Forum - View topicNEWS: ConnectiCon in Debt
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genman
Posts: 40 |
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Hmm, $30k of personal debt -- it sounds like they should have ran it as a business venture (non-profit or the like), rather than out of their own pockets. And with probably a lot of cash flow, hiring a profession accountant is the smart thing to do.
By the way, I have nothing against helping the organizers out, but they better (and other cons) should have their act together lest they screw themselves financially. People running conventions should know better. And regarding "fees" and surprises: Having talked with fellow Sakura-con staff on this, of course venues try to stiff you, it's your job to understand the contract. But since it is a negotiable contract, spending some time reading it and compromising with the management will save a lot of money. |
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PatrickD
Posts: 95 Location: California |
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It wasn't posted on their web site, but Chris Patton cancelled and did not attend ConnectiCon.
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.Sy
Posts: 1266 |
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That's certainly a nastly situation. I'll admit genman has a few good points about this. Still though, I'd hate it if a con near me got cancelled, if there ever was a con near me...
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lantis
Posts: 23 |
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I sort of agree with genman. They are after all a third year con and not a first year con. Just because convention centers are nice and roomy doesn't mean everyone can afford to run in one.
I do think the web comic guys have their hearts in the right place and I hope Connecticon can run again but he really does need to reevaluate where he is running the convention. To be safe you should know what your gross income was and use that as your expense ceiling for the next year. That way you can handle adverse situations such as bad weather and other things. You should never count on attendance increases to cover your budget. I do wish them best of luck. |
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DiscoBuba
Posts: 11 Location: NorthWest, CT |
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Definetly some good points and I can see how your looking at it. Although I can't speak for the staff, having volunteered at the convention for the past couple years I would like to throw my two cents in.
I think that the Saveconnecticon site does a pretty good job of describing the series of events that lead to the problem it is trying to be rather short and to the point. Plus I don't know how many details they really wanted to talk about. From what I know the staff actually did want to apply as a not-for-profit group but ironically didn't have enough cash to do so. Keeping in mind that accordingly to their website they broke even the second year. I'm guessing for that same reason they also couldn't hire a lawyer or a professional accountant to assist them. If you notice on the site the con used to be held at the University of Hartford. So while it is their third year of the convention this is the first year at a convention center, which probaly leaves some inexperience dealing with such a venue. From my experience this year it also seemed like the Convention Center Staff was really rude, inconsiderate, and difficult to deal with. But thats just my opinion. Now while I don't know how much they searched around for a suitable place if you knew anything about the area you might not notice theres a whole lot of places a growing con could be held. Anyways, sorry for the long post but obviously I have a close personal interest 
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eelozano
Posts: 24 |
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I donated...I have never attended any con's. I just have heard this is a very friendly con and no reason not to give a little extra cash to them.
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Ranmah
 Posts: 294 Location: Stomp'n on Tokyo Tower |
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I also donated. I don't know the con staff, but I do know some of the webcomic people.
From what I understood from some of the sites was that the Conn Convention center added some last minute charges after the contract had been signed. That is poor management on the Conn Convention center's side. They should have told the Con staffers what they require ahead of time. I guess this will sure as some experience (admit painful) that the con staffers will have to face when they do this con next year. It's good to hear that the guests wanted to help a struggling con to get out of debt. I know some smaller cons that disappeared and wasen't given any help. It pays to have friends in high places. |
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Starwind Amada
Posts: 981 Location: Easton, PA, USA |
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How so? And I think the convention center adding on last-minute fees AFTER the contract was signed is wrong and they should be sued for it. No, I'm serious. Those people are idiots and the con's founders should seriously file a lawsuit for a breach of contract. I wouldn't stand for it. You'd better not run into this problem, Patrick.  I loved my first con, which was Anime Boston 05, and I'm planning to go again, so DON'T GO BROKE! Wait, the NEAS is a non-profit group, right? Okay, at least YOU know what you're doing.
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