Ok questions for all gathering planners and goers.

[NG02]

ok I have a few questions to ask:

when planning a gathering what locations should be used a hotel, a rented out place where people cannot be disturbed anyplace that can be found?

for those who have pulled of gatherings in hotels, were you guys ever interupted by somone at the door about complaints like hotel staff, guest next door, maybe even a cop?

when it would come to accepting people to come, what kind of screening process should be endured? aswell as rules being set to ensure we all have fun and no probs?

and the last for now is the determining of the fee to the attendies?

ok incase your wondering why im askin im thinking about trying to put a gathering together for FL, I know its prolly a long shot but i think i might be able to pull it off. For those TMFers who have planned succesful one PMme and give me the details on how you went about it or just post it here. Hope to hear from someone and also hope i can make this happen.

 

[steph]

(party goer here, not such a good planner) but I love this question~always good to see someone throwing a party! I attend as many of the local events as I can. You might start with contacting forum folks with successful party-throwing experience (Dan, Terry, the Goddess, etc) . Of course Jani is in India and probably won't see this (ya gotta get to know the world's biggest tk party thrower! Hee!)
Moderator Dave (dvnc) has a questionnaire he sends out to West coast people who want in. It's sort of a screening form, to make sure you're compatible (more or less) with with the rest of the gang. Maybe he'll send you a copy if you ask?

AFA hotels go, try to get a corner room or one by the airport!
Yes we've had calls about the noise (once) it was a cheaper room with thinner walls. It does sort of put a damper but trying to keep quiet makes it more of a challenge!

Fee depends on your venue and the turnout. As a host you can expect to probably take a little in the shorts but at our local events, the planners always say "donations accepted, not required". Now, obviously if you rent a beach house for the weekend like Goddess did, the price will be sizeably (sp?) more...for sure take a hint from some friends who got burned~REQUIRE a non-refundable deposit up front. That way, if people flake (and some will) you're not stuck holding the bag...HTH...
XOXO

 

[NG02]

Thanx steph. good somone replied. The good thing is that even if I cant get one in order soon Ill atleast have the the backgorund for the future if one comes time to plan. Hope more of those who have experience see this thread and Ill try to get intouch with one or two of those ppl you mentioned. Once again steph thanx for the post and help, and its also to bad the FL and CA are on two different sides of the earth or we would prolly be able to meet each other at a gathering.

 

[steph]

You're welcome sweetie~ I am all about the party!
And ya, I know~I've a fan or two (or 20) in FLA I wouldn't mind meeting up for play, including yourself....
XOXO

 

[NG02]

And ya, I know~I've a fan or two (or 20) in FLA I wouldn't mind meeting up for play, including yourself....
XOXO

Ok that statement right there just made my week. 😀

 

[Oddjob0226]

>>>>when planning a gathering what locations should be used a hotel, a rented out place where people cannot be disturbed anyplace that can be found?<<<<

Odd in Dallas here...

In the past, I used a "rent a dungeon" which was the perfect place as far as equipment, doing our own thing undisturbed, etc. But it was expensive, we could only have it for a few hours, and came with it's own set of house rules. I've since moved our events to hotel suites, the best one being an apartment -type place where all the rooms were more outside and stood alone rather than inside an enclosed building like a Ramada In or something like that. This one coming up this weekend, it is being held in one of the more traditional, enclosed hotels, Dan I am concerned about the noise. Ultimately, I look to getting my own house in a year or two and that will take care of this issue (I'm an apartment dweller at the moment).


>>>when it would come to accepting people to come, what kind of screening process should be endured? As well as rules being set to ensure we all have fun and no probs?<<<

We have a questionnaire that people fill out, especially the first timers (after I've gotten to know people for a few years, I usually don't ask them to re-fill it out.) Wit asks their real names, contact information, are they over 18, things like that. It also asks what their experiences are, what they are willing to accept witnessing at the party, if they are local would they be willing to drive, and other generalities. I also send out some guidelines/rules for the attendees to read and I keep them posted around the gathering.

>>>and the last for now is the determining of the fee to the attendies?<<<

Speaking only for myself, it's just a random shot in the dark. I ask for what I think people would be willing and able to pay. I've ALWAYS lost money doing that gatherings; I'm not doing it to make a profit, anyway, the fees I ask for are just to soften the blow. When I get my own place, though, I will charge mush less that I am now, just to cover snacking food. And always get the money beforehand; require a nonrefundable deposit which much be met by a certain date, unless you absolutely trust that person to show up with the fee. And even then, that doesn't always work as I am finding out!

A Florida gathering sounds incredible and I think would be a great idea! I wish you much luck, and I think you will have a great success. It will be a pain to put together, but when it does come together it is a very cool thing. I'll PM you a bit later when I can gather more details.