Event Irks

Running an event is a large undertaking. While there is room for a FAQ on "how to run a good event", sometimes a good start is "what shouldn't I do".

This list is partially compiled from a post on the Facebook SCA Kingdom of the Middle page.

Gate (Troll)

Long lines. Especially near the peak check-in time for the event.
Poorly placed check-in tables.
Bad workflow to go from check-in (signing into the event, checking membership card), to the cash box to pay, to picking up your event token.
- Not having a per-registration check-in.

The scheduled events not starting on time, or going over time. These two feed on each other.

No site maps. (Where is this thing at?)
Site maps that name things differently than the site owner has posted.
Lack of signs.
- Signs aren't big enough.
No Info Point.
Lack of Accessible parking.
- Lack of event contact/steward to arrange for handicap parking.
Lack of general accessibility considerations for the mobility impaired.
Lack of place to put stuff during the day.
- Not specific to day camps. Coat check/cloak rooms, armor bags, etc.
- Need a place to unload.
Lack of an appropriate clothes changing area.
Lack of open areas for hangout.

No, or poor master schedule.
Lack of good instructions to reach the site.
- Address of site should be cleanly reachable from multiple online maps.
- Good signs at key road points leading to site.
No information on website. (The infamous, "TBD" or "Coming soon!")
- Or information that appears only a day or two before the event. This prevents pre-planning of whether you want to attend.
Inaccurate information on the website.
Bad website layout (structural).
Website design that interferes with its usability, especially on mobile devices.
Groups aren't experienced creating websites, thus leading to poor website planning or implementation. (Need templates!)
Lack of central place to coordinate ride-share.
Feast/lunch taverns don't post allergy information ahead of time, or provide a contact to inquire about it.
No list of nearby hotels.

Lack of volunteers.
- Arguably, lack of planned staff. If your event requires a certain number of volunteers to run, and you don't get them, this is a failure of planning.
Bad communication channels during the event.
- Who is charge of Thing
- Do they know how to find the appropriate person
- Are other event staff empowered to make decisions if that person can't be found? How do they communicate that decision afterwards?
Lunch taverns (or other easy food) lacking, causing people to need to leave site.
Lack of alternate activities. E.g. "what do you do if you're a non-fighter at a fighting event?"
Lack of "porters". I.e. people volunteering to help do unload, etc.
- Important for mobility impaired individuals.
Lack of a "kid friendly" space.
No coordinated Crash Space