After Greg's very insightful post I thought this might need to be shared/stickied:
Marc wrote:
How exactly does a group get to host/acquire a fan table? All info and advice regarding this is appreciated.
Hi! I can only tell you my experience in the cons I have contacted and tables I have helped staff.
1. Find the fan group/table organizer. Most if not all cons have a contact link/email. I am very polite and request information on if they offer tables to fan groups and if any are available. I let them know what cons I have done in the past and have sent pics of past tables and items displayed.
2. Make sure you understand the rules of the table. Does it have to be staffed 100% during the core hours like Dragoncon? When is load in/set up time? Where can we load things in at? Is power supplied and if so does it cost extra? Where is parking? When is load out time? What is the table space dimension? Are tablecloths provided? Does the table need to be broken down evey night if mutiple day event? The table at Dragoncon is out in the open and if it is not broken down and taken back to the room every night things would walk off.
3. During the con be courteous to everyone. Keep a clean/neat table. No one likes a messy table. You are representing the group. I am constantly checking the table out in between visitors.
4. After the con send an email to thank the con and inquire about the next event. Staying on good terms is how you are asked to future and new events.
That is how I get fan tables at the cons I have done. This can be very different con to con and the way I do it can be very different from how Mike does it in Chicago and Kris does it in the UK. As for the table it self you can see pics of what we have done in the past. As for basics I would suggest a banner, cards and enough items to display. Items to display is extremely important. You do not want a bare table. Also remember some of the con goers do not have the skills/resources we do. Something you think is amazing might not be to them or go over their heads. You can loose them very easily. As Gabe said make sure you have the resources. You are repesenting the group. If the table looks bad it makes the group look bad. Sorry I am at work and on my phone. Let me know any more questions you have and someone will answer.
Thanks!
Greg
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Newell, Greg A
Gman
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Still using phrasing.
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