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[Giskard]

Just to clarify this thread, discussing the location of ARGfest is ofcourse a good idea, as it generates input, but this thread shouldn't be seen as the 'official' poll to decide where ARGfest is to be held (not yet at least).

There have been a lot of different factors that weighed in on choosing a location for the previous ARGfests. Polls were a part most of the time, but sometimes opportunity (like choosing the weekend before GDC in SF this year), timing and, like rose already said, people willing to help organise it also played big parts.

Then there's the sort-of-implied idea of having ARGfest switch between East and West coast every year (which sadly would rule out locations like Austin or SA all together, so it is not said that this implication means it's a rule of thumb).

Anyway, after ARGfest07 there's been a lot of talk about how to get started on preparations for the next one, and I think that some people who have been very important in getting ARGfest together the past years (SpaceBass and rose to name two, but others as well) need to have a say in how to organise the organising before we start anything official.

As Varin already pointed out, there have been public polls a couple of times already, and it will certainly not just "be 5 people telling others were to go", but things should be approached a little more structurally than just throwing a poll out there. A ton, and I really mean a TON of work went into organising the last couple of editions of ARGfest, which is not to be underestimated.

In the meantime, keep throwing ideas out there... I'll just throw in Amsterdam again just for the heck of it

[vpisteve]

OK, as far as I know, the decision for the ARGFest-o-Con location has never really been a democratic process. Folks have suggested various locales, which are always taken under advisement, but ultimately the decision comes down to the planners/organizers of ARGFEst-o-Con to make, based on numerous factors.

That's not changed, really, but your votes and suggestions are still welcome, as always.

ETA: And yeah, what Giskard said.

[Gupfee]

I would also add that if anyone was particularly keen on a certain location, you should do some research beyond sight-seeing and general attractions and give us real logistical data. Suggest hotels (include general room rates, locations, etc), suggest restaurants for the big get-together after FestQuest (needs to be large enough to hold all who care to come to dinner), research and post airfare/train/bus information, etc.

The idea being, like the Olympics, if you can make a good case for your favorite city, SpaceBass, rose and anyone else who has a say in the matter will be more likely to consider it.

[konamouse]

#1 - locals (or others) willing to be the hosts & planners.

And therefore, I would like to regretfully pull Las Vegas out of the running for ARGFest 2008. Just not able to do anything for it (and vpisteve is no longer in town - that traitor). While I've had the experience in conference planning under my belt (and others could put together the Fest Quest with my help as far as local scenery and clues and stuff - Fremont Experience would be a perfect location), my plate is just too full this coming year due to a new teaching job.

Maybe for the 10th Anniversary?

[rose]

Just to give an example of the work involved for ARGFest planning:

I called over 25 hotels, called the SF tourist and convention board 3 times and had over 100 emails - JUST TO PICK THE HOTEL. That doesn't include the time (hours) I spent in chat talking about hotels, reading websites, guides, etc. Or the time spent on the phone with Space to sort out the contract. Or the emails about the contract. Or reading and reviewing the contract. Or the calls and emails to Brian Clark about getting his credit card to the hotel. Or the calls and emails to the hotel about the need for Brian Clark's credit card. Or the back and forth faxes. All of this is just to pick the hotel - doesn't include dealing with the hotel conference room staff, catering department or any thing that happened the week of ARGFest. (note:none of the expenses for long distance calls or faxing is reimbursed. And of course all of my time, Space's time and Brian Clark's time is donated as well.)

Oh I forgot: there were also several calls and some emails with IGDA before we could get a hotel. We had to not conflict with them.

I have to say that I am surprised if players think that ARGFest is planned with anything other than the highest concern for the best interest of the players. That is the whole point of ARGFest, whether there is a conference as part of it or not.

[thebruce]

I'll once again raise up Toronto... I'm sure that for organizational purposes there will be a number of people who would be willing to help plan, scout, organize, such as the Torgame folk (including myself). It would be nice to have a Canada-hosted ARGfest . Lots to do in TO as well.

But I also like the Amsterdam idea, however

[Mikeyj]

Well ignoring all practicalities and bowing entirely to the organisers' decision I'd like to second or third the idea for Amsterdam (erm or Liverpool, oh alright, Amsterdam). They have tulips, and bicycles (and filled with )

[celina63]

I know there was some discussion at the last ARGFest (yeah, I admit it... I kinda started it ) over having the next ARGFest in London - with the idea that Mind Candy would happily help fund or sponsor it for PxC Stories advertising benefit.... um....

OK, so does that mean I JINXED PxC Stories???

C

[Mikeyj]

[Rekidk]

[Varin]

[ariock]

2008

[urthstripe]

Please not Las Vegas until I turn 21.

And that's all I will say on the matter.

[vpisteve]

If it's just back to friends getting together for drinks, then every day is ARGFest in my back yard!

Wooooooooooooo!!!!!

[konamouse]