Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Dragon*Con Dragon*Con’s new policy: Buy a ticket or you’re not allowed inside
Posted by George Weidman on Wed, Aug 31, 2011 at 9:06 AM
Dan Carrol, Dragon*Con's media director, says access to the event hotels will be limited to guests and paid attendees, or "members." "The hotels will be checking for Dragon*Con badges or hotel key cards," says Dan Carrol, the event's media director. Kenny Wright, convention coordinator at the Hyatt Regency, confirms: “Normally you could go through the hotel, but not the actual event,” he said. “But for this year, you can’t go on hotel property throughout the whole event,” daytime included.
But some event organizers said access would only be limited during "evening" hours. According to Brenda Tackett of the Dragon*Con gaming division, people without an official badge, pass, or hotel key will not be allowed inside the event hotels past “evening hours.” A media relations email echoes this view: "The hotels will be enforcing badge policy in the evenings. No one will be allowed into hotels without a hotel key or a Dragon*Con badge. Thank you for your cooperation."
Whatever the policy, these restrictions — which Carrol says help "provide our attendees the greatest possible comfort and safety" — obviously won’t apply to those who pay the entrance fee for a daily or weekend pass (which can be purchased online or at the event), or for regular hotel guests who have their keys at the ready.
The badge policy is a sharp contrast from previous years, when the lobbies and other common areas of the host hotels were freely accessible to anyone throughout the whole event, opening the hotels to a new market of Dragon*Con “lite” attendees who only stayed long enough for a friendly sample of the crowd’s bizarre, wonderful, and weird antics. And sometimes the late-night, hotel-room party debauchery.
Of course, it was a few bad apples that ruined the fun for the rest of us. During last year’s con, social media was ablaze with reports of sexual harassment and fighting — allegedly because of an unsavory mix of college football fans staying at the same hotels for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. (CNN, however, reported good times were had by all.) Some paid attendees have also been annoyed by the large number of people who flood the hotels and soak up the atmosphere without helping pay the bill.
"The good news is that we are just too big to have the hotels filling up with bystanders who are not paid members," says Carrol.
But have no fear: The legendary Dragon*Con parade will still march down Peachtree St. at 10 a.m. on September 3. It’s a grand Atlanta tradition, so be there or be square!
Comments (120)
Showing 1-50 of 120
Thanks for becoming a big douche, Dragon*Con. Thanks for trashing your casual fans, who want to enjoy the atmosphere while paying hotel Happy Hour prices. Time to pick something more fan friendly for ClusterFest this weekend. $40 for a day pass? Ridiculous.
like
dislike
Hahah. Oh, you free-rider. Looks like the bus has stopped for you. $40 for a day's entertainment is really not much when you compare it to other things - a show at any larger venue for instance will cost the same or more and only last 3 hours.
I'm relieved they are focusing on keeping people out of the convention instead of solving their 3+hour long wait to pick up a pass (if you troubled yourself to pay to stand in line for another hour+ to get into *any* panel.) You guys have really nailed it.
Instead, you can spend that 3 hours standing in a line outside the Marriott for the privilege of picking up your badge. It's a bargain at thrice the price.
This is nothing new. It has been the policy for a few years that you need a badge after hours to get in the hotels.
I'm OK with the policy. I pay a lot of money to attend Dragon Con. I have seen first hand in years past that it's not the Football fans causing trouble after hours (most were very interested in what was going on.) it was the locals showing up wanting to be rowdy.
Well, if the commenters have paid any attention to the con this year instead of whining about years past, they'd know there is a new system to get badges that eliminates the long wait. Supposedly.
mrssqueaky & kingof---
I don't know if you've been paying attention, but there's a brand new ticketing/badge pickup procedure in place. If you've pre-paid, a postcard was mailed to you with a unique barcode. Present that and your ID and presto, insta-badge! Also, the time to pick up now starts much earlier as well on Thursday, the day before it all officially starts.
Lines will still happen anywhere you have 40,000+ people. But, with either A: proper preparing for a wait with a book or some friends to talk to or B: skipping it and doing one of the other hundreds of things available at that time -- you can get through it.
I mean, I don't have stats, but I doubt that Disney's lines are any different... and they have much more space than D*C does. Last time I was there, there was lots of standing around outside in the Florida humidity for a 5 minute experience. The panels last an hour...so if you amortize the time, it's a much better deal.
As it is, most of the bigger guests have multiple panels so if you miss one, you can see another. And, the D*C staff and management didn't make this decision and request to the host hotels lightly. It was done after years of seeing what a clusterfrak the nighttime turns into and by requests of the people who DO pay for the privilege of being there. So, if you're a casual fan, come on a day pass (less expensive the further from the Con, btw) and mosey on home.
If you do want to come, and realize the value ($30 a day for the whole 4 days) of the entire experience (meeting new and interesting people, seeing that dude on that show you love, or watching robots fight it out for your pleasure) then it will be nice to have you both.
Just try to wipe that smirky grin off your face before you come in. Someone might think you're cosplaying as a couple of Judgmental Jerks or something.
PS... I do not work for Dragon*Con. I just have been going there since '96 when I moved to Atlanta.
J, Your right. I have spoken with quite a few reps from DragonCon that said they have a new system. While it's a far cry from FedExing my badge to me (a service I would gladly pay for) it's a sign that DC recognizes they have problems and are working on solutions.
Congrats to the bartenders and other industry service professionals at the hotels. You will make significantly LESS money with the restrictions of "Dragon*Con "Lite" attendees" (as we are called). I'm a native Atlantan, and attender of the *Con for over a decade. While I can't attend the entire weekend in recent years, I have been known to drop $3-500 on Friday night entertaining people I do business with that attend the event. NEWSFLASH-The majority of attendees staying in the hotels, bring their own alcohol. They're already paying through the nose for a room, food, badges, travel to-from the event. This "rule" is taking money out of the pockets of the service industry that helps support this event, and make it a success. Congrats for being as ass, Dan Carrol.
Wow... no need to call Dan names. And I have seen the people of D*C drink. Those bartenders will still make money.
Well, it's great that D*C has upgraded the system they've had in place since it started in '87. Kinda sad that it took them so many years to acknowledge that there was a problem with flipping through three-ring binders to pull up pre-reg info (while TicketMaster buyers could waltz in and out with barely a wait), but there you go. I used to go to D*C regularly from year one through the mid-90s, and have been going back since returning to Atlanta, but the last two years (incredible wait times in line, horribly mis-organized lineups for panels, etc.) soured me on pre-registering this year.
But like Antler says, all the cools folks will be at Drive-Invasion. Fewer kilts, though, but I've always regarded that as a plus.
drive-invasion will be awesome, but it is not free and you'll be far from cool. remember to bring your kiddie pool filled with ice and battery powered fans because you'll be baking in the parking lot skillet. it's true that interlopers can attend d*c until 7pm and then keys and badges are checked from hotel to hotel so you'll still get to drop your $3-500. my advice is don't leave once you get in and make sure you're in the hotel you want to be in before pumpkin time.
I love that the opinions of the people that complain don't matter because they won't be there anyway. :D
Geez, DragonCon=$40
Drive Invasion=$28
You have to pay out the nose for any form of entertainment in this city nowadays.
I'm really disappointed with DragonCon's decision. I'm not enough into that crap to pay $40 but I like seeing people dressed up like idiots and partying with friends who attend. I don't care what anyone says, $40 is a lot for this sort of entertainment if you aren't a super geek.
And Drive Invasion really isn't my scene anyway.
Well, I guess it's going to be the DBF.
Dragon Con needs to get there badge pickup fixed. It is stupid to have to wait that long in line.
The Head of Media is kindly informing you of Dragon*Con's decisions. He did not enact the policies. Dan volunteers for his position just like everyone else at Con, and calling him names is ridiculous.
Also, if you can't afford a ticket to Con, don't go to Con. Those of us that pay every year have little sympathy for those of you bitching that you should get a free weekend because you've always managed to get away with it until now.
"$40 is a lot for this sort of entertainment if you aren't a super geek"
Then don't pay it and don't go. Dragon*con is for super geeks. Angry that you have to pay to party with us? Grow up, get over it and either pay up, or find something else you think is worth spending money on. The rest of us spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy the convention among other people who share the same interests. How do you think we feel being crowded out/gawked at/harassed and assaulted physically, verbally, and sexually by people who didn't even pay for the privilege of being there? Granted, not everyone who attends without a badge is guilty of this, but it's easier for security to keep the participants safe when everyone at the convention is authorized to be there.
Have some consideration. Like any other event or show, you should pay the d*mn cover.
If you sneak into the pannels without paying then you are an asshole. But to not allow people to mill around the hotels and BUY alcohol just kind of sucks. I am not really into this sort of thing enough to go and see the people speak but i enjoyed partying with friends who are very into it and get hotel rooms. I guess my friends with rooms could just sneak me in at night so FUCK YOU NEW POLICY!
What I loved most about attending Dragon*Con last year was its welcoming environment. Even though I was not in costume or there for the panels, I loved meeting new people and participating. The new derogatory moniker and restrictions are very disappointing to me - of course the event should be geared towards the paying participants, but I think it is a mistake to make it so exclusive.
I don't give a fuck about panels, I just want to get wasted with boba fett. That shouldn't cost me 40 bucks.
"How do you think we feel being crowded out/gawked at/harassed and assaulted physically, verbally, and sexually by people who didn't even pay for the privilege of being there?"
Stop being over dramatic. You guys are the dorks that feel the need to dress up for attention and now you're whining about being gawked at and "assaulted?" I'm sure any "assault" is just as likely, if not more likely to be perpetrated by one of your fellow geeks. Stop exaggerating the situation.
I was there last year without a badge and you guys were not "crowded out" by my fellow "gawkers" without badges. I could care less about the party but I shouldn't have to pay $40 to basically hang out with a couple friends, have a drink, and people watch in a hotel lobby.
"...but I shouldn't have to pay $40 to basically hang out with a couple friends, have a drink, and people watch in a hotel lobby. "
Yes, you should....especially when the hotel is hosting the convention.
So long freeloaders! Don't let the door hit you on the way out!
You not being able to stare and gawk at those of us you consider to be freak shows is not a down-side for those of us who pay.
I can understand not being pleased with the new policy, but this idea that you're entitled to be there when you not paying the convention NOR the the hotel is just ludicrous whining.
And Johnny, enough with the disgusting victim blaming. Dragon*Con & hotel staff are trying to provide a measure of safety to paying customers. GET OVER IT
This blows. I've been coming to D*Con for 10 years now. Most years I buy a badge, get a room, drops hundreds of dollars on booze, march, dealers shit, etc . . . occasionally I'm strapped for $$$ and like to just come down and soak up the atmosphere, have a good time, and just enjoy the event from the "lite" side. I've probably spent at least $5000 on Con . . . I can't afford it this year (probably only the third time and was planning on stopping by anyhow to hang out like always) . . . now I can't. Pretty lame.
No, you shouldn't. Many other cons hosted in hotels and convention centers allow people to come in without paying to hang out and people watch. They can't get into panels and official con parties, but people who come to see their friends aren't there for that purpose in the first place. D*C is basically laughing at the economy and sending a huge middle finger to geeks who may not be able to afford the fees but still wanted to see the costumes as well as placing a downer over the entire event as friends who are attending are saddened that they won't be able to see their non-badge holding friends otherwise. What next? Banning the parade route without a badge? I see it coming.
"How do you think we feel being crowded out/gawked at/harassed and assaulted physically, verbally, and sexually by people who didn't even pay for the privilege of being there?"
please don't gawk at my exquisitely rendered haruhi suzimiya costume ;_;
so you wouldn't mind being gawked at, assaulted physically, verbally, and sexually by people who did pay to be there? i guess this is why i never inject myself into the sweaty overweight spawning pool that is dragon*con
http://gunshowcomic.com/ac/
Johnny sounds like the kind of guy who reads about a chick getting sexually assaulted and says "she shouldn't have been wearing that skirt"...douchebag.
I was a freeloader for many years also, because it was allowed I was happy to drift along through the eye-popping spectacle and yes, pay a ton for lots of drinks. But I think I can come up with some amount of dough to get in, though $40 sounds a bit much to just walk through a crowd and be able to buy drinks... 'cuz you can't even get into the merch dealers without a badge (?). But this year I am saddened to miss both D*Con and DriveInvasion, due to my booth at the FREE Decatur Book Festival Saturday and Sunday! Look for Atomic Playrooms, with the robots and spacecraft... a keynote by Colin Meloy of Decembrists was the tipping point, I had to exhibit.
I just love the sense of entitlement from the cheapasses who just want to party and not pay. If we're all a bunch of "dorks" who "dress up like idiots," then I guess there's no problem not coming down, amirite? Because clearly, even though you want to throw a tantrum about paying or gtfo, we're not cool enough for you anyway so I don't see the problem. You can drink with your friends some other time or you can pay up like they did.
"Stop being over dramatic. You guys are the dorks that feel the need to dress up for attention and now you're whining about being gawked at and "assaulted?" I'm sure any "assault" is just as likely, if not more likely to be perpetrated by one of your fellow geeks. Stop exaggerating the situation."
Tell that to the girl who got dragged off and raped by non-badge wearing football fans. There have been sexual assualts. Just because you didn't see them personally doesn't mean they didn't happen. Also the lack of respect and consideration you appear to be displaying in your comments shows that you are among the types of people we DON'T want at our convention. If you want to meet up with friends and drink with them, go to a bar OUTSIDE of the convention hotels, there are quite a few around where you don't have to pay 40 dollars to get in.
I did feel like I was crowded out last year. In fact, this year is likely to be my last hurrah at D*C because last year was really nearly impossible to travel from one place to another in the evenings, despite the hotels' best efforts. I'm 5'0" and armpit height to the general public. When I can't move through the crowd to get to an exit, it's really no fun. The hotels will make enough money without the gawkers.
Many of us save for months (or the year!) to go to Dragon*Con, and if you can't afford it, sorry, don't go. Or save for a day pass. I'm in support of this policy, the more I think about it.
"so the lack of respect and consideration you appear to be displaying in your comments shows that you are among the types of people we DON'T want at our convention."
you have to drive across the country and pay a ridiculous amount of money, wearing a nerd uniform, just to feel accepted
YOU are not allowed at OUR convention - seriously? pullin up the rope ladder on that treehouse huh
pretty lame that this wasn't announced much earlier. my favorite thing was going to the hotels at night in costume, seeing the great work people did on their costumes and having fun. now i've drained my money on perfecting a costume and only had enough money to travel to atlanta and walk around the hotels enjoying myself. now i can't even do that.
The $40 day pass expense helps weed out people like Johnny. I mean, who wants to hang with that guy?
He openly flames D*Con-goers, then complains that he can't go for free.
@eric: D*mn skippy, though keep in mind we're geeks. So rather than a rope ladder, think more along the lines of rope elevators that play "swoosh" noises a la Star Trek whenever the doors open. We don't have the budget for robot security guards armed with laser pistols though...yet...a pity though.
The $40 day pass expense helps weed out people like Johnny. I mean, who wants to hang with that guy? He openly flames D*Con-goers, then complains that he can't go for free.
Hey Johnny Coolbritches, have fun at Music Midtown! I'm sure they'll let you walk around for free.
okay, hate to be the ones to break it to y'all, but badge holders AND hotel guests get in. Many of those hotel guests are the football fans from out-of-town that apparently are the source of ALL (if not most) of the trouble. So your arguments about not letting football fans in are moot at best, as they are in. You could look at it this way: Less people means, shorter lines at bars which means drunker football fans, which means... you're right back where you started... except you put a $40 cover one of the social events of the year for many of my friends (who are not football fans), kinda lame all around.
Let the nerds have there fun. They paid good money to keep the common folk out this year. Not sure how they're gonna keep the college football fans out since they also have rooms at these hotels(which seems to be most of the problem). Honestly as long as something in this city is generating money I'm all for it. Maybe next year they'll have limited passes so people that just want to hang out with their friends can do so. And I doubt they'll lose revenue as this event gets bigger every year. And please calm down with the "so long assholes" comments. Remember that most of you are tourists dressing up in a costume in "our" city so don't take yourself too serious.
Hahahah!!
Good job D*Con! You just created one of Atlanta's soon to be largest street parties of all time! Just another way the dcon reps can squeeze another nickel out of their fans
Just thinking about this... probably 75-90% of the people who would have gone down there, will not hear about this new policy and will still go down... So, you've got potentially 1000s of really pissed off people on the streets milling around the outside of the hotels... and there were hordes anyways in previous years and people *could* get in. How is this better safety-wise overall? possibly more opportunity for violence/mayhem? Just wondering...
Nerd wars...this is hilarious.
Steam Punk rules! (Nothing to do with anything, just my favorite part of it all lately.)
"Wah wah wah, I can't freeload in on all the fun of Dragon*Con anymore!" Get over it. The convention space is limited and the people who pay for badges have been getting crowded out by local crashers coming in looking to enjoy the "freak show." You pay for the privilege of Con. If you want a cheap boozy freak show, stay at home, get drunk, and watch Rocky Horror.
If space is so "limited" why are tickets sold at the door? Why are football fans and other hotel patrons allowed to stay in the same hotels? D*C is affecting them and believe it or not, they may be unaware of D*C and therefore pissed to find out they can't enjoy meeting up with anyone who doesn't have a room key. Everyone saying it's "freeloading" clearly assumes people come in to sneak into panels. WRONG ASSUMPTION. Most people come to hang out, enjoy the costumes, and see their friends. Many of the hotel parties even say "No badge required" meaning many con attendees enjoy having people come in to their room to hang out whether they paid to see a PANEL or not. What next? Ban people who live in Atlanta and don't stay at hotels because they are hurting the hotel or the con by not paying outlandish rates to stay on site? Ban people from the parade who don't have badges? Where is the line drawn? Even ComicCon doesn't regulate hotel parties - which is why if D*C wants to go exclusive, they need to move to a convention hall and have at it.
"Right...I'm sure it was the college football fans who were "unsavory."
i thought they were going to stuff me in a locker and bend my butterfly wings =(
Latest in Fresh Loaf
-
Family affair: Victims in spa murder-suicide were all related
Brother shoots his two sisters, their husbands, then himself
-
Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield won't seek re-election, will lead eco-legal firm 2
Starts at GreenLaw after legislative session
-
First Slice 2/22/12: Five shot dead at Bu-Hi spa
Plus what the Girl Scouts are REALLY up to, and bring your umbrella ... or lock yourself in the storm cellar with a rosary and just pray
- More »
Author Archives
-
PATH continues push for network of bike trails connecting metro Atlanta 7
Nonprofit says it's already raised two-thirds of funding for Ga. 400 trail
- More »
