Cancon 2000

An Organizer Report

by Tim Sleigh

(or, " a lot of disconnected rambling from a C2KO who forgot that this report should have been done over a week ago.')

The Long Version...

Few people would have believed that in the first days of the 21st century (depending on your calendar), minds immeasurably dumber than ours were still trying to enter an event two weeks after it had been filled. "But I have already booked my accommodation and paid for my ticket!"

Looking at the map and the now infamous "max places" list, I was able to reply, Oh, did you say DBM? I though you wanted to play that other game... Of course we have some spaces left, about 15 to be precise (out of 120 in total). Sir, SIR, are you ok... (deep breathing ... ) "DON'T DO THAT AGAIN I ALMOST HAD A HEART ATTACK!!! I WILL FAX MY FORM TONIGHT!"

The thing I like the most about wargamers, as against everyone else, is that they normally know how to fill in their entry form and post it in. Even so, every now and then someone would forget to let us know what they actually wanted to play, nothing a quick e-mail wouldn't fix though.

This year at C2K, we had a lot more entrants in all events. The "Ancients" had 20% more people than last year. The GW` games also increased in size (Those drugs just aren't working!) There were more 25mm high horses running around and the skies were filled with space ships. The dealers had more tables and more stock. Generally everything was good.

Most people, if they every got away from their tables, would have noticed that we had fewer Role Players this year. This was due to the fact we had to cut costs in our venue hire and outfitting ($12-$15K worth). We did managed to introduce two new ideas I have been thinking about since last years con, Night Role Playing and Computer games. I have heard nothing but good comments about these two "innovations" and we hope to continue them and expand on them next year.

I would like to thank all those people who helped us this year, especially those who packed and cleaned their areas once they finished their events. This assistance allowed the C2K organisers to get home FOUR hours earlier than last year, and saved us a lot of stress. While most people may think that the con Finishes with the presentation of the trophies and starts up again sometime next year, the planning for next years event is already in full swing (anyone want to run an event? PLEASE!!). We are already stressing out over working out the bugs in the entry booklet, the layout of the venue, the mix of events, the total and complete lack of lap dancing polar bears... Sorry...Coke... Drink... Gulp... feeling better now.

In running the Con we need two types of people, those who can help ORGANISE the event, such as writing the entry booklet, getting the events, choosing what colour insert to have... And those who can help RUN it during the weekend. Anyone wanting to undertake any of these tasks, or just lend a hand, contact me on the e-mail address at the end. [See CGS entry on Club Contacts page for e-mail and other contact details - Ed.]

The Short version....

Lots of people, lots of games, lots more public participation games, almost enough food (There were too many "non con people" eating it!), lots of computers (Thanks to AIE and Micro Forte), really good roleplay, a profit for next years convention and more dealers.

Thanks to everyone who came and played. Stay tuned for the entry booklet/entry form available from MOAB in OCTOBER 2000. Those of you who supplied us with an e-mail address will be notified when the entry form is downloadable from the CGS website.

(Everyone will also be sent an entry form, hopefully in co-operation with Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort Canberra. Entry booklets will be available from major Games stores from mid October.)

Tim Sleigh, President *, Canberra Games Society
* At time of printing, CGS elections will be held sometime in March.)

More CanCon 2000 Convention Coverage

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