Post by: BHMike on October 11, 2006, 11:33:38 AM
The Black Ice auction (after ebay/paypal fees) has left me with approx. 380.00 CND.
There was just over $50.00 leftover from last years meet - which went to sponsoring of this site.
I'm 'shopping' around for locations since I'd like to move it out of the Bowling Alley this year.
I just called one place, and they wanted $600.00 for a hall that sits about 100 people. It's on Upper James, which is close to the hotel that folks stayed in before, as well as the Airport, and it's also the street where we seem to have the dinners afterwards.
Even with the 380.00 that Black Ice brought us, there's no way I'm spending $600.00 for 'this' hall. I've seen it, and it's not worth $600.00.
There's a new hotel opening soon on Upper James, and I'm waiting to hear back on a price for their halls.
Which is why I'm posting.... should we keep the meet at the bowling alley, or should we move it?
I'm going to keep looking for places on the mountain - as it's a much nicer area than being downtown.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Hey! You lurkers! Post something! ;-)
mike
Post by: Scramble on October 11, 2006, 01:26:55 PM
Quote from: ""BHT""
I just called one place, and they wanted $600.00 for a hall that sits about 100 people. It's on Upper James, which is close to the hotel that folks stayed in before, as well as the Airport, and it's also the street where we seem to have the dinners afterwards.
As well as the Hooters.
The advantages to the bowling alley were its proximity to BHT and a Tim Hortens. It also offered nice privacy for the meet and very little noise from upstairs. There's also ease in location thanks to consistency. I know I dont' want to relearn Hamilton's layout every year.
However, it's gotten pretty tight in there and since the legacy of the Joe Canuck Meet is really spreading, I think we might be too big for those britchets this year. Plus the backdoor entrance made finding the I was there. And there's always the good chance you end up with a bunch of grown men crying on the street corner looking at the old home of Bounty Hunter Toys.
I don't know the area well enough to offer any suggestions, but a room that fits 100 does sound good. How rigidly do they adhere to that price? If it's a dead time of year, or this far in advanced, they might be willing to bend. Especially if you promise to hold the after meet supper in their restaurant and maybe recommend it to visitors that can't hook up a place to stay. How much, no clue. But is it worth, say, $450? And what's included?
Post by: Raptor on October 11, 2006, 02:36:36 PM
The location wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. It was pretty easy to get there off the link, but it wasn't great from people coming off the QEW.
Maybe there's a bowling alley in Burlington with some space for us.
Keep the costs down. People aren't coming for the venue, they are coming for the fun. I'd hate to see the door price go up too much...
-
Post by: BHMike on October 11, 2006, 10:12:53 PM
Here's the big deal....
I'd like to have a hall where we don't have to go up stairs or down stairs..... and I'm sure the guys the bring things to trade and sell would like that also. ;-)
The reasoning for keeping it on the mountain is simple - it's nicer up here, and it's pretty easy to get anywhere.
The ONLY alternative I can think of (area wise) in Hamilton is around Eastgate Square - but that's technically Stoney Creek... Downtown area is a flat out no. UNLESS we made this into a big toy show/convention and had guests at it - then it would be simple - the Convention Center.
I'm going to swing by Michaelangelos tomorrow. The Hall that the Toy Show was in this past week was a good size... Just depends on the price.
Other than that, I'm waiting to hear back from the Marriot on Upper James. It's not open yet, but will be by the time of the Meet. Oh, and I'm pretty sure the date is going to be April 14th 2007.... or the weekend after. But most likely the 14th. Also depends on 'halls'.
If the Hillcrest was still open, I'd do it there in a heartbeat..... damn.
Mike
Post by: Radio Guy on October 11, 2006, 10:44:28 PM
Post by: BHMike on October 12, 2006, 12:00:36 AM
Quote from: ""Radio Guy""
i went to a stag and doe at a Lions Club Hall on Upper James last year. It's between Stone Church and Rymal, was a decent size, and I'm sure would be a damn site cheaper than Michaelangelo's (trust me...my wedding reception was in the room the toyshow was in). If you want, I can give them a call and see what their rates are.....
That's who I called. It was $400.00 for the night, but $600.00 for the day.
I thought THAT would of beenthe perfect place... if it weren't for the imperfect price.
Post by: Radio Guy on October 12, 2006, 12:33:06 AM
Post by: BHMike on October 12, 2006, 08:23:54 AM
The $400.00 I would of paid for the other hall - ONLY because it's mainly paid for due to the Black Ice action.
I'm going out 'driving' today to check out a few places I found online.
Spoke to my dad about 10 minutes ago, and he 'may' be able to get me a deal on Sunshine Banquet center for about $300.00 - it sits 140 - but it's down the mountain - near Center Mall.... It's a nice place inside - very nice actually.... but we're men - we don't care about 'nice' right? ;-)
Based on how many people have read this thread vs how many have replied - I'm assuming then people don't really care WHERE it is next year - as long as there is one right?
We could move it to July and have it my backyard then?
Mike
Post by: Radio Guy on October 12, 2006, 09:11:25 AM
Post by: morgardee on October 12, 2006, 10:04:10 AM
My suggestion is lets go for the same location but book the bigger room. I don't see why we need to spend all the money from the ebay Black ice figure and left over $50.00 on a new location just yet.
Post by: BHMike on October 12, 2006, 10:36:13 AM
There were also those that lurk and came to the event as well.
There's approx. 30 new members since the last meet, and with the popularity that the Black Ice figure brought, I'd rather have a bigger hall.
Plus, I'm going to be listing some Joe Stuff on ebay in the coming weeks/months, and I plan on promoting the hell out of the next Joe Meet when I do it.
I don't want the Joe Meet to lose it's 'feel', but I'd also like it to be something that people that don't visit this site look forward to.
I stopped by the Church on Upper James today - they were closed.
I called them just now before logging on.... The biggest thing is the stairs.
I've done toy shows. They're a pain in the ass at times. I feel sorry for guys like Hal, Pete, and Steve whom have set up at all of the Meets thusfar... here they are loading up their vehicles, unloading them at the joe meet, taking everything down the stairs - setting up, being on their feet all day - then packing up and lugging it back up stairs?!
I plan on being one of those 'setting up' next year, and I know I don't want to lug crap up and down stairs! ;-)
The Bowling alley is still an option - I'm just seeking out other options before commiting to the Bowling Alley again.
Mike
Post by: AlleyViper on October 12, 2006, 11:35:03 AM
I think you should stick with the small place, save the money if you can for prizes or something. Are you really expecting 100 or more people to show up? Sure it would be nice but maybe not realistic. If you do get a ton of people and your in a small space, worst comes to worst, Raptor can take turns sitting on people's laps. :shifty: :shock:
Post by: Pete The Greek on October 12, 2006, 12:11:37 PM
Post by: BHMike on October 12, 2006, 12:39:07 PM
The Door prizes and customs last year were pretty close.....
Then again, not everyone that comes 'stays' all day right?... yeah... a small hall may still be fine. Besides, I think that's what makes the meet so much fun.
Now if I can only get these people to call me back!
Mike
Post by: pluv on October 12, 2006, 05:37:20 PM
Anyway, here are some ideas if it were me. A YMCA or school gym. Lots of room. All of them are eager to get money.
Town hall or meeting rooms. Here we could rent out a decent size Bingo hall no problem. I happen to have one in my development that gets used for birthday parties a lot.
A back room of a restaurant. If you buy their fod they give you guys the space. That includes McDonalds and their playland. :D
Post by: Jay on October 12, 2006, 11:55:42 PM
Because if it's anytime before mid-May, I'm not going to be able to attend.
My Japanese classes are really important to me, and I don't want to miss them just to spend god-knows-how-much-while-I'll-probably-STILL-be-unemployed on just G.I.Joes... especially if there's no BHT store to visit.
Obviously, I'm not going to ask you to move your entire plans around just on account of little old me, I'm just saying if it's before mid-May, you'll have to count me out of attendance.
Post by: BHMike on October 13, 2006, 12:06:29 AM
Quote from: ""Jay""
When do you think the meet will take place in 2007?
Answered with:
Quote from: ""BHT""
Oh, and I'm pretty sure the date is going to be April 14th 2007.... or the weekend after. But most likely the 14th.
Post by: Jay on October 13, 2006, 12:13:30 AM
So much for that, I guess.
Post by: condor knight on October 13, 2006, 11:03:30 PM
thats my two cents
Post by: sniper on October 16, 2006, 01:00:22 PM
I took a quick peek at the Hamilton libraries website and most rooms are cheaper than $100 bucks. I don't think you would want a theatre style room, but some of the other rooms may be an option. If the price is right you may even be able to get 2 rooms. You may need to discuss the booking schedule since it says April dates can be booked after Feb 1st.
Post by: gsmiley007 on October 16, 2006, 03:15:15 PM
Besides meeting all the fellow canucks, the cool fig was a reason to drive hundreds of kms to attend the meet.
So I wouldn't go too big if next exclusive figure is not up to par with the black ice figure, as people are probably expecting something as cool as that figure.
Post by: BHMike on October 16, 2006, 04:43:27 PM
Quote from: ""gsmiley007""
If you were to get something bigger, then it would also require another really cool cobra fig. As seen with the price of the black ice from last years con.
Besides meeting all the fellow canucks, the cool fig was a reason to drive hundreds of kms to attend the meet.
So I wouldn't go too big if next exclusive figure is not up to par with the black ice figure, as people are probably expecting something as cool as that figure.
Screw the figure.
The Joe Meet isn't about the figure, and if anyone thinks otherwise then don't come.
I'm not going to base the figure on what type of turnout I hope to get at the Joe Meet. If people don't want to attend the Joe Meet for what it is, then why I should I bother putting it on at all?
Post by: Radio Guy on October 16, 2006, 10:32:12 PM
Post by: Deadshot on October 17, 2006, 12:28:41 AM
J/k I'm there more for the people than the figures.
Next -next years suggestion.. a Gi Joe pinata... filled with joe goodness!
Post by: BHMike on October 17, 2006, 12:53:25 AM
Quote from: ""Deadshot""
Next -next years suggestion.. a Gi Joe pinata... filled with joe goodness!
Dude, if we have that someone's going to lose an eye.... or squash a kid.
Kids are there ya know! ;-)
And you saw how people DIVE for the free stuff..... especially free stands.
Mike
Post by: Jon S. on October 17, 2006, 07:50:18 AM
Post by: BHMike on November 17, 2006, 03:23:36 PM
Two minor problems.
1. The Tables are a little different.
They're 6ft x 2ft.
Not a biggie, but I'll be LOWERING the price of the tables because of it. Tables are normally $20.00 each.... I'm thinking they'll now be $15.00 each, or $25.00 for TWO. You can't beat that!
I'll be making a new post with the info hopefully by Sunday morning before I head to the Toronto Toy Show with flyers to promote it and gain us some more Joe Dealers. :-)
Hal, I'll have a stack for you and Pete if you two are setting up again.
Convince Jason (WIWY) to do it - at $25.00 for two tables - there's no way he can go wrong! ;-)
One other thing, there are a total of 3 steps to get into the hall. People should like that much better than the flight of winding stairs from the Bowling alley.
There is a Tim Hortons across the street and plenty of parking available as well.
We'll have to clear out by 6pm this year - so I hope some of you will help with the clean up. ;-)
The location :
Barton Stone United Church
(Building next door)
21 Stone Church Rd W (at the corner of Upper James St.)
Hamilton, ON
Map: Click Here (http://http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=CA&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&addtohistory=&cat=&address=21+Stone+Church+Rd+W&city=Hamilton&state=ON&zipcode=)
Oh yeah.... I should also mention that it's right next to a Cemetary... where Vincent Price and Johnny Cash will come back to life as Zombies and settle the debate once and for all.
Post by: Agent_Loop on November 18, 2006, 02:05:32 AM
Post by: Scramble on November 20, 2006, 08:52:16 AM
Quote from: ""BHT""
Ok. A hall is booked, the Meet is a go!
Good news!
Quote from: ""BHT""
There is a Tim Hortons across the street and plenty of parking available as well.
Great news!