Two REQUESTS For The CAX Staff

[jcasetnl]

If I remember right, there were only two cul de sacs. Both were against the pinball tournament area exits. Seriously, people, NOT a big deal. To create lanes against that wall that meet fire marshal approval probably would have meant the elimination of 20 - 40 games from the show, and the show already had to turn away some games because of space.

The cul de sacs were not even especially long. If the 100 or so games in the cul de sac didn't meet your liking it was maybe 50 feet to backtrack, tops.

Personally, I liked them. They made the show feel that much more immersive and the layout was organic and unique, like the old monster arcades of Reno and Vegas in the early 80s that you could just get lost in.

 

[DLP]

Hi Everyone,

I did not design the layout this particular year, but I was in charge of getting everything in place on the floor. I can tell you that there is a LOT of thought and planning that goes into the layout every year.

I've read peoples comments regarding the layouts over the last few years and always take them into consideration at the next year's event. Unfortunately there are some things that just cannot be avoided.

The original plan for this year did not have as many dead-ends as the final layout that everyone saw. The extra dead-ends were caused by the amount of games we had to work with. Keep in mind that when the initial layout is completed and then a truckload of 15 games comes in, we have to make changes. Like... filling in an area that was once a pass-thru, thus making it a dead end.

Same goes for the inner curves. I've been a collector for almost 20 years. I know about inner curves... and when we do set up for an inner curve, we try to make it as wide as possible, but then when more games come in, we need to squeeze stuff in and unfortunately some of the curves get tightened up. I know everyone hates inner curves, but they are a must. Ya can't just have outer curves without inner curves. The winding curves add character to the show floor. If we just lined everything up in straight rows, like a supermarket, it would look ugly like an auction.

Another problem is power. There were over 500 machines there this year and distributing power to this many machines is not an easy task at all. Some machines had to be moved around to other areas due to the fact that a certain areas was overloaded (power-wise)

So anyway, these are just some of the examples that we are up against when setting up for the show. I will remember what everyone says about the layout this year and I'll definitely keep that in mind for next year!

CAX 2012!!!!!!!!

 

[nutballchamp]

I wonder if CAX can pay the convension center to use some of their power? I know expanding into their space isn't an option with the unions. Bummer that the show can't grow without a space change and it seems like the attendance is growing every year.

 

[nesjess]

I wonder if CAX can pay the convension center to use some of their power? I know expanding into their space isn't an option with the unions. Bummer that the show can't grow without a space change and it seems like the attendance is growing every year.

My first CAX was in 2009, the first year at the Hyatt. Talking to a few KLOVers, I was told that the old venue was actually bigger. Was the move due to cost? Hours? Just curious.

I wonder if they'll ever find a bigger venue that can accommodate all those machines and power. Most of all, the increased attendance.

Ex. The Moscone Center in SF where they hold APE, Wondercon, etc. Though, I'm sure this was an option that was considered but passed due to cost.

@Jeff I appreciate your hard work and all the work that's put into CAX. It was awesome and I look forward to next year.

 

[avidgeek]

Personally, I liked them. They made the show feel that much more immersive and the layout was organic and unique, like the old monster arcades of Reno and Vegas in the early 80s that you could just get lost in.

I didn't go this year but recall from last year the cul-de-sacs dominated.

Jeff, you among others do an amazing job organizing that task each year. The show's structure with volunteer-based games does make it tough to manage and project space. Crazy how games were turned away but awesome at the same time....means more and more are willing to share their collection.

The old San Jose location was great but the area wasn't the best, and the food choices were minimal and exhausted after attending a couple years. I think before CAX grows any more, it might not be a bad idea to see what other convention halls can be entertained. The hotel is so nice to have but does have its limitations with space.

Regardless of constructive criticism...the end results are always amazing, Thanks again to the CAX organizers and support team.

Any pictures from Dave Hallock's game show? I heard that was also an improved production this year.

 

[FrizzleFried]

Yeah... none of my "complaints" should be taken as anything but "CONSTRUCTIVE". I'm simply putting out there my thoughts. I DO much appreciate the crew at CAX...

 

[Tighe]

How about one on the East Coast?

 

[savit4l8r]

How about one on the East Coast?

Well you better get cracking.

 

[nesjess]

How about one on the East Coast?

Someone in another thread jokingly said you guys have Funspot. I don't believe we have any notable arcades on the West Coast except Ground Kontrol (which I have yet to pay a visit).

 

[Tighe]

Someone in another thread jokingly said you guys have Funspot. I don't believe we have any notable arcades on the West Coast except Ground Kontrol (which I have yet to pay a visit).

 

[InsaneDavid]

The old San Jose location was great but the area wasn't the best, and the food choices were minimal and exhausted after attending a couple years. I think before CAX grows any more, it might not be a bad idea to see what other convention halls can be entertained. The hotel is so nice to have but does have its limitations with space.

Parkside Hall had all the problems with most things in Downtown San Jose: parking headaches and fees, no place to kick back outside of the convention hall, limited things to do in the immediate area. I also remember the Parkside Hall location was always really hot inside, granted with all those games going it's going to be warm anyway, but it got to the point of being a little uncomfortable. Tack on that they used to boot everyone out early on Saturday night (no 2am closing time, I think it was midnight) and the Hyatt earns its place as the best choice yet. Maybe part of the reason the show is growing so much over the past couple years is because the venue is so nice and you can stay on site.

 

[nesjess]

That's true. I forgot we get a large number of people outside of the Bay Area coming to the show and the convenience and affordability of staying at the hotel is nice. The area surrounding the hotel is decent with a lot of places to eat within a 5-10 minute drive and Great America is a across the street for those who bring their kids. If only the hall was bigger.

 

[FrizzleFried]

Well,

Being that there was another "convention" going on at the same time as CAX, why not rent BOTH halls?

Pins in one, vids in the other?

That would also eliminate issues like offending the Jahova Witness Conventioners with Satans Hollow T-Shirts, etc...

 

[InsaneDavid]

Well,

Being that there was another "convention" going on at the same time as CAX, why not rent BOTH halls?

Pins in one, vids in the other?

That would also eliminate issues like offending the Jahova Witness Conventioners with Satans Hollow T-Shirts, etc...

I'm all for that, parking over in the Great America overflow lot pissed me off. They should have all been over there since they obviously had an enormous crowd that was going to easily fill the parking structure.

 

[nutballchamp]

The other space is the convension center which is union. This means we can't move our own games once we get to the show and CAX has to pay all those workers to potentially damage our stuff. They are maxed out on hotel space and power.

Well,

Being that there was another "convention" going on at the same time as CAX, why not rent BOTH halls?

Pins in one, vids in the other?

That would also eliminate issues like offending the Jahova Witness Conventioners with Satans Hollow T-Shirts, etc...

 

[nesjess]

The other space is the convension center which is union. This means we can't move our own games once we get to the show and CAX has to pay all those workers to potentially damage our stuff. They are maxed out on hotel space and power.

I was going to try and read up on Moscone Center rental for the heck of it, but there isn't much other than guidelines for those that are having an event. All other inquiries, you need to contact the sales office. I'm guessing the CAX organizers have already looked into it in the past.

I have a feeling a venue like that does not come cheap which means CAX would need to get a lot of sponsors and/or raise ticket prices which would most likely reduce attendance and defeat the purpose of having a bigger venue. It would also be a more expensive trip for out-of-towners who need to find hotel accommodations. But on the bright side, there is a lot to do in the city.

 

[nutballchamp]

I was going to try and read up on Moscone Center rental for the heck of it, but there isn't much other than guidelines for those that are having an event. All other inquiries, you need to contact the sales office. I'm guessing the CAX organizers have already looked into it in the past.

I have a feeling a venue like that does not come cheap which means CAX would need to get a lot of sponsors and/or raise ticket prices which would most likely reduce attendance and defeat the purpose of having a bigger venue. It would also be a more expensive trip for out-of-towners who need to find hotel accommodations. But on the bright side, there is a lot to do in the city.

They were looking for space for a few years before they found the Hyatt. Two issues were unions and outside of the San Jose area as that's were the organizers live and have their storage space. The Mascone center would be pretty cool though.

 

[nesjess]

They were looking for space for a few years before they found the Hyatt. Two issues were unions and outside of the San Jose area as that's were the organizers live and have their storage space. The Mascone center would be pretty cool though.

Oh I see. Thanks for the info, Brett.

My guess is the Hyatt will be the venue for years to come for many reasons discussed. I think it will be more about regulating non-working games (maybe keeping out ones that never get played like a few of those games in the area where Beavis and Butthead or that fish tank game were. Honestly, it was the row of the show that I barely saw anyone), improving layout (overplanning for more games than what is expected) and working out the kinks.

But like others have said, the show was a success regardless and it's amazing that it even happens with the collaboration of so many people. These little constructive criticisms are really just to see how we can improve upon what's already great.

 

[FrizzleFried]

If the venue can't be changed, it would be really nice to look in to LIMITING the number of tickets. It was an absolute mad-house in there for the majority of both days.

 

[norton9478]

Do it in vegas so I can afford to fly in.