I know anyone can read this, and I am sure someone else will, but for the sake of the post, please note it is directed towards the group of people who organize the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo. As I am sure you are aware, this past weekend, April 27-29 2012, was a bit of a disaster. The show was over sold. The building was stuffed. Admissions were shut down by the fire marshal. I am not sure at exactly what time, but I know a lot of people personally that waited 3 to 4 hours just to be turned away. Most of them were advance ticket holders. I heard no real news of refunds. But I do know, most of the people who had advance tickets were from out of town. Some booked hotels, took time off work to travel to Calgary just to be turned away with nothing. But I'm sure you've heard it all, and probably in much less polite terms. So, the question is, how much damage has this past weekend done to the reputation of the largest comic expo in Canada?
If you ask me, I will be there next year. I will be very early, but I will be there. But how many people from far out of town are going to risk a waste of money again? Or how many of them are going to go with the same idea as I, and over crowd the venue even earlier? I think it's quite obvious the venue needs to expand for this. I don't know the building very well, but I really think it needs to be spread out to the point there are 3 designated entrances, 1 for VIP's, who can get in earlier, 1 for advance ticket holders, and 1 for general admission. There should be a designated area for food only. Not only was the food court stuffed, but it was were everyone entered the building, and where everyone lined up for photos and autographs. The lines were mixed, and enormous. Besides that, there were concessions open in the back of the trade show area, stuffed behind booths, making solid lines, and people sitting on the floor in any open area to eat.
I know you know it goes beyond question the expo needs more space. Expand into the entire BMO centre, but also take over the big four building. I think its obvious the demand is there. Perhaps holding autographs and photos in there would open up a lot of the BMO and allow room for lines and more chairs and tables.
I am also pretty sure I am just a drop in the ocean right now, so now I'm getting to my main suggestion. It has to do with drawing back the out of town crowd who are all pissed. You can expand the venue as much as you want, but if you don't make multiple, large announcements about it, via website, social networks, and TV (news, ads, etc.) no one is going to be the wiser. Make sure your fans KNOW you understand you made a mistake last time, and that you are taking every measure to ensure it does not happen again. But, all of this should point to one thing: a map.
Make a map of the stampede grounds in use. Highlight the areas you used in 2012, in description, then highlight in a different colour the areas you have expanded in to. Point every outlet to the map. Then further down the road, release a detailed map of where everything will be this year and describe the changes made. If you tell everyone by any means possible, and SHOW everyone how you're fixing it, you WILL retain your fans. You don't need me to tell you how to organize the venue, but please, consider my suggestion. Make it so well known that no one can miss it, and I'm sure you will draw a much larger crowd next year. Be ready for that. Tommy, out.
