From My Wife's Fingers
Geek, regarding the convention: with Gnomedex only being in its second year, it's almost impossible to predict the turnout for this year. Last year, they planned for a lot more, and Sept. 11 happened. It was rescheduled, and the turnout was very disappointing as far as numbers (but definitely not disappointing as far as the energy and enthusiasm of the participants!).
From the planner's perspective, if you plan for a certain number of people and end up being “shy,” you lose money. Because, after all, you've paid for the capacity, food, supplies, etc. If you're able to fill that capacity, GREAT. You know then that there is demand and can take that into account next year and look for a bigger venue.
From the potential attendee's perspective, assuming that it fills to capacity and you're turned away, yeah, it's not cool. But like Tyler said, concerts, movies, etc., have capacities too. And legally, you have to abide by those capacities. And also to echo his last point: if Gnomedex this year really DOES sell out, then yes, it WILL have to be bigger the next year! That would be great.
The fact that Gnomedex is held in Des Moines probably will not change… (if bigger venues than this year's Marriott are needed, Des Moines can handle that). It's there for the very reason that that's Chris's hometown — and that's where the LG employees are, and there's a need for the state of Iowa to recognize the technology work that goes on within its borders.
People don't think that Des Moines is a destination city… it has a few attractions, but it's definitely not a Las Vegas or Orlando or New York or whatever. And it doesn't want to be or need to be. Again, if the choice of city is a concern for you… well, it's probably not going to change, so… I dunno what to tell you. There's an airport with several major and discount carriers there… so it's not like it's inaccessible. So… well, like I said, I don't know what to tell you.
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2 Comments
Anonymous
March 21st, 2002
at 10:20pm
As I said, I have nothing against Des Moines. Never have, and likely never will have anything against what I have been told by knowledgeable sources is a great place to visit, my only concern is growth and how the city can handle it. I have never been there, so I don't know whether it can or can not, I was only questioning whether it can. Check out http://www.geeksworld.net/Hacks/2002/03/21.htm for more of my thoughts on this.
Anonymous
March 22nd, 2002
at 2:28am
See why I love Gretchen she always make so much sense :)
I think having it in Iowa is the best thing
1. You guys are originally from there, that is where Lockergnome got it's start
2. Technology needs to be brought to the places it doesn't already exist like places in NY,CA,Chicago etc
3. Seeing as we are going to be jam packed with speakers and activities like there is even enough time to site see anyways :)
I am excited that it's in Iowa and I think that is the only reason my husband agreed cause if it was back home in CA or NY he would think I would get into too much trouble hee hee :)