KeyCon 2020 Going Virtual - September 20

[dustinhxc]

I'm there if Jacobsmirror and his Furts are there.  

Looks like you'll be there

Woo!!!!! That was quick.  Cant wait!

[xmagusx]

With regard to venues - how many people are (likely) showing up and are we looking to book a block of rooms at a nearby hotel?

[jacobsmirror]

With regard to venues - how many people are (likely) showing up and are we looking to book a block of rooms at a nearby hotel?

We're shooting for around 500. And yes, hopefully we can offer a discount at a local hotel.

[Jaxxstatic]

Someone mentioned Nintendo Switch stations for bonding. I support this idea wholeheartedly.

[walletburner]

folks, i love it

[Kellybear]

Someone mentioned Nintendo Switch stations for bonding. I support this idea wholeheartedly.

I like this idea a lot lol.

[apathy3cs]

If I remember this is occurring and depending on if I decide to go to Japan in March vs June (vs pushing it another year) I might try and make an appearance.  It's been a while and I love Colorado.  Mother grew up there and it'd be nice to revisit some of those areas.

[Smurfmaster]

I vote Denver as well!

Of course I'm a little biased since that's only an hour away for me.

[switchnollie]

I vote Denver as well!

Of course I'm a little biased since that's only an hour away for me.

Still in for Utah

[HoffmanMyster]

If I remember this is occurring and depending on if I decide to go to Japan in March vs June (vs pushing it another year) I might try and make an appearance.  It's been a while and I love Colorado.  Mother grew up there and it'd be nice to revisit some of those areas.

Pizza GB 2.0!!

[renoinmo]

Is there a usual time of year for KeyCon? Would love to go, I've got some friends out in Denver, so housing is real cheap

[HoffmanMyster]

Is there a usual time of year for KeyCon? Would love to go, I've got some friends out in Denver, so housing is real cheap

Typically early-ish summer.  June/July time-frame most often.

[jb1830]

I hope this doesn't happen on the same weekend as Anime Expo in LA (July 2 - 5, 2020)

[LifeZ]

It's too far there.
Have a fun party for everyone.   

[Puddsy]

It's too far there.
Have a fun party for everyone.   

Keycon 2021 Seoul

[Bruzur]

Any excuse to visit CO, so...

Count me in.

[tex_live_utility]

I think a lot of people were unhappy with last year's venue. I've heard many folks express their willingness to pay a fee for this year's Keycon if it meant we could secure a venue that was more equipped to hosting an event like ours. I know I'm one of them.

[zekkin]

I think a lot of people were unhappy with last year's venue. I've heard many folks express their willingness to pay a fee for this year's Keycon if it meant we could secure a venue that was more equipped to hosting an event like ours. I know I'm one of them.

I am in 100% agreement here. As a preface, I understand there was an existing relationship with the Ace Hotel and we were all able to attend for free. That being said...

The Ace Hotel in Manhattan was a very bad venue for this kind of meetup. From the start the entire thing was confusing, people were setting up their belongings, boxes of resin worth thousands of dollars, keyboards worth thousands of dollars, at tables located in the ENTRANCE of the Ace Hotel. I, personally, was informed that the downstairs area was specifically reserved for vendors only, but immediately found folks friendly with vendors placing their personal items on the vendor tables (probably because they realized how absurd it is to leave their belongings upstairs).

Once the meetup got into full swing, it became apparent that the venue was not adequate. Due to the majority of the things being displayed being located in the literal LOBBY of the hotel, people simply staying at the Ace Hotel could be seen walking over to the table with drinks and iced-coffees in hand, often held directly over the keyboards, disregarding signs that say "do not pick up," and even asking people how much certain items were should they want to purchase them. As the day moved along, it became difficult to even move around in the downstairs area due to the sheer number of people as well as the ambient temperature constantly rising (easily 10 degrees F higher than upstairs, and this is at the start of the typical hot and humid New York City summer).

I am 100% willing to pay $15-20 for a ticket where the funds go back to the organizers search for a venue that is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. I know I'm not alone here.

[jacobsmirror]

I think a lot of people were unhappy with last year's venue. I've heard many folks express their willingness to pay a fee for this year's Keycon if it meant we could secure a venue that was more equipped to hosting an event like ours. I know I'm one of them.

I am in 100% agreement here. As a preface, I understand there was an existing relationship with the Ace Hotel and we were all able to attend for free. That being said...

The Ace Hotel in Manhattan was a very bad venue for this kind of meetup. From the start the entire thing was confusing, people were setting up their belongings, boxes of resin worth thousands of dollars, keyboards worth thousands of dollars, at tables located in the ENTRANCE of the Ace Hotel. I, personally, was informed that the downstairs area was specifically reserved for vendors only, but immediately found folks friendly with vendors placing their personal items on the vendor tables (probably because they realized how absurd it is to leave their belongings upstairs).

Once the meetup got into full swing, it became apparent that the venue was not adequate. Due to the majority of the things being displayed being located in the literal LOBBY of the hotel, people simply staying at the Ace Hotel could be seen walking over to the table with drinks and iced-coffees in hand, often held directly over the keyboards, disregarding signs that say "do not pick up," and even asking people how much certain items were should they want to purchase them. As the day moved along, it became difficult to even move around in the downstairs area due to the sheer number of people as well as the ambient temperature constantly rising (easily 10 degrees F higher than upstairs, and this is at the start of the typical hot and humid New York City summer).

I am 100% willing to pay $15-20 for a ticket where the funds go back to the organizers search for a venue that is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. I know I'm not alone here.

Yup, noted. And I agree with you on many of those points. Much of which were already brought up when we asked attendees for feedback, but also some of your concerns are just what happens at meetups anywhere.

Ace Hotel was incredibly generous with their time and accommodations for the previous two KeyCons. However, it was increasingly apparent that the event has grown beyond their ability to host. Beyond that, the response for New York was much higher than anticipated and nearly twice as much as the previous year if we would've let the rsvp stay open. That said, as we're hunting for venues, we're making sure that we have a more open floor plan for the main section, consistent lighting, a solution for talks and presentations, and space for 500+. But, with that, we will definitely be looking for ways to cover the cost of the venue through paid tickets, vendor fees, and a few other avenues.

Again, the feedback is appreciated, and the planning committee and myself are working hard getting moving on 2020.

[ejewell89]

I think a lot of people were unhappy with last year's venue. I've heard many folks express their willingness to pay a fee for this year's Keycon if it meant we could secure a venue that was more equipped to hosting an event like ours. I know I'm one of them.

I am in 100% agreement here. As a preface, I understand there was an existing relationship with the Ace Hotel and we were all able to attend for free. That being said...

The Ace Hotel in Manhattan was a very bad venue for this kind of meetup. From the start the entire thing was confusing, people were setting up their belongings, boxes of resin worth thousands of dollars, keyboards worth thousands of dollars, at tables located in the ENTRANCE of the Ace Hotel. I, personally, was informed that the downstairs area was specifically reserved for vendors only, but immediately found folks friendly with vendors placing their personal items on the vendor tables (probably because they realized how absurd it is to leave their belongings upstairs).

Once the meetup got into full swing, it became apparent that the venue was not adequate. Due to the majority of the things being displayed being located in the literal LOBBY of the hotel, people simply staying at the Ace Hotel could be seen walking over to the table with drinks and iced-coffees in hand, often held directly over the keyboards, disregarding signs that say "do not pick up," and even asking people how much certain items were should they want to purchase them. As the day moved along, it became difficult to even move around in the downstairs area due to the sheer number of people as well as the ambient temperature constantly rising (easily 10 degrees F higher than upstairs, and this is at the start of the typical hot and humid New York City summer).

I am 100% willing to pay $15-20 for a ticket where the funds go back to the organizers search for a venue that is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. I know I'm not alone here.

Yup, noted. And I agree with you on many of those points. Much of which were already brought up when we asked attendees for feedback, but also some of your concerns are just what happens at meetups anywhere.

Ace Hotel was incredibly generous with their time and accommodations for the previous two KeyCons. However, it was increasingly apparent that the event has grown beyond their ability to host. Beyond that, the response for New York was much higher than anticipated and nearly twice as much as the previous year if we would've let the rsvp stay open. That said, as we're hunting for venues, we're making sure that we have a more open floor plan for the main section, consistent lighting, a solution for talks and presentations, and space for 500+. But, with that, we will definitely be looking for ways to cover the cost of the venue through paid tickets, vendor fees, and a few other avenues.

Again, the feedback is appreciated, and the planning committee and myself are working hard getting moving on 2020.

maybe it was just so bad it warranted saying again.

i think my Condo has more sq ft than the main basement room in Ace. 

[jacobsmirror]

I think a lot of people were unhappy with last year's venue. I've heard many folks express their willingness to pay a fee for this year's Keycon if it meant we could secure a venue that was more equipped to hosting an event like ours. I know I'm one of them.

I am in 100% agreement here. As a preface, I understand there was an existing relationship with the Ace Hotel and we were all able to attend for free. That being said...

The Ace Hotel in Manhattan was a very bad venue for this kind of meetup. From the start the entire thing was confusing, people were setting up their belongings, boxes of resin worth thousands of dollars, keyboards worth thousands of dollars, at tables located in the ENTRANCE of the Ace Hotel. I, personally, was informed that the downstairs area was specifically reserved for vendors only, but immediately found folks friendly with vendors placing their personal items on the vendor tables (probably because they realized how absurd it is to leave their belongings upstairs).

Once the meetup got into full swing, it became apparent that the venue was not adequate. Due to the majority of the things being displayed being located in the literal LOBBY of the hotel, people simply staying at the Ace Hotel could be seen walking over to the table with drinks and iced-coffees in hand, often held directly over the keyboards, disregarding signs that say "do not pick up," and even asking people how much certain items were should they want to purchase them. As the day moved along, it became difficult to even move around in the downstairs area due to the sheer number of people as well as the ambient temperature constantly rising (easily 10 degrees F higher than upstairs, and this is at the start of the typical hot and humid New York City summer).

I am 100% willing to pay $15-20 for a ticket where the funds go back to the organizers search for a venue that is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. I know I'm not alone here.

Yup, noted. And I agree with you on many of those points. Much of which were already brought up when we asked attendees for feedback, but also some of your concerns are just what happens at meetups anywhere.

Ace Hotel was incredibly generous with their time and accommodations for the previous two KeyCons. However, it was increasingly apparent that the event has grown beyond their ability to host. Beyond that, the response for New York was much higher than anticipated and nearly twice as much as the previous year if we would've let the rsvp stay open. That said, as we're hunting for venues, we're making sure that we have a more open floor plan for the main section, consistent lighting, a solution for talks and presentations, and space for 500+. But, with that, we will definitely be looking for ways to cover the cost of the venue through paid tickets, vendor fees, and a few other avenues.

Again, the feedback is appreciated, and the planning committee and myself are working hard getting moving on 2020.

maybe it was just so bad it warranted saying again.

i think my Condo has more sq ft than the main basement room in Ace. 

Dude, we get it. You lift, and your shoulders are big, and you have trouble with standard width hallways and doors. That said...again... noted.

[TheGreatIceDrake]

Please ensure that there is ample staging, seating, and a priest on standby in case of impromptu marriage ceremonies.

[aspenc4]

Please ensure that there is ample staging, seating, and a priest on standby in case of impromptu marriage ceremonies.

I predict countless tears of joy on the horizon. Event of the century it shall be!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[jacobsmirror]

Please ensure that there is ample staging, seating, and a priest on standby in case of impromptu marriage ceremonies.

This could be done.

[Auxo]

Please ensure that there is ample staging, seating, and a priest on standby in case of impromptu marriage ceremonies.

hey

[ejewell89]

Please ensure that there is ample staging, seating, and a priest on standby in case of impromptu marriage ceremonies.

This could be done.

make sure they're ok with same sex marriages and polyamorous too. bc i might proposition jacob.

[tex_live_utility]

Is there any interest in a switch lubing testing station? It would be a big bowl of Gaterons linears plus several different lubes, brushes, and switch openers. You could spend a few minutes and play around experimenting with different lubes and techniques. Mostly targeted at "beginner/intermediate" attendees but could still be a good opportunity to try something different even for old heads.

[jacobsmirror]

Is there any interest in a switch lubing testing station? It would be a big bowl of Gaterons linears plus several different lubes, brushes, and switch openers. You could spend a few minutes and play around experimenting with different lubes and techniques. Mostly targeted at "beginner/intermediate" attendees but could still be a good opportunity to try something different even for old heads.

Sounds fun. Shoot me a dm here or on discord.

[Powerline]

 

Is there any interest in a switch lubing testing station? It would be a big bowl of Gaterons linears plus several different lubes, brushes, and switch openers. You could spend a few minutes and play around experimenting with different lubes and techniques. Mostly targeted at "beginner/intermediate" attendees but could still be a good opportunity to try something different even for old heads.

Comm
This would be super nice. I'm relatively new to the community and there's so many different switches to try and it could answer so many questions too. Maybe have someone do a demo of lubing or something too?

[Powerline]

I'm all for a Denver spot. I live in Nebraska so everywhere else is pretty much way too far away. 😭

[Texican42]

Is there any interest in a switch lubing testing station? It would be a big bowl of Gaterons linears plus several different lubes, brushes, and switch openers. You could spend a few minutes and play around experimenting with different lubes and techniques. Mostly targeted at "beginner/intermediate" attendees but could still be a good opportunity to try something different even for old heads.

As one of those "beginner/intermediate" attendees, I'm all for this!

[thvstnvte]

oooooh, im hype for this if it happens to be in Denver that's something I can probably make too

[shinz0]

will there be aany officiants avail? I want to marry my one true love, Jane TGR, at KeyCon 2020.

[jacobsmirror]

will there be aany officiants avail? I want to marry my one true love, Jane TGR, at KeyCon 2020.

I can make sure a priest from the First Church of Clack can be present and ready to officiate.

[AuthenticDanger]

Any idea on possible dates? Even if it's multiple possibilities, it'd be nice to not get double booked with other travel plans.

[jacobsmirror]

Any idea on possible dates? Even if it's multiple possibilities, it'd be nice to not get double booked with other travel plans.

We are down to 3 or 4 venues to consider right now. Dates are ranging between late May and the first half of June.

[HoffmanMyster]

Anyone from the midwest/great lakes region considering driving out?  Wondering if we should get a party bus carpool going. 

[wavv]

Denver 2020 shall be my first KeyCon. Hopefully GMK Olive ships before it 

[xondat]

Any idea on possible dates? Even if it's multiple possibilities, it'd be nice to not get double booked with other travel plans.

We are down to 3 or 4 venues to consider right now. Dates are ranging between late May and the first half of June.

Will dates be confirmed before or at the same time as the venue? Thanks

[jacobsmirror]

Any idea on possible dates? Even if it's multiple possibilities, it'd be nice to not get double booked with other travel plans.

We are down to 3 or 4 venues to consider right now. Dates are ranging between late May and the first half of June.

Will dates be confirmed before or at the same time as the venue? Thanks

Same time, and hopefully soon.

[jacobsmirror]

I'm happy to announce we've secured a venue for KeyCon2020!

Date: June 13, 2020
Time: 11am-6pm
Place: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St. Denver, CO 80205

Many more details soon. Happy to get rolling

[aspenc4]

I'm happy to announce we've secured a venue for KeyCon2020!

Date: June 13, 2020
Time: 11am-6pm
Place: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St. Denver, CO 80205

Many more details soon. Happy to get rolling

WOOP! 

[shinz0]

I'm happy to announce we've secured a venue for KeyCon2020!

Date: June 13, 2020
Time: 11am-6pm
Place: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St. Denver, CO 80205

Many more details soon. Happy to get rolling

WOOP!

COME ON! YEE

[dustinhxc]

Woohoo perfect weekend! I’m busy at the end of the month!

[adxlk]

possibly flying out from mauritius to meet you guys. See you there!

[xondat]

I'm happy to announce we've secured a venue for KeyCon2020!

Date: June 13, 2020
Time: 11am-6pm
Place: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St. Denver, CO 80205

Many more details soon. Happy to get rolling

Should've just waited a day more Great news

[godinjointform]

see y'all in Denver 

[BlindAssassin111]

Can't wait!

[switchnollie]

Hmm, close enough to Utah.

Could probably make it over 🧐

[MMKB]

I'm happy to announce we've secured a venue for KeyCon2020!

Date: June 13, 2020
Time: 11am-6pm
Place: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St. Denver, CO 80205

Many more details soon. Happy to get rolling

I'm down. Thanks for putting this together!