are
based on BrickFest for the simple fact there is only so much that can be done at
a Lego fest. I think if you are really trying to create a con that will garner
interest from the public then using a name that will have to change from year to
year is a bad idea, and who is to say that BrickFest will let this event to
continue to use its name in the future? I am honestly surprised they agreed to
its use this time around. And even if they do let it be used in the future the
other part of the name will have to change, as PDX is a Portland thing and would
not work outside of Portland.
Having a set name has many advantages. When people say "BrickFest" they think of
the event that just took place in DC, when you say "BricksWest" people think of
the now expired event by LLCA. IMHO thats what your rotating event needs - a
solid name that remains the same year after year despite where it is held. IMHO
as soon as you make the event a rotating event that only greatens the need for a
solid non-changing name.
Second, the location. I understand that you would like this to be a rotating
event. And I understand the space where it is going to be held this year was
free. But I do not understand the need for 2 cons in the Pacific North West.
Yes, the idea of a rotating West Coast event was talked about at BricksWest, but
AFIK that was before the Pacific North West had their own con. I truly have a
fear that the 2 *separate* cons that close to will only dilute each other. Some
people may not feel that way, or admit to feeling that way in public - but it is
something I think needs to be taken into consideration. I think the correct
choice for a rotating con for the West Coast would have been kept in California.
This has nothing to do with the fact that I live in California - what it DOES
have to do with is NWBrick Con. I think out of respect for the people who put on
NWBrick Con we need to give them the North West, and this event should have been
focused in the South West. I think the idea of having it rotate between San
Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego (not Carlsbad, but San Diego) is
a great idea. It not only gives NWBrick Con their room, but also respects them
as an event. And the areas I just mentioned are strong enough to support a con
and also have many, many things for the family members to do while the AFOL of
the family is at the con – it can truly be made a real vacation by those who
choose to do so.
You also touched on this idea: “By moving the festival we believe that it will
maximize attendance by allowing LEGO enthusiasts that live with in driving
distance to participate more easily” But IMHO Portland is not really within
driving distance for the people in Southern California – the same people who
find Seattle within driving distance will really be the main people who find
Portland within driving distance, so there is no added benefit for the Southern
California people that I can see.
And the answer 'because it is a rotating con' does not really answer why The
Pacific North West needs 2 cons while the South West is left without any - and I
also know I am not 'owed' an answer, I am not really asking for an answer.. just
saying I do not understand why.
Again, let me state I am not trying to get anybody to change anything, I am not
making any demands. I am not asking or demanding any actions or reactions from
anybody in any way - I am voicing my concerns - and I do that as a concerned
AFOL who has been strongly effected by the loss of BW and a person who does have
a vested interest in having a successful West Coast con. I want the West Coast
event to truly rock.
Mark P
http://www.landofbricks.com
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Mark P wrote:
> Having a set name has many advantages. When people say "BrickFest" they think of
> the event that just took place in DC, when you say "BricksWest" people think of
> the now expired event by LLCA. IMHO thats what your rotating event needs - a
> solid name that remains the same year after year despite where it is held. IMHO
> as soon as you make the event a rotating event that only greatens the need for a
> solid non-changing name.
Not entirely true. I think it would be nice to come up with a good
overall name for the rotating con, but I would submit Worldcon as
something that has a different name each year. In fact, Worldcon really
isn't the official constant name (that's WOrld Science Fiction
Convention). True, fans talk about going to Worldcon each year, however,
each year it has a more prominent name, that happens to be local. For
example, Noreascon is the name it has taken on for Boston appearances
(the 4th such appearance coming next year). It has also had names such
as Chicon and Aussiecon.
> Second, the location. I understand that you would like this to be a rotating
> event. And I understand the space where it is going to be held this year was
> free. But I do not understand the need for 2 cons in the Pacific North West.
I think there may be a separate note pointing out that the space is free
(it isn't, it's being paid for with blood, sweat, and Rears [as in
Jeremy Rears who put in most of the effort to build the model which is
being used to "pay" for the space]...).
There is some validity to the question about why 2 cons in the PNW. One
thing is that so far I think NW Brick Con is a much more different event
from BricksWest and BrickFest. It's much more of a regional event (sure,
a few people did fly in, but very few in comparison to BW and BF). Also,
last year, it was primarily a public show. I understand it will be
different this year, but it still has a very different format.
For those of us in the PNW, I suspect we would be happy for most of the
rotations to occur outside of the PNW. We're doing the first rotation
largely because we read the situation with BW and took action. Had we
stumbled upon a hint of other activity in this area (we talked to enough
of the people involved in aspects of BW that we should have stumbled
upon such a hint), we would have backed off. The simple fact is that to
be ready for an event in February, planning must start in July.
> Yes, the idea of a rotating West Coast event was talked about at BricksWest, but
> AFIK that was before the Pacific North West had their own con. I truly have a
> fear that the 2 *separate* cons that close to will only dilute each other. Some
> people may not feel that way, or admit to feeling that way in public - but it is
> something I think needs to be taken into consideration. I think the correct
> choice for a rotating con for the West Coast would have been kept in California.
> This has nothing to do with the fact that I live in California - what it DOES
> have to do with is NWBrick Con. I think out of respect for the people who put on
> NWBrick Con we need to give them the North West, and this event should have been
> focused in the South West. I think the idea of having it rotate between San
> Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego (not Carlsbad, but San Diego) is
> a great idea. It not only gives NWBrick Con their room, but also respects them
> as an event. And the areas I just mentioned are strong enough to support a con
> and also have many, many things for the family members to do while the AFOL of
> the family is at the con – it can truly be made a real vacation by those who
> choose to do so.
The organizers of NW Brick Con were consulted. I agree there is some
risk of dilution. But then, folks were concerned there would be dilution
of BrickFest by starting the first BricksWest (the result - BF 2002 was
larger than BF 2001...doesn't sound like dilution to me). Clearly there
is more risk with two cons being so close together in location, but on
the other hand, for a roving con to be really succesefull, it has to be
able to draw most of it's attendance from non-locals. If BrickFest PDX
can do that, then it will be a strong proof of concept.
Back to the "free" space. Here is where there is a tremendous advantage
to our "bid". Because we are not paying for the space with attendance
dollars, BF PDX has very low fixed costs, and thus can take a larger
risk. Of course we have to be careful of setting a standard that is hard
to meet. Do we use the attendance dollars to pay for goodies that won't
be as easy for the next con to pay for if they have to use attendance
dollars for space? Do we reduce the attendance fee, and then dissapoint
people next year when the fee goes up because attendance dollars are
needed to pay for space? These are questions the BF PDX organizing
committee will have to answer for itself (and then the rest of you will
judge, with your comments, and attendance).
> Again, let me state I am not trying to get anybody to change anything, I am not
> making any demands. I am not asking or demanding any actions or reactions from
> anybody in any way - I am voicing my concerns - and I do that as a concerned
> AFOL who has been strongly effected by the loss of BW and a person who does have
> a vested interest in having a successful West Coast con. I want the West Coast
> event to truly rock.
Your last sentence is a little confusing in light of the concern about
two cons in the PNW. We already have two West Coast events. If you think
there is a "The West Coast Event" then it is reasonable for that event
to rotate amongst the entire West Coast. On the other hand, hopefully
you meant "I want the West Coast events to truly rock."
I hope everyone can try and see past hard feelings and look to see how
we can all help each other promote the best events possible. I want to
see more and more events all over.
I'd also like to point to Mark's comments about NWBC's public component
as a recruiting tool. Perhaps we should be solving our low potential
audience problems by really reaching outside our community and really
trying to bring in everyone.
Frank
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Hi Mark,
Thanks for summarizing your concerns! I got thru most of the old thread and it
started to hurt my head! :)
Since most of these decisions where made by many people I'll use the word we.
But please everyone don't misunderstand that "we" equates to a closed committee
etc. The initial group of people that I have been talking with was who I thought
to be the very people needed on board to have the collective will to assert this
kind of event. Not to mention that "we" will need all the help we can get!
Name: The name BrickFest has deep meaning to people and we hoped that using it
would assure people that we are serious and have the same goals as the BrickFest
in DC. I guess we're guiltily of thinking big too. Who knows how this will all
work out in the future, BrickFest might move all over North America one day,
like NMRA or GATS or countless other shows. In fact the name and what it stands
for (aka brand recognition) is what assures people of quality no matter where it
is. At this point I start feeling a bit uncomfortable because it's not my name,
and really a BrickEvent's rep should talk about the future of BrickFest. None of
us can predict the future, so we do the best we can with what we have to work
with. Who would have predicted 250 people from all over the world at BrickFest,
4 year ago?
PDX is the Portland international airport designator was suffixed so that it
augmented the name BrickFest; BrickFest SFO, BrickFest LAX, BrickFest SEA,
BrickFest XYZ... This way where ever it goes this kind of nomenclature could be
used. PDX is actually used quite a bit around town, that's how I came up with
it. In my last post I have a disclaimer that the "name use" is year-to-year,
again it's not my name to say. And if it was, I would want to be assured that
any new coordinators would uphold its brand equity.
NW Brick Con: Great point, in my last post I have Mark (and Dan Parker) listed
as people who I have contacted. In fact the minute after the idea of having it
in PDX, I immediately thought about Mark (NW Brick Con) and how it might impact
them. Mark and I had a great conversation and he is fine with BrickFest PDX.
Again I can't talk for Mark, but if I recall correctly in one of our
conversations there was the idea of somewhere far down the road there could be a
convergence. I also know that this year's NW BrickCon is alive and well (Did I
hear some say, "SPACE!")! I do know that all the event coordinators that I have
spoken with have a kinship as opposed to adversary.
Maximize attendance: I think my last post addresses this well. It's not about
PDX and So-Cal, it is about attracting the maximum number of people and exposing
them to something they can't live without the following year regardless of where
they are! In fact I've heard that there is a caravan forming right now somewhere
around Carlsbad, hooking up with some more in LA, and even more in SFO...,
honestly people have sent me mail saying they are driving up and wanting car
pool info etc...
Mark, thanks for voicing your concerns it made me take the time to better
explain some more details I might have missed. Hope to see you in PDX!
SteveB
In lugnet.events, Mark Papenfuss wrote:
> In lugnet.events, Steve Barile wrote:
>
> > BrickFest(TM) PDX 2004
> >
> > I would like to announce plans for the 2004 west coast LEGO festival. It will be
> > held February 13th-15th, 2004 at the OR Convention Center (OCC) located in
> > Portland, OR. The fest will be similar in format to the past events including:
> > speeches, displays, sessions, building challenges / competitions etc. And with
> > exactly the same goals: fostering community, putting names to faces, and fun,
> > fun, fun!
>
> Steve,
>
> First and foremost, let me wish you luck with this event, and let me also thank
> you for taking this on - I know it is in no way a small task. You should be
> applauded for taking this on. But at the same time I do have concerns about this
> event. Please (everybody) understand I am in no way trying to start anything, or
> tell you that you can't have this event - its not my place in any way to take
> that stance, and thats not what I am trying to say in any way. I also understand
> this is a different event than what was BW. I do have concerns, that in no way
> means I am upset or angry about this event. So I ask the people who are going to
> try to spin words to stop before they start (or in some csaes stop before the
> keep doing it).
>
> Now, my biggest concern is the name for the event. I understand and agree why
> the BW name has to be dropped. But I think one of the most important things for
> a con is name recognition. Now, I know that will be impossible for a con to have
> in its first year unless it uses a pre-established con name. And I see thats the
> path you chose to take - to use a pre-established name. But that brings me
> concern for 2 reasons. First, you have chosen to have this event move around
> from city to city. Now this means the name will not be the same next year - thus
> losing any and all name recognition that you would have built up with your first
> fest. Second, the choice to use the Brickfest name. I went and re-read the mess
> that Scott Costello referred to in his post (see
> http://news.lugnet.com/events/brickswest/?n=760 ) this happened about the time
> of late 2001 - if you wish you can start here and work back:
> http://news.lugnet.com/events/?n=*956,-100&v=b One of the main points that was
> brought up and that I agree with is Brickfest is Brickfest. This event will not
> be Brickfest. Yes, it may be shaped after BrickFest, but alas all Lego cons are
> based on BrickFest for the simple fact there is only so much that can be done at
> a Lego fest. I think if you are really trying to create a con that will garner
> interest from the public then using a name that will have to change from year to
> year is a bad idea, and who is to say that BrickFest will let this event to
> continue to use its name in the future? I am honestly surprised they agreed to
> its use this time around. And even if they do let it be used in the future the
> other part of the name will have to change, as PDX is a Portland thing and would
> not work outside of Portland.
>
> Having a set name has many advantages. When people say "BrickFest" they think of
> the event that just took place in DC, when you say "BricksWest" people think of
> the now expired event by LLCA. IMHO thats what your rotating event needs - a
> solid name that remains the same year after year despite where it is held. IMHO
> as soon as you make the event a rotating event that only greatens the need for a
> solid non-changing name.
>
>
> Second, the location. I understand that you would like this to be a rotating
> event. And I understand the space where it is going to be held this year was
> free. But I do not understand the need for 2 cons in the Pacific North West.
> Yes, the idea of a rotating West Coast event was talked about at BricksWest, but
> AFIK that was before the Pacific North West had their own con. I truly have a
> fear that the 2 *separate* cons that close to will only dilute each other. Some
> people may not feel that way, or admit to feeling that way in public - but it is
> something I think needs to be taken into consideration. I think the correct
> choice for a rotating con for the West Coast would have been kept in California.
> This has nothing to do with the fact that I live in California - what it DOES
> have to do with is NWBrick Con. I think out of respect for the people who put on
> NWBrick Con we need to give them the North West, and this event should have been
> focused in the South West. I think the idea of having it rotate between San
> Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego (not Carlsbad, but San Diego) is
> a great idea. It not only gives NWBrick Con their room, but also respects them
> as an event. And the areas I just mentioned are strong enough to support a con
> and also have many, many things for the family members to do while the AFOL of
> the family is at the con – it can truly be made a real vacation by those who
> choose to do so.
>
> You also touched on this idea: “By moving the festival we believe that it will
> maximize attendance by allowing LEGO enthusiasts that live with in driving
> distance to participate more easily” But IMHO Portland is not really within
> driving distance for the people in Southern California – the same people who
> find Seattle within driving distance will really be the main people who find
> Portland within driving distance, so there is no added benefit for the Southern
> California people that I can see.
>
> And the answer 'because it is a rotating con' does not really answer why The
> Pacific North West needs 2 cons while the South West is left without any - and I
> also know I am not 'owed' an answer, I am not really asking for an answer.. just
> saying I do not understand why.
>
> Again, let me state I am not trying to get anybody to change anything, I am not
> making any demands. I am not asking or demanding any actions or reactions from
> anybody in any way - I am voicing my concerns - and I do that as a concerned
> AFOL who has been strongly effected by the loss of BW and a person who does have
> a vested interest in having a successful West Coast con. I want the West Coast
> event to truly rock.
>
> Mark P
> http://www.landofbricks.com
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In lugnet.events, Steve Barile wrote:
> Representatives from clubs of the west coast: Robert Powell (SPLTC), Dan Pearson
> (SCLTC), Russell Clark (BAYLTC), All (PNLTC), (VLC - TBD) have agreed to try
> having the conference in a different city on the west coast each year.
Steve, I really hate being petty about this, and if I sound like an school kid
who didn't get picked to play kick ball I apologize. However, was the exclusion
of Lugola here an oversight or an intentional slight? Back before Matt took over
Brickswest and we were all contemplating having a west coast con, we in Lugola
were very insistent that BayLug and BayLTC were involved. I remember Russell
coming down to one of our meetings just to talk about it.
Can I assume that since all train clubs are represented, but no Lugs that this
is a train centric event? Were you desirous of no attendance by these Lugs or
just no input?
Look, you don’t have to seek our opinions, our sponsorship, our permission, or
even our attendance. The source of irritation that you hear from several of us
her in Southern California is based on the fact that we too realized that Matt’s
disappearance jeopardized 2004 Brickswest, and sought to run an event in it’s
stead. Granted you were much more proactive in your actions, securing a location
and assistance from all the LTC’s is great, but now we are cut off at the knees
in any event we might have planned. We don’t want to setup a competing event for
non train people on the same weekend.
As for the Brickfest name, perhaps I am embittered by all the ugliness that
occurred when we first tried to setup a west coast fest; I just really dislike
the idea that we need to seek permission from our East coast counterparts for
our conventions. I really liked our independence.
I am not in any way trying to sabotage your convention; this is your baby you do
with it what you will. These are just a few things to think about. Do not assume
that all the noise you hear from Southern California is based solely on
location, granted Oregon is not my ideal vacation spot, but it is a fine
location for a convention. To me, the next West Coast fest is very important;
Matt did a great job with the first two, but we now need to improve on what has
gone before us, prove that Brickswest may be dead, but a West Coast Lego
convention should not be.
Scott Costello
Lugola/SCLTC
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In lugnet.events, Frank Filz wrote:
> I think there may be a separate note pointing out that the space is free
> (it isn't, it's being paid for with blood, sweat, and Rears [as in
> Jeremy Rears who put in most of the effort to build the model which is
> being used to "pay" for the space]...).
Yeah, but that's a much cooler story than "a bunch of people paid entrance
fees", and it should generate some free pre-event news coverage
*coughHINTcough*. And talk about a unique souvenir...
> Back to the "free" space. Here is where there is a tremendous advantage
> to our "bid". Because we are not paying for the space with attendance
> dollars, BF PDX has very low fixed costs, and thus can take a larger
> risk. Of course we have to be careful of setting a standard that is hard
> to meet. Do we use the attendance dollars to pay for goodies that won't
> be as easy for the next con to pay for if they have to use attendance
> dollars for space? Do we reduce the attendance fee, and then dissapoint
> people next year when the fee goes up because attendance dollars are
> needed to pay for space? These are questions the BF PDX organizing
> committee will have to answer for itself (and then the rest of you will
> judge, with your comments, and attendance).
I have a little bit of practical experience on this one. I was involved in
starting up an annual haunted house in the dorm I lived in during college. We
didn't make tons of cash the first year, and we ended up spending all the
proceeds on something for the dorm (a ping-pong table, I believe). The next
year we realized we had to do it again (far too much fun to pass up), but we
basically had to start from the ground up again. No money was saved to bankroll
the next HH. That year we had an expense account set up so the participants
wouldn't have to fund it out of pocket and wait until after the event was done
to get reimbursed. What this allowed us to do for the third year was pay to
have T-shirts made and delivered in time for the HH (which is a one-night
event), so that everyone who helped run it was able to get a free shirt out of
the deal.
In this case, setting an appropriate door cost would allow you to bankroll
the hall rental fee for the next year (yes, I realize this would produce some
serious financial issues that would have to be resolved well in advance of
BFPDX04), maybe pay for some T-shirts and bricks and things so that (and here's
the important thing) none of the event coordinators have to seek out funding
prior to the event. This is how most major Cons are probably run. The unique
rental agreement involved here just makes it that much easier to get a good
start on this in '04.
> I'd also like to point to Mark's comments about NWBC's public component
> as a recruiting tool. Perhaps we should be solving our low potential
> audience problems by really reaching outside our community and really
> trying to bring in everyone.
Absolutely. I mean, consider how you first heard about LUGNET, BrickFest,
or your local LUG/LTC. I knew _one_ person in college who casually mentioned
LUGNET, BrickBay/Bricklink, and Brickshelf to me about 8 years ago. Outside of
MichLUG meetings, I've never personally met anyone who mentioned ever having
heard of them. We aren't the only FOLs out there (we aren't even the only
AFOLs), and most of them aren't aware of any of this. Hitting the public
consciense in such an impactful way is just what it takes to inspire the next
generation of AFOLs or bring members of the current generation into the group.
A roving Con has the advantage of seeing a new general audience each year, and a
stationary Con has the advantage of annual reinforcement of the "wow" factor for
the local audience.
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Steve,
I want to say that I think what you've started rolling is very exciting! I'd
love to be a part of it, but I have a work commitment that weekend so I won't be
in attendance in 2004. That may be an ongoing problem, in fact, so I hope that
with others' complaints about Valentine's Day weekend, maybe it will be a
different weekend in the future.
I find the rotating aspect very appealing. As others have noted, it's typical
of a lot of conferences, including both the major conferences I attend. I'm far
more likely to go to something year after year if I get to see a different city
each time, and I certainly hope to make the event in the future.
Peter
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> More info.
> 6,500 sq. ft. of space: 1 giant main room, 1 giant expo room, & 2
> large class rooms
> Downtown Portland (a beautiful city I might add!)
> The light rail (MAX) connects the airport to the OCC as well as the
> rest of down town.
>
> We hope to see you all there!
>
> Steve Barile
> Event Coordinator
As somewhat an outsider I've decided to put in my two cents worth. I went to the
first BricksWest just to see what the "Lego Community" was like and since I
worked with Matt to create the badges and trophies, etc. (I'm the guy who
engraved the name badges). Christina then contacted me about BrickFest and went
last year. Very well organized and interesting although I did not see as much of
it as I had wished. Food at the Indinan and Vietnamese restaurants was great.
Obviously, it takes a lot of effort to put on such an event. Steve has an
incredible venue lined up--I just checked it out on the web
http://www.oregoncc.org/. And you can fly there and back from just about
anywhere in the US for less than the price of a blockade runner. Southwest
Airlines always has some kind of deal going. Light Rail. Pretty City. Supposed
to have some great food and wine. Obviously going to be well organized. What
else do Lego Fans want? Matt is not to be found, or at least will not return any
requests (believe me, I call him once a week for obvious reasons). In my
opinion, AFOLs should just start saving money to go to Oregon(and from my
observations, plenty of yall are damned smart and have some pretty darn good
jobs). I'm almost thinking of coming myself. Thank your lucky stars that someone
has taken the initiative for the undertaking and support it.
Tommy Armstrong
hptdesigns@hockyjocky.com
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In lugnet.events, Todd Thuma wrote:
> In lugnet.events, Steve Barile wrote:
>
> > BrickFest(TM) PDX 2004
>
>
> I know this question is going to come up, so I will answer it now. The PDX is
> the airport 3 letter/digit designator for the Portland airport.
>
> Or you can assume any of the following versions of what PDX means:
>
> BrickFest PDX - Pretty Dam eXciting
>
> BrickFest PDX - Plastic Designers of eXcitment
>
> BrickFest PDX - Potential Developers of generation neXt
>
> BrickFest PDX - Plastic Dreamers of eXcitment
>
> BrickFest PDX - Portland Doesn't suX
>
> BrickFest PDX - Plastic Diversion of eXhilaration
>
> BrickFest PDX - Public Display of eXciting Brick Creations
>
> All humbly submitted
>
> Todd
Oh man, too funny.
thank you.
e
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Comments added below the selected statement:
In lugnet.events, David Laswell wrote:
>
> In this case, setting an appropriate door cost would allow you to bankroll
> the hall rental fee for the next year (yes, I realize this would produce some
> serious financial issues that would have to be resolved well in advance of
> BFPDX04), maybe pay for some T-shirts and bricks and things so that (and here's
> the important thing) none of the event coordinators have to seek out funding
> prior to the event. This is how most major Cons are probably run. The unique
> rental agreement involved here just makes it that much easier to get a good
> start on this in '04.
David,
I happen to work in a University Conference Center called the Georgia Center for
Continuing Education. We do a lot of conferences here for academic and
non-academic purposes. We serve many state organizations with annual and
quarterly conferences.
I am not certain what experience you have had, but typically conference
facilities are not paid up-front. There are occassionally paid a initial fee
that, depending on the size and nature of the conference, varies on the amount.
For example, the Georgia World Conference Center will charge an initial
commitment fee that will book the dates for the conference and arrange for a
certain amount of space. This fee is sometimes returnable, usually not. If the
conference facility is contracted to perform the registration, then this fee is
substanitally reduced or wavied.
The conference facility is usually paid through the registration fees of the
conference. This can happen at a date after registration is closed before the
convention or it is paid after the convention follwing the rendering of
services. It is highly unusual in the conference facility business to be paid
for services in advance of the services. Most large facilities providing the
registration support use a seperate bank account and will issue the sponsoring
organization a check for the balance of the account following the event. In
essence the organizing body never handles the money and organizing bosy uses and
accounting firm to verify the income/expense statements.
While I think you have a great idea for funding the next conference, I think
past experience has shown that a small group of people and not a single
individual needs to handle the finances. Having a bank account with available
resources over the next several months with thousands of dollars is not
something I would sanction. Especially in light of historic events.
So, I would nix the idea of having a large sum of money out there for the next
convention. A couple bucks seems appropriate.
WAMALUG has demonstrated their education and adultness by practicing sound
fiscal responsibility. Unfortunately, BF03 was charged more for the facility
than they have been in the past and the cost may not continue to be competitive
with other options. Also I believe there are plans for George Mason University
to build a parking deck and replace the existing facility with one that was not
built to be a department store.
Respectfully,
Todd
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Comments made to specific statements included below:
In lugnet.events, Scott Costello wrote:
>
> As for the Brickfest name, perhaps I am embittered by all the ugliness that
> occurred when we first tried to setup a west coast fest; I just really dislike
> the idea that we need to seek permission from our East coast counterparts for
> our conventions. I really liked our independence.
I don't see the permission here that you are referring to. True, Steve
approached WAMALUG members to use their trademarked name. Steve and others liked
the tie in with BrickFest and the ability to identify it as different from the
one in D.C. with the PDX designator.
We did not seek permission from them to hold a convention. If they had said no,
I believe the next name on the list was, "Brick Fan Convention on the West Coast
not called BricksWest because BricksWest is Dead." That was my name, but it was
admittedly kind of long and I had been drinking when I was told BricksWest was
dead (please read humor into this, as it was intended). "StudFest" was the next
name up for consideration, but a trademark search revealed that this has aready
been taking by some convention that happens in San Fransico every year, not that
there is anything wrong with that.
I believe we were actually going to come up with a name other than BF PDX if the
WAMALUG people said no.
> Matt did a great job with the first two, but we now need to improve on what has
> gone before us, prove that Brickswest may be dead, but a West Coast Lego
> convention should not be.
I am glad you thought Matt did a good job. I remind you that there were others
involved in his success that are as mad as hell and are not taking it anymore
(no humor here). Matt has terribly disappointed some of us and let all of us
down. He is the reason there is no longer a BricksWest, and he alone bares the
burden for ending what he had help starting.
I have decide to use my anger for good not evil (hmour okay here). I am going to
help organize another kick butt conference with many of the same people that
helped BricksWest be successful. There will be new people too with new ideas and
a passion to help others come together for the benefit of all.
As for your and others suggestions that we have this in Southern California or
move it around in California;
WHAT IS STOPPING YOU FROM DOING IT!!!!!!
You claim that you and others had the idea, but got beat off the starting
blocks. To continue the analogy, the runner has stumbled and is out of the race
for good. You have a chance to take over the LEAD and do this in Southern
California.
There is no secret to this. Find 4 core people in you LUG that will commit to
this 100%. Then find a date to do it with some back ups. Then find a location.
Make certain the location works with your times and dates. Then ANNOUNCE to
LUGNET. Put out the call for assistance. There will be people that come out of
the wood work to assist you in this process. They will sacrifice money and time
to assist you in bringing this off. Some will even be experienced at this thing
and will be able to guide the process.
I am sorry to point out the obvious (and at a real risk of pissing you off), but
the energy youu have spent complaining (well you and others) you could have
spent organizing an event and making announcements.
My advice.... plan a convention for 2004. Pick a date! Pick a name. Call it the
Legoland Festival. Call it BuildFest. Call it LUG FEST. (feel free to use any of
these names, but I want one free t-shirt) Call it anything. But get the message
out. Talking about it in your little group has not gotten you were you obviously
want to be and complaining about the decisions of others will not change
anything either.
Believe me, if the California LUGS get togehter and organize something there
will be people that show up.
Respectfully!
Todd
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In lugnet.events, Todd Thuma wrote:
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We did not seek permission from them to hold a convention. If they had said
no, I believe the next name on the list was, “Brick Fan Convention on the West
Coast not called BricksWest because BricksWest is Dead.” That was my name, but
it was admittedly kind of long and I had been drinking when I was told
BricksWest was dead (please read humor into this, as it was intended).
“StudFest” was the next name up for consideration, but a trademark search
revealed that this has aready been taking by some convention that happens in
San Fransico every year, not that there is anything wrong with that.
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STUDFest™ is also a trademark of STUDS™ - the Sydney (Australia) LEGO® Users
Group, and it relates to the meetings we have irregularly. Not that there is
anything wrong with that, either.
Adieu
Richie Dulin
| | Port Brique
Somewhere in the South Pacifique
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| | Misérable
Building a safer South Pacifique
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finally, a brick related festival coming to portland.
that said, i've never been to one, and would love to know what to expect. i'm
not a member of any lego related clubs (nor do i plan to be), but i am an AFOL
that builds his own MOC's, and likes to see others.
given that, what should i expect? should i bring some of my own MOC's?
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In lugnet.events, Todd Thuma wrote:
"StudFest" was the next
> name up for consideration, but a trademark search revealed that this has aready
> been taking by some convention that happens in San Fransico every year, not that
> there is anything wrong with that.
Actually, ___THAT___ StudFest isn't here in SF, it is in The Netherlands. But
it's a great idea for a name, and I'll forward it on to my acquaintances who are
involved in the LGBTTQ community :-)
As to getting involved and volunteering, I'm still waiting to be told that I'm
worthy :-)
Paul Sinasohn
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I just wanted to take a moment and place NWBrickCon's attitude toward this
event. It can be summed up fairly easily.
*NWBC supports the LEGO community and any events generated therein. Meaning,
we'll support BF PDX. We'll also support BW should Matt resurface (I realize
this is unlikely). We'd also support a new event, should it spring up, in
SoCal. We wish to work with the community, and see new events succeed.
*Steve and I had discussed the future of our events, including the option of
merging with BF PDX. This is not likely. We had discussed it and at this time
there are NO plans to so.
*It is my opinion that at this time there should not be a plan for this event in
Seattle propper. I feel at this time it stands a chance of creating feeling of
"hogging" the events by other regions. Steve and I discussed that on the year
that BF PDX made its way to Seattle we merge our efforts for that year and make
a "mega" event. This is a good possibility but, since this opiton is at least
four years out, I think we aught to discuss it in more detail in 2006.
Mark Neumann
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So very sorry!
My first goal was to gain consensus with *all* the west coast clubs before
proceeding, and (fall on a sword) I completely overlooked Lugola. Please accept
my apologies!
I'm a bit of a train head and was contacting all the people that I knew in clubs
on the west coast. In fact I just started dialog with Kevin Wilson from
Vancouver, BC, Canada (again oops!) and they're a great train club!
Even though I slightly favor trains, I want to assure everyone that this is
*not* a "train convention" in "Fest" clothing! We are collecting a list of all
the people volunteering from many themes (hopefully all themes). In a few weeks
we'll start the match-making process to form teams for the theme areas.
One thing I'd like to say is that even though I am taking the lead on this,
BrickFest PDX is a fest for and by the community and really isn't "my" fest.
Without everyone's help and participation it would be nothing! Well, me and
maybe 2 or 3 PNLTCer's sitting in 4 very large rooms, at the OCC, listening to
crickets! :)
As for the dates, well all the people that made it to past BF's from outside the
SoCal area can offer some advice as to how to deal with Valentine's Day and your
significant other! ;) I had to "reschedule" it! And I'm not sure it didn't cost
me $1.5x what is should have! :)
SteveB
PS If I inadvertently missed any other club's on the west coast... pls LMK!
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In lugnet.events, Todd Thuma wrote:
> I don't see the permission here that you are referring to. True, Steve
> approached WAMALUG members
This should read "approached Brick Events LLC" rather than "WAMALUG members" as
they are the trademark holder. WAMALUG is just the local club in the area, and
not the organizer of BrickFest. It's mere coincidence that the principals of
BrickEvents LLC all happen to be WAMALUG members.
Other than that I thought the rest of your post is spot on.
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