155 replies to this topic

[Scar]

Persephone1, on Oct 26 2009, 06:50 PM, said:

Thought it might be useful to have a thread so that everyone could give their feedback on the event.

Overall I thought it was a fab event. The guests for the most part were incredibly lovely and people like Rik and Ben were just so genuine and thrilled that so many people wanted to see them and I'd love to have them back again. Ditto Paul Copeley and Liz May Brice. And kudos on keeping Kai a surprise - the scream when he appeared was amazing to hear. I also thought that Gareth was amazing - once again he stepped up to the plate despite other headliners falling by the wayside and it was wonderful to see him again. It wouldn't be a Hub event without him. Have to say Katy Wix seemed a bit bewildered and overwhelmed by it all but I guess these events aren't for everyone.

Pleased that the next event will be elsewhere. Although the problem with the Park Inn is that it has so few rooms and is pay in advance which just isn't practical in the current climate- you need a hotel you can take over that has enough rooms to accommodate everyone and that doesn't require you to pay up now! As far superior a hotel as the Hilton was I very much disliked the attitude of the staff there. To me it seemed very very clear that they didn't want the event there and someone (the manager? he had an American accent) was incredibly rude to my friends and I on the Saturday night. Also the housekeeping staff seemed to ignore the Do Not Disturb signs and barged in regardless. The bar staff were inattentive and took forever (and I'm not precious about these things) and the discount bar was still ludicrously expensive. Also some of the comments from the other patrons of the hotel were somewhat less than kind. The whole point of going to a convention is to have a great time with like minded people  - not deal with hostile staff and rude jeers from other people at the hotel.

In terms of the convention I guess I had 2 suggestions - I do think that the intimate encounters should have a minimum bid of £10 as it just somehow seemed a bit disrespectful that a talk with Daniel Denby Ashe went for £5 and a talk with Paul Copeley £6 - £10 just seems somehow far more respectable a figure.

But my mine gripe was the cocktail party. I can't fault how well its put together or how attentive the crew were - everyone was going around topping up peoples drinks which was very impressive but you desperately need to circulate the guests better. It just didn't work at all and because you do everything else so well it was frustrating to see something so simple not  working. I mean our group only saw the two guests we did because we made eye contact with one (Rik) who then came over and because I had to kick up a (polite) fuss and get Gareth bought over as the girls I was stood with desperately wanted to speak to him. We also saw Ben but that doesn't count as he was literally taken away from our group by his handler after being stood there for all of 15 seconds! I stood and watched as  guests were bought to the same group twice, as guests stood with one group for 15 minutes and others for 30 seconds, as people followed the guest around the room, as people did the little trick of suddenly appearing in the circle whenever guests were chatting to one group. Somehow you need to define the groups in the room and the guests handlers need to steer them round the room in one clear direction and be assertive enough to encourage those who either try and follow the guest around or just magically appear at your side whenever one of the guests is there to go back to their groups and stay there. The guests should be coming to you - not the other way around.

Because it was the Saturday night and we'd already actually seen all the Saturday guests by that point I wasn't as annoyed as I might have been if it had been held on the Friday but the gold ticket holders do actually pay a fair bit of money for that cocktail party so it is important that its done right - noone should be coming out feeling that they didn't get to meet everyone they wanted to.

I totally agree with you RE: the hotel. I WAS NOT impressed with the level of service AT ALL, and I have stayed at a Hilton before for a convention and never had any problem there.

I found the staff to generally indifferent or outright rude from the moment I walked in the door and I often had problems getting served at the bar. And considering the prices they were charging, you would expect IMPECCABLE service. Also, I didn't like how isolated the hotel was, as you really had no option other than to eat in their LUDICROUSLY expensive restaurants/bars. So I'm glad The Hub 4 is back at The Park Inn. It is much more convenient.

I also totally agree about the Gold drinks party. I wasn't impressed with it and my group only got to see ONE guest (Gareth) because I also kicked up a polite fuss. And yeah, we got Ben for about 15 secs too, so I'm not counting him.

I also wasn't impressed with the selection of drinks available. I don't like wine so I had no option but to drink coke, and at one point even that ran out!! Now, I'm not expecting champagne and caviar but even a selection of different soft drinks would've been better than just wine or coke.

To be honest, I was so unimpressed with it that I have totally been put off buying a Gold ticket again.


Other than that it was fantastic. Rik & Ben were especially lovely, the Kai surprise was AMAZING, and Gareth was wonderful. I agree that The Hub wouldn't be the same without him and I sincerely hope we get him again for The Hub 4.

[laird]

I enjoyed the event, the hotel worked well for me each and every contact I had with the hotel staff was efficient and effective.
Massive Events staff were cheerful and doing their best throughout and do in general deserve commendation for their efforts.
I was impressed with all actor and actresses performances.


The talks are of course given by the guests in response to questions the quality of the given questions is variable but remain the differentiating factor between a convention and a mere signing event and are something I find particularly enjoyable.
In this case and at all the previous Massive Events I have attended this is in spite of the inability of the compère to deliver questions in a timely manner or to string together a sequence of questions to lead the guest.
At points I felt sorry for Paul the compère, he has valiantly tried and tried over many conventions but clearly is not suited to the job; indeed his inability to keep his notes in order and talk in to the microphone at the same time was cringe-worthy.
Please can someone put him out of his misery and find him a role within Massive Events which better fits his skill level.

Another area of staffing that needs attention is security I am sure we all know a Close Protection licence is required when guarding one or more individuals against assault or against injuries that might be suffered in consequence of the unlawful conduct of others. But beyond just being licensed the art comes in being able to protect the actor without being intrusive; sadly we were treated to a security guard that seemed remarkably visible standing so close to the stage he might as well have taken a seat on stage (indeed had he sat on stage it would probably have meant he ended up blocking fewer photographs).
The one time I saw him intervene it was actually rather hilarious in that having been asked not to hug one particular guest the guest was actively placing their arm around attendees as can be seen in the photograph http://img35.imagesh...5/5452/h308.jpg . At that point the security chap charged forward when customers responded in kind delivering a disproportionate response.

[Lauren H]

Yeah.  I found it SO WEIRD that you weren't allowed to TOUCH one of the guests.  Ffs, she's not a god!

*ahem*

[KaibaGirl007]

This was my second Showmasters/Hub convention and I thoroughly enjoyed it, - not as much as Hub 2, but still a fantastic weekend nevertheless.    

However, here’s a teeny list of gripes that I have about the weekend:
The Hotel - After having stayed in several other Hiltons, I was unimpressed with this one and its standards, and am complaining to them directly regarding this.
The Parties - Like many have already said, the music became boringly repetitive which made me not want to hang around for more than a couple of hours each night, and it was a shame to not see themed cocktails again.
The Talks - Hecklers, please keep quiet and do not shout directly into my ears and deafen me! Also, and I’ll probably be hated for this, but would it be possible to not have photos taken during the talks? I don’t mean to ruin anyone’s fun from having a few snaps, but I’d like to be able to actually see the guests and not someone’s camera rammed into my line of vision the whole time.
The Guests - Lovely as they were, once James cancelled, it seemed to be almost a Children of Earth event which was not the kind of convention I was hoping for, so some more variety in guests next time, please?
The Crew - On one occasion I had a query regarding the new seating rule and how it would affect someone going to the first intimate encounter and I did not like the tone and way in which I was spoken back to. (big thanks to the attendees who backed me up as I tried to get my query across, and to the lovely crew member, - so sorry I didn’t catch your name hun, - who later cleared up the confusion that had been caused)

There, grumbling over....

Again thank you for a wonderful time and look forward to attending Hub 4.  

[Persephone1]

Quote

The one time I saw him intervene it was actually rather hilarious in that having been asked not to hug one particular guest the guest was actively placing their arm around attendees as can be seen in the photograph http://img35.imagesh...5/5452/h308.jpg . At that point the security chap charged forward when customers responded in kind delivering a disproportionate response.

In fairness if there is a no touching rule that's going to come from the guest themselves not ME. I was a bit surprised by it (and I was impressed at how discreetly the message was passed on by the handler in the photo room) but its Daniela's pregorative to put her arm around people (as I believe she did in every shot) and yet not want people touching her in return. It was her first time at this sort of event, objectively she was actually by far the biggest guest they had there (most of my friends and family wouldn't have a clue who the Torchwood lot are but know who Daniela Denby Ashe is) and its all about making her comfortable. I've never had a problem with the security - they very clearly know what they're doing and I understand the day job is protecting politicians and the like.   I think I can live with a few blocked photos to keep the guests feeling comfortable.

I do hope that is your photo you're re-posting btw.

Your comments about Paul are a bit harsh. He does his best. And when the mike goes into the audience as was clear from kai's talk and the end of the group talk the standard of questions degenerate rapidly with people talking nonsense and completely confusing the guests. The one suggestion I would have is that whoever on the crew is really into the show should come up with a list of plant questions that can just be used if the ones submitted by the attendees are no good or run out on the day.

[Midnight]

oh wow!
i cant think what else to say
it was bloody amazing
i used up my entire memory card almost thats 2000 pics, i've never used more than 20/30

and gareth and kai were amazing :0
roll on 4 :)

CHEERS SHOWMANSTER/MASSIVE EVENTS PEOPLE FOR A ROCKING WEEK

[Chelle2009]

I don't have many negative things to say, it was a fantastic weekend as the previous 2 Hubs have been.  It was much better to actually stay in the hotel that the convention was on at (I stayed at Ibis for Hub 1 and 2), and whilst it was my first time in a Hilton, it was a bit of a let down, and pretty run of the mill as far as hotels are concerned, I know people 'big up' Hiltons but I couldn't see the difference, and in fact I much prefer Premier Inns, the bath in our room was scruffy, but the shower was ace so it didn't matter.  I have no complaints with the way staff and crew etc handled everything, no problems at all. It would have been nice for there to have been an announcement that Kai was doing photos and autographs, as I had no idea and subsequently missed out.  Least he is at Hub 4.

So, all in all, another fantastic weekend, and looking forward to the next one.

xxx

[tgifriday]

no choice in hot food in the hotel convention food room,went to tgi fridays birmingham on the fri night to meet family,and the nec subway sat/sun,least at bad wolf you had a few choices

[Lauren H]

The lasagne in the food room looked like it had been cremated before being served.

[Persephone1]

Quote

no choice in hot food in the hotel convention food room,went to tgi fridays birmingham on the fri night to meet family,and the nec subway sat/sun,least at bad wolf you had a few choices

The food was cheap and plentiful but I would agree the choice was dismal - it all seemed a tad half hearted. I remember there being more basic options at Bad Wolf. I mean I had veggie lasagne two days in a row!

[Spikesbird]

Totally loved the whole weekend!!
We had no problems with the hotel, or staff, although I agree that this Hilton didn't seem to live up to expectations of grandeur. We paid full for our room, as Con rate rooms run out, so we had a twin executive one.
I didn't  think the room was any bigger than a premier inn one, but the bathroom was fab, and very clean.
Room service useful, as I'm a vegan, and couldn't eat anything in the food hall, and weatherpoons was closed in NEC    as no event there.

Can't fault the crew once again. Everyone lovely.
Slight hiccup with Kai/Daniela photo shoot - we were about 10 people back in Kai's queue, but told to move to Daniela's first, as we were gold, and standards were first in Kai's queue.
We were group 4, and were told 1-4 would be called together for Daniela.
we stood for almost an hour, but when the groups were called, it was 1-3, so people who had just turned up went straight in, whilst we stood like idiots!  It was no ones fault though, just 3 different crew members at different times.
Oh well. I would have been upset, but it meant the last thing of the day was Kai's photoshoot, so it all turned out for the best, ha ha!  

As for the drinks reception, my sister and I are a bit awkward at them, but still go.
We got in late on Friday night, so thought we'd missed it. When we were told it had been moved we thought we should make the effort, although we usually just stand like berks in the corner, not knowing what to say if anyone came near us!  
Luckily this time, we saw AJ and Jennie, and headed over. As no guests came over really, AJ went to speak to Deb, who sorted it all out - what a star!
Although we had to follow Deb and join another group talking to Ben, (terrifying!!) who was lovely, and we were like startled bunnies for all of 5 seconds, as he makes you feel so at ease.
His crew member was Claire, who was also great, and we had a good chat.
WE re-joined AJ and Jennie, and met Rik aand Gareth too, which was fab.
All in all the best drinks reception we'd been to, we had so much fun, thanks to AJ and the crew.

I can understand peeps getting annoyed when attendee's kinda follow the guests through, but we were asked to join already formed groups to make it easier for the guests to get round everyone.

My favourite part of every Hub is normally the talks as I love to find out how things work, and how the programme is made etc, and all about guests other roles. And also a great to time to have a laugh!
This time didn't disappoint, but my absolute highlight was Kai turning up on Saturday night.
I loved Gareth when he kept dropping in little comments about having someone else to do the skit with, and then quoting lines from 'land of my fathers' - I thought I was imagining it! What a great surprise for us all, I don't know how they kept it a secret!
I still have a sore throat, and my ears are still ringing, lol!
Haven't screamed so much in years! Don't know what came over me!

I know we all love meeting new guests, but it just wasn't the same without Kai on Saturday. Although Gareth was fab at holding it all together.
Sunday was totally fantastic once more - I missed Kai shouting at Paul (with affection) in Saturday's talks.
Totally disagree with comments that Paul is wrong for the job: I think he's brilliant! He's been at every ME con I've been to, and I think it just wouldn't be the same without him!
Well done Paul!  
I loved listening to all the new guests and what they had to say - Paul Copley is genius! Also had a few "ah, yeah" moments from hearing the guests talk about other projects - as I hadn't researched enough,. lol! You know you recognise people and have seen them in tonnes of stuff, but what??! It all comes flooding back.  

Thanks to all the crew and organisers for another truly memorable weekend.
AS I mentioned on here before, I haven't been all that well lately, but the weekend with all you great guys certainly cheered me up, and despite being totally knackered, and sleeping most of the day, I feel pretty great, so thanks for that too! Cured by a Torchwood convention!! Ha Ha!

I'll stop nagging on now,
hugs to everyone I met at the weekend, especially AJ, Jennie, Hayz, Joy, Deb, and the 2 girls I kept meeting in the lift on Sunday.
Max
    

[x_moonshine_x]

Persephone1, on Oct 26 2009, 09:19 PM, said:

I do hope that is your photo you're re-posting btw.

No, it was mine... lol.

[karaoke_krazy]

KaibaGirl007, on Oct 26 2009, 09:13 PM, said:

This was my second Showmasters/Hub convention and I thoroughly enjoyed it, - not as much as Hub 2, but still a fantastic weekend nevertheless.    

However, here’s a teeny list of gripes that I have about the weekend:
The Hotel - After having stayed in several other Hiltons, I was unimpressed with this one and its standards, and am complaining to them directly regarding this.
The Parties - Like many have already said, the music became boringly repetitive which made me not want to hang around for more than a couple of hours each night, and it was a shame to not see themed cocktails again.
The Talks - Hecklers, please keep quiet and do not shout directly into my ears and deafen me! Also, and I’ll probably be hated for this, but would it be possible to not have photos taken during the talks? I don’t mean to ruin anyone’s fun from having a few snaps, but I’d like to be able to actually see the guests and not someone’s camera rammed into my line of vision the whole time.
The Guests - Lovely as they were, once James cancelled, it seemed to be almost a Children of Earth event which was not the kind of convention I was hoping for, so some more variety in guests next time, please?
The Crew - On one occasion I had a query regarding the new seating rule and how it would affect someone going to the first intimate encounter and I did not like the tone and way in which I was spoken back to. (big thanks to the attendees who backed me up as I tried to get my query across, and to the lovely crew member, - so sorry I didn’t catch your name hun, - who later cleared up the confusion that had been caused)

There, grumbling over....

Again thank you for a wonderful time and look forward to attending Hub 4.  

Photos - I got such a mad headache from all the click click click - beep beep beep all the way through, I mean surely all those photos have got to look the same!!! LOL!

[Spectrum]

I didn't have to deal with the hotel staff much at all so can't comment on that, but I'm still SO glad we'll be back at the Park Inn next time. At the Hilton I couldn't afford the food and there was no where else to go within walking distance. Also, I had snotty comments from people there for the bridge thing or whatever, it's definitely better to have attendees at several hotels and the con taking over one completely so we can all do our thing without other events happening at the same time. You get the filthiest looks wandering across a hotel in the most innocuous costume.

Gutted about James obviously, but SM really did try and make the best of it: getting Kai and then "revealing" him in the way they did was absolutely the best thing they could have done and I will be eternally grateful! His talk was brilliant, (although the poor man wouldn't sit on the damn chair!) they all were, especially on Sunday. Ben and Paul were especially good newcomers, and Gareth was well, Gareth! I really hope he does the Hub 4 because it just wouldn't be the same without him. I think there were too many Children of Earth guests if I'm honest, but I know how difficult it was to get any more of the main gang.

Parties were fabulous, especially the skit on Saturday night - Gareth being John was priceless and to be fair, the DJ was choosing good songs. Just quite a few times each . . .

Every single member of the Massive Events crew were all ridiculously lovely, patient, funny and generally wonderful, so biiiiiig thanks for that! (everyone join the Facebook group "Too Tall Is My Hero"!)

Something I did miss however: the graffiti wall/where are you from map! That was endless fun, why did you not do it this time?

[Octarina]

I understand taking pics when they do something funny, but just when they're chatting on seems a bit silly really.

[BeatrixKiddo88]

Yeah and I know most cameras (mine does and its not new or special or anything) let you turn the noises off.

[karaoke_krazy]

BeatrixKiddo88, on Oct 26 2009, 10:53 PM, said:

Yeah and I know most cameras (mine does and its not new or special or anything) let you turn the noises off.

One bloke had a big professional camera that was really noisy (mechanical clicky noises..) and was taking photos the whole way thru (why?? lol)   - poor woman behind couldnt see cos it was in the way most of the time.  Not joking must have took a pic every 5 seconds and had thousands of identical pictures.

[x_moonshine_x]

I would have turned the noises off mine, but it was my dad's camera and I didn't actually know how... lol.. Sorry if I annoyed anyone.

[Spikesbird]

Hope I wasn't annoying anyone with photo taking!
I don't think mine makes a sound though, and I don't lift the camera above my head as many seem to do.
One girl near us on Saturday actually stood up for quite a lot of the time taking pix!

I do try and limit my photo taking, but as it's 90% blurry rubbish ones, as I get excited/shake/laugh too much, so I take a few more.

I know what you mean though, you end up with hundreds of similar ones anyway. I take way less now as the hubs go on.

Just wanted to say thanks to Malcolm and Daniella taking the prof photos as forgot before - what a great job they do.
I am so not photogenic, and I always seem to come out Ok at the Hub.
And Malcolm - I have a happy chin now, lol! It seemed to be unhappy yesterday for some reason and wouldn't respond, ha ha!!

[BeatrixKiddo88]

And man does Malcom carry off a dress well!

lol As always, the prof photo team was AMAZING!