Attention Furry Artists and Dealers! Question as a con-staff for a growing outdoor con:

[wolfwings]

This is an official query to any and all dealers as a staff member of an outdoor convention, Wild Nights, akin to Camp Feral or Oklacon. Especially if you've been to any of the above listed events in the past.

We're considering having an official dealers den and/or artist's alley, and wanted to know your thoughts as a dealer; I'm asking since I know quite a few dealers on my friends list. :-) Several of these may sound stupid, but they were asked by other staffers so I'm forwarding the questions, even though that I'm quite sure will have 100% a specific type of answer. Bear in mind this is in mid-to-late April in Oklahoma near Tulsa, weather is very temperate and mild historically, edging on the cooler side still.

1. Would any of you want a dealers den/artist's alley at all at a primarilly outdoor con?
2. Would it be acceptable to do this in a semi-permanent open-side tent?
3. Would it be acceptable to do this in a permanent but still open-sided structure?
4. Would it be acceptable to do this in a fully enclosed, but not climate-controlled building?
5. Would you rather it be dedicated event space for the entire weekend, or a one-shot event of 2-3 hours, with around an hour or setup before-hand and after-wards?

If it's a dedicated one-shot event:

6. Would you mind if we had other events going on during the dealers den event? I.E. Pred/Prey, or something like that?
7. Would you mind if we had other events going on during the setup OR teardown time, but not both?
8. Would you mind if we had other events going on during BOTH setup AND teardown?
9. Would you rather setup, or teardown butt up against a meal period? (Wild Nights includes fresh-cooked food for all meals.)

Comments

[animecat.livejournal.com]

Okay, if I were considering Wild Nights, here would be my answers from a dealer's perprective:

1. Would any of you want a dealers den/artist's alley at all at a primarilly outdoor con? Yes, it brings in business for artists and allows folks to have art done, so it's a good idea. It's also a draw for attendees.
2. Would it be acceptable to do this in a semi-permanent open-side tent? NO. Exposure to the elements is NOT a good idea for artists/dealers, as items can easily be blown away by winds, there's always the chance of rain, and an exposed venue encourages theft of items by providing an easy escape.
3. Would it be acceptable to do this in a permanent but still open-sided structure? No. Same reasons as above. Plus, you never know if someone is going to be allergic to certain types of insects, which cannot be excluded from an open-sided structure.
4. Would it be acceptable to do this in a fully enclosed, but not climate-controlled building? Perhaps, but you're gonna get complaints from most dealers due to the heat generated by bodies and the stench of unwashed fanboys.
5. Would you rather it be dedicated event space for the entire weekend, or a one-shot event of 2-3 hours, with around an hour or setup before-hand and after-wards? Permanent. It's not worth it as a dealer to attend a weekend gathering if there's only going to be a few hours' of work. most of us need an full weekend to generate a decent profit. Artists also need time and space to complete commissions, which is easier to do when you have a permanent space.

If it's a dedicated one-shot event:
6. Would you mind if we had other events going on during the dealers den event? I.E. Pred/Prey, or something like that? I wouldn't consider dealing there at all if it's a one-shot event.
7. Would you mind if we had other events going on during the setup OR teardown time, but not both? See above answer.
8. Would you mind if we had other events going on during BOTH setup AND teardown? Again, see #6.
9. Would you rather setup, or teardown butt up against a meal period? (Wild Nights includes fresh-cooked food for all meals.) Meals are always good for artists, as few people leave their tables during the day. FEED YOUR ARTISTS. ;)