And finally, the last batch of replies to Dextra:
-I liked having the one MC rather than switching from group to group like last year. Sure, it was neat to see some of the peeps, but it slowed things down considerably. However, if we could get some celebrity-types, perhaps they could speak up.
Yes, i though that having one MC worked out very well. As for celebrity types, the judges have discussed it, and are already hard at work on a suprise for next year. It looks good right now, and hopefully we can pull it off.
BTW, our MC was one of the Dead Gentlemen. I'd like to thank them very much for stepping up to the plate for us.
-I missed the slide show. For those not in the know, SpoonyBard's laptop went foom, hence, no show. Next year, let's just bring a CD (or two) with the content so this doesn't happen again.
Yes, by all means, next year the slides need to be done ahead of schedule, and we need multiple back up copies on CD ready to go. A busted laptop shouldn't killthe show. The time Michael put into the show was wasted, and I don't want to see that happen again next year.
-Image: the presenter, MC, judges, and any other staff who will be on stage should be dressed in at least semi-formal attire. Let's show the world that they can take us seriously. Change into your party clothes after, or just go out in your suit. The ladies at the Red Garter wouldn't mind, I'm sure.
Yes, please. I made an effort to haul nice clothes to Indy with me, and I felt a bit let down by some of the other guys.
Nothing wrong with being comfortable, but I would have liked to see all 5 of the judges up there looking our best. Anyone who comes on stage (presenters, announcements, etc) really should make an effort to look nice. As for afterwards, I know I went to the Red Garter wearing my tie...
-Timing: Don't try to schedule the awards for the same night that White Wolf is having a huge event. *I* almost ditched the ENnies for the WW party! Let's check with WW and WotC and GenCon to try and avoid such scheduling snafus in the future. I know there are only so many evenings during the con, but let's at least try and make the effort.
the scheduling was completely up to GenCon, we had no say whatsoever in the time/date.
-post-show party. If we keep the same space, how difficult would it be to host a dance/party for a few hours afterwards?
-entertainment: howsabout scoring some entertainment before or after? Or have a DJ? (PS- Hound was a DJ, I'm sure we have some other talented peeps).
Sounds like a nice idea, and it would certainly be a nice was to mingle with the winners, ENWorlders, and others that show up.
-What do people think about the possibilities of having a mid-ceremony intermission (15-20 minutes should suffice) for the nicotine junkies and those in need of a stretch? Let everyone refresh their drinks, etc?
What, the 7th inning stretch wasn't enough for you?
Sure, a break is probably a good idea, as long as we don't lose the people who have already won an award and decide to cut out.
-Ushers/hosts/hostesses. Great idea last time, and also a nice way to verify that peeps from each publisher are there so the MC doesn't have to wait.
Yes, I was hoping that this would be done again this year. I'm sure we could get 6-8 ENWorld volunteers to help out in the ushering department.
-Make sure that there's a contact name and means of contacting the Host the day of the awards so that publishers who can't attend can drop off or email in advance an acceptance speech. Include such information on the "Congrats" mailout/invitation.
Yes.
-howsabout a programme or at least score-card type printed thang at each table? If there wasn't a party on-site, then it could also include directions and a map to the post-show party. Would publishers like to help defray the printing costs by placing ads, coupons, etc?
A nice touch, and cheap enough to have a list of nominees run off at Kinkos. At the minimum, at lest one sheet per table, but a program for everone who comes in would be better.
-if we're going away from d20, having a d20 as the symbol sort of messes with things. This year GenCon had a great trophy made up for its winners (the Gelflings now have one, right beside our ENnie). Perhaps we could simply use the trophy/GenCon dude- maybe we could get a bulk discount?
Other suggestions? this year and last year are the first time there has been continuity in the awards two years in a row, which is important. Once we get an award design, I think we need to stick with it. Other awards ceremonies, such as the Hugos, vary the base for the awards year to year, but the actual award stays the same. I understand the whole d20 thing, but that is where these awards got their start.
-I think the silver guys should get a ribbon, and offer a certificate for the bronze winners
I'd like to stick with Gold and Silver awards, but if others feel the need for a bronze, ok. I see the 5 nominees as sort of a collective Bronze. Perhaps a certificate for all 5 nominees, with the Gold & Silver getting a trophy & ribbon?
-let's make sure that Peter gets a snazzy-looking ad for the program, and beg for space in the SoCal program to get people excited about the prospects
Yes. We had a 2 page spread with a recap of last year, but another full page ad in the program would be especially nice.
-I saw one official-looking camera at the event. The costume contest had I'd say 2 dozen media types. We need to score their press-release list and generate some press out of this. Get some PR going on this.
Yes. The list shouldn't be too hard to get a copy of.
The Booth (which is also Image, and Advertising)
-the ENnies & ENWorld need some nicer booth decorations. I've got some suggestions, and can design & have printed some nice stuff (did y'all see our stuff at Origins and GenCon last year for ENP?). But that comes down to funding.
Absolutly. I felt a bit embarassed by our booth at times, especially compared to some of the others nearby. While we may not be as polished as the others, we need to look like something more than a bunch of people who crashed a booth and claimed it for our own.
-great job, volunteers! Next year, though, I think that if you're working the booth, you should wear your ENWorld T-shirt (and perhaps we'll get some more printed and donate them to the volunteers)
If we can get shirts for the volunteers,t aht would be wonderful.
Also, on on the subject of volunteers, we need to keep the space behind the table for current volunteer shift people and aewards staff ONLY. I don't know how many times I stopped by and saw people sitting behind the table working on D&D characters, or found the table blocked by 3 chairs with people, and the volunteers standing around unable to sit down. I have no problems with using the booth as a gathering place (thats a big portion of what we wanted to use the booth for), but the promotion of the awards and site have to come first. If EN Worlders are the only ones able to get into the booth, it's hard to promote the awards. I'm just as guilty of crashing behind the table as others are, but some people really took it too far. I'm sure that if we all decided to crash at Fiery Dragons booth, they wouldn't be too happy with us, as they wouldn't be able to promote their products. We need to look at things the same way. The awards, and the site, are products. If we want them to succeed, we need to be able to promote them. Having the booth look like an empty table with a pickup game happening isn't a good way to promote anything.
-we should've had a computer onsite to show off ENWorld and let people post. Poor Crothian was suffering from withdrawal. Should we seek sponsors, ask for the WiFi company to donate some password, could we piggyback on the GenCon connection?
Yes, we discussed a laptop at the booth among the judges. It just didn't happen. Next year, it should be a priority.
I think thats about it for me, at least for a little while. Comments?
) needs to determine if this is how they want it to be (where the ceremony dictates the type of awards). 
