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[Avie]

I think that says it all.  Thank you.

DREAMATION 2009 flew past!

I have a profound sense of gratitude to a multitude of folks.  The various departments - Logistics, Registration, Board Gaming, War Gaming, Hospitality, Security and anybody else I'm forgetting because I'm still foggy, each did their job as seamlessly as we could have hoped for, and my socks are still knocked-off. 

Barbara, our Chair of Vice, (Vice Chairperson) stepped up and filled the very diverse role of her husband, Tiny.  He was off-site for most of the convention dealing with other-life concerns, which  meant that Barbara juggled not just her normal responsibilities but his as well.  Barbara, thank you for everything you did to make this event the success it was.  You rock.  Goddess of the Insane, indeed.  without a bit of insanity, I don't think  you would have been so graceful!

Diane, Molly and Andy did a smash-up job of keeping hospitality rolling, despite a serious of potentially debilitating setbacks - Geoff, who has become Diane's righthand for much of staff suite, was stricken by The Plague, and couldn't attend.  Molly was miserably sick all weekend and performed most of her duties slathered with sanitizer and wearing latex gloves to avoid sharing the joy.  A short staff and a battered immune system didn't stop them from seeing that everybody who entered teh suites was taken care of and I thank them for that.

Dave, Felicia, Martha and Mandy, with help from Kevin and Rowan, were crucial to everything moving smoothly.  From their position at the registration desk, they were also the traffic directors for the con, offering lost congoers a chance at direction toward their next stop.

Linda, Rob and John at Big Board were, as always, invaluable.  :-) thank you.  I promise more minions so you can play more games.

Mark and Joe in War Gaming did their usual stellar job -- AND Mark was almost entirely responsible for loading the truck for leaving the hotel.  Thanks so much, Mark! 

Anybody who plays in the Board Gaming room knows how hard Ruth and Eddie, and their staff, work.  I adore you all, and am just so tickled everytime I walk into the room and see you demoing a game, running a tournament or solving an over-flow issue.  Thank you so so so much!

Security pulls INSANE shifts - 10+ hours, often showing up and keeping their comrades company between their own shifts.  It's hard, thankless work on site.  We notice, and we know the cons wouldn't be as smooth or easy without you!

Vinny - most of you know that without Vinny, none of this would come together.  He spends hundreds of hours compiling, editing and coordinating game submissions.  He single-handedly thinks through every single table allocation, scheduling decision and compromise that has to happen when nearly 700 events try to happen in the space of less than four full days. He made certain the hotel knew what to expect at every turn, smoothing our transition from the Hilton to our new digs.  He prepared all the documentation that made it possible for the staff to answer questions like "I want to move my table, where is there an open spot?" and he can spell most of your names PROPERLY without checking the database.  I'm in awe of him, and I almost never take time to publicly thank him for everything he does to give us all the chance to get together and play. 

This DREAMATION was like a family reunion for many of us.  Folks that have been absent came back, we got to introduce our new friends to old friends.  We watch our community grow, with individual families adding generations and honoring the path that got us here, and I am just so honored to be part of that process. 

For folks who are wondering, yes the hotel liked us, yes we're there for DEXCON, and no, we're not anticipating any woes.  The overall experience the hotel had with DREAMATION, staff and attendee alike, was that everybody was patient, respectful and pleasant.  Our attendees have as much impact on how well the convention interacts with the hotel as any other factor, and I am always awed and humbled by how fantastically the grand majority of our attendees treat the hotel.  Thank  you so much for working with us to keep spaces clean, hallways clear and problems contained.

Once I have my socks pulled back on, I'll probably think of more I wanted to say, but for now, I think that Thank You really does say it all.

--Avie

[Mike]

I echo the sentiments said above. I worked mostly with Ruth and Eddie in the Board Game room, and they kept it running like a well oiled machine, which wasn't easy at times. I would also like to give props to the people in the con and staff suites, for keeping them well stocked and making sure that germs were not spread. I was politely scolded when I picked up a cookie without using the tongs. I barely ate on Friday morning packing, so I appreciated the sandwiches in the staff suit when I arrived on Friday afternoon.

A tip of the hat also should go to Brendan and Bruce, who put on "The Weakest Link" and "The $100 Pyramid." I had a good time playing in both, and would love to see them again at Dexcon in July. A thank you should also go to Phil Gellis for bringing back the Trivia Contest. Even though I placed fourth (out of four), I still had a good time and found it challenging.

I had fun and look forward to seeing everyone at Dreamation in July.

[mandy]

Avie-well said.  This was the second time I was working Registration, and I have a feeling there will be many more after this time.  The hotel is absolutely lovely, and there are many choices to go to eat (btw-the pizza place right next to the hotel is AMAZING in case anyone was wondering).  Being where I was the whole time I got to see everyone as they walked in and out of games, and everyone seemed to be happy and enjoying themselves.  Didn't really see anyone angry or pissed off or anything, so that's a big YAY!

See everyone in July!

Mandy

[Fox McCloud]

I know of some security personel who put in 40 hours this weekend.  So...Rediculous was the appropriate word.

[Mark]

I think that says it all.  Thank you.

Mark and Joe in War Gaming did their usual stellar job -- AND Mark was almost entirely responsible for loading the truck for leaving the hotel.  Thanks so much, Mark! 

I only played "plastic tote tetris".  I'd like to add my thanks to everyone who pitched in to move everything down to the truck.  Tom from Dark Tower, who will be joining the wargaming staff at Dexcon, pitched in despite getting next to no sleep Saturday night.

I'd like to also pass on to everyone a conversation I had with Charles, one of the hotel security guards.  According to him our group was one of the best behaved they have dealt with.  According to him there were no problems other than a few noise complaints.

My perception of the hotel and its staff is entirely positive.  Whenever we needed anything the staff were completely cooperative.

I'd also like to mention that when I was unpacking one of the hotel managers, I assume because he was in a suit, was in the parking garage and started helping move boxes and equipment into the wargaming room.  I REALLY wish I had gotten his name to pass on to the Hyatt corporate management.  That kind of service is uncommon at best and is very much appreciated.

The concession stand in the hall was a brilliant idea.

I got a real sense that the staff was genuinely curious about us.

[Sinkuu]

Think i heard about one hotel staffer who wanted to skive off of work so she could join in.

[Barbara]

Jessica the assistant banquets person actually played in the RC tank battle and did very well. So many of the hotel staff mentioned to me that they were definitely going to schedule time off to play at DEXCON.

[Mark]

Oh yeah!  I forgot to mention that.  I was running the RC tanks in the downstairs lobby when I saw her watching.  She asked "What's this?" so I shoved one of the controllers at her and said "Here, try it".  I showed her how to operate the controller and she proceeded to put a serious hurt on the other player.  She had a great time.

[Frigemall]

This convention went very well, it was great to see some long missing people who have come back. The organizers did a spectacular job so those of us who attended could simply enjoy ourselves. I thank you all for making it fun. I also want to thank The Fishdevil crew and the other LARP coordinators who ran some pretty good games and introduced some new people to LARPing. Well done.

[Sinkuu]

as to the concession stand the hotel put out:

concession stands are not unheard of... what I WAS impressed with was their selection, and their pricing.  salads and pizza were seen at a time and place I'd never expect. who the heck serves BRATWURST at a con?

(the bratwurst was quite good, mind you. I took advantage of indulging a rare craving. )

[`_100003005030 (Zero)]

Many thanks to EVERYBODY who kept things going.  This is the smoothest con I can remember, which is astonishing in a new hotel.

All the info I needed was at my fingertips.  Anything I asked for, I got.  Lines at BB were blissfully short.  Of course, the Miracle of the Walls was our big blessing.  (For those who don't know, Big Board generally expends a great deal of manpower returning the sign-up sheets to the wall.  This time, due to a combo of GOOD tape, GOOD application of said tape, and wallpaper which didn't spend all day thinking of ways to spit the signs back out, I think our biggest repair job required one piece of Scotch tape.)

The hotel staff was so lovely too.  I managed to get sick(er) Sunday night, and by Monday morning was in no shape to leave.  Not only did they extend my stay a night at con rates, but when I went to check out Tuesday morning (and any other time I talked to the staff), they asked how I was feeling.

Nice folks, these.  Oh, and David tells me that Suburban Transit (the bus co. that used to take us from NYC to E. Brunswick) has a bus to Headquarters Plaza -- basically, the other end of the convention center, by the convenience store.

[Socket]

Had a great time this weekend despite unrelated work AARGrivation Friday night.  Thanks everyone.

I must say, the gym at this hotel is fan-freaking-tastic.  Took a while to find it (past the movie theater? whu?) but it was spacious, clean, very well equipped, and well maintained.  Staff was helpful and courteous (do I sense a recurring theme here ).  Didn't find the indoor track, but then I needed a map/compass/gps for the rest of the building the first day or so anyway.

I'm liking the location so far and am scheming plans for Dexcon 

[Horace]

Definitely a better hotel. Doesnt mean that EB was bad, just that this one is better. (except maybe the $6 bottles of stupi--er Water)
Loved that there was so much in walking distance too.

What was fun/good;
Got some good Avatar time in. Not as much as I wanted, but thats how it goes.
Seeing everyone again.
Having Kate get behind reg and help me laminate the thursday night rush.
The hotel food concession. Good food, reasonable prices and great location for it.

What wasnt;
Getting the bad cook at lins on thursday. Other people say they didnt have a problem. Just more proof that Murphy wrote those laws for me.


Cant wait for DexCon

[Bron Price]

Thursday – The first person I ran into was George (the old guy).  I went down to the basement and hung out with some of the Fishdevils (Gene Stern, Frank Martinez)

Had dinner @ Ming’s.  I ate some overpriced chicken fried rice but the staff we’re friendly and the ambiance very nice.  Bill complained that I didn’t wait for him.  (I didn‘t think to call him on his cell)

Friday - I tried to go shopping.   Century 21 is NOT a mall!  It’s a department store trying to be a mall.  They have select items as low as 70% off!  Ya know why they’re select items??   Because they’re items you wouldn’t select! 

Bill, My wife (Annette) & I had brunch at a Columbian restaurant whose name translates to ‘House of the Chicken’.  I ordered my food in Spanish so fast, my wife & Bill didn’t know what I said.  Eventhough I’m Puerto Rican, my Spanish is horrid.  I picked up most of what I know helping my mom in the kitchen…which is why I can pronounce and understand most food items. 

Bumped into Josh, Pippen, Jared (Preppy), and Arquimedes – old Lightfoot, as well as Trevor.  Seeing these guys brings back wonderful memories ….makes me think I’ve been here too long.  I had fun with them & I still have fun at the con ---- which keeps me coming back.   

Bill, Annette & I braved the night cold weather trying to find Martha & George (Washington) restaurant.  We finally found it after circumventing the downtown Morristown area.  The waiting time was 20 minutes and we were hungry.  While waiting, I noticed that there was a ‘dress code’ and we were defiantly underdressed.  They served us anyways. Annette & Bill liked their food.  I didn’t think much of it.   

Saturday – My wife & I took in lunch at the Hotel eatery – Eclectic, where we bumped into more Fishdevils.  I understand the salad was to die for.  I am not a rabbit though.  I am a carnivore.  Salad comes with the food.  Some places don’t even charge you for it because it’s not worth anything.  Salad is a promissory note that says ‘Wait right here, something good is going to happen’!  I walked out to the hotel lobby & talked with some friends.  I walked away and didn’t even notice Joe (Shamus/Wolfram) until he yelled at me.  ‘Sure, I can sneak up on the guy who runs Lightfoot’. 

I had my bi-annual Lightfoot meeting where we shared a few laughs and made plans for the upcoming year….which would be torn apart in the next few hours anyways. 

From there, I headed for the con suite (which is where I spent most of my time at the con).  Andy had informed me that Helvetia was going to pass Lightfoot in the amount of members we had.  I told him the only reason that was happening is because I don’t promote like I used to.  He said I should.  After some prodding from others in Lightfoot, I went to see what I could do.  In half an hour, Lightfoot had 8 new members.  I decided to sample the food selling next to registration.  I must have gone there late in the day because the fries were chewy.  Fires aren’t supposed to be chewy.  With half an hour to go to the council meeting, I took the time to switch to Bron’s more ‘regal’ clothing which suits in a fitting position as Lord of Lightfoot.   I squealed with glee when the percentages of the houses were read out and found that Lightfoot had 1/5 the members of the Nexus!  To quote Bill, “That’s how I roll”!  During the proceedings, it appears a new Triumverant was formed.  Hyran was irate and that doesn’t happen to Jedi’s easily.  Bron was highly displeased.  He stealthily moved (no one noticed, including Rick and startled him) to Trunks of Avalon and told him of his displeasure for he was the first to vote for the Triumverant.  The other ‘sheep’ followed suit.  I then tugged at Rick’s goatie. 

I stayed in the con suite most of the con because people will come in there to gorge on sweets.  Bill stayed in there updating Avatar C.C.s.  He and I are always cracking jokes if not on each other we’ll pick some poor soul to be the focus of our hilarity.  He kept staring at this one girl and made a simple observation.  That one thing kept me in stitches for 10 – 15 minutes.  I remember being able to this to Tim Norton (Ty Verrat of Lightfoot).  I never thought I would be doing it myself. 

Sunday- Annette & I had brunch again at the ‘House of the Chicken’.  I waited long enough to say my goodbyes and for a game a friend of mine was supposed to run at 2PM.  I went to the ‘Small Board’ over at RPGA and noticed his game had been cancelled.  With nothing left to keep me there, I left. 

Interesting new hotel.  Lots of places to see and do.  Mass transit is easily accessible to those using it to and from the con.   I had fun.  Thanks, DE. 

"I want a hamburger/hampster"!   "Get this vermin away from me"!

[Sinkuu]

points for the John Pinette reference, Mike.