bubbat
Gotta post them all!
Posts: 50
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Post by bubbat on Jun 1, 2023 11:14:40 GMT -5
I had a great time at the event and it was another fun year. I think it was really well run. I will echo that I was shocked how quickly time flew by during the setup period. I was one of the first handful of groups waiting outside to get an early spot in the line so I would have more time for setup and yet, it just didn't feel like there was enough. I almost didn't have a moment to go pick up a couple of reservations before the event started and I literally gave up on organizing my table and putting out more things. If we could get more time for setup that would be wonderful as I was starting to panic as 7 approached. I was unfortunately one of the tables that was sidelined by the curtain that was put up over the entrance/exit area. I thought I originally had a great table placement right by the doors, but the curtain blocked much of the aisle in front and it cut off all the natural light from the doors and the lights from the ceiling. It shadowed my table (N219) and a few tables beside mine. My table was right beside the staff table and I know they tried to slightly open the curtain, but it was pretty futile. If I had a dollar for every time someone commented that we were done dirty with our table placement or just saying how hard it was to see things were selling, I could have bought at least a couple of large lemonades from the lemonade stand. A couple of people were even using the flashlight on their phones to see things better. It was very frustrating. I'm just glad I took reservations in advance because the darkness, reduced aisle and shadowing, definitely cut our visibility. Hopefully that's something that can be addressed next year and I pray I don't end up near the doors if I luck into getting another table. It was suck to have that happen again. This is true. I had a couple of reservations with your table but it was very hard to find. I had to do two full rounds before I could find it due to the curtain and placement.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2023 22:16:05 GMT -5
I wasn't there this year, but I keep seeing it get mentioned year after year after year: table numbers.
The canned response is that table numbers are, as far as the staff is concerned, only relevant to them when needing to get people to the right table, and after that it's up to sellers if they want to display their number or not. I think it's high time that we call that a wash. Staff knows that sellers rely on their table numbers for buyers to find them. Staff encourages people to display their table numbers. But, for whatever reason, staff seems to think that these table numbers aren't their problem past the point of getting sellers to their seats.
I see no reason why the Nomi staff cannot include a table number sign for each table that can be put up by the seller. Yes, sellers can also do this themselves, but it's a very simple thing to forget or overlook, and sometimes you're too busy setting up your goods to have time to set up your sign. If the sign is already there, then it's one less thing for sellers to worry about, and it makes the whole Nomi experience better and easier for everyone.
We've been asking for this for years. It's time for it to be done. No more excuses.
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Ray Falcon
New Member
Selling at Nominoichi XVII (2024) (3rd time selling, 7th time attending Anime North) Glad to be back
Posts: 17
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Post by Ray Falcon on Jun 1, 2023 22:54:46 GMT -5
Nomi 2022/2023 Feedback: My situation is a little unique. I was a first-time seller last year and a sixth-time buyer this year, and I'm planning on selling next year (in 2024), but I did want to add some collective feedback about what was good and what was bad, in clear to read categories and I try to clearly state when I'm comparing 2022 to 2023. THE GOOD:- Hall Space and Air Quality: Wasn't too stuffy. Much better than being beside the Artist Alley like in 2022. Also there was usually enough space for 3 people to get by in aisles. Plus the larger space on the left side of the hall was good for a rest stop, but some bags got in a way occasionally and I almost stepped on the tail of someone's shark cosplay, but thankfully I avoided them.
- Table Design: Sturdy and had enough room for a majority of items. Didn't see anything fall off during the event.
- Map Design: Was clear and easy to read in 2023. Had no trouble finding tables once I checked my phone, planned it out and got a sense of the room. Placement of the Staff tables was good both years.
THE BAD:
- Access to Map (Digital and In-Print): Had to help a lot of people find there way around the room because A) the image files can't be displayed on the forums if you signed out or lost internet connection. Required Signing Back in. This might be a restriction of the Proboards forum (TeaHouseMapleMoon Forums) for security reasons. If that should remain in place, I get it, but my suggestion is reminding buyers to check the the Nomi Map posted on the Main Anime North Website (maybe via a sign at the entrance) and a Large Map Printed out on a Whiteboard/Bulletin Board/Cork Board by the entrance of the Nomi Hall. I didn't see one either year, but it might have helped some lost buyers looking for reservations.
- Restrictions on how many people can enter the Room during Setup: This seemed a little restrictive from what I heard and saw. No helpers or item delivers were allowed at all other than the 3 sellers. While setup seemed to go smoothly both years (from a seller and buyer's perspective), I think that allowing tables to list more than 3 people to help and bring items in would make the process even smoother. From a security perspective, I understand the concerns. Plus more people might slow things down. However, I think being lenient on this rule might provide an opportunity for Nomi to start earlier and allow more time for sellers to sell their items. So I think taking another look at those rules and regulations might make the event better for all parties.
- Lottery for Nomi: I have mixed feelings about this, but I do think that announcing the date for Applications well in advance (Say April 1st, 2024) would make the process consistent and allow everyone to get a fair chance at a table.
- The Curtain and the tables near it: I felt bad for some of the folks by the curtain who were less visible than the rest of the tables. I made sure to give them a fair look, despite the location, and I hope those sellers get a better spot next year.
Those are my thoughts. All in all a great job and I had a good haul this year, as a buyer. Looking forward to next year's Nomi 2024 (hopefully as a seller), and I know this event only happens because of the wonderful staff who make it possible. Keep up the great work. See you in May 2024. Regards, Ray Falcon
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Post by michaeltran101 on Jun 2, 2023 18:12:20 GMT -5
Some suggestions -
Is it possible to let sellers in earlier for more set up time?
Since there is more space compare to last year, is it possible to space the tables 1 inch or so apart?
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Post by The Chris McKenna on Jun 3, 2023 9:43:12 GMT -5
I want to thank everyone for taking the time to leave us a comment. Your feedback is important to us and the event we have today has been possible because of the feedback we've received in the past. To address a few specific concerns: 1) We had a slight delay, and the first sellers were brought into the room about 5 minutes later than scheduled. When considering the other events scheduled, 5 minutes is actually a "good" delay for Friday. We did subsequently hold the doors opening by a few extra moments to help balance it out. 2) The large curtain that was blocking the door clearly was an error. It should have been tucked up and away like the other ones. We did the best we could to work around it, and additional efforts will be made to insure it's not in the way again next year. (even if I have to bring scissors to the event ) 3)The sellers line up in The Courtyard room was supposed to have 2 lines, one for sellers at EVEN number tables and one for Sellers at ODD numbers. However, we had an unusually long run of ODD numbers, so we started a third center line of additional ODD numbers just to let more people into the room and to find more even numbered sellers. The center line was supposed to wait until the existing line of ODD sellers was finished, then it would advance. I understand this wasn't properly explained and for some sellers in the center line it may have appeared that the other lines were moving when they weren't. They might have also noticed that some sellers who were behind them outside were shifted to faster lines ahead of them when inside. This was done to separate out EVEN and ODD numbered tables and to insure that both sign-in desks were as busy as possible. 4) The Nominoichi staff have a number of other tasks and duties to do on Friday, and the earliest we can even arrive at Hall C is just after 17:00. There is no option for us to get there any sooner. Likewise, we cannot stay in the Hall any later then we currently are scheduled, so we have to end at 23:00. Therefore, if we were to extend the set-up time by about 30 minutes, we would have to delay the opening of the event by the same 30 minuets; and because the start and end times are locked, we would loose 30 minutes of selling time.
Is that a trade most sellers would be interested in making? I'm not so sure. Anyway, I just wanted to once again thank everyone for leaving us these comments. We do read them all and we will refer back to them when we get ready for next years event. If you have anything else to add please let us know. It's not too late. ... and thank you for your interest in the Nominoichi!
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Post by Michelle on Jun 3, 2023 22:31:59 GMT -5
You mean schedule the next Nominoichi event to run 7:30 PM–11:00 PM if sellers agree to adding an extra 30 minutes of set up time?
Also, will the onus to provide clear signage of table numbers still fall on the sellers themselves? This was the one concern most frequently brought up in the thread that was not addressed in the above post. I agree it would be nice to have overhead signage pointing out the range of tables in each aisle.
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Post by The Chris McKenna on Jun 3, 2023 23:23:02 GMT -5
I'm saying that we can't start the event any earlier, nor can we run it any later. Therefore, the only way to extend the set-up time would be to reduce selling time. Now I do not believe that is an option that many sellers would support, so we are not looking to change it for next year. However, if there is enough demand, then we can look at making changes to the schedule.
Also, table number signs have always been on the responsibility of sellers. If they are going to take the time to post list of what they're selling and to manage 'holds', then the very least they can do is make a big sign so buyers can find them! We put maps on the forums and on the main website, and we have large maps at the Staff Tables as well as giving directions to anyone who asks where a specific table is.
Furthermore we tell all the sellers in advance:
That seems quite straightforward to me. Should anyone know of a way to rewrite that to make it clearer and more direct I'd welcome your input.
The Nominoichi event, like Anime North itself, is always constrained by shortages of manpower and time. When my team arrives at 17:00 we focus on bringing in sellers to start set-up as quickly as possible. If we were to take additional time to hang table number signs everywhere, that would further delay the start of the event.
Or to put it another way, assuming it takes one seller about 30 seconds to put up a sign. It would therefore take us 90 minutes to do the same for all 180 tables.
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Post by aquacapsak on Jun 4, 2023 13:40:00 GMT -5
I think there is a large misunderstanding in the type of signage we are looking for. Of course, individual tables should be on the attendees, although this can be difficult especially if we have our tables swapped on us for any reason. What people are looking for and would heavily assist in navigation is end cap signage indicating what the range is in that specific aisle. Think of it like a library where it says the dewey decimal coding to be found in that specific aisle. Ie. N100-N120 just as an example. As someone who is directionally impaired it is hard to find point A to B if an area is not clearly labeled the actual table numbers are whatever but knowing what numbers are in X aisle is difficult.
Also, would it not be possible to start entry within 10-15 minutes after 1700 LT? Instead of at 1730? I Or is there a lot more that goes on with set up than just the initial tables at the doorways? Trying to get an idea of the logistics that goes into that initial half hour.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2023 14:53:50 GMT -5
I'm saying that we can't start the event any earlier, nor can we run it any later. Therefore, the only way to extend the set-up time would be to reduce selling time. Now I do not believe that is an option that many sellers would support, so we are not looking to change it for next year. However, if there is enough demand, then we can look at making changes to the schedule. Also, table number signs have always been on the responsibility of sellers. If they are going to take the time to post list of what they're selling and to manage 'holds', then the very least they can do is make a big sign so buyers can find them! We put maps on the forums and on the main website, and we have large maps at the Staff Tables as well as giving directions to anyone who asks where a specific table is. Furthermore we tell all the sellers in advance: That seems quite straightforward to me. Should anyone know of a way to rewrite that to make it clearer and more direct I'd welcome your input. The Nominoichi event, like Anime North itself, is always constrained by shortages of manpower and time. When my team arrives at 17:00 we focus on bringing in sellers to start set-up as quickly as possible. If we were to take additional time to hang table number signs everywhere, that would further delay the start of the event. Or to put it another way, assuming it takes one seller about 30 seconds to put up a sign. It would therefore take us 90 minutes to do the same for all 180 tables. I'm not even going to dignify this excuse with a response. You can count me out of future events.
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Post by archangeli on Jun 25, 2023 22:27:51 GMT -5
Hello
This is Archangel's husband.
I'm the one who usually sells at the table. I have been selling and buying at Nomi for five years. helping in the dealer room for about 5 years. I have been attending AN since 2000 and have been a staff member for about 15 years. (Yes, I'm old.)
While I can't say I understand everything that goes on at AN every year, I try my best to make it enjoyable for everyone. I'm not here to defend Chris or Nomi, but maybe I can help people understand what I believe is going on.
First of all, I would like to point out that everyone working at AN is a volunteer except for the people at the very top. Each year, depending on the cost and income each departure brings in, we're given a budget. I've seen budgets as low as $50 for the whole department. Try running an event with $50. At Nomi, each person pays $50 for a whole table to be used from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. At Artist Alley, they pay $210 for the whole weekend, and a dealer table is $400. Why does this matter, you're asking me? Well, the company that owns and runs the actual con space charges for everything and has a specialized team to deal with all things relating to using the con space. If you want power or a sign put up, they have a team that will do it for you. I believe the price started at $100 for a sign, but it depends on size requirements. It can cost a lot more. How many tables are there? 250? That would mean a $25,000 additional cost, or an extra $100 per table. Maybe some people would be fine with paying $150 per table.
While saying this, I don't think this is the answer. But can we get general lanes signage done up and put up, Chris? like a N/S/E/W sign be placed just above head height at each intersection that says tables 100–150 this way. Maybe 4-6 of them. $600 split between 250 tables is around $3–4 per table, depending on what the con quotes you. Something we can reuse each year.
I also remember my first year selling at Nomi, where you had 8.5 x 11-inch paper printouts of people's tables on each table. They could stick that paper on the highest point on their table. Is it possible to ask AN for some extra budget to print out 250 signs? I think that would help. Maybe someone who has access to a printer can donate signage.
Also, I would like to point out past sellers of Nomi who had amazing ideas on how to make their own signs. The one that I always remember is the seller who made a life-size Pokémon Go stop with their table number on it.
The second topic I like to talk about is getting more time for setup. Over the past five times, I have gotten better at setting up. I still find that I always run out of time for setup. I understand that some people are working on Friday or have other commitments and are rushing over to help with AN. Is there no one capable of starting the event in your absence, Chris? While I believe it's important to have you at Nomi, you've been working very hard to make Nomi successful. But I believe if there is any possibility of allowing sellers more time to set up, it should be considered. I don't know if it's a cost issue or a scheduling conflict. So I can't really commit too much to this.
For the people who are complaining that it's too hot in the room. I don't disagree. This year, I brought two fans with me. Yes, I'm at the table with the fans. I got two portable, long-lasting fans off Amazon. Also, I was at the table behind the curtains. I was like, "Do I have to bring lights next year?" I was the lucky one when the curtains happened to split in front of my table. I found that the rolls of tables behind the curtains lacked lighting and very cramped. There was maybe only a meter of space between my table and the curtain. Chris, I know you'll be making sure it doesn't happen next year.
Thank you everyone for making Nomi successful. AN Volunteers, Sellers, Helpers and Buyers.
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Post by The Chris McKenna on Jun 26, 2023 2:51:00 GMT -5
Just a few quick points to add:
Everyone working at AN is a volunteer, INCLUDING those at the very top!
The staff, executives, even the convention chairman does NOT receive any pay. The convention does hire some people, lawyers and accountants for example, and they are paid. In contrast, the convention staff is entirely volunteer and we are not.
The Nominoichi this year had 180 tables. We are always looking for ways to increase that number, but the room is about as full as it can get now, so we'll likely have the same next year.
In the Vendors Hall booths are 8’ x 10’ and an in-line booth (booths on either side) is $550 + HST, while a corner booth (open on two sides) is $650 + HST
In the Artist Ally a 2’ x 6’ table with one artist admission costs: $209.05 ($185.00 + 13%HST) adding a secondary Artist or Helper admission (max of 1) costs: $70.00 CAD, and a Table cloth deposit costs: $10.00 CAD
We have looked into hanging signs before, but it was determined that the cost to produce, hang, and then take down any additional signs in the Nominoichi hall would be far too high. The Nominoichi considers the issue of table number signs to be the responsibility of sellers. Also, there are no rules preventing sellers from making additional signs for their table neighbours.
As I've said the start and end times of the Nominoichi are basically locked-in. We are unable to start any earlier, nor can we run any later. This is due to a number of factors, but we have looked into this before and it is just not feasible to change. Therefore, the only way to increase set-up time would be to decrease selling time by the same amount.
At present this is not an option that I believe would be favored by the majority of sellers or buyers, so we are not currently considering it for next year. However, the rules for 2024 are not yet written, so if there IS enough demand we are open to hearing it.
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