SBE 2012 Constructive Criticism
- Thread starter Shermanscs
- Start date
Well according to Joe Van Buren the vendor area was simply overrun with people after the lockdown period.......masses of people wanting to pillage his booth and get their hands on his 50 year old cues!!!
Good news Dean. It looks like I can probably get some of the tubes.
Regarding Joe and his "analysis" of the show it's simply the opinion of a nit and not worth anything. His choice of words was poor as is his overall attitude.
Thanks for the concern though. Right now me and Karen and Jessie are on a road trip that likely will take us in your direction. Hope to see you.
Thanks everyone, we're listening...
Thanks everyone for being a fan and supporter of the show!
We are grateful for all of your support over the years, and appreciate your feedback on the event. Since we had no other choice but to find a new venue for this year, I was expecting there to be lots of criticism regardless of what we did.
I will try and address some issues, as well as engage in any discussions about ideas for the upcoming year(s). There have been too many things pointed out in this thread for me to try and cut-and-paste or quote them all, so instead I will just discuss some things.
Before I go any further, I want to remind people that the VFCC (Valley Forge Convention Center - our previous venue) has closed down and been renovated into a casino. We were told after the 2011 Expo, and have no option of returning there. Many people have said we should move back, and I just want people to know that we can't.
Unfortunately, the new venue does not have the attached restaurants and hotels that we previously enjoyed. Finding a place that does is not as easy as it may seem. There are some, but there are a variety of other factors that make them less than ideal, such as (but not limited to): easy access to required amount of uninterrupted floorspace, proximity to major metropolitan areas, and associated costs for vendors possibly incurred during set-up.
Yes, we know the concrete floors are not ideal. Although the VFCC basically had concrete floors covered with a thin layer of tile, aesthetically this makes a big difference. Again, finding a venue this big with anything different is not easy.
The vaulted ceilings and industrial warehouse look are also fairly common in large tradeshow type environments. We were lucky to have a place like the VFCC that provided otherwise.
We wanted to keep the show close to its previous home, as people have gotten used to traveling to this region over the years, and it is a great location for ease of access to thousands of avid players in a 3 hr drive radius. Furthermore, with the closing of the VFCC, it seems as though the new venue (The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center - GPEC) is poised to gain lots of new trade show business, and will hopefully take steps to improve, accomodate, and cater to these various events. Afterall, we are merely one weekend of the year to them - they need to cater to events all year.
Yes, there is another room to expand into - Hall C. This room is the same size (or close to) Hall B - from what I've been told. I have only stepped foot in that room once, so I'm going off a brief memory and what I've been told here.
The various entrances was an issue, and one we thought we had prepared for. It become glaringly obvious that our plan would not work, and we took steps throughout the weekend to adjust. We already have some different and better plans for next year.
Lighting was an issue. When we had visited the room, the lighting seemed adequate. Once tables were installed and actually being used, it was revealed to be inadequate. We've been told the GPEC already has plans to install more lighting and we will stay on top of this issue.
The bathroom situation was a mess too. Our event is atypical from most trade show events. Whereas most events have attendees that come in, walk around for a while, and leave - we have quite the opposite. Many of our visitors may come in at noon and stay until well past midnite. We've been discussing this and have some things to look into. I've been out to Vegas for the WSOP events and have seen what they do to accomodate, and will look into the same option. If you've never been - they have some sort of mobile bathroom facility on site. It's not just "port-a-pottys", but rather some type of mobile home type unit that is set up just outside. Temperature controlled, well-lit, and clean. Hopefully this is something we can get.
The TAP League is a great part of the event, having the Rally in the Valley at the Super Billiards Expo is something we look forward to. They do not "take" away tables from anyone. Finding space for all the tables required for their event as well as our events, plus practice tables and mini-tourney tables is challenging. And even once we have the space, the mere act of getting the tables is a challenge. Diamond's crew does an amazing job and we are lucky to have them. However, the supply logistics of getting 200+ tables for a week pose a problem - they just weren't available. We had every possible table that Diamond could supply us with for the week. Next year, we have been promised that we can get more.
The vendor parking area was something we had planned, but it fell through last minute. We were not trying to mislead or lie to anyone. We had made the passes and designated that the area to the left of the main entrance (when facing Hall A) would be for vendors only. We had someone scheduled to watch the lot from 7am-8pm each day, but this person fell ill at the last minute, and unfortunately we did not have time to find a replacement. Moving to the new venue posed more issues than we had anticipated, and we ended up being slightly short staffed for the event.
This goes for the overnight/lock-up concern as well. Our original intent was to lock down Hall A, as promised. However, it became very obvious that we could not make people walk around the building after leaving the Pro Arena to get back to Hall B. Furthermore, making all the players gathered in the practice areas leave would not have went over very well either. So, we came up with a new plan and did our best to implement it. Each aisle leaving the practice table area was blocked, and a guard was stationed at each area. The other side/access to this area was watched as well. As far as I know, not a single item was stolen, missing, or damaged overnight under our watch. And I'm sure if it was I would have heard - rightfully so. Indeed, this was not what we advertised would happen - but we did our best to find the fine line that would keep everyone happy, or close to it. Our goal is to provide a lucrative environment for vendors to showcase their products as well as a fun and exciting environment for players. Keeping players happy and on-site is key to keeping vendors happy and busy.
All that said, we are working on some better plans for traffic flow and overnight security for next year.
OK, I'll write some more later - I'm getting kinda tired. Feel free to ask questions and/or comment about the show. Please rest assured that we will do our best to identify our weak spots and work hard to improve to keep the SBX a fun and successful weekend for all. Moving to a new venue was a challenge, as many issues do not become apparent until you actually set-up and run the show. You don't get a practice run or a dress rehearsal. You look at some space, map out some details, try to speculate what people will do, and devise a plan. Once you actually set-up and set things in motion, certain issues become obvious and need to be handled as you go, while the show is underway - improving conditions day by day or hour by hour.
We are lucky to have a great staff composed of family and friends - many of which have been returning every year for over 15 years - some every year since year one. I am thankful knowing that everyone worked very hard to make sure things went as smoothly as possible. All in all, I think things went very well for this pivotal year, and I think that the future can bring about some great things for the show. Yes, there were some speed bumps along the road this year, as we had expected - but they were quickly dealt with when possible. And if not - then they've been discovered now for future plans.
Thanks again everyone, glad you enjoyed the show!
Thanks everyone for being a fan and supporter of the show!
We are grateful for all of your support over the years, and appreciate your feedback on the event. Since we had no other choice but to find a new venue for this year, I was expecting there to be lots of criticism regardless of what we did.
I will try and address some issues, as well as engage in any discussions about ideas for the upcoming year(s). There have been too many things pointed out in this thread for me to try and cut-and-paste or quote them all, so instead I will just discuss some things.
Before I go any further, I want to remind people that the VFCC (Valley Forge Convention Center - our previous venue) has closed down and been renovated into a casino. We were told after the 2011 Expo, and have no option of returning there. Many people have said we should move back, and I just want people to know that we can't.
Unfortunately, the new venue does not have the attached restaurants and hotels that we previously enjoyed. Finding a place that does is not as easy as it may seem. There are some, but there are a variety of other factors that make them less than ideal, such as (but not limited to): easy access to required amount of uninterrupted floorspace, proximity to major metropolitan areas, and associated costs for vendors possibly incurred during set-up.
Yes, we know the concrete floors are not ideal. Although the VFCC basically had concrete floors covered with a thin layer of tile, aesthetically this makes a big difference. Again, finding a venue this big with anything different is not easy.
The vaulted ceilings and industrial warehouse look are also fairly common in large tradeshow type environments. We were lucky to have a place like the VFCC that provided otherwise.
We wanted to keep the show close to its previous home, as people have gotten used to traveling to this region over the years, and it is a great location for ease of access to thousands of avid players in a 3 hr drive radius. Furthermore, with the closing of the VFCC, it seems as though the new venue (The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center - GPEC) is poised to gain lots of new trade show business, and will hopefully take steps to improve, accomodate, and cater to these various events. Afterall, we are merely one weekend of the year to them - they need to cater to events all year.
Yes, there is another room to expand into - Hall C. This room is the same size (or close to) Hall B - from what I've been told. I have only stepped foot in that room once, so I'm going off a brief memory and what I've been told here.
The various entrances was an issue, and one we thought we had prepared for. It become glaringly obvious that our plan would not work, and we took steps throughout the weekend to adjust. We already have some different and better plans for next year.
Lighting was an issue. When we had visited the room, the lighting seemed adequate. Once tables were installed and actually being used, it was revealed to be inadequate. We've been told the GPEC already has plans to install more lighting and we will stay on top of this issue.
The bathroom situation was a mess too. Our event is atypical from most trade show events. Whereas most events have attendees that come in, walk around for a while, and leave - we have quite the opposite. Many of our visitors may come in at noon and stay until well past midnite. We've been discussing this and have some things to look into. I've been out to Vegas for the WSOP events and have seen what they do to accomodate, and will look into the same option. If you've never been - they have some sort of mobile bathroom facility on site. It's not just "port-a-pottys", but rather some type of mobile home type unit that is set up just outside. Temperature controlled, well-lit, and clean. Hopefully this is something we can get.
The TAP League is a great part of the event, having the Rally in the Valley at the Super Billiards Expo is something we look forward to. They do not "take" away tables from anyone. Finding space for all the tables required for their event as well as our events, plus practice tables and mini-tourney tables is challenging. And even once we have the space, the mere act of getting the tables is a challenge. Diamond's crew does an amazing job and we are lucky to have them. However, the supply logistics of getting 200+ tables for a week pose a problem - they just weren't available. We had every possible table that Diamond could supply us with for the week. Next year, we have been promised that we can get more.
The vendor parking area was something we had planned, but it fell through last minute. We were not trying to mislead or lie to anyone. We had made the passes and designated that the area to the left of the main entrance (when facing Hall A) would be for vendors only. We had someone scheduled to watch the lot from 7am-8pm each day, but this person fell ill at the last minute, and unfortunately we did not have time to find a replacement. Moving to the new venue posed more issues than we had anticipated, and we ended up being slightly short staffed for the event.
This goes for the overnight/lock-up concern as well. Our original intent was to lock down Hall A, as promised. However, it became very obvious that we could not make people walk around the building after leaving the Pro Arena to get back to Hall B. Furthermore, making all the players gathered in the practice areas leave would not have went over very well either. So, we came up with a new plan and did our best to implement it. Each aisle leaving the practice table area was blocked, and a guard was stationed at each area. The other side/access to this area was watched as well. As far as I know, not a single item was stolen, missing, or damaged overnight under our watch. And I'm sure if it was I would have heard - rightfully so. Indeed, this was not what we advertised would happen - but we did our best to find the fine line that would keep everyone happy, or close to it. Our goal is to provide a lucrative environment for vendors to showcase their products as well as a fun and exciting environment for players. Keeping players happy and on-site is key to keeping vendors happy and busy.
All that said, we are working on some better plans for traffic flow and overnight security for next year.
OK, I'll write some more later - I'm getting kinda tired. Feel free to ask questions and/or comment about the show. Please rest assured that we will do our best to identify our weak spots and work hard to improve to keep the SBX a fun and successful weekend for all. Moving to a new venue was a challenge, as many issues do not become apparent until you actually set-up and run the show. You don't get a practice run or a dress rehearsal. You look at some space, map out some details, try to speculate what people will do, and devise a plan. Once you actually set-up and set things in motion, certain issues become obvious and need to be handled as you go, while the show is underway - improving conditions day by day or hour by hour.
We are lucky to have a great staff composed of family and friends - many of which have been returning every year for over 15 years - some every year since year one. I am thankful knowing that everyone worked very hard to make sure things went as smoothly as possible. All in all, I think things went very well for this pivotal year, and I think that the future can bring about some great things for the show. Yes, there were some speed bumps along the road this year, as we had expected - but they were quickly dealt with when possible. And if not - then they've been discovered now for future plans.
Thanks again everyone, glad you enjoyed the show!
Thank you Allen_jr for posting.
My main issue was with the lighting. Bathrooms sucked but fortunately I only needed to hit them up at non-peak times I guess. Only had to wait in line twice during the 4 days. Sure it sucks there is no hotel built on or in walking distance, but there is nothing you can really do about that.
I heard the Hampton Inn around the corner really jacked up prices before the event since they were the closest hotel, rumor I heard was around 150 a night. Not sure if you can prevent that or not. I know a lot of Hotels have the promotions for the expo.
One thing that kind of pissed me off though was the guy blocking the vendor area Thursday morning. Vendor area was closed. No one knew that this was not the entrance to the entire expo. I picked up my badge and went to go in and even asked the guy. He started yelling at everyone "Entrance C" and just being an asshole about it. I had no problem with walking around to entrance C but how the **** was I supposed to know that wasnt the entrance? He could have been nicer about it.
My main issue was with the lighting. Bathrooms sucked but fortunately I only needed to hit them up at non-peak times I guess. Only had to wait in line twice during the 4 days. Sure it sucks there is no hotel built on or in walking distance, but there is nothing you can really do about that.
I heard the Hampton Inn around the corner really jacked up prices before the event since they were the closest hotel, rumor I heard was around 150 a night. Not sure if you can prevent that or not. I know a lot of Hotels have the promotions for the expo.
One thing that kind of pissed me off though was the guy blocking the vendor area Thursday morning. Vendor area was closed. No one knew that this was not the entrance to the entire expo. I picked up my badge and went to go in and even asked the guy. He started yelling at everyone "Entrance C" and just being an asshole about it. I had no problem with walking around to entrance C but how the **** was I supposed to know that wasnt the entrance? He could have been nicer about it.
Allen should have it in A.C. He's got clout there and might be able to finagle one of those casinos to host the SBE.
I've gone every year for at least 10 years, but a move to Atlantic City would end it for me. I also think it would hurt the vendors a lot as people would spend their money on gambling. JMHO.
Allen,
Thanks for the post. It is so easy for people to complain. So hard for them to understand the logistics of an event the size you and your father produce. Did everything run smoothly? Not really. Did you and the staff attempt to rectify the problems? Absolutely. Did Ce Ce run some great events? You bet! Am I returning next year? Absolutely! On behalf of all the pool players, thanks again for all the efforts of the Hopkins family. You guys are the best:thumbup:! Even though I didn't get the Allen Sr handshake for my photo.
Lyn
Thanks for the post. It is so easy for people to complain. So hard for them to understand the logistics of an event the size you and your father produce. Did everything run smoothly? Not really. Did you and the staff attempt to rectify the problems? Absolutely. Did Ce Ce run some great events? You bet! Am I returning next year? Absolutely! On behalf of all the pool players, thanks again for all the efforts of the Hopkins family. You guys are the best:thumbup:! Even though I didn't get the Allen Sr handshake for my photo.
Lyn
Hi,
If I were Allen Hopkins, I would relocate the fine SBE Expo to Rosemont Illinois right next to O'Hare Field. There are more hotel rooms there per sq. mile than Vegas and they have shuttle service for conventioneers.
Now that King of Prussia is done, it seems to me that if it were more centrally located it might draw more from the entire US. Air fare from the western states is high to the east coast.
This is 2 minutes from the airport and very friendly to shows.
JMHO,
Rick
If I were Allen Hopkins, I would relocate the fine SBE Expo to Rosemont Illinois right next to O'Hare Field. There are more hotel rooms there per sq. mile than Vegas and they have shuttle service for conventioneers.
Now that King of Prussia is done, it seems to me that if it were more centrally located it might draw more from the entire US. Air fare from the western states is high to the east coast.
This is 2 minutes from the airport and very friendly to shows.
JMHO,
Rick
That's convenient, your being from Illinois and all.
Hi,
I would surly love it being 15 minutes away.
Central US location in a convention friendly zone with more hotels and transportation options is a real benefit to all.
Rick
Seems to me Bob and Eydie Romano tried a similar format at the Windy City Open several years ago. Kind of remember it as being a disaster financially for the cuemakers. Too few walk in customers. Too many players without the money necessary to support the cue show. Nice idea but the location isn't the problem or the solution. Nothing a few years of familiarity won't solve.
Lyn
Allen, I really appreciate your response. It is nice to know that you and your father are going to attempt to improve things next year. However, one of the things you can't help, in this location, is the fact that there is no attached hotel.
Early reports said that a hotel was being built and would be ready for next year. Since there was no indication of any construction near the expo center, I'm going to assume that information was not entirely correct.
My wife and I have enjoyed attending the entire SBE for more than 10 years and I'm very sorry to say that not having an attached hotel is a real deal breaker for us and many of our friends. I strongly urge you and your father to look for another location in the mid-Atlantic region.
Early reports said that a hotel was being built and would be ready for next year. Since there was no indication of any construction near the expo center, I'm going to assume that information was not entirely correct.
My wife and I have enjoyed attending the entire SBE for more than 10 years and I'm very sorry to say that not having an attached hotel is a real deal breaker for us and many of our friends. I strongly urge you and your father to look for another location in the mid-Atlantic region.
As was mentioned the Romanos tried hard to do a Chicago area show. There are simply not enough players within driving distance to support it in my opinion.
SBE works because of the location.
My Experience...
I just wanted to add a couple ideas to the mix of the conversation that may not have been touched on just yet.
I noticed a couple things throughout the weekend that seemed kind of puzzling. We had over 1,000 people participating in the amateur tournament alone, yet as the weekend progressed I saw very few people actually watching and attending the other assembled tournaments. Those include the free to view, straight pool, 3 cushion, and trick shot tournaments as well as the ppv Pro 10 ball event. I feel that this diminished turnout in the other events is due to a lack of communication to the attendees of what and when is going on.
I think it would've been a great idea to have a central board (White board if need be) where any interested spectators could go to and get updates on scores, results, match times, player payouts etc for each of the events and or exhibitions. This kind of central location could've been strategically placed to drive more traffic through and near the vendor areas, thus probably increasing sales. But the main point is having one place where customers, players, and vendors can go to get and share info on the status of each tournament as it progresses. One representative from each event could've gone to the board and updated their designated section and left information about upcoming portions. I think this would've been a key element to engaging the audiences more in the expo and giving them concrete info on what was going on in the event.
Since the space was so big and so much was going on, it becomes easy for people to get lost in the noise.
I'll also add that I thought the pricing for tickets to go watch the pro's was a little much. Principally the last day when only about 5 matches were slated, people were charged for a morning session and then again for the final. The same price they paid for the 4 matches prior. It becomes a little much when the expenses of being there go so high. I know many people who just turned away and didn't attend because of it. I think at least some kind of incentive and or discount would be in order for those who played in the events. Particularly the pro-am which cost $300 for people to play in. I feel like a lot of people were not reached and were not able to see some great pool because of it.
Unfortunately I know a bunch of people who were turned off by the whole experience and didn't really enjoy themselves because of the logistics and spacing of everything. For me as events go I was a bit disappointed. I'd heard so many good things about this event and how exciting it was. As the days went on I found myself being bored and not having much to do. I think this kind of thing can be remedied with a bunch of the solutions or ideas expressed earlier. If so then this can definitely be a must go to event.
As it lies for me and my experience I don't think I would go again next year if it were similar to this year's event.
I just wanted to add a couple ideas to the mix of the conversation that may not have been touched on just yet.
I noticed a couple things throughout the weekend that seemed kind of puzzling. We had over 1,000 people participating in the amateur tournament alone, yet as the weekend progressed I saw very few people actually watching and attending the other assembled tournaments. Those include the free to view, straight pool, 3 cushion, and trick shot tournaments as well as the ppv Pro 10 ball event. I feel that this diminished turnout in the other events is due to a lack of communication to the attendees of what and when is going on.
I think it would've been a great idea to have a central board (White board if need be) where any interested spectators could go to and get updates on scores, results, match times, player payouts etc for each of the events and or exhibitions. This kind of central location could've been strategically placed to drive more traffic through and near the vendor areas, thus probably increasing sales. But the main point is having one place where customers, players, and vendors can go to get and share info on the status of each tournament as it progresses. One representative from each event could've gone to the board and updated their designated section and left information about upcoming portions. I think this would've been a key element to engaging the audiences more in the expo and giving them concrete info on what was going on in the event.
Since the space was so big and so much was going on, it becomes easy for people to get lost in the noise.
I'll also add that I thought the pricing for tickets to go watch the pro's was a little much. Principally the last day when only about 5 matches were slated, people were charged for a morning session and then again for the final. The same price they paid for the 4 matches prior. It becomes a little much when the expenses of being there go so high. I know many people who just turned away and didn't attend because of it. I think at least some kind of incentive and or discount would be in order for those who played in the events. Particularly the pro-am which cost $300 for people to play in. I feel like a lot of people were not reached and were not able to see some great pool because of it.
Unfortunately I know a bunch of people who were turned off by the whole experience and didn't really enjoy themselves because of the logistics and spacing of everything. For me as events go I was a bit disappointed. I'd heard so many good things about this event and how exciting it was. As the days went on I found myself being bored and not having much to do. I think this kind of thing can be remedied with a bunch of the solutions or ideas expressed earlier. If so then this can definitely be a must go to event.
As it lies for me and my experience I don't think I would go again next year if it were similar to this year's event.
The major problem for the "Chicago Windy Open" was that everyone in the midwest tried counting and they tore the Romano's apart over the payout of the event.
Hopkins has pretty much avoided this by explaining that $25 of the $75 entry fee is going towards the daily entry pass and not part of the payout. Although it is still hard to explain how 1st place pays $5000 with 1000+ players, which is the same it paid with 250 players in the early stages.
I still think the Romano's got a raw deail and were trying to do the same thing, but for some reason the SBE gets a pass on it.
As a footnote; I have played in the SBE since 1998 and will continue to go back because the payout is not the reason I go. It is just a great event that I enjoy playing in.
Last edited:
Lackey, the best you've got? You don't know our arrangement and never will. It would bother me if it was true but coming from you, truth is never in the forefront of the conversation.
You're full of it again John. The back barrier at the table area did not go up until about 9 or 915. Lockdown was at 8. But irregardless, that area was supposed to be off limits ENTIRELY. In the AM of Thursday and Friday people were let in and had access to the vendor area. Saturday one of the guys started putting tables from empty booths across the crossing isles to prevent this. You have no idea as to what happened, so why are you commenting on it? Inexperienced, lol, naive, lol.. no I expect to get what is told I will get. Sorry, maybe your'e so use to failing your own obligations that it is an ok practice.
I shouldn't have to have a backup plan, I am paying for a service. Again, you think it is ok to not provide services you claim that you are selling.
How the hell do I know there will be issues, or would anyone else for that matter? Now we are all psychic? If I thought that for some reason it wouldn't have been well thought out, I would have had other arrangements. Why I should I expect an issue? Should people expect issues with your cases when they pay for them?
Yes, I have a pink parking pass, I was told there would be parking in the pamphlet. So again, your're full of it as always. Since Allen Jr, explained why it didn't happen, it would have been beneficial to him to say something to that effect during the show. I know your pool player mentality cannot grasp acting like a business man.
This is the part you cannot comprehend and therefore shows that in your mind it is OK to not provide a service that you have told people was included in the price. I get it John, I know where you're comong from.
The thread is constructive criticism, maybe you should read the title. You're right, I should have had to put someone in my booth all night like Muellers had done. Thats funny, all the guys with the high end cues (except one) had to lug it in and out of their booths every day. So again, no clue.
We all get it, you thought it was great. Well not everyone shares your opinion. There was a domino effect with the overall lockout of the hall, lack of vendor parking, and not having the hotel attached. We get it, none of this affected YOU, but there were more people than YOU at the show. The solution should not have to be addressed by the people who pay for the service, and I am sure the Hopkins will have the situations looked at for the next show.
No one is complaining about foot traffic, lack of customers, its only about logistics. Outside of these issues the show was fine, as I said in my first post its still the premier event of its kind.
JV
Last edited:
Excellent post. Wasn't going to comment on the "free" events but your post made me rethink my position. I'm a three cushion fan. Sort of play but at a much lower level than the competitors. Went over to the area with our sfleinan and sat down. Watched some very talented players. Strange, when one made a particularly difficult shot, the spectators just sat and watched. Sean and me began to applaude their efforts. A few others began to do the same. Just seemed sad so few people showed their appreciation for the players efforts.
In my mind, even worse, was there was no way to tell who was who. Yes, there was a board up showing the entered players and their scores. But who were the competitors at the tables? Mentioned it to the director. He seemed to be shocked I didn't know. Suggested some form of name plates at the table so spectators would know. Seemed like such a simple thing! Could have been so much better.
Lyn
Lyn:
Absolutely! I think there was a lot of "disjointedness" around the expo, a lot of due to mindset (e.g. the 3-cushion event not having name placards by the tables so that people can identify the players by more than just "recognition"). For the tournament director to give us the funny look as he did when you recommended the name placards, shows a mindset issue -- his seeming impression that one should just "know" the players by sight (i.e. recognition) shows a closed mindset issue. It's a shame that this mindset exists, because it's this very mindset that is a significant obstacle to a sport / discipline gaining new fans. How is 3-cushion going to get new fans -- which, correct me if I'm wrong, is the reason why Allen is having this event at SBE in the first place -- if the mindset of the people working the event isn't conducive to attracting new fans?
But as rayshooter says, there was also a lot of disjointedness due to more than just mindset, but rather oversight.
The 3-cushion board was this little tiny thing mounted on a beam just behind the 14.1 booth, and if you got more than two people looking at it, the aisle was blocked. This was obviously not thought out -- an impromptu / ad-hoc thing.
I think his idea of a centralized scoring board for all events is a great idea!
Another problem I think was pervasive at the expo, was COMMUNICATION amongst the security staff. For instance, as you know, I played in the Open 10-ball event. After I lost my final match on the B side, I wanted to watch the players that were still in it. The "Pro" badge for this event is an automatic VIP entry in it. That goes without saying, and has been historically true for as long as Allen have been having the Open 10-ball event. So I'm able to just show my Pro badge, and allowed into either the VIP or bleacher side of the arena. I spend the rest of my time at the expo manning the 14.1 Challenge booth, enjoying the expo itself, and occasionally walking into the Pro arena to catch a match here and there.
But then comes the quarter- and semi-finals, and there's new people manning the security entry point into the Pro arena. I wanted to watch the match between Stevie Moore and Darren Appleton, and I show my Pro badge. I'm immediately turned away, saying that I have to purchase a pass specifically for the Open 10-ball event! I couldn't believe my ears. I looked at them, and reinforced the fact that I *played* in this event. They ask me, "oh you played in an event?" I said no, I played in *THIS* event, pointing to the Pro arena itself and then to my badge. They discuss amongst themselves, and then say, "ok, but you must go over to the bleacher side of the arena." I'm a bit confused at this sudden change of rules (obviously because these people are new and don't know what they're doing), but I comply, not wanting to make a scene. I go to the bleachers side, and when I look over at the VIP tables on the other side of the arena, there's like only 10 or 15 people in the whole VIP area! It looked a ghost town over there, but yet the bleachers side was packed, almost standing-room-only. I couldn't for the life of me understand why a Pro that played in the event, was suddenly not allowed over to the VIP side of the arena.
It's roughly analogous to playing a part in a Broadway show, and after you finish your part in the play, you leave the stage. Afterwards, you go to the seating area in the theatre, because you want to watch your fellow actors in the play, but are told that you can't, and have to go back out to the ticket booth to purchase a ticket to the event -- even though you were an actor in the play itself!
This is obviously a communications issue, and looking back with a more lucid mind (rather than an emotional one -- I was *really* mad at the time), I can see that it was just one of those many little things due to Allen's crew having to focus on more serious things, like the new venue itself, and other things falling by the wayside.
(Allen or Allen Jr.: if you're reading this, the communications between the security personnel and the show staff needs a little work. The idea of not allowing [or of placing significant restrictions upon] an Open/Pro player to watch his/her own event, is a HUGE oversight.)
But again, I understand the huge logistical nightmare of moving an event of this magnitude to new facilities (I worked behind the scenes of some well-known computer trade shows at the Jacob Javitts Center in NYC, so I truly "get it"). And I also believe that Allen & crew will take the feedback from this and other issues, and address them. It's all part of the growing pains.
-Sean
Last edited: