Minicon 47

[dreamshark]

Minicon 47 - Space Balloon Kevin Austin brought 2 or 3 these wonderful starry heavens balloons and turned them loose in the lower lobby of the North Tower. This one is taking a rare moment to catch its breath - most of the time it was being bounced around by an endless succession of children of all ages. Best balloon ever.

Minicon went great.  The GoHs were awesome and in general everything seemed to run amazingly smoothly considering the last-minute change of venue.  Loved being in the North Tower - it was just the right size for our little con (462 total reg, 450 warm bodies).  It was especially nice having the music room, gaming room and craft room/kid's programming rooms all in the same area.  It was never too crowded anywhere, but there was a constant bustle of activity until at least midnight Friday and Saturday with strains of music wafting through and those wondeful starry balloons bouncing around.  I spent a lot of time walking around doing things related to Programming and the Bozo Bus Tribune, but in the end neither of those was my responsibility.  I didn't even have to moderate anything. Sweet.  

No one thing really stands out.  I saw a little bit of a lot of programming, but I'm not sure I saw any programming item from start to finish except the panels I was on and Closing Ceremonies.  I'm sorry I missed Opening Ceremonies - sounds like it was a hoot - but I think I was helping the intrepid BBT editor pub his ish at the time. I watched a concert or two (sound levels were perfect!) and caught the last hour or so of late-night music one night.  All my panels were fun in a light and fluffy way - audiences small but engaged. The Singularity on the 7th floor was a wonderful space.  I think I spent more time there than all the time I  have spent in the poolside Minicon bars put together. There was always someplace comfy to sit and somebody fun to talk to (including but not limited to the GoHs).  The 8th floor consuite was less inviting, suffering from a major feng shui deficit. I tended to go up there and grab some food, then take it down to the bar with me.

Actually, I do know what stands out from this Minicon - I spent an unusual amount of time in extended conversation with various people, including both old friends and acquaintances and completely new people. Most of these conversations took place in the bar, a few in the Green Room, and others at random places around the con.  Part of this was because I had no major responsibilities, but a lot of it was the ambience of the North Tower.

I came home surprisingly worn out, especially around the hip flexors.  I guess I spent most of my con walking to and fro. Definitely worth the tired legs however.  A good con.

Comments

[michaellee.livejournal.com]

I'm STRONGLY in favor of Minicon being entirely in the North tower, even when the cabanas are back in order next year -- it felt more comfortable than any Minicon in years in that hotel.

I had a great time. Looking forward to next year already.

[mle292.livejournal.com]

Speaking as no one of any significance with no decision making capability and no influence, I can tell you that I have the impression that it's going to be considered.

The issue of where parties should be (many of them would have preferred the pool area) came up at the post-mort, as well as the issue of the bar and consuite being relatively far apart from each other.

Nothing's perfect, of course.

[wombat-socho.livejournal.com]

I am glad to see that Minicon is growing again.

[skylarker.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed Minicon a lot once I had a place to crash and could stay late and participate in parties and music.

I never did get to the party floor - which could be taken as a plus for there being enough entertainment in the other areas of the convention, or a minus for having parties on a separate floor. I did not like having bar and con suite at opposite ends of the floor, and know it was hard on Carole, who was on crutches.