unforum :: Topic review

Varin · Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 8:11 am

imbri wrote:

I'm still bringing up my same tired issue with Toronto (and Canada as a whole)... Passports.

If ARGers don't get passports, how will they ever fly to Germany with only a few days notice to participate in a game finale? Wink

redct · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 1:36 am

I'd be totally up for an Austin ARGFest and I'll help write the proposal if you want. Like others have said, heat is the only issue, although you can definitely work around that. Indoors, parks, Barton Springs (woot!), etc. We've also got the world's first (and probably largest) Whole Foods here, so if you like food that's a plus. And the world's most powerful laser.

toenolla · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 10:15 pm

Austin ARGFest

Lovek · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 3:21 pm

Re: what about Santa Fe

faeryqueen21 · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 2:17 pm

I thought I remembered people talking about New Orleans a couple of years ago and there were a few people living there who volunteered to help. That could still be an option and would obviously be a cool city to visit.

enaxor · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 1:58 pm

addlepated wrote:

. It's been 100+ for over 30 days this year so far and sane people don't go outdoors unless they have to.

I knew it! You're to blame for the triple digit temps we'll be getting here in the next few days. It's just a week too late, to make you feel right at home. Razz

addlepated · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 10:52 am

Re: what about Santa Fe

labfly · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 10:10 am

what about Santa Fe

October · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:48 pm

Another consideration about SXSW and GDC Austin - the memberships are a bit pricey. This year, an Interactive badge was $375 - $495, depending on when you registered. GDC Austin is even more expensive at $795 - $995, again, depending on when you register. I know we have unFiction members who can afford these prices, and we all have a year or so to save up, but it's something to think about when pairing ARGFest with one of these events. I'm not objecting - just putting the numbers on the table. I think if there's enough interest from potential attendees for either one of these events, then it would be worth planning a tandem event similar to ARGFest/Comic-Con this year.

addlepated · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:29 pm

The only possible time for it to be around SXSW would be the weekend before, which means that people attending SXSWi would be here for 10 days. I dunno - would that work? There's just no way to do it the weekend after, because SXSW music festival is at that time and hotel rooms book up for months beforehand (and rates are jacked sky high all over town). Well, I guess we could start planning now for like, 2012 or something during that weekend. I imagine it could be a hell of a lot of fun for people who like that particular brand of crazy. Wink

But that's two things to compete for attention at the same time, so I'd say probably not the best idea.

Something else to consider? http://www.gdcaustin.com/ It's usually in September/October. Normally it's not insanely hot by then. But GDC Austin ends on a Friday, and ARGFest traditionally starts on a Friday, so that's a very nice match, eh?

konamouse · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:27 pm

There is nothing set in stone that ARGFest has to happen during the high heat of the summer. We did SF in March (to coincide with a gaming conference). Why not match it up to SXSW? Or early June?

I know, I know - trying to avoid the school year. But this is over a weekend. We've done spring and we've done fall.

We haven't been to Texas yet. So that could be a draw.

ironnikki · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 10:17 am

Though I don't have any solid numbers/facts, I'd like to throw my vote in for a Southern ARGfest next year. Austin would be a great location, since there's so much to see/do there outside of ARGfest, and its one of the friendliest cities I've been to. Also, it would be extremely easy to draw in players from Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, as all of these large cities are less than 5 hours away. However, I could see how Austin could be too far South for many people.

imbri · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:39 am

imbri wrote:

I'm still bringing up my same tired issue with Toronto (and Canada as a whole)... Passports.

SirQuady wrote:

How is that different than the issues that it being in the US has dealt to us Canadians? You know, passports, border crossings, increased travel costs, etc.

It's actually significantly different. Not only are there more Americans than Canadians (as you pointed out), but while under 25% of Americans have passports, over 40% of Canadians do. When you combine those two fact, chances are that there will be much greater attendance if it is held in the states.

It's not that I don't like Canada or Toronto - I loved my time there and it would be great to go back and see friends and such. It's just that I see an issue with the numbers. And, hey, when it comes time for the proposals, if you can prove me wrong or show how the benefits outweigh the decreased attendance, then awesome. Becuase, yeah, I love Toronto.

krystyn · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:19 am

I have idly tossed around the idea of doing a smallish ilovebees reunion gathering in the Raleigh/Durham area, but hadn't really gone beyond casually suggesting it to a couple friends. It's really nice there when it's not summer. Even when it gets cool out, it's never really all that bad - but I say this as a native Chicagoan, of course. October-ish would be pretty nice.

It's beautiful in Raleigh - not as urban as some fest locations, but might be cost-friendly and good for some historical puzzling fun.

October · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:08 am

addlepated wrote:

I would totally be up for planning an Austin fest.

I love the idea of doing something next to SXSW (before/after the Interactive week?), although if we did, it would make for a short planning period - 7-ish months. Still doable, though.