Today, I was writing down things about the differences between a convention and a conference.
One of the aspects that came up was a badge; interestingly, I noticed that one prominent aspect of conference badges is that they have larger, more legible names.
That's when the idea came to me.
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Sample badge. Image credit: Mobile Police Patlabor
First change in the badge:
More Attendee Information :)
Most of the changes are aesthetic, some are simply for purposes of tradition. Notice the badge class on the bottom band, the convention name on the upper header, and the panel-segment seperators. Why this design? Becuase it is time tested - it's more friendly at a con when you know someone's name!
But other than the interesting information printed on the badge, which conferences have had for decades, you'll notice a bunch of codes on the bottom.
This is the primary attraction I invented I call it the:
"BRAG" PANEL
These codes are participation codes. Conventions can write their own or use the encoding system I designed: numbers are years (sequence, last 2 or full: e.g. 9th, 2002 or '02), single or double letters are participation codes seperated by a space. Italics (not recommended), brackets and other styles are used for their purposes.
This panel, readable usually only at close range, is like a military pin: it tells you a few things worth recognizing:
- Number of years attended
- What years
- Panels, VG tournament, cosplay...
- even volunteering
This also facilitates another fundraising method:
Recognition!
This section is intended for smaller conventions, which unlike AWA, may be running tight on cash sometimes. Such as NDK after that stupid 11/9 thing.
Usually, technical conferences and symposiums have multiple ticket classes, ticketed event and "track sessions" you attend based on purchased events. Don't ask me how the pricing algorithm works, it involves all sorts of things like are you a member of their organization, etc. But anyways, this is not feasable at an anime convention...
except on a smaller scale ^_^
Here's a fundraiser event:
Sell a premium conference rate that costs slightly extra
This is in addition to the conference cost, can increase closer to the conference date. Brings money in
What attendees get is one or two announced events and possible a few surprise bonuses for buying the premium track. Possible options include getting into the exhibit hall an hour early, a MTP session, etc.
Adn what gets to keep buying it? Remember the box I invented earlier? Every year they buy the premium track, which can cost around three to twent-five extra suggested, they get a recognition symbol which also acts as admission tag as well, this also displays on top using start previous years premium tickets bought. Additionally, their contribution is also stored in the brag box: possibly an "F" or a "C" or a bracketed year [99]. whatever.
Charging extra for the people who want to contribute to the convention's success by buying a premium track keeps prices down for the little guys. Many college and high school attendees cannot attend because of soaring conference tuitions/rates; with lower prices, it's a better con for everyone.
And it's completely optional, yet it works: Just reserve an extra hour of Dealer's Room time for people who paid extra $10 or so.
In conclusion...
An option to consider
We can structure it like a conference, with plenary lectures, symposiums, tracks and panels! And we'll publish the proceeding in a thich book with CD-ROM and stuff it in the convention messenger bag... or not.
But my idea should be taken seriously by smaller anime conventions. It's just a small idea and may not change much, but it's another step along the road to a potentially better con.
