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« on: May 05, 2009, 10:57:36 AM »
I thought the convention centre itself was great, every year you guys keep topping yourselves! As for feedback?
I completely understand allowing vendors 2 solid hours to sell their wares because some came from a distance, but speaking as a patron, it dragged on a bit after circling the room about 20 times. Don't get me wrong, everyone was cordial at the show, but I did feel uncomfortable after a while seeing the same vendor every 10 mins trying to spot something I may have missed on my previous visits.
I can only suggest some activity or annoucement to break up the 2 hour session for a bit. And this goes back to having a media-area with running cartoons as suggested above. Patrons could watch an episode for 22 mins and hit the floor/vendors again possibly. If a raffle could be done every hour, maybe that would be a nice alternate "break" in the proceedings.
Along the lines of media, I was disappointed not see the Movie trailer(s) running, or even G.I. Joe Resolute being showcased - but this could all be legal issues that would prevent you guys from pulling it off. However, I believe the onus should be on Hasbro Canada themselves to get that sort of property to promote at the convention. They had the movie toys and a big cardboard stand, but they could have had the trailers running or G.I. Joe Resolute as well - it's all promotion.
Not a suggestion, but more of a comment - I hope the 12" Joe vendor went away satisified. He seemed like a nice guy in the brief conversation we had, but I couldn't help but notice the lack of interest in the 12" stuff. Well he did choose to attend, and it adds more variety on the trade floor, but how do you guys feel about future 12" products at the convention? Is there a market or are they taking up 3' 3/4" space? Just throwing it out there - don't mean to offend anyone.
Last year there was water available, I didn't see it this year ~ but that could be the convention centre not allowing you guys to bring food products in ('cept I did see the beef jerky again). And the convention centre would want patrons to buy from their cafeteria, so not sure how you would counter that.
Final suggestion - if it is at all possible please host the convention in Toronto, I garauntee with the right promotion your attendance numbers would skyrocket. Toronto/Mississauga is were all the big trade shows go.
Finally I want to end on a positive -
1. Please keep inviting Mark Bellamo to the convention. I finally had the priviledge to meet the man this year and he is fantastic. Very approchable with a wealth of knowledge on the subject. He's a genuine fan and it shows. I'm equally impressed that he actually owns every single piece he writes about. If Mark had his 2nd edition available I'm sure he would have sold out instantly - that much closer to the 10,000 unit goal.
2. It's certain Hasbro Canada is now a part of the convention. Please tell Greg Fergeson to keep bringing pretty marketing assistants with him each year! He had two last year, not sure why he only came with one person this year (you were great Courtney!), but still - I know Hasbro Canada's hands are tied with alot of things they can't disclose or answer, so the least they can do is give us a plesant distraction =)
3. Your team's organizational skills are second to none.