Checklist

A contribution from the original [smofs uk Conrunner] site, these Checklists from Ian Sorenson provides a way to account for the Who, What, When Where, Why and How of putting a convention together.

The Convention

Why

• Enthusiasm for an idea (the only good reason)
• Fame (not likely!)
• Conrunning in the blood (compulsive activity disorder)
• Conrunning as a social activity (too sad to filk)
• Someone asks you to do it (eager puppy syndrome)
• No one else doing this type of convention (simple minded enthusiasm)

What Type

Large or Small

• Bidded convention
  • conform to pattern
  • need to know rules
• Single stream
  • may also have workshops
• Multi-stream
  • problem of numbers in each stream
  • increased staff requirement
• Aimed at established fans
• Aimed at attracting new fans
• With or without dealers room

Literary

• Science fiction
• Fantasy

Relaxacon

• Limited number of members
• By invitation
• Limited programme

Fannish

• Fanzines
• Conrunning
• Filking
• Tech

Trek

• Classic
• Others

Media

• Dr Who
• Red Dwarf
• Babylon 5
• Buffy
• Stargate
• Anime
• Mixed

RPG

• Single game
• Multiple games
• Tournament

Where

Transport links

• Parking
• Courtesy bus

Hotel

• Bedrooms
• Function space
• Overflow
• Food
• Drink
• Price
• Cheaper at weekends

Campus

• Not term time
• Room types

Holiday Camp

• Out of season
• Licensing problems
  • All pre-registered, no walk-ins

Ship

• No walk-ins once convention starts
• Overflow?

When

• Holiday weekend
• When venue available/cheap
• Not same time as similar con

Who

Committee

• Group of like minded people
• Friends
• Hand picked team
• Need to be able to communicate/meet regularly

Staff

• people with special knowledge/talents
• enthusiastic helpers

Advisors

• Professional
• Experienced conrunners