Post by: Pete The Greek on May 03, 2009, 07:22:58 PM
Post by: pluv on May 03, 2009, 08:21:44 PM
Post by: night force cynic on May 03, 2009, 08:34:19 PM
ALL I can think of to even suggest for 2010 is maybe hire SID to make a Black Ice costume and parade around in in it and sign "autographs" for people and and let them get photos with the 'real' BI next year.
Right now if I had a drink in hand, I'd make a toast to many more years of the Canandian Joe Con and its growing popularity.
Post by: canprime on May 03, 2009, 08:50:48 PM
A couple of suggestions for next year:
1) Maybe a game show/trivia contest??
2) A "rest" area with some old episodes running on a television.
3) "More Cow bell"
Post by: pdaat on May 03, 2009, 09:10:23 PM
I actually enjoy listening to Hasbro myself and seeing the product the most of all (even though I had to leave early). The boys I brought were looking forward to a wrestling tournament. IF I were to go again (and I really am not sure that I will), it will be alone - I tried to do my part and bring younger people in to cultivate interest, but there really wasn't much else for them once their $30-40 ran out (mostly on energy drinks and Mighty Mugs).
Other than that, another highlight is to see fellow board members! It was nice to listen and talk to Bellamo and the first trade I purchased from David Willis was a hoot. I haven't read AWOL'd yet. Location was great - even though this will be changing.
Paul
Post by: xhairs on May 03, 2009, 09:55:30 PM
thanks to the staff for the awsome work.
oh congrats raptor on the great news man i missed hanging with you this yr.
Post by: Madman on May 03, 2009, 10:32:33 PM
Post by: martin-montreal on May 03, 2009, 10:48:39 PM
What I liked:
1. Information
You gave us all the information in advance (date, location, cost, payment method, etc.) so it was easy for us to organize our trip.
2. The cost
$15 to go in and $125 for the exclusives was fair. That price range is accessible.
3. Meeting people
It's always fun to put a face on a username. My English is not that strong so I didn't talk for hours with people, but it was fun meeting people and making contact in person.
4. Special guest
Mark signed my book that my girlfriend gave me few years ago.
5. Free :timbits:
Some ideas to think of:
1. Order more sun ;D
Driving under the rain is never fun, so next time plan in advance and order more sun and heat
2. Identifying board member
It would be cool to quickly identify board member from the rest of the people. Something as easy as a tag name that we can stick on us.
3. More advertisement about the schedule
I originally planned to go to the Hasbro's Q&A at 1pm. Then, I thought I missed it, but we were in fact behind the schedule, so it was put later. But, because our departure time came, I finally missed it for real. It could be fun to do it earlier in the day.
General comment
It was really fun!
Great job guys!
Martin
Post by: NeoDragonKnight on May 03, 2009, 11:24:12 PM
-Meeting everyone, was cool meeting board members, Mike, and even our American friends that came from far. The name escapes me right now, but one guy, came from San Diego, he is one of the top collectors apparently, cool guy, had long chats with him and his buddy as they were right behind us in line. Also had fun chatting to my fellow Hisstankers who came from Michigan.
-the exclusive set was amazing, I cant say enough how much I love it, creative, unique, memorable, it will be very hard to top next year. Also they way you disributed it was very good and fair, sdcc could definatly learn something from you in that department.
-Vendors were amazing, found some nice cheap figures as well as reasonablly priced stuff we cant get up here like the resolute 5 pack.
-raffles were cool
-good guests
-contests were cool, though we could use more of them!
Suggestions:
-make things a little more kid friendly or even people new to joe friendly, so even things like a small corner set up to show GI Joe classic episodes, Resolute, or other stuff would have been very good, and it gives people a nice rest stop also while waiting for the next events. Im sure we can think of other little things to keep people busy early, particularly the 1 or 2 hours after opening, before there are some of the more fun things like the raffle, contests and presentation(s), as it was, I had walked the vendor floor and purchased my stuff in little over and hour, had some chats and then took a walk around Hamilton for an hour or 2 with my friend before coming back for the presentation and raffles and stuff which were very fun.
-beds/hamocks for those who lined up early :wink: j/k
-have frequent short periodic announcements with the mic of updates during the conever 20 or 30 min, for instance it will make the raffle better known, I had no clue where to get the raffle tickets and missed out :( . It also helps people that come and go or are late as well as reminds other people that forgot.
-I know you'd probablly hate the suggestion, and its not a slight on Hamilton, but having the con in Toronto would probablly up the attendance and interest.
in closing:
-I will definatly come back next year I had fun even though there were a few dry spells between 10-10:30 to 12ish but all the other things more then made up for it. Keep it up guys
Post by: latinjoe22 on May 04, 2009, 12:12:59 AM
Mike, guys, the full program you put together this year is priceless, and every small detail and effort you put into it could not pass unseen. Again, like the previous years before, I didn't get to meet absolutely everyone in person, but what's great is that the next con is still around! For the same reason, I felt a bit empty and a crum of nostalgia today beeing back in Montreal, and beeing a dealer at the Montreal Toy Con. I felt like "NO, I WISH IT THE JOE CON WOULD NEVER STOP". Showcasing the #22 set to some at the Toy Con really felt like I was communicating my pride to belong with you guys and wishing they knew how it felt too. So Congrats to the staff of the Joe Con for making this year very memorable again.
2 comments: Not enough timbits as I feared...or were they purposely hidden away from me? Still, it's a good thing there's a Tim Horton's at every 2 blocks, yay!;D & Was there enough control at the freebie table and was there enough donors this year? I didn't see more than a bin half full around 11am, this is just my impression on what I saw, nothing more. I know that I didn't bring anything this year for technical reasons but it has me wondering how many of us did the same thing as me. Still, If a lot of people found a litte treasure in it, I'm happy for them. I know I found some interesting small parts for some customs.
Nothing more to add, this year's experience rocked all the way!
Post by: cmderinchief on May 04, 2009, 12:25:53 AM
No, seriously, I think the staff knows what to do to turn it up a notch every year. You all made it a good trip for us. Thanks!
Post by: Scramble on May 04, 2009, 01:07:11 AM
Quote from: "pdaat"
I would have been happier to go home with just a Backstop.
:D
Quote from: "pdaat"
The boys I brought were looking forward to a wrestling tournament. IF I were to go again (and I really am not sure that I will), it will be alone - I tried to do my part and bring younger people in to cultivate interest, but there really wasn't much else for them once their $30-40 ran out (mostly on energy drinks and Mighty Mugs).
Quote from: "NeoDragonKnight"
-make things a little more kid friendly or even people new to joe friendly, so even things like a small corner set up to show GI Joe classic episodes, Resolute, or other stuff would have been very good, and it gives people a nice rest stop also while waiting for the next events. Im sure we can think of other little things to keep people busy early, particularly the 1 or 2 hours after opening, before there are some of the more fun things like the raffle, contests and presentation(s), as it was, I had walked the vendor floor and purchased my stuff in little over and hour, had some chats and then took a walk around Hamilton for an hour or 2 with my friend before coming back for the presentation and raffles and stuff which were very fun.
We had a hard time filling the wrestling tournament last year which is why we didn?t think it would really missed this year when we saw that all the free time we had from January on would be dedicated to the con sets. Truth be told, you were the only ones to mention it. However, although not having the wrestling specifically wasn?t that bad, not having anything that appealed to the younger crowd was a problem. You might look at a toy show and think a kid would be in heaven, but how many times can a kid see something cool and hear its $50-$100 price range before they?d get frustrated by the temptation? Not to mention we as board members get to meet and talk with people we know from the boards whereas of the kids we do get, they don?t know each other at all and the age range is all over the place.
I just carpooled home with my wife and Viperlord and we spent a solid hour thinking up ideas that would appeal to a younger crowd without needing a dedicated attendee or using up too much con space or resources. When it comes down to it this is aimed at collectors, but keeping kids happy means that collectors with kids can enjoy their day more and longer.
Quote from: "NeoDragonKnight"
-have frequent short periodic announcements with the mic of updates during the conever 20 or 30 min, for instance it will make the raffle better known, I had no clue where to get the raffle tickets and missed out :( . It also helps people that come and go or are late as well as reminds other people that forgot.
Blame Natasha Eloi.
Naturally we loved having her and Space at the con and wouldn?t trade that in for anything, but we couldn?t make announcements while they were recording and she was recording a lot (good for us!). So we had planned on making more announcements but circumstances didn?t allow a few. I do agree we could have done more to keep people updated on the timeline of events, but they?re more things that we can plan for next year rather than things we could have practically implemented on the fly.Quote from: "latinjoe22"
Showcasing the #22 set to some at the Toy Con really felt like I was communicating my pride to belong with you guys and wishing they knew how it felt too. So Congrats to the staff of the Joe Con for making this year very memorable again.
We do get a lot of credit and I feel well appreciated, but nothing makes me feel better about all the work we put into the con than this kind of pride and enthusiasm for what we?ve done. Not to mention, you can?t pay for that kind of PR.
Post by: Pete The Greek on May 04, 2009, 02:16:39 AM
Quote from: "NeoDragonKnight"
-Meeting everyone, was cool meeting board members, Mike, and even our American friends that came from far. The name escapes me right now, but one guy, came from San Diego, he is one of the top collectors apparently, cool guy, had long chats with him and his buddy as they were right behind us in line.
That would be Drew aka dryhawk37....or Stealth Viper jr.
Post by: roshan on May 04, 2009, 09:22:06 AM
suggestions:
The con set is the perfect size. MC should take a page from you guys. Spending $500 for all the exclusives at a con is NOT cool and also making it enough so everyone gets one and not multiples is nice, because you don't have people coming from all over just to resell on ebay. $125 is not enough to scare people away, yet still gives a nice set of action figures. MC makes the mistake of assuming that everyone is an army builder and pumps the set full of them (well fine, I'm an army builder, but a lot of us are not).
CUSTOMS! (the bad kind, not the nice plastic ones) In the info section when telling americans about crossing the border, warn them that customs agents can be real jerks. I brought a bunch of joes with to trade and the terrordrome and the canadian agents were trying to make me itemize everything I had since I was going to a toy show and wouldn't believe what I was bringing was for trade and not sale. Fortunately the way back the american agent was a star wars collector and he just drooled over the con set ;)
Post by: NeoDragonKnight on May 04, 2009, 09:25:01 AM
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"
Quote from: "NeoDragonKnight"-Meeting everyone, was cool meeting board members, Mike, and even our American friends that came from far. The name escapes me right now, but one guy, came from San Diego, he is one of the top collectors apparently, cool guy, had long chats with him and his buddy as they were right behind us in line.
That would be Drew aka dryhawk37....or Stealth Viper jr.
yup, great guy, had a lot of fun talking to him and his friend from detroit
Post by: Stealth Viper on May 04, 2009, 09:29:54 AM
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"
That would be Drew aka dryhawk37....or Stealth Viper jr.
Lol.
Post by: Scramble on May 04, 2009, 11:00:32 AM
Quote from: "roshan"
CUSTOMS! (the bad kind, not the nice plastic ones) In the info section when telling americans about crossing the border, warn them that customs agents can be real jerks. I brought a bunch of joes with to trade and the terrordrome and the canadian agents were trying to make me itemize everything I had since I was going to a toy show and wouldn't believe what I was bringing was for trade and not sale. Fortunately the way back the american agent was a star wars collector and he just drooled over the con set ;)
Wish I could have seen that border agent Star Wars collector.
I heard a lot more stories about problems at customs this year than ever before. Maybe it's because we're only a couple of months away from mandatory passports for driving across the border. They could be cracking down now to discourage people from getting in as much border crossing as they can between now and the change in policy.
Post by: roshan on May 04, 2009, 12:08:03 PM
Quote from: "Scramble"
Wish I could have seen that border agent Star Wars collector.
He had me freaked at first, he was a big dude with an even bigger grimace. When I told him where I came from he looked at me like I was lying and then I showed him the boxed set his eyes lit up....and then squinted when he was blinded by the shine from the H.A.T.E ;D
Post by: Colonel Abernathy on May 04, 2009, 12:37:41 PM
- A better PA system with more announcements. Work it out around the TV journalists ;)
- More signage. A huge banner for specialty areas (i.e. free table, customs table etc.) Yes, most people will eventually find everything from walking around; however, excessive signage adds to the excitement and bombastic-ness of a toy convention IMO. Actually, banners for everything would be great - it would really add to the visuals if vendors could bring signs for their tables as well. I believe a convention, especially a toy convention, needs way more visual overload than common sense would normally allow :)
- the aforementioned idea of a section with constantly-running Joe episodes. A larger multi-media component in general would be cool - how about an NES running the two 8-bit Joe games? Or a JAMMA cabinet running the Joe arcade game?
- A specific area for photo ops with the cosplayers. The costumes I saw were amazing and yes, there were many photos taken of them. It would be even cooler if there was a large Joe logo standee where the cosplayers and fans could stand and pose for photos - less background clutter (simple is better, as my college photojournalism instructor constantly says ;)
- A specific area for the kids (the real ones, not the kids at heart ;). Could probably be combined near the free table (for playtime-fodder) and the NES setup. I'm sure there were kids at the free table already but I'm thinking something a little more for them, like putting a playmat down for them and some kind of barrier so they can play on the ground and people don't trip over them. Maybe a variety of scrap items for playing...I used to make bases out of cardboard tubes and boxes, sheets and foil etc. - that kind of thing.
Post by: narceron on May 04, 2009, 03:54:36 PM
You guys really put a lot of work and love into the con and it shows, so don't lose that as it grows.
Yeah, bellarmo was a hoot, F'ing this, this is Sh!t, etc. . . LOL.
And man, that kid saying "there are too many snake eyes figures" to the hasbro rep, LOL.
Great con.
Post by: BHMike on May 04, 2009, 04:45:15 PM
Not everyone is into the Q&A sessions and presentations, true. But I still wanted a solid two hours for them. ;-)
Post by: Storm.Shadow on May 04, 2009, 04:55:33 PM
Quote from: "THE Mike?"
Not everyone is into the Q&A sessions and presentations, true. But I still wanted a solid two hours for them. ;-)
Speaking of Q&A, is there any information anyone can share with those of use who weren't able to attend?
Post by: BHMike on May 04, 2009, 05:33:39 PM
But there is a Tan Armadillo tank coming out for the movie - with guns on the side - just like our own Dead Eye tank. :-)
And the Viper Elite looks cool.
Post by: K.B. on May 05, 2009, 03:37:33 AM
For vendors
- more product. I know at first this seems kind of werid but a wider variety of toys is needed as most of us do collect more then just Joe. Yes, the meet (well..con now ;D) is Joe specific so bring a massive selection of Joe stuff but don't forget a few other lines to add to the mix. No detriment to the dealers this year (you all had awesome stuff and dare I say, this year it seemed like you had way more and way better Joe stuff then last year ;D) but last year it seemed like there was more then just Joe without it being an average toy show.
-5 dollar 25th anniv. Joes =AWESOME idea! Keep that going next year please.
For Joe Con staff
- Your a friendly bunch of guys and very respectful and helpful to fans (and the non fans we drag along lol) so keep it up. Not all conventions have a staff as helpful as you guys and you make doing the con rounds worthwhile.
- Guests: I like talking to Bellarmo, he's fun so please bring him back (I'm kind of hoping he is a Jon con mainstay) but ,and no disrespect to other guests, maybe try to land some "bigger" names as well if you know what I mean. There are so many names to pull from the hat from writers to artists to voice actors etc etc. I know sometimes it is easier said then done though.
- Annoucments: As others have said, work around the camera crews. It's great they are there to tape and promote it but the bottom line is it is YOUR show and they should be respectful of such.
-Signage: This is a bit of a problem and others have talked about it. Weather your a dealer or Joe Con, signs do help. I agree with what others have said and offer this: If you are interested in signs please visit these guys here
http://www.majersigns.com/index2.htm (http://www.majersigns.com/index2.htm)
They do awesome work, are fantastic to work with, are very accomodating and can do pretty much anything you could asks for and for a fair price.
- Toronto: This isn't a slight to Hamilton but I garuntee you put the show in Toronto and you will see attendence spike. I know a ton of people that would love to have come but Hamilton is a bit far.
- Kids/rest area: As others have said both of these would be a good idea with videos, games etc running.
- Box of meat: I'm guessing it was left over but you decided to give it away anyways but man, for me, I would have loved to have won it over the SDCC combat heroes SE and Timber. You should give away a box of meat every year. Also, if someone really dosen't want a prize there should be the idea that its okay not to accept it and re-raffle it. (Poor kid looked like he was going to cry when he came up to get the box lol)
I think that's it for now but I may think of some more later. Once again, great show and I'm looking forward to next years.
Post by: NeoDragonKnight on May 05, 2009, 09:07:00 AM
It was nice to have free food for us on the table as well, but one thing that kind of stopped me from taking any of the pepperettes was that they werent pre cut/seperated, so basically if you took one, you had to have grabbed one or 2 of the next ones to pull one off, kind of bad sanitation wise as basically you are gaurenteed that the person before you put their hands all over the one you are eatting...I know some people are ok with that but you dont want people to get sick :)...or do we? ;D
Post by: Bandalero on May 05, 2009, 10:57:36 AM
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.
Post by: pdaat on May 05, 2009, 12:08:38 PM
Video games would help with the kids (esp. with the ROC game coming out soon), but I would guess this would be logistically quite difficult as yo would need a few systems going. I'd donate a TV or two, but who's gonna lend their system out? I know how my son and his friends play.
Post by: Pete The Greek on May 05, 2009, 12:46:43 PM
Quote from: "Bandalero"
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.
I will comment on this. I bought the case of water bottles last year. Nobody ask me to. It did it from my own pocket. I could have been prick and sold the bottles for a buck each. But I didn't. Considering, I hardly got a thanks for the effort (one person thanked me), no more water bottles from my end.
Post by: Bandalero on May 05, 2009, 12:54:54 PM
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"
I will comment on this. I bought the case of water bottles last year. Nobody ask me to. It did it from my own pocket. I could have been prick and sold the bottles for a buck each. But I didn't. Considering, I hardly got a thanks for the effort (one person thanked me), no more water bottles from my end.
oh I didn't know u did that Pete. I thought the Marriot Hotel gave you guys complimentary water and though that the Hamilton Convention Centre didn't do the same. Well, it's a year late - but I'm thanking you for that!
I remember the water being in ice pitchers though - did the hotel supply that at least? Anyways it's a minor thing but I'm thinking in terms of the kids and families that visit during the day, having water on-hand at future cons may be beneficial (maybe incorporate that into the budget). At least I'd go the water route than the beef jerky route given the choice.
Post by: BHMike on May 05, 2009, 01:06:14 PM
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"
I will comment on this. I bought the case of water bottles last year. Nobody ask me to. It did it from my own pocket. I could have been prick and sold the bottles for a buck each. But I didn't. Considering, I hardly got a thanks for the effort (one person thanked me), no more water bottles from my end.
I had no clue you brought bottles of water?? The Marriott provided cups and pitchers of Water.... I know you bought a case the year prior - and I thanked you for the one (or two) I took. ;-)
I think on Monday I'm going to go through this entire thread and see what I can answer, or explain as to why we did/didn't have some things this year. We did have the sitting area return this year - that was missing last year. ;-)
Post by: xhairs on May 05, 2009, 01:14:31 PM
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"
Quote from: "Bandalero"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.
I will comment on this. I bought the case of water bottles last year. Nobody ask me to. It did it from my own pocket. I could have been prick and sold the bottles for a buck each. But I didn't. Considering, I hardly got a thanks for the effort (one person thanked me), no more water bottles from my end.
last yr i didnt even know there was water there. i just kept buying pop from the store. but that was real cool of you man. if i knew that i would of said thanks. 1 it would of saved me cash and 2 thats real cool.
Post by: Pete The Greek on May 05, 2009, 01:28:55 PM
Quote from: "Bandalero"
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"I will comment on this. I bought the case of water bottles last year. Nobody ask me to. It did it from my own pocket. I could have been prick and sold the bottles for a buck each. But I didn't. Considering, I hardly got a thanks for the effort (one person thanked me), no more water bottles from my end.
oh I didn't know u did that Pete. I thought the Marriot Hotel gave you guys complimentary water and though that the Hamilton Convention Centre didn't do the same. Well, it's a year late - but I'm thanking you for that!
I remember the water being in ice pitchers though - did the hotel supply that at least? Anyways it's a minor thing but I'm thinking in terms of the kids and families that visit during the day, having water on-hand at future cons may be beneficial (maybe incorporate that into the budget). At least I'd go the water route than the beef jerky route given the choice.
I appreciate the late thanks. But with the number of people this year and the lack of recycling receptacles on the sales floor, I am glad I didn't buy any water bottles. All those bottles would have ended up in the garbage can, just like all the beverage containers I noted. That bugs me, considering I work in the environmental field. Plus no hotel or convention centre is going to give away bottled water. I like the pitcher idea though, considering I can get free spring water from Uxbridge.
Some else has mentioned this...the pepperettes. Next year, I will cut them myself with gloves on.
Post by: NeoDragonKnight on May 05, 2009, 01:33:08 PM
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"
Quote from: "Bandalero"Quote from: "Pete The Greek"I will comment on this. I bought the case of water bottles last year. Nobody ask me to. It did it from my own pocket. I could have been prick and sold the bottles for a buck each. But I didn't. Considering, I hardly got a thanks for the effort (one person thanked me), no more water bottles from my end.
oh I didn't know u did that Pete. I thought the Marriot Hotel gave you guys complimentary water and though that the Hamilton Convention Centre didn't do the same. Well, it's a year late - but I'm thanking you for that!
I remember the water being in ice pitchers though - did the hotel supply that at least? Anyways it's a minor thing but I'm thinking in terms of the kids and families that visit during the day, having water on-hand at future cons may be beneficial (maybe incorporate that into the budget). At least I'd go the water route than the beef jerky route given the choice.
I appreciate the late thanks. But with the number of people this year and the lack of recycling receptacles on the sales floor, I am glad I didn't buy any water bottles. All those bottles would have ended up in the garbage can, just like all the beverage containers I noted. That bugs me, considering I work in the environmental field. Plus no hotel or convention centre is going to give away bottled water. I like the pitcher idea though, considering I can get free spring water from Uxbridge.
Some else has mentioned this...the pepperettes. Next year, I will cut them myself with gloves on.
Nice, I will definatly eat them next year then ;D
Post by: roshan on May 05, 2009, 03:12:31 PM
Post by: Storm.Shadow on May 05, 2009, 03:31:01 PM
Quote from: "THE Mike?"
The Hasbro one, we respected the wishes of Hasbro and did not allow any video, audio or still images to be taken.
But there is a Tan Armadillo tank coming out for the movie - with guns on the side - just like our own Dead Eye tank. :-)
And the Viper Elite looks cool.
Thanks.
I was just wondering if there were answers given to specific questions asked here (http://http://www.joecanuck.com/joe/board/index.php?topic=3300.0). I'm not sure if this followed the same format as the typically Q&A with Hasbro.
Post by: night force cynic on May 05, 2009, 03:37:47 PM
Quote from: "Storm.Shadow"
Definitely no real surprises or big revelations in the slideshow (they save all that stuff for SDCC), except to people to who maybe haven't seen a lot of movie merchandise up early on ebay... that's I think the only place I have seen most of the early movie stuff.Quote from: "THE Mike?"The Hasbro one, we respected the wishes of Hasbro and did not allow any video, audio or still images to be taken.
But there is a Tan Armadillo tank coming out for the movie - with guns on the side - just like our own Dead Eye tank. :-)
And the Viper Elite looks cool.
Thanks.
I was just wondering if there were answers given to specific questions asked here (http://http://www.joecanuck.com/joe/board/index.php?topic=3300.0). I'm not sure if this followed the same format as the typically Q&A with Hasbro.
While what was shown might not have been much, but what was said was a different story, especially for those who live up over the border. Wal-Mart Canada does plan to carry most (all?) of the movie themed exclusives all over Canada. I think he said something about this a big push for Walmart in the summer movie season so having the exclusives in Canada too was important. And he explained why that huge PIT playset (and some other electronic talking things from the ROC line) would not be availible in Quebec and it was disheartening even for a guy who lives in the states: too expensive to program it in French for mass production but the stores there won't be ordering it if its got English voicetracks only. :- I THINK he mentioned there was one exception for the electronic toys that would be carried there but damned if I can recall what specificallly that was.
It was cool to see the whole first wave of movie figures, carded, in person though on hasbro's table in the showroom. And there was a Night Raven out for demostration so people could pick it up and try the features out.
Post by: Pete The Greek on May 05, 2009, 04:30:26 PM
Quote from: "roshan"
I know I'll be in the minority here, but i'd much prefer the con to stay in a place like Hamilton, and away from major metros like Toronto. Seriously, it's less than an hour drive to get to Hamilton from Toronto. Everytime I go to a big time convention, I have to contend with horrible or expensive parking, bad traffic and expensive hotels (if I'm staying at one). This con is in a not too big and not too small town. But that's just me, and I'd go to toronto if it was there anyway, so it's not like changing would lose me as a customer :P
In my view, if the convention is to grow and attract more out of towners, then it can't be in Hamilton every year. Hamilton never has or will be a tourist destination. Part of the reason why I went the GIJCC Orlando and New Orleans conventions was the tourist aspect. Hence, Niagara Falls and Toronto should be next to host the convention. If those work out, why not places like Ottawa or Montreal down the road.
Post by: spiderpumpkin on May 05, 2009, 04:52:32 PM
Post by: roshan on May 05, 2009, 05:27:40 PM
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"
In my view, if the convention is to grow and attract more out of towners, then it can't be in Hamilton every year. Hamilton never has or will be a tourist destination. Part of the reason why I went the GIJCC Orlando and New Orleans conventions was the tourist aspect. Hence, Niagara Falls and Toronto should be next to host the convention. If those work out, why not places like Ottawa or Montreal down the road.
OK, but, we're talking 45 minutes of driving to get to those spots. If you had the con in a spot like london, yeah you're getting a bit out of the way, but Hamilton's right smack dab between the two tourist spots.
Now if you go to Montreal, that would rock, cause I love any opportunity to speak french, and there could be an all french themed set! Go to Calgary and it could be a mountain forces theme set.
Post by: dryhawk37 on May 05, 2009, 06:49:46 PM
The only thing I would want to see different for next year would be a multiple day convention. I left California at 5:00am on Friday, flew to Phoenix, then landed in Detroit at approximately 5:00pm. Watched the Red Wings game, then hopped in a car and drove 5 more hours up to Hamilton. Got there at about 3:00am, waited in line until 8:45 to pick up the set, and at that time I had been awake and travelling for over 25 hours straight, so I had to take an hour nap.
It was hard to stay awake and enjoy the show after all of the travel/waiting in line, but if there was a 2-3 day event I could have just slept it off the first day, and not meet everybody and have them think I am some kind of Zombie :)
I still thought that it was very well planned out, the exclusives are second to none (just watch my TV interview if it makes it through the editing stage), the staff was awesome to deal with (unlike another show I know of) and the attendees seemed to be having a TON of fun.
Hope to make it again sometime, but would hope it is more than 1 day so I can rest up when I first get there.
Either way, thanks for a great unforgettable weekend!!
And I'm still not getting the Stealth Viper Jr. joke (is that a Canadian thing or something :)
Post by: Pete The Greek on May 05, 2009, 07:33:02 PM
Quote from: "dryhawk37"
And I'm still not getting the Stealth Viper Jr. joke (is that a Canadian thing or something :)
To me, you look like a younger Ed Dam, but with a much larger Funskool collection.
By the way. great shooting the shit with you. I am hoping for a two day event next year as well. One day doesn't seem enough to talk and get to know other collectors.
Post by: narceron on May 05, 2009, 11:50:42 PM
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"
Quote from: "roshan"I know I'll be in the minority here, but i'd much prefer the con to stay in a place like Hamilton, and away from major metros like Toronto. Seriously, it's less than an hour drive to get to Hamilton from Toronto. Everytime I go to a big time convention, I have to contend with horrible or expensive parking, bad traffic and expensive hotels (if I'm staying at one). This con is in a not too big and not too small town. But that's just me, and I'd go to toronto if it was there anyway, so it's not like changing would lose me as a customer :P
In my view, if the convention is to grow and attract more out of towners, then it can't be in Hamilton every year. Hamilton never has or will be a tourist destination. Part of the reason why I went the GIJCC Orlando and New Orleans conventions was the tourist aspect. Hence, Niagara Falls and Toronto should be next to host the convention. If those work out, why not places like Ottawa or Montreal down the road.
I just dont' want to ever have to go buffalo, again. .. ever. The town has potholes, poverty, and NFC. And NFC is mobile, :)
So anywhere with an airport and a more proximal hotel would be great.
Also, next year I will be sure to ask for bits ahead of time, no bitz benders. I still need a large gun cap, a small gun cap, and a gun chair to complete my terrordrome and the vendor did not like me asking to buy his "parts" from his very nice terrordrome, :)
My only suggestion is to have more people bring timbits. Our pal Chad bought some. . . they are fantastic... I want some right now, actually. I'll do my best to bring some next year to add to the heap.
Post by: Bandalero on May 06, 2009, 06:51:25 AM
Quote from: "night force cynic"
Definitely no real surprises or big revelations in the slideshow (they save all that stuff for SDCC
Hence my plea for more pretty marketing assistants! =) But in all seriousness, it's nice to have Hasbro Canada endorse the convention but the reality is Hasbro USA controls all the business decisions, so while I can appreciate Greg trekking out there each year, there's really nothing new or surprising being brought to the table. Hasbro Canada's still working out distribution with the big box retailers here, and they are still working out ways to allow Canadians to purchase from the online toyshop, we still wont get product in Quebec if it isn't in french, bah it's like the Q&As we do every month...same questions, same answers.
Like all previous movies before G.I. Joe we ALL should expect a glut of movie toys clogging our shelves by mid-Summer because that's what the big boxes want - that's just reality. Any word on future new-era single carded joes after the movie? They can't say. Any word on Resolute expanding? They can't say. It's a vicious cycle.
Post by: canprime on May 06, 2009, 10:13:53 AM
Quote from: "Bandalero"
Quote from: "night force cynic"Definitely no real surprises or big revelations in the slideshow (they save all that stuff for SDCC
Hence my plea for more pretty marketing assistants! =) But in all seriousness, it's nice to have Hasbro Canada endorse the convention but the reality is Hasbro USA controls all the business decisions, so while I can appreciate Greg trekking out there each year, there's really nothing new or surprising being brought to the table. Hasbro Canada's still working out distribution with the big box retailers here, and they are still working out ways to allow Canadians to purchase from the online toyshop, we still wont get product in Quebec if it isn't in french, bah it's like the Q&As we do every month...same questions, same answers.
Like all previous movies before G.I. Joe we ALL should expect a glut of movie toys clogging our shelves by mid-Summer because that's what the big boxes want - that's just reality. Any word on future new-era single carded joes after the movie? They can't say. Any word on Resolute expanding? They can't say. It's a vicious cycle.
Hey at least they answered my question finally. The one about what happened with the wave 1 vehicle case change.
Post by: Storm.Shadow on May 06, 2009, 11:35:17 AM
Quote from: "canprime"
Hey at least they answered my question finally. The one about what happened with the wave 1 vehicle case change.
What was the answer? Sorry if it's staring me in the face, but I don't see it mentioned anywhere.
Thanks.
Post by: martin-montreal on May 06, 2009, 11:41:35 AM
Quote from: "Pete The Greek"
If those work out, why not places like Ottawa or Montreal down the road.
[move:1qnw8hdl]Go! Montreal Go![/move:1qnw8hdl] ;D We also have many :timbits: here :lol: People are friendly, many board members are from Montreal and it is actually pretty cheap 8).
You guys in Hamilton put expectations pretty high, so we would have to think about something pretty big!
Martin
Post by: morgardee on May 06, 2009, 12:17:13 PM
Quote from: "Storm.Shadow"
Quote from: "canprime"Hey at least they answered my question finally. The one about what happened with the wave 1 vehicle case change.
What was the answer? Sorry if it's staring me in the face, but I don't see it mentioned anywhere.
Thanks.
The short answer is Walmart.
Post by: Scramble on May 06, 2009, 03:08:08 PM
Quote from: "morgardee"
Quote from: "Storm.Shadow"Quote from: "canprime"Hey at least they answered my question finally. The one about what happened with the wave 1 vehicle case change.
What was the answer? Sorry if it's staring me in the face, but I don't see it mentioned anywhere.
Thanks.
The short answer is Walmart.
I believe that's also the answer Greg the Hasbro rep said not to spread around. :wink:
Here's how it was explained. Some stores have demands for how cases are packed. Those stores don't like half cases lying around because the stock tends to get overlooked or misplaced ie not sold ie profit lost. So those stores asked that the cases be smaller, which means only a couple of boxes from the wave could be included. Hasbro decided on the HISS and Armadillo/Serpentor Air Chariot set. Greg believes that the stagnant vehicles is less because the sets are unpopular and more because demand for those two sets dried up more quickly than demand for a four vehicle wave would have.
Greg said they will be using the failure of the vehicle wave due to the demands set down as a negotiating point to get full vehicle waves in Canada in the future.
Post by: NeoDragonKnight on May 06, 2009, 03:28:02 PM
Quote from: "Scramble"
Quote from: "morgardee"Quote from: "Storm.Shadow"Quote from: "canprime"Hey at least they answered my question finally. The one about what happened with the wave 1 vehicle case change.
What was the answer? Sorry if it's staring me in the face, but I don't see it mentioned anywhere.
Thanks.
The short answer is Walmart.
I believe that's also the answer Greg the Hasbro rep said not to spread around. :wink:
Here's how it was explained. Some stores have demands for how cases are packed. Those stores don't like half cases lying around because the stock tends to get overlooked or misplaced ie not sold ie profit lost. So those stores asked that the cases be smaller, which means only a couple of boxes from the wave could be included. Hasbro decided on the HISS and Armadillo/Serpentor Air Chariot set. Greg believes that the stagnant vehicles is less because the sets are unpopular and more because demand for those two sets dried up more quickly than demand for a four vehicle wave would have.
Greg said they will be using the failure of the vehicle wave due to the demands set down as a negotiating point to get full vehicle waves in Canada in the future.
good recap, thanks. It explains a lot
Post by: MERK on May 07, 2009, 08:15:14 AM
Post by: pdaat on May 07, 2009, 10:01:49 AM
Quote from: "MERK"
Only one thing I`d ask...don`t have the show on the first Saturday in May. It being "Free Comic book day" ties up a lot of guys that may have come... :(
Seconded. Although I did get a free sketch from Ken Lashley on my way out of town!
Post by: master_stanley on May 07, 2009, 06:58:49 PM