Registration FAQ suggestions [locked]

Edit history:

mikwuyma: 2013-10-15 04:08:55 pm

2013-10-15 04:04:46 pm

My feelings on The Demon Rush

The registration website is going to be up soon, and I'm going to have an FAQ for the site because there have definitely been a lot of questions asked about AGDQ and registration.

The FAQ Questions are in the second post. If you have any questions you think should be added please suggest some. I'm sure there's a couple of questions I missed.

You might notice there is a mention of a registration fee in some of the questions. The fee for attending a single day is $40, and multiple days is $75. Registering also gets you a badge at the event, which is how we'll confirm you registered. I'll be going over badge design with LLK soon.

Now some people might be wondering why the registration fee might be priced where it's at. This fee is going to cover conference room costs and be used for surplus fund (a/v equipment, last-minute purchases, badge materials, etc.).

The conference rooms + internet is a little over 10k (I can get the exact figure if someone wants it), and I'm predicting 200 people attending, and 200 people x 50 dollars is 10k. I have it set to 75 dollars so other costs can be covered, and in case if less than 200 people attend, then the conference rooms are still covered (basic math says around 134 people).

P.S. If anyone is curious, the conference rooms for last year totaled about $4,400 and we got about a third of the space we have this year (around 2000 sq ft to this year's 6500-6700).

Thread title:

The registration website is going to be up soon, and I'm going to have an FAQ for the site because there have definitely been a lot of questions asked about AGDQ and registration.

[b]The FAQ Questions are in the second post[/b]. If you have any questions you think should be added please suggest some. I'm sure there's a couple of questions I missed.

You might notice there is a mention of a registration fee in some of the questions. [b]The fee for attending a single day is $40, and multiple days is $75[/b].  Registering also gets you a badge at the event, which is how we'll confirm you registered. I'll be going over badge design with LLK soon.

Now some people might be wondering why the registration fee might be priced where it's at. This fee is going to cover conference room costs and be used for surplus fund (a/v equipment, last-minute purchases, badge materials, etc.).

The conference rooms + internet is a little over 10k (I can get the exact figure if someone wants it), and I'm predicting 200 people attending, and 200 people x 50 dollars is 10k. I have it set to 75 dollars so other costs can be covered, and in case if less than 200 people attend, then the conference rooms are still covered (basic math says around 134 people).

P.S. If anyone is curious, the conference rooms for last year totaled about $4,400 and we got about a third of the space we have this year (around 2000 sq ft to this year's 6500-6700).

mikwuyma

Edit history:

mikwuyma: 2013-10-22 06:30:53 pm

mikwuyma: 2013-10-21 07:40:02 pm

mikwuyma: 2013-10-21 07:38:33 pm

mikwuyma: 2013-10-15 05:19:02 pm

mikwuyma: 2013-10-15 05:13:45 pm

mikwuyma: 2013-10-15 04:53:51 pm

mikwuyma: 2013-10-15 04:18:51 pm

mikwuyma: 2013-10-15 04:13:36 pm

mikwuyma: 2013-10-15 04:12:28 pm

2013-10-15 04:05:23 pm

My feelings on The Demon Rush

Q: I already reserved a hotel room? Do I still need to register?

A: Yes! We need to know if you are attending the event, and the registration fee helps cover conference room costs. Registering also gives you a badge, which is how we will know you are registered and not trying to sneak into the event.

Q: When is the due date for registration?

A: The last day you can register for a hotel room is December 21, which is also the last day you can pre-register for Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ). You can also register on-site, but it is an extra 5 dollars for the registration fee.

Q: Do I have to play a game to attend AGDQ 2014?

A: No, many people come to AGDQ just to watch or hang out. The marathon is open to anyone willing to pay for the registration fee.

Q: What is the maximum amount of people per room?

A: Four people. I know we've had five people to a room in years past, but fire marshall law dictates 4 people maximum to a room.

Q: I live in the area, and just want to visit for a day, do I still have to pay for the registration fee?

A: Yes, but there is a reduced registration fee of 40 dollars if you are only visiting for one day.

Q: What if I paid for a single-day registration, but it turns out I can attend the marathon for more than one day.

A:: Then you can just pay the difference for a multi-day registration.

Q: I paid for my registration fee, but it turns out I cannot attend. Can I get a refund?

A: Yes, as long as you inform Mike Uyama before January 1. You can contact him via email, forum PM or twitter.

Q: I want to show off a prize when attending the marathon. Is this okay?

A: Yes! We like to show prizes on camera because that's the best way to show off how great they are. Please submit your prize to our prize thread on the forums. Be aware that even if you are displaying a prize at the marathon, you are expected to take the prize home with you and ship it yourself. However, you will be reimbursed for your shipping costs after you ship the prize.

Q: I'm flying to the marathon, where is the closest airport?

A: The closest airport is Dulles International Airport (http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/dulles.htm, IAD). If you fly into this airport, the Crowne Plaza offers shuttles every half hour that can pick you up, and they are located in designated areas labeled 2A and 2H outside the terminal. If you need more information about transportation, you can check out the transportation section of the Crowne Plaza's website

Q: I'm arriving at a different DC area airport/I'm taking a train or bus. Can I still be picked up?

A: Yes, there is a travel thread available for anyone who needs to be picked up, but be aware that you need to announce your travel a month ahead of the event if you want a good chance of being picked up. Be aware that if you fly into or out of Baltimore-Washington Airport, your chances of getting picked up are low because it's very far from the Crowne Plaza.

Q: I heard something about an airline discount?

A: Sorry, that discount is not happening because the marathon starts too close to the holidays according to the airlines.

Q: How does flying with consoles or computers work?

A: If the consoles are on your carry-on luggage, then they will be inspected at the x-ray machine. If your consoles are in checked baggage, then you just need to make sure they're safe and secure. Beware that airports can be rough, so make sure you pad your consoles/computers well.

Q: I want to register for a room, but I'm not sure if I can find roommates. How can I find some roommates?

A: Go to the roommate thread here.

Q: What will the day-to-day food costs be when I attend the marathon?

A: Registering gives you access to the daily meal donated to us, and if you're staying at the hotel, the buffet breakfast is free (available from 6am-10am). However, I would still set aside at least 15-20 dollars a day for meals. The restaurants within a block from the hotel range from fast food such as subway, Wendy's and Taco Bell, to ethnic cuisine such as Indian and Vietnamese, so whatever budget or tastes you have, there should be something to cover you.

Q: What can I do at the marathon other than play video games or watch speedruns?

A: There's a topic on the forums about stuff to do at AGDQ.

Q: Can I donate on-site?

A: Of course! There will be a safe on-site where you can donate cash and/or checks. If you want your donation to count as a charitable contribution for taxes, then I would suggest a check.

Q: I will have to pay for registration when I arrive at the event/cash is the best option for me, is that okay?

A: Yes, but there will be an extra 5 dollar late fee for registration, making a single-day rate $45, and multiple days $80.

[b]Q[/b]: I already reserved a hotel room? Do I still need to register?

[b]A[/b]: Yes! We need to know if you are attending the event, and the registration fee helps cover conference room costs. Registering also gives you a badge, which is how we will know you are registered and not trying to sneak into the event.

[b]Q[/b]: When is the due date for registration?

[b]A[/b]: The last day you can register for a hotel room is December 21, which is also the last day you can pre-register for Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ). You can also register on-site, but it is an extra 5 dollars for the registration fee.

[b]Q[/b]: Do I have to play a game to attend AGDQ 2014?

[b]A[/b]: No, many people come to AGDQ just to watch or hang out. The marathon is open to anyone willing to pay for the registration fee.

[b]Q[/b]: What is the maximum amount of people per room?

[b]A[/b]: Four people. I know we've had five people to a room in years past, but fire marshall law dictates 4 people maximum to a room.

[b]Q[/b]: I live in the area, and just want to visit for a day, do I still have to pay for the registration fee?

[b]A[/b]: Yes, but there is a reduced registration fee of 40 dollars if you are only visiting for one day.

[b]Q[/b]: What if I paid for a single-day registration, but it turns out I can attend the marathon for more than one day.

[b]A:[/b]: Then you can just pay the difference for a multi-day registration.

[b]Q[/b]: I paid for my registration fee, but it turns out I cannot attend. Can I get a refund?

[b]A[/b]: Yes, as long as you inform Mike Uyama before January 1. You can contact him via email, forum PM or twitter.

[b]Q[/b]: I want to show off a prize when attending the marathon. Is this okay?

[b]A[/b]: Yes! We like to show prizes on camera because that's the best way to show off how great they are. Please submit your prize to our [url=https://forum.speeddemosarchive.com/post/agdq_2014_prizes.html]prize thread[/url] on the forums. Be aware that even if you are displaying a prize at the marathon, you are expected to take the prize home with you and ship it yourself. However, you will be reimbursed for your shipping costs after you ship the prize.

[b]Q[/b]: I'm flying to the marathon, where is the closest airport?

[b]A[/b]: The closest airport is Dulles International Airport (http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/dulles.htm, IAD). If you fly into this airport, the Crowne Plaza offers shuttles every half hour that can pick you up, and they are located in designated areas labeled 2A and 2H outside the terminal. If you need more information about transportation, you can check out the transportation section of the Crowne Plaza's website

[b]Q[/b]: I'm arriving at a different DC area airport/I'm taking a train or bus. Can I still be picked up?

[b]A[/b]: Yes, there is a [url=https://forum.speeddemosarchive.com/post/agdq_2014__routing_travel_thread.html]travel thread[/url] available for anyone who needs to be picked up, but be aware that you need to announce your travel a month ahead of the event if you want a good chance of being picked up. Be aware that if you fly into or out of Baltimore-Washington Airport, your chances of getting picked up are low because it's very far from the Crowne Plaza.

[b]Q[/b]: I heard something about an airline discount?

[b]A[/b]: Sorry, that discount is not happening because the marathon starts too close to the holidays according to the airlines.

[b]Q[/b]: How does flying with consoles or computers work?

[b]A[/b]: If the consoles are on your carry-on luggage, then they will be inspected at the x-ray machine. If your consoles are in checked baggage, then you just need to make sure they're safe and secure. Beware that airports can be rough, so make sure you pad your consoles/computers well.

[b]Q[/b]: I want to register for a room, but I'm not sure if I can find roommates. How can I find some roommates?

[b]A[/b]: Go to the roommate thread [url=https://forum.speeddemosarchive.com/post/agdq_2014__room_confirmation_and_roommates_research_thread.html]here[/url].

[b]Q[/b]: What will the day-to-day food costs be when I attend the marathon?

[b]A[/b]: Registering gives you access to the daily meal donated to us, and if you're staying at the hotel, the buffet breakfast is free (available from 6am-10am). However, I would still set aside at least 15-20 dollars a day for meals. The restaurants within a block from the hotel range from fast food such as subway, Wendy's and Taco Bell, to ethnic cuisine such as Indian and Vietnamese, so whatever budget or tastes you have, there should be something to cover you.

[b]Q[/b]: What can I do at the marathon other than play video games or watch speedruns?

[b]A[/b]: There's a topic on the forums about [url=https://forum.speeddemosarchive.com/post/stuff_to_do_at_agdq.html]stuff to do at AGDQ[/url].

[b]Q[/b]: Can I donate on-site?

[b]A[/b]: Of course! There will be a safe on-site where you can donate cash and/or checks. If you want your donation to count as a charitable contribution for taxes, then I would suggest a check.

[b]Q[/b]: I will have to pay for registration when I arrive at the event/cash is the best option for me, is that okay?

[b]A[/b]: Yes, but there will be an extra 5 dollar late fee for registration, making a single-day rate $45, and multiple days $80.

Vulajin

2013-10-15 04:17:06 pm

Is the registration fee required for those staying at the hotel this time? (As opposed to SGDQ, where my understanding is that it was not required for those on-site?)

mikwuyma

2013-10-15 04:21:22 pm

My feelings on The Demon Rush

Yes, because the conference rooms aren't being covered by the hotel this time. SGDQ was a special case because the rooms were pricier (they were about 35-40 dollars higher) and as part of our contract, if we fulfilled over 100 room nights, the conference rooms were free and we got a bonus conference room.

Paraxade

2013-10-15 04:36:07 pm

I recall some talk of being able to register on-site for this marathon a while ago. Is this actually happening or are you just not allowed inside if you don't register by the deadline? Not a situation I imagine would come up terribly often but it would be good to know.

Alko

2013-10-15 04:51:23 pm

Caution: This user contains Kana ^_^

Quote:

Q: I'm not arriving at a different DC area airport/I'm taking a train or bus. Can I still be picked up?

I assume this is supposed to be 'I'm ~~not~~ arriving etc'?

Concerning the prizes question: I'ld make it crystal clear, that people who flash their prizes live on stream are expected to take their prizes back home again, and ship them from home (because winner contacting won't happen until long after the marathon). I'm also suggesting to add a link to Moooh's thread https://forum.speeddemosarchive.com/post/agdq_2014_prizes.html

Concerning the commuting: I think a better phrasing of the question would be 'I live in the area and want to attend. Do I need to book a room and/or pay the registration fee?', and for the answer something along the lines of 'Yes, you can commute to the event, and do not need to book a hotel room, if you don't want to sleep on-site. However, you will still be required to pay the registration fee. Be aware that there is a reduced registration fee of 40$ for those attending on only one day.' This way, it's made clearer, that multi-day commuting is possible (and costs more than one-day commuting).

Concerning checked luggage, maybe add that bags can (and usually will) be handled pretty roughly by airport staff, so make sure that consoles and other equipment is well padded.

If I remember other forum posts correctly, past marathons had a waiver attendants had to sign (so that you or SDA won't get sued). Will there be a waiver this time, or will filling out the form replace signing the waiver?

I apologise if I got any details in here wrong. If so, it could well be a point to be added to the FAQ, because at least one person misunderstood it ^^'

[quote]Q: I'm not arriving at a different DC area airport/I'm taking a train or bus. Can I still be picked up?[/quote]
I assume this is supposed to be 'I'm [s]not[/s] arriving etc'?

Concerning the prizes question: I'ld make it crystal clear, that people who flash their prizes live on stream are expected to take their prizes back home again, and ship them from home (because winner contacting won't happen until long after the marathon). I'm also suggesting to add a link to Moooh's thread https://forum.speeddemosarchive.com/post/agdq_2014_prizes.html

Concerning the commuting: I think a better phrasing of the question would be 'I live in the area and want to attend. Do I need to book a room and/or pay the registration fee?', and for the answer something along the lines of 'Yes, you can commute to the event, and do not need to book a hotel room, if you don't want to sleep on-site. However, you will still be required to pay the registration fee. Be aware that there is a reduced registration fee of 40$ for those attending on only one day.' This way, it's made clearer, that multi-day commuting is possible (and costs more than one-day commuting).

Concerning checked luggage, maybe add that bags can (and usually will) be handled pretty roughly by airport staff, so make sure that consoles and other equipment is well padded.

If I remember other forum posts correctly, past marathons had a waiver attendants had to sign (so that you or SDA won't get sued). Will there be a waiver this time, or will filling out the form replace signing the waiver?

I apologise if I got any details in here wrong. [size=4]If so, it could well be a point to be added to the FAQ, because at least one person misunderstood it ^^'[/size]

mikwuyma

Edit history:

mikwuyma: 2013-10-15 05:19:33 pm

2013-10-15 05:14:23 pm

My feelings on The Demon Rush

I realize I need to add a couple of questions from some PMs I received.

Paraxade: I need to word the question better because on-site registration is allowed, but there's a late fee of 5 dollars. That's all.

Alko:

Prizes: I feel like my wording was pretty clear. I did add the prize thread link.

Commuting: That explanation is way too long.

Checked baggage, yeah I can add that.

The waiver will be handled like SGDQ, it will be "signed" online.

EDIT: FAQ updated. The first and last questions should cover bases previously not covered.

mahnkiman

2013-10-15 06:32:24 pm

AHA

Mike - I think people asked how much to expect to pay for food each day, and you answered that in another thread already (can't remember which one), so that might be worth adding.

Also, if people are asking what local activities there are, there's this thread going on: https://forum.speeddemosarchive.com/post/stuff_to_do_at_agdq.html

mikwuyma

2013-10-15 06:35:55 pm

My feelings on The Demon Rush

Oh those are good ones, mahnkiman, I'll add them later.

lizzie241

2013-10-17 01:32:17 pm

I was wondering since I'm going down to visit family I know I would be able to go at least one day but is it possible to later 'upgrade' to the multiple day fee since I'm not sure how much time I would have to go?

ZenicReverie

2013-10-17 06:18:45 pm

Waiting hurts my soul...

Quote from mikwuyma:

You might notice there is a mention of a registration fee in some of the questions. The fee for attending a single day is $40, and multiple days is $75.

Any discount for kids, or is it $40/75 for every body?

nmaster64

2013-10-18 12:07:19 am

It seems a bit harsh that people staying for a few days have to pay the same as the full week. Doesn't stream subs contribute to the costs as well?

Radix

2013-10-18 05:50:56 pm

I'm addicted to games

It's standard fare that if you're going to a conference of some kind, you're paying to get in. It's not their fault if you can only go one out of 4 days or whatever. Having the one vs two+ days that we're doing is unusual.

dballin

2013-10-18 06:21:28 pm

Balls jerky

Even at magfest the cost for attending a single day vs the entire time was almost identical (10 or 15 more iirc). At least here you pretty much get half off for only going for the day.

nmaster64

2013-10-18 06:49:31 pm

Quote from Radix:

Having the one vs two+ days that we're doing is unusual.

Well that's just false. I attend plenty of conferences/conventions/expos/etc every year and that is how it is always done. The difference is those events are generally 2-4 days, so the 1-day-pass-is-50% thing isn't bad since you're usually getting in for a third of the con rather than an eighth.

DrCoolGuy

2013-10-18 07:43:26 pm

Just a guy

Quote from nmaster64:

Quote from Radix:

Having the one vs two+ days that we're doing is unusual.

Well that's just false. I attend plenty of conferences/conventions/expos/etc every year and that is how it is always done. The difference is those events are generally 2-4 days, so the 1-day-pass-is-50% thing isn't bad since you're usually getting in for a third of the con rather than an eighth.

Just got back from NYCC, Friday and Sunday is like $40 each, and Saturday is $50. Whole weekend is $75ish after tax. This seems normal...

nmaster64

2013-10-18 07:52:59 pm

Quote from DrCoolGuy:

Just got back from NYCC, Friday and Sunday is like $40 each, and Saturday is $50. Whole weekend is $75ish after tax. This seems normal...

Yeah, 50-66% for a third of the con...

dballin

2013-10-18 10:05:31 pm

Balls jerky

MAGfest. That was $40 for a day. $55 for more than one day. 73% for a quarter of the con or 100% for more than a quarter. Shit happens. I feel you since I'm not going to be there the whole time either, but that's the reality of going to this thing.

nmaster64

2013-10-18 10:28:55 pm

Of my six most recent events, four had a 50% day pass. The other two, which were business conferences, had tiered tickets and other ways of getting discounts. Your one example doesn't define the norm.

I will most likely only miss the first weekend, so I don't expect any pro-rate to affect me.

dballin

2013-10-18 11:21:31 pm

Balls jerky

40 is almost 50% of 75. I think it's a pretty fair price. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Cool Matty

Edit history:

Cool Matty: 2013-10-19 12:22:49 am

2013-10-19 12:20:02 am

Crawlathon WR, get down on my level.

Don't take this as an official answer but this is my take:

It's probably a lot, lot easier to budget this way. If Mike had to set up a bunch of different tiers of pricing, it would mean he would have to be very careful about how he prices the whole marathon, in order to make sure the conference rooms are paid off. The whole marathon including bonus is 11 days, that's a LONG time. If people are coming and going all throughout the marathon (as they usually do), that means the pricing will vary wildly.

In the end, it wouldn't surprise me that he'd have to actually charge more on average to just cover the fact that many people would be getting a discount (one that would be very minor for the individual).

Long story short, I think $75 is more than reasonable, if the $35 difference between them is the difference between going and not going, you probably shouldn't go. No one should cut their budget that close.

Vucious Creed (Offline)

2013-10-19 11:36:42 am

Just a minor registration question before it becomes ready: Assuming one plans to go, but wants to bring along a friend and/or family member who isn't familiar with the community, the marathon, and its processes. Would that person need to register individually as well, or is it possible for one to register said friend/family member for him. I'm pretty sure that I know what the answer is going to be, but I want to make myself completely sure before discussing any further plans. The answer might be added to the FAQ if it is deemed necessary in case one may have a similar question to mine.

Cool Matty

Edit history:

Cool Matty: 2013-10-19 01:41:28 pm

2013-10-19 01:39:20 pm

Crawlathon WR, get down on my level.

As it is being set up right now, every individual going to the marathon must register for themselves. Spouses, friends, family, each one must have a separate registration. The site is set up to be pretty SDA-agnostic, so it's not like you need to know what speedrunning is, or have a forum account, or anything.

The only exception is teens/children (those 15 and under) who must accompany an adult. Children must be registered as part of one of their parents or guardians. It'll be pretty obvious once the registration page is up.

The primary reason is for legal purposes (each person must sign the waiver themselves)

DasSaffe

2013-10-20 11:28:37 am

nak nak nak

So, i just have a quick question:
If everything is okay, a game is chosen (if this- or an upcoming year) and it'll be streamed, do i have to speak proper english? Cheesy

Because I'm living in german and english is not my foreign native language Cheesy

Alko

2013-10-20 11:41:36 am

Caution: This user contains Kana ^_^

You should be able to speak English considering you would be travelling to a country, where they don't really speak other languages (except maybe Spanish). So even if you could be quiet while playing your game (not exactly recommended, but possible if there are good couch commentators), you would have a very hard time communicating with organisers, other runners, hotel staff and whatnot.
BUT that's no real need to worry. There are a lot of foreign attendees (I can remember a lot of Swedes at AGDQ last year). No-one will mind if your English isn't great, as long as you can make yourself understood. And also, practice makes perfect, so if you stream your game (which you should do), just try commenting in English and it'll get better all along.

Tl;dr: Know enough English to get by, but you don't have to understand or speak in complicated Shakespearian style.