Inno Sera 2009: Suggestions for 2010?

[Gray]

Please reply to this topic with suggestions you have for Inno Sera 2010.

[hereticsaint]

Although I had a most wonderful time ( see my post in "what did you love" ) I did have a few suggestions:)

I would have loved a dance on Sunday evening as well. A more formal grand finale sort of ball. Also, I would have liked to hear a bit of j-rock, or perhaps even classical. The Salsa was surreal and amusing to watch, but not quite my bag:)

I also wonder if the tea parties could be different themes next year? I came for the outfits, so an excuse to change dress or re-accessorize to fit in theme throughout the day would be a delightful challenge.

The other thing I would have liked is more vendors with clothing and accessories in "People" sizes:) (particularly in western sizing, if possible) I found myself getting jealous of the dolls and all the wonderful things they had to buy!
Not to worry though, I did find *plenty* of things to spend my money on....

Thank you for putting on such a fabulous event:)

[sarah-the-strange]

First of all, let me say that I am happy that the first lolita-centered convention was so successful in it's first year! However, after the convention was all said and done I do have a few suggestions for next year....

1) Prices.

All said and done, I came home with about $50 profit from this event. I expected a lot more, and usually make upwards of $1000 at anime conventions. Granted, not all conventions are created equal. But I think cost-cutting measures should be made so that it's more affordable for attendees and more profitable for commercial partners. Reduced prices for attendees will mean some savings passed on to dealers, and reduced costs for dealers will mean more dealers, and more incentive for people to attend.

I'm sure with hind-sight you can come up with some creative and effective remedies for the fees that you incur, and can pass on those savings to everyone who attends. I'll be keeping up with Innosera 2010 planning as much as possible to determine whether it will be an event I can afford to do again. Like I said, this was not a profitable event for me and as much as I love lolita and conventions, I must make the decisions that are best for my business. If you can't make this event more worth-while financially, then the sad reality is that I can't have Innosera on my schedule for next year.

2) Age Restrictions.

I'll admit that I don't know a great deal about what local laws or insurance issues might come into play when deciding age restrictions. Since the lolita community is distinctly one of all ages, we should push the age restrictions back to the full extent that these variables allow. If younger attendees can come without guardians, it simply means more patrons, as parents are unlikely to be able to find time to accompany teenage attendees.

3) Dance.

I am really happy that a dance was included at Innosera, and would really like to see it built upon by expanding the music library with some other genres, like the waltz, foxtrot, and ballroom. The chacha and tango are fun to put on at any dance, but they are our of place if they dominate at an event like this.

4) Panels & Events
I was looking after my AA table, so I did not get to see many of the events or panels, but for future years it would be interesting to see panels that get the attendees more involved. Like a small baking lesson, or deco-crafts....something more hands-on. Even if people had to pay a small fee to cover the supplies, or asked to bring their own beforehand, I think it would be worth it.

I also second the idea that the tea parties should have different themes. Or perhaps a new theme each year?

I hope that by sharing these concerns and suggestions that I am being helpful, and not hurtful. Putting on a convention like this is lot of work, and a lot of responsibility. I am very thankful that everyone involved with Innosera has taken the initiative of putting it together. I hope that through determination, creativity and hard work we can work to make each year better than the last.