MikeDonovan Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 (edited) I think I have a reputation of being measured in my comments (in most cases anyway), and I've certainly been knocking around this forum for a while. And I've been to a lot of SM events. So here are my views. Signage Great - figured out where I needed to go quickly. The Transport Very good - and definitely a wise move to put on the free buses. Was quick, and reliable, and I didn't have to wait too long. Although, I'm sure the bus driver mistakenly referred to the event as "Kleptomania" at one point The Weather The trouble is, you can't ever rely on weather in the UK. And the whole place is open. If it was a lovely summer day, it would have been fine. Like I say, it's unfair to hold SM responsible for the weather, so I don't - but from the point of view of an attendee, I can see why being in the cold causes problems for people - particularly families. I was weighing up whether to bring my daughter along for the first time (she's 17 months) - in retrospect I'm glad I didn't, mainly because of the cold. To reiterate, it's out of SM's control - but for some attendees I can see why it's a moaning point. The Guests The only thing that had me scratching my head was the fact that the dealers were ensconced in a (relatively) warm room, while the guests were outside in the cold. I'm sure there were reasons, but intuitively I expected it to be the other way around. After all, sorry dealers, but in terms of importance the guests are a bit higher up the food chain than you are. The Dealer Room Very cramped. It was a real mission to get from one end to the other - especially with the standard "stop dead in your tracks and gawp at something without even caring if anyone's behind you" approach that some people take. Food Exactly what I expected from a stadium. Not good. I skipped it. A particular reason why I miss the shopping centre. The thing about LFACC is that it's right in the middle of town - if you want to grab a decent coffee or a good pizza and a beer, there's no shortage of places not far away. At MK Dons, that's a bit more of a mission. Specific Guests I only went for three guests this time (I'd already met Nimoy). David Yip, Richard Chavez, and Avery Brooks. All three were class acts. Avery Brooks signed my baseball and threw it at me - fortunately I caught it! Quite something to have Captain Sisko throw you a baseball :) As always, really appreciated the chance to meet all of them. Summary From the point of view of an attendee, I don't think anyone can argue the fact that the shopping centre was the better venue, in almost every respect. But we've done that conversation to death - it was an enforced move. And I'd certainly say that, on a good summer day, this new venue would be good. The queues for Nimoy and Fillion were huge, and there's no way that could have happened in the shopping centre. The food situation isn't going to change unfortunately - a Starbucks isn't going to crop up out of nowhere. Perhaps next time a few decent food stalls outside? The sort of thing you'd get at a music festival maybe? Perhaps there were a few as part of the planned fair - don't know. Anyway, I won't lie, there's a few negatives. If it wasn't for the weather, there'd be three - food, cramped dealer space, and the fact that the event isn't right next to a train station. And as for the third point, I've lived right in the centre of London for a long time, and I'm probably a bit biased about such things Let's take a look at C16 and see how things pan out. I don't care what the trolls say, Jason has a history of taking constructive criticism very well, and people have made their points, so I'm sure he'll come up with something to address the issues. Anyway, will definitely be bringing my daughter to LFACC - Darth Vader and Batman in particular were very impressive today, and I'm looking forward to getting some pictures with her :) Edited June 7, 2009 by MikeDonovan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psychosis Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 (edited) I think that's fair and basically my point of view too. I don't think the venue would be comfortable in any weather condition - at the Britannia Stadium, for example, even a 40 degree summer day can reduce me to a shivering block of ice if I sit in there. It'd be nice if the dealers area could have "PLEASE DON'T STOP WITHOUT LOOKING BEHIND YOU" signs up. My one serious complaint would be about the Leonard Nimoy escorts on Friday (I think). I'm not entirely sure it was Nimoy because it happened so fast. One moment I was walking along next to the queue for Nimoy in the opposite direction, close to it and keeping out of the way. The next moment a group of tuxedo clad men hovered around a man (probably Nimoy) , one of them screamed "Move over and give us some SPACE!!" or something along those lines at me, shoved me, and I hit the deck. Edited June 7, 2009 by Psychosis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lingham Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 from what I saw today they did look a bit heavy handed, it was the quickest meet and greet I have ever been to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A007 Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 (edited) I think that's fair and basically my point of view too. I don't think the venue would be comfortable in any weather condition - at the Britannia Stadium, for example, even a 40 degree summer day can reduce me to a shivering block of ice if I sit in there. It'd be nice if the dealers area could have "PLEASE DON'T STOP WITHOUT LOOKING BEHIND YOU" signs up. My one serious complaint would be about the Leonard Nimoy escorts on Friday (I think). I'm not entirely sure it was Nimoy because it happened so fast. One moment I was walking along next to the queue for Nimoy in the opposite direction, close to it and keeping out of the way. The next moment a group of tuxedo clad men hovered around a man (probably Nimoy) , one of them screamed "Move over and give us some SPACE!!" or something along those lines at me, shoved me, and I hit the deck. I hope you complained about this assault to somebody at the venue. Edited June 7, 2009 by A007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milly123 Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 I think your comments are pretty fair. From a single parents point of view though, this new venue is impossible and I definatley won't be attempting this again. We've just got back, cold, miserable, aching and we didn't see anyone! Last year, I queued for the people I wanted to see while my friend took the kids round the shops and stall or sat in a cafe, then I did the same for her. This year we got there and we're told to come back in 2-3 hours for Philip Glenister, and longer for Filion and Nimoy - that's to start queueing! We tried to look round the stalls, but gave up after nearly losing the boys 3 times and me having a claustrophobic attack! Then it was down just standing with 3 miserable 11 year olds for hours in a freezing stadium with nothing but £3 hot dogs for comfort! Any parent will tell you - it's not do-able. This is one yearly event I'm sad to cross off my list :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mightymax Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Just got back to sunny Wolverhampton, overall I thought it was an OK day. For me it just didn't have the atmosphere we have all grown to love with SM events (for me CM and LFCC). I guess this was lost due to it all being open, if that makes sense. For me the stalls seemed to be lacking something, not sure what though? I got everyone that I wanted well almost everyone (when ever I went for the SW guests they wasn't all there and wanted to do it in one go save taking posters out over and over again). The meet with Mr. Nimoy was exactly what I expected a rush job a quick 'hi' and 'goodbye' but I fully understand the reasons behind it so i'm not grumbling. The highlight of the day has to be the Back to the Future guests!!!!! Every single one of them was fantastic!! A real pleasure to have met them! If there was ever a call for repeat guests these people would be them!! Please SM more BTTF guests!! Also want to say a big thanks to the Crew for doing an excellent job and being a cheerful as ever even when they was cold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brockie76 Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 I loved today, just as much as Friday and Saturday. I honestly believe that the venue is better, we just need to get used to it. To be honest now that i live in MK it is so much easier, so i didnt have to sample the over priced food. As some one has already mentioned, could be a good idea to have a couple of stalls outside the stadium selling food. Maybe something to consider!? All the guests that i met were all on form and it was nice that the BTTF guests remembered me over the course of the weekend from Friday. I felt privaledged!!! (if thats the right word??!!) I rally cant wait til May 2010, its gonna be heavy!!! Rool on LFCC & CM:London Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockstar6662 Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 (edited) My main issue, apart from seeing the guests sitting there freezing, was the lack of stuff to do. I only went friday so luckily could get to see most of the people I wanted to very quickly as it was quiet for most. But after looking round the stalls a couple of times and seeing nothing I was interested in, I did wonder what I'd do if I had to hang around a few more hours. And for those of you who have been there all weekend, I don't know how you managed it to be honest with nothing to do other than just hang around. I wanted to see Ben as well but had to go elsewhere for a couple of hours and when I came back I was able to see him quite easily but would have been extremely bored otherwise. I know all the reasons why it's not in the centre anymore but it was so nice having the shops to go look round and plenty of places to eat/drink etc. This is definitely going to be the biggest issue in future for me though I can't really see what can be done. Maybe have a games area or a cinema area showing new film trailers or something? that'd be a distraction for a while. Don't like the fun fair idea, just not my thing. being a driver I suppose i have the option of heading back to the shops but it's nice to be close to the event to keep a track of queue sizes etc which was easy to do before. Edited June 7, 2009 by sugar_mouse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gebes Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 The comment about food is one I'd disagree with, Ikea was within 5 mins walk from the event, and friends and at there every day , and the Ikea prices for food, is very reasonable indeed. Another 2 friends went to Asda ( which is before Ikea ) and say they paid £4 for a roast chicken dinner, and advise the portions were very generous indeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeDonovan Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share Posted June 7, 2009 My one serious complaint would be about the Leonard Nimoy escorts on Friday (I think). I'm not entirely sure it was Nimoy because it happened so fast. One moment I was walking along next to the queue for Nimoy in the opposite direction, close to it and keeping out of the way. The next moment a group of tuxedo clad men hovered around a man (probably Nimoy) , one of them screamed "Move over and give us some SPACE!!" or something along those lines at me, shoved me, and I hit the deck. Not good at all - you definitely can't let something like that slide. If they'd pushed me like that, I'd have pushed back Did anyone else see it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sazzra Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Someone else has posted that they had a hand shoved up in front of them and got shouted at by his entourage (I think it was in one of the Saturday threads but can't be bothered to look ). Not good if two seperate people experienced 'heavy handedness' Mike, out of interest, were you aware of the open sided nature of the venue before Friday's comments? I only ask because I know you read things thoroughly and I can't remember seeing anything about it. I couldn't go in the end due to a back injury but in a way am quite glad seeing how cold it's been! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psychosis Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 (edited) Not good at all - you definitely can't let something like that slide. If they'd pushed me like that, I'd have pushed back Did anyone else see it? I have no idea... I was with my friend (christoff) but he was slightly in front of me so I think all he saw was me scrambling to collect my belongings from the floor. As other people also had that problem, I'll email showmasters so that they have a record of it in case they need to make any changes. Edit: Oh god, this question is so n00bish that I can barely type it... what's the official email? *blanks* Edited June 7, 2009 by Psychosis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jola Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Edit: Oh god, this question is so n00bish that I can barely type it... what's the official email? *blanks* info@showmastersonline.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psychosis Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Thank you. I'd hang my head in shame but then I can't see what I'm typing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sazzzy Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 (edited) Honest opinion from me of the whole weekend? worst one ever! I HATE the new venue and what the is with that fair we were suppose 2 b on about? i asked question and never got straight answers! i think its ridiculous, u have to wait 4 hours for a pic then be told "oh dont worry it'll be out before 5", and have to pay £2 postage coz u cant stay till 5!! I also didnt like that i got told not to ask nimoy for personalistion but when everyone else did it was ok? on behalf of the staff tho, that issue was sorted for me, thanxs roxy and the pit manager. Also guests canceling on the day kinda SUCKED, but not sm fault i know that. it all seemed very disorganised and like the crew had too much on there plates, but just my opinion I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to roxy! she was sooo lovely and helpful to me all weekend wen i got stuck with something, or had a question! Shes a great assest to you guys! the good points? i saw lots of my friends, the guests where pretty damn AWSOME, The dealers stalls were great, some of the crew were really lovely to me, Andrea and wendy, thank you for sorting out the voucher mess. sorry if you dont like that, but thats my honest opinion. and i KNOW sm cant control the weather but they gotta know an open area like that is going to be FREEZING!!! Edited June 7, 2009 by Sazzzy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeDonovan Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share Posted June 7, 2009 Mike, out of interest, were you aware of the open sided nature of the venue before Friday's comments? I only ask because I know you read things thoroughly and I can't remember seeing anything about it. I couldn't go in the end due to a back injury but in a way am quite glad seeing how cold it's been! I must admit I wasn't - I suppose I could have looked it up on the venue's website, but to be honest I was always going to go anyway, so I just left it until the day to find out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KlingonBatleth Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 My first time at MK so can't compare it to the shopping centre. I know some people were complaining about the venue saying it was cold and such, luckily the sun came out Sunday and it warmed up quite a bit! I know the stadium wasen't perfect, but its free entrance anyway and its just a temporary venue until next year. Got to meet Leonard Nimoy, John DeLancie, Avery Brooks and Geoffrey Hughes. Most were really friendly especially Avery. I found John was not in a talking mood! The dealer area was a bit cramped but I managed to look around there. In all an enjoyable day, and I'm sure it will be even better with the new venue next year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeatrixKiddo88 Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Today was the only day I could make it, and I thought I would post my thoughts: As with all other SM events...I loved it. Yes it was a bit nippy occasionally (sun came out for a bit, was nice and warm and made the pitch look great) but I managed. To be honest meeting guests, getting photoshoots and generally having fun around the event made me forget about the weather. All the horror stories I read on friday night never materialised for me. I found guests easily, worked out my way around pretty quickly (its a big oval, where can you get lost?) To address the dealers vs guests using the indoor room: With the amount of guests and the huge queus some where attracting, you really could not fit them all inside. This then creates an unfair system where some guests are inside and warm and some are left out in the cold. The way it was done at the weekend was fair in that respect and also gave you somewhere to keep warm while not clogging up guest areas. Food was a bit pricey for what it was, but they served Bovril so I was happy as larry. Brought food with me as well as I had read about the food on friday night. All in all, a good event for me, and if you came prepared, a good event for you too. Next year will be awesome in the big new hall, cannot wait. In terms of my day out, another home run from SM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedude57 Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Went to the show today, had a great time got all 6 signatures that i wanted and in good tme (arrived at 0900hrs and was finished by 1200hr) the guests i met were all great and pleasure to meet Nathan Fillion Kerri Green Philip Glenister Burn Gorman Marc Mcclure Andrew Robinson the venue was good, bit cramped in the dealer room, dispite this the show was well organised today many thanks showmasters for a great day out the dude Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avengers7 Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Have to say - had a brilliant time. Guests were absolutely lovely. hOWEVER, i DID FEEL SORRY FOR SOME OF THE GUESTS ON fRIDAY WHO WERE WRAPPED UP IN BLANKETS. tHE NEW VENUE HAS A LOT OF VERY GOOD POTENTIAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psychosis Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 *facepalm* I just realised it wasn't Friday that the Nimoy thing happened, it was Saturday. My other friend was there too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukeowl Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Honest views from long time posters don't seem to be welcome here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeDonovan Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share Posted June 7, 2009 Honest views from long time posters don't seem to be welcome here... Why do you say that Luke? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homerj Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 All of the guests who were there on friday were freezing. Nathan fillion wrapped his blanket around his legs cause he was cold. Maybe next time they could have heaters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeDonovan Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share Posted June 7, 2009 All of the guests who were there on friday were freezing. Nathan fillion wrapped his blanket around his legs cause he was cold. Maybe next time they could have heaters. Avery Brooks had one when I met him on sunday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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