Unofficial Classic Gaming Expo 2004 Announcement!

[digitalpress]

It's been a crazy amount of work to hammer out the details of this move, but it's officially unofficial: Classic Gaming Expo 2004 will be held in the San Jose Convention Center in scenic downtown San Jose, CA on August 21st and 22nd!

John and I toured the area and checked out several locations the weekend before last and the SJCC won our bid. Let me tell you, the facilities are FABULOUS in this area, it's not Las Vegas, but it is night and day with regards to quality of show space, surrounding area and public transportation. We'll have more details over time, we're working out ways to keep the costs for attendees to a minimum.

Of note to gaming folks, the SJCC is where the Game Developers' Conference is held every year.

I'd highly recommend you WAIT to book your hotel, at the very least. We'll have some great discounts available that will save you some cash on the hotels. There are several in the area, including two that are connected to the Convention Center itself.

Here are some sites to check out to get a little familiar with the location:

San Jose Convention Center:
http://www.sjcc.com/index.html

Downtown Map:
http://www.sjcc.com/getting_here/downtown.html

San Jose Mariott (the hotel of choice):
http://www.sanjosemarriott.com/

I'll have some pictures from our visit there, as well as more detailed information regarding discounts over the next few days. Details about the show will begin shortly as well. Block out the weekend of August 21st and 22nd on your calendar, and SEE YOU IN SAN JOSE!

[Mayhem]

Ah finally! :P

As long as getting from the hotel to the centre ain't a hassle, then I don't mind the two not being together ;)

Best mark the calendar and prepare to spend slightly longer on the plane this time around LOL

Hopefully expect to see me and the kitty there...

[digitalpress]

Ah finally! :P

As long as getting from the hotel to the centre ain't a hassle, then I don't mind the two not being together ;)

Couldn't be easier. It's at least as good as the previous arrangement at The Plaza. From either of the two adjoining hotels you don't even have to go outside. Though in San Jose the "outside" in August really is a feature :)


Best mark the calendar and prepare to spend slightly longer on the plane this time around LOL

Hopefully expect to see me and the kitty there...

Oh yeah, San Jose International Airport is just 3 miles away from the SJCC/hotels.

[Oobgarm]

Wow, that's two trips to Cali this year for me! Hope I can get some folks to share a room with to cut back on costs! :)

[Mayhem]

All I can say is that I hope the discounts for the hotel stretch further than the weekend, otherwise this could get expensive. Still on the brighter side, the plane trip may well work out cheaper than last year...

[Sniderman]

<pumps fist into the air>

YES YES YES YES! California, here we come! Excellent news! (This also means the mizzus and I get to take another seperate trip to Vegas this year! Whoo-hoo!

[Lady Jaye]

I'm glad that your choice fell on San Jose. Since SJ is located not too far from San Francisco, I'll be able to go visit my uncle-in-law at the same time. Now, the last hurdle is to make sure that I can take one of my 2 weeks of vacation at that precise time (since there's only 2 of us in our department, our vacation time cannot overlap).

It'd be the first time I'd step foot in Cali-for-ny, BTW.

Better start putting aside some money!!!!!!

[Qixmaster]

Excellent! Nice pick guys. Instead of a 17+ hour drive it is only an 8+ hour drive for me now. Making it there in one day won't be as bad as driving to vegas in one day. Consider me already there.

-Josh

[Cav]

This is GREAT news Joe! Excellent Location!!

San Jose is a good town with great weather. Plus you can take your wife/girlfriend up to San Francisco, or head down to Monterey.

However, I will NOT be telling you where all the good thrift stores are! :D

-Cav

[8bitweapon]

Way 2 go spudz! There are a few gr8 micromusic artists in the area we can round-up for the event too!

evol,

8bw

[FogDogger]

I was raised in SJ and went to SJSU where I ran the Student Union Arcade called "SUGALAND". I'm so happy, I could cry!

Make sure when you are downtown that you grab a meal at Original Joes. It's one of the best Italian restaraunts on the West Coast and reasonably priced.

Also, a few site seeing ideas. (1) The Tech Museum is just a few hundred yards away and also features an IMAX movie theater. (2) The Winchester Mystery House, built by Sarah Winchester, heir to the Winchester Rifle Co. She was haunted by the ghosts of those killed by the guns and the house is crazy, nuts and a spectacular mansion (about 7 miles from downtown). In Monterey, I highly suggest visiting the (3) Monterey Bay Aqaurium. This was built by a daughter of the HP family and is absolutely spectacular. More ideas to come for those that have the time to extend their stay

[i]If anyone has any questions about SJ, fire them at me and I'll do my best to help you with my 30+ year knowledge of the area.

And Joe, if you need any logistical help, I'm still in San Jose about once a month...let me know.

Woohoo!

[Drexel923]

Yay, now its gonna cost me even more money to get to CGE. Maybe that will stop me from buying too many things...nah.

[Needle]

This is great news! With CGE in my proverbial backyard, I won't have any need for air travel. When you're as broke as I am, every little bit helps. :) It will be my first CGE and with this most recent announcement I can pretty much guarantee my attendance. Hey, maybe if I can get my stupid cartoon series popular enough, I'll be able to get a booth of my own! ;)

[spoon]

Thanks for the update Joe.

Is the new CGE site up yet?

[digitalpress]

Thanks for the update Joe.

Is the new CGE site up yet?

Not yet, this is the *unofficial* word, remember? Just another fringe benefit to being a Retrogaming Roundtable member! Huzzah!

Reality: you'll see the official announcement on the CGE site by the weekend, and ongoing updates as you may have become accustomed to from the weekend on out. We have a LOT of plans this year. The show is getting bigger in more ways than just this move - you'll see what I mean very soon!

[udisi]

I'll have to look and see what attractions are around....Vegas would have been cool last year, cause all I'd have to do is give the little lady some cash and she could spend the weekend at circus circus winning stuffed animals and such, but in San Jose, I don't know yet what I could occupy her time with so that I can go be a game nerd for the weekend :)

[FogDogger]

You can send your better half to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and she can win prizes till the sun goes down! http://www.beachboardwalk.com.

Maybe I could get my wife to organize some type of activity day for our temporary gaming widows? Any interest gentlemen/women?

[Querjek]

:/

I can't go this year.

Location doesn't matter--it's the date. The 21st and 22nd are too close to my school starting (26th I believe).

:(

[atariboy]

Woo Hoo! Great location guy's. Plenty of things to do, Such as seeing the Winchester Mystery House it's pretty weird. I will be seeing you all at CGExpo2K4. :)

[NE146]

Wow! A place I know and am familiar with! :D

My first videogame show was at the San Jose Convention center. I forget what it was called, but it was circa 1991-ish.. and Sega was showing a sneak peak of their new upcoming game that wasn't out in the stores yet.. it blew EVERYONE away with it's amazing closeness to the arcade game! ..it was Genesis Golden Axe :P

[Quintracker]

Grrrr, I was all ready to start planning a road trip to CA when I realize the dates stated are when registration for the fall semester are held. :o A week or two earlier would be possible though.

[ubersaurus]

Cool, I got a cousin who lives in that area. I should see if she'll let me crash at her place :P

[Chunky]

if SBC is not on strike, i will be there! woo.

[john_soper]

Geez, mixed feelings.
The two time I went to CGE from San Jose, it seemed a hassle, and I wished it was local.
Now it's local and I miss the excuse for going to Vegas.

"No [Mom, Dad, boss, Pastor], I'm not a decadent pleasure seeker, just going for a collectors convention"

[swlovinist]

I could not be happier with this announcement! :dance: I live in Redding, CA so this cuts my travel time down by 8 hours! Yipee! I went to California Extreme last year, at the same location. Believe me when I tell you, THIS PLACE IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO HAVE CGE!!!!!! Gosh I am stoked! I get to go! I get to go! I feel like stimpy when he was watching the "Gritty Kitty" contest on TV! Stimpy Launch!
Does anyone know when California Extreme is this year?

[zmweasel]

I could not be happier with this announcement! :dance: I live in Redding, CA so this cuts my travel time down by 8 hours! Yipee! I went to California Extreme last year, at the same location. Believe me when I tell you, THIS PLACE IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO HAVE CGE!!!!!! Gosh I am stoked! I get to go! I get to go! I feel like stimpy when he was watching the "Gritty Kitty" contest on TV! Stimpy Launch!
Does anyone know when California Extreme is this year?

California Extreme is August 7th and 8th this year, two weeks before CGE, and also at the San Jose CC. Too bad the greedy bastiches that run Extreme weren't willing to compromise in order to team up with CGE for the Mother of All Videogame Conventions.

-- Z.

[Pantechnicon]

Excellent! Nice pick guys. Instead of a 17+ hour drive it is only an 8+ hour drive for me now. Making it there in one day won't be as bad as driving to vegas in one day. Consider me already there.

-Josh

Yeah, unfortunately this creates the reverse situation for me. The breezy eight-hour drive to Vegas from Albuquerque is now at least doubled. You Coastal dwellers need to remember that people do in fact live in the middle of our country.

Oh, well.... :roll: I understand the move from an organizational viewpoint. It just sucks for the three or so of us in the Southwest who try to hit CGE every year. I'll still plan on going.

[Drexel923]

Yeah, unfortunately this creates the reverse situation for me. The breezy eight-hour drive to Vegas from Albuquerque is now at least doubled. You Coastal dwellers need to remember that people do in fact live in the middle of our country.

Oh, well.... :roll: I understand the move from an organizational viewpoint. It just sucks for the three or so of us in the Southwest who try to hit CGE every year. I'll still plan on going.

Its way better than having to get there from NJ. Maybe in the future we will see an east coast CGE. :roll:

[Queen Of The Felines]

Hey Laura, would you mind if Mat and I sleep on your floor? I'll pay for the pizza! :P

Sigh....ebay, here I come!

Kristine

[brykasch]

I have to admit, I am way bummed about it not being in vegas this year. never been and this was my good excuse to go:(. But I am going to do my damnes to be there. *crosses fingers*

[Mayhem]

Hey Laura, would you mind if Mat and I sleep on your floor? I'll pay for the pizza! :P

Kitty... you shall go to the ball! :P

Don't worry, I'll have it all covered...

[digitalpress]

I have to admit, I am way bummed about it not being in vegas this year. never been and this was my good excuse to go

CGE was in Vegas... for six years! It's not like we tore through town like a crazy train, we were literally camped there... a *tradition*. I'm going to give hell to people who complain about it not being in Vegas and for the last six years didn't go!

As for an east coast CGE, another reminder. I'm from NJ. John is from NY. Our furthers western organizer, Sean, is from IL. If there were any way to run the same kind of show on the east coast, we would have tried it already. As it is, we're expecting upwards of 100 "alumni" guests in this new location (vs. past years 40-50). On the east coast this facet of the show would be greatly diminished.

[Songbird]

Very cool to see the (un)official announcement on this! And the SJCC is a FANTASTIC venue -- are you guys really going to have all that space? I went to the (non-gaming) Embedded Systems Conference there back in 1998, and it's got quite the huge show floor!

Looking forward to more updates!

[digitalpress]

are you guys really going to have all that space? I went to the (non-gaming) Embedded Systems Conference there back in 1998, and it's got quite the huge show floor!

The expo in its entirety is simply MASSIVE. We're not using the whole convention center. We have essentially five rooms: one 22,000 square foot vendor/main show floor (vs. 15,000 at The Plaza), two 4500 square foot rooms one for the keynotes and panels, one for the museum (vs. previous 2500 square feet each at The Plaza), and two 700 square foot rooms, one of which will likely be used as a media center. So though we're not using the whole convention center floor, we're looking at 32,000 square feet of sheer gaming goodness, an 11,000 square foot increase over last year.

Just think of the possibilities!

[RetroYoungen]

YES! It's almost as if it were coming to see me instead of me going to see it. CGE in my and apparently Needle's backyard... sweetness!

[Pantechnicon]

CGE was in Vegas... for six years! It's not like we tore through town like a crazy train, we were literally camped there... a *tradition*. I'm going to give hell to people who complain about it not being in Vegas and for the last six years didn't go!

As one of the dissenters, I also have to point out that I'm not one of those guys, boss. I've made it to Vegas four times for CGE and one of our local collectors in Albuquerque I know has hit all six shows. It'll just be a longer haul for us. Fair enough.

One suggestion, though, (on my knees begging): Please please please lobby these guys (http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/) to be there since it's virtually their backyard.

[digitalpress]

One suggestion, though, (on my knees begging): Please please please lobby these guys (http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/) to be there since it's virtually their backyard.

You don't have to beg - they're on our immediate list of "new local businesses" to the show. You can be sure they'll hear from us, possibly several times :)

[Atar1G1rl]

Hey Laura, would you mind if Mat and I sleep on your floor? I'll pay for the pizza! :P

Kitty... you shall go to the ball! :P

Don't worry, I'll have it all covered...


Sure you can stay there, but Michael and I will be 5 hours away in San Jose! ;) Close, but not *that* close! hehehehe

[portnoyd]

The expo in its entirety is simply MASSIVE. We're not using the whole convention center. We have essentially five rooms: one 22,000 square foot vendor/main show floor (vs. 15,000 at The Plaza), two 4500 square foot rooms one for the keynotes and panels, one for the museum (vs. previous 2500 square feet each at The Plaza), and two 700 square foot rooms, one of which will likely be used as a media center. So though we're not using the whole convention center floor, we're looking at 32,000 square feet of sheer gaming goodness, an 11,000 square foot increase over last year.

Just think of the possibilities!

Oh thank god the museum is bigger. Double the size means MORE STUFF! Can't wait. Taking any suggestions for things to do with the space? ;)

dave

[punkoffgirl]

More couches and gaming stations :) We can use Ian and Kevin like pack mules!

[gavv]

The expo in its entirety is simply MASSIVE. We're not using the whole convention center. We have essentially five rooms: one 22,000 square foot vendor/main show floor (vs. 15,000 at The Plaza), two 4500 square foot rooms one for the keynotes and panels, one for the museum (vs. previous 2500 square feet each at The Plaza), and two 700 square foot rooms, one of which will likely be used as a media center. So though we're not using the whole convention center floor, we're looking at 32,000 square feet of sheer gaming goodness, an 11,000 square foot increase over last year.

Just think of the possibilities!

Oh thank god the museum is bigger. Double the size means MORE STUFF! Can't wait. Taking any suggestions for things to do with the space? ;)

dave


you really need to think about multiple tracks of panels/keynotes depending onthe amount of alumni that could come to a south bay area location ^_^.

Don't forget the idea of doing a live Starcade :D, i'm sure 'TopStarcader' (G4 forums nick of the producer of Starcade) would want plenty o lead time to see if it were feasible ;)...

gavv

[RetroYoungen]

More couches and gaming stations :) We can use Ian and Kevin like pack mules!

No matter where I go, I always end up carrying a woman's bag! LOL

[brykasch]

RE: Vegas

I jsut found this site around said expo last year. Trust me if I knew about it before then I would have gone:) Been to E3 a couple of times but thats it. Now jsut trying to see if the in-laws will take the daughter for a few days. Not a problem to bring here, just more expensive, and more cramping to do stuff. Plus we havent been anywhere by ourselfs since she was born:)

Now with this being said. I work for choice hotels. I am going to do some calling and see if their are hotels near the convention center that offer employee rate. I can do this for one other person as long as they stay at the same property. Basically it would be 25.00 plus tax a night. If anyone is interested let me know in the next couple of weeks and we can work soemthing out.

[digitpress Jim]

MOST EXCELLENT! Joe. I will be at CGE 2k4, no matter what. San Jose and CGE is going to kick much ASS! Here is to Joe and CGE :cheers:

[punkoffgirl]

Don't forget the idea of doing a live Starcade , i'm sure 'TopStarcader' (G4 forums nick of the producer of Starcade) would want plenty o lead time to see if it were feasible ..
I think something along these lines was in the works for last year, until someone got a cease and desist order..

[Lady Jaye]

Hey Jaime, are you going to CGE? I sure hope to see you there!

[punkoffgirl]

Hey Jaime, are you going to CGE? I sure hope to see you there!

As the Magic 8 Ball says: Signs point to YES!

[autobotracing]

cge is the 2 days before my bday !

:crosses fingers:

I hope I will have a good job soon so I can start saving for that .I sick of saying im going to go every year and then not go.

[SoulBlazer]

Well, as much as I'd like to go, count me as one of the people not happy about it being all the way on the west coast. Geesh. Do you guys know how much air fare all the way from Providence to San Jose? I'd have to change planes twice, and the best rate I found was $300! :angry:

(Sigh) And since I work for Mariott, I can get a great discount at any of their hotels, also.....

What's wrong with one of the major east coast cities like Boston, New York, Philly, Atlanta, Washington, and Miami? At least Chicago and New Orelans would'nt be that bad either.

Oh well. Joe, I hope you have another 'send a board member to CGE!' again this year, cause that's the only way I can go. :( Maybe this time we could get enough money to send two people......

[digitalpress]

Well, as much as I'd like to go, count me as one of the people not happy about it being all the way on the west coast. Geesh. Do you guys know how much air fare all the way from Providence to San Jose? I'd have to change planes twice, and the best rate I found was $300! :angry:

I'm sorry you can't attend, and I must sound like a broken record by now but I'm also on the east coast and it also costs me $300 to fly out there but it's worth every penny. If we could do this QUALITY of a show on the east coast it would have happened years ago.

The industry is on the west coast. 90% of gaming's legends (where you'd have a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the likes of Nolan Bushnell, Al Alcorn, David Crane and the like) are on the west coast.


What's wrong with one of the major east coast cities like Boston, New York, Philly, Atlanta, Washington, and Miami? At least Chicago and New Orelans would'nt be that bad either.

Is that really as far as you'll ever travel? You might want to check out Midwest Classic in that case, though it's a different kind of show.


Oh well. Joe, I hope you have another 'send a board member to CGE!' again this year, cause that's the only way I can go. :( Maybe this time we could get enough money to send two people......

Count on that. In fact I'm hoping we can "send a couple to CGE" this year. Last year's event was so much fun to organize and watch unfold! And I may not have had the pleasure of meeting Lawrence Lamb otherwise. It's going to happen again.

[SoulBlazer]

Well, you have to understand (if you saw my recent topic in the off topic area) that I have major debt right now and bills have to come first. It comes down to one of these things that I would go if it was cheaper but the money needs to be applied for other things.

However, I can come up with $20 to help win a chance to go -- or at least send some OTHER poor sap in the same boat as me. :D

BTW, was'nt there a major convention in Philly also? Or am I just dreaming? That one I could go to....

[Kejoriv]

Yea i wont be able to go also. I just graduated from college. so many loans @_@

[Raedon]

lol.. I think you just put CGE out of my reach this year :) Always next

[orrimarrko]

This actually sucks the big one.

I've never been to Vegas, though always wanted to go.

A last minute obligation prevented me from attending my first CGE last year.

So, this year I am fully prepared - ready to go, and now this.

I'm sorry, but I cannot believe that in VEGAS, you can't find a bigger venue.

Let's face it, there are certain "pros" to having it in Vegas.

Gambling, parties, cheap airfare, cheap hotels, cheap food, and the list goes on.

San Jose, CA has about as much appeal as Dover, Delaware, as far as I'm concerned. (No offense.)

So now, higher airfare, more expensive hotels, transportation, no gambling, etc.

I had other things to say, but I have no desire to get "flambayed" here - not worth it, because it doesn't change anything.

[Sniderman]

Let's face it, there are certain "pros" to having it in Vegas.

Gambling, parties, cheap airfare, cheap hotels, cheap food, and the list goes on. And very little of that has anything to do with CGE itself. Whereas San Jose - tucked in the heart fo Silicon Valley offers:

- The ability for the actual classic game programmers to attend the convention in their own backyard, complete with their stories, prototypes, and history.
- Several major metropolitan cities within driving range (San Fran, LA, Seattle to name a few), whereas LV had....er.... Phoenix, I guess. So attendance is expected to go through the roof.
- You can't tell me there's little to to in California than in Vegas. California residents, back me up on this.

Granted, hotel and air might be cheaper. But since most of us walk through the CGE doors with $500-$1,000 just to spend on games and crap, you can free that up for lodging and transport. Heck, you would've gambled that extra away in LV anyway.

So, sorry you'll be unable to attend the largest CGE *ever* just because you won't have a slot machine in the lobby and $1 margarittas at 8 a.m. But this move has been hinted at since CGE 2003 ended and should not be that much of a surprise anymore for any one.

[EDIT: This rant was not specifically point at Orri, by the way, and I hope it didn't come across that way. I'm just getting tired of everyone complaining about the move when it can't be that much of a surprise. And I *know* this year's is the one not to miss! It will eclipse all other CGEs, of that I have no doubt. Why do I feel that way? Just wait for it.... :D )

[digitalpress]

This actually sucks the big one.

LOL


I've never been to Vegas, though always wanted to go.

A last minute obligation prevented me from attending my first CGE last year.

So, this year I am fully prepared - ready to go, and now this.

Well, get that trip to Vegas out of your system so you can go to CGE next year then!


I'm sorry, but I cannot believe that in VEGAS, you can't find a bigger venue.

We can. The problem isn't the size of the floor, it's the size of the crowd. As I've explained a half dozen times on these forums, Las Vegas IS an island. The only people attending CGE are those who specifically travel to it. That limits the walk-in and travel-in attendees.

Six years in Vegas, I'm SO happy to move. I wish I could have met you at the show but there's always next year, or the year after that.


Let's face it, there are certain "pros" to having it in Vegas.

That's true. There are also certain "pros" to having it in the bay area. Ask people who have been to the bay area. In fact, our "location" page is much more robust this year. If you're going to CGE to do more than attend the show, there's SO much to see and do out there.


Gambling, parties, cheap airfare, cheap hotels, cheap food, and the list goes on.

Undeniably. We will do our best to keep the CGE experience as inexpensive as possible, and are working on discounts for both hotels and airfare at this very moment.


San Jose, CA has about as much appeal as Dover, Delaware, as far as I'm concerned. (No offense.)

I thought so too until I went out there to scout the locations. Now I want to LIVE there!


So now, higher airfare, more expensive hotels, transportation, no gambling, etc.

Addressed above.


I had other things to say, but I have no desire to get "flambayed" here - not worth it, because it doesn't change anything.

One more note from me. For every person who won't go because it isn't in Las Vegas consider the person that CAN go now that it's closer to where they live. That's a LOT of people, including a LOT of our distinguised speakers and guests.

Ultimately the show has gotten old for many of us who have been to every one in Vegas. It was just time for a change.

[anagrama]

Well, as much as I'd like to go, count me as one of the people not happy about it being all the way on the west coast. Geesh. Do you guys know how much air fare all the way from Providence to San Jose? I'd have to change planes twice, and the best rate I found was $300! :angry:


Give it a break, at least you're on the right continent...

[john_soper]

- Several major metropolitan cities within driving range (San Fran, LA, Seattle to name a few), whereas LV had....er.... Phoenix, I guess. So attendance is expected to go through the roof.
- You can't tell me there's little to to in California than in Vegas. California residents, back me up on this.

Vegas is fun, but the bay area can be too. You can always go north for winetasting and spas if you miss LV decadence. I was really into hiking through redwoods for a few years before I burned out. They're gorgeous.
A lot of visitors also seem to enjoy looking around a home prices and laughing at how stupid the locals are :)
And not to nitpick, but I think Los Angeles is closer to LV than the bay area (but weekend traffic heading west out of LV can get pretty slow). And just think, no intense heat. Besides LV is just an hour flight away if you want to hit both cities.

[orrimarrko]

This actually sucks the big one.

LOL


I've never been to Vegas, though always wanted to go.

A last minute obligation prevented me from attending my first CGE last year.

So, this year I am fully prepared - ready to go, and now this.

Well, get that trip to Vegas out of your system so you can go to CGE next year then!


I'm sorry, but I cannot believe that in VEGAS, you can't find a bigger venue.

We can. The problem isn't the size of the floor, it's the size of the crowd. As I've explained a half dozen times on these forums, Las Vegas IS an island. The only people attending CGE are those who specifically travel to it. That limits the walk-in and travel-in attendees.

Six years in Vegas, I'm SO happy to move. I wish I could have met you at the show but there's always next year, or the year after that.


Let's face it, there are certain "pros" to having it in Vegas.

That's true. There are also certain "pros" to having it in the bay area. Ask people who have been to the bay area. In fact, our "location" page is much more robust this year. If you're going to CGE to do more than attend the show, there's SO much to see and do out there.


Gambling, parties, cheap airfare, cheap hotels, cheap food, and the list goes on.

Undeniably. We will do our best to keep the CGE experience as inexpensive as possible, and are working on discounts for both hotels and airfare at this very moment.


San Jose, CA has about as much appeal as Dover, Delaware, as far as I'm concerned. (No offense.)

I thought so too until I went out there to scout the locations. Now I want to LIVE there!


So now, higher airfare, more expensive hotels, transportation, no gambling, etc.

Addressed above.


I had other things to say, but I have no desire to get "flambayed" here - not worth it, because it doesn't change anything.

One more note from me. For every person who won't go because it isn't in Las Vegas consider the person that CAN go now that it's closer to where they live. That's a LOT of people, including a LOT of our distinguised speakers and guests.

Ultimately the show has gotten old for many of us who have been to every one in Vegas. It was just time for a change.

Hard to get mad with a bouncin' smiley face staring at me...

Listen, I never said that I wasn't still going to try and attend, but the ability to attend a great Expo, and visit a place that I 've always wanted to attend was just too good to be true.

My intent is still to attend if at all possible.

Joe - hey man, I understand that while fun and memorable, this is still a business venture. "Asses in the seats" as they say. Whatever can bring in the biggest crowd, and provide the best overall experience - you gotta do what you gotta do.

However, you shouldn't get upset that some are disappointed for whatever reason.

Hopefully, I'll see you there. If not, I guess I''l just have to attend the one here in Austin.

[digitalpress]

Joe - hey man, I understand that while fun and memorable, this is still a business venture. "Asses in the seats" as they say. Whatever can bring in the biggest crowd, and provide the best overall experience - you gotta do what you gotta do.

However, you shouldn't get upset that some are disappointed for whatever reason.

I hope I didn't come off sounding upset! If anything, "disappointed" is the word. I really do enjoy meeting the gang here in R/L.

So. Hope to see you there!

[SoulBlazer]

Oh, I know the Europeans REALLY have cause to complain, but it's just the nature of the beast -- until the NES, almost all of the video games were made in the USA so that's where you'd expect a convention to be held at.

And I was only saying that if the con was taking place in a larger city -- and one closer to me -- I could have afforded to go. I could care less if it's in Las Vegas vs San Jose. The main issue is money. Something which I just don't have much of. :(

[digitalpress]

Oh, I know the Europeans REALLY have cause to complain, but it's just the nature of the beast -- until the NES, almost all of the video games were made in the USA so that's where you'd expect a convention to be held at.

And I was only saying that if the con was taking place in a larger city -- and one closer to me -- I could have afforded to go. I could care less if it's in Las Vegas vs San Jose. The main issue is money. Something which I just don't have much of. :(

Remember the "Send a Member to CGE" event last year? We'll be doing that again for sure. I'm hoping to have enough support where it can be a couple, even. So money nonwithstanding, you may be able to go anyway :)

[SoulBlazer]

Yes, Joe. I allready asked that and you confirmed it for me. Remember? :D

[Qixmaster]

this will be fun :D, guess that's all i gotta say. Can't wait to meet some of you guys!

-Josh

[GamecubeFreek]

I have to rely on my dad to take me since he wont let me fly there. Luckily, we have friends nearby, so we would probably be able to stay with them, plus they are good incentive for my dad to agree to take me, so I would say that there is a ninety percent chance that I will be able to go. I hope to see you all there.

[ianoid]

To those of you complaining about the change of venue: oh well!

As a business venture, CGE is bad business. If these guys wanted to make money off of classic gamers, they'd probably be doing it on a website. Let's face it, the organizers could never break even on cash, given the enormous amount of time and energy it takes to get put these shows together. No time clock. No boss. Just blood, sweat, and Ataris. People can fuss about growing the show, but it's clear that if you want a better CGE, it's gonna have to get bigger.

Why would bigger be better? Aside from industry presence, which gives us a chance to gain insight into the origin of the games we so cherish, there are dozens of reasons, most of which I haven't even thought of. Wouldn't it be great if the museum was 3 times the size that it was? Having been involved in it's assembly, you'd be amazed at how cool the stuff was that we simply didn't have space to display. How about a display of a complete Colecovision collection or Intellivision collection? We'll need ALOT more space.

What about the speakers? One weekend just isn't enough time to get everone's stories in. Perhaps we could have two speakers happening at once.

What about game stations and arcade games? We can never have enough of those. And those require space. What about a REAL space for trading? How about a seperate room for the band? What about an autographs table? A seperate room for contests? Even a seperate arcade for the stand-ups and game stations? I'm all for it. That way we could have some after hours events in the convention space(if the vendor's stuff can be locked up in a seperate room.)

And what's wrong with sharing the joy with a local crowd that's several orders of magnitude more serious about gaming and technology than 'Vegas? Being local, the amount of interested parties within 2 hours of the bay area is startling. All that's missing is promotion. And that costs money, too.

This is an inevitable move for the show. I applaud the organizers for fighting the odds and making it happen. Of course, you can't please everybody. Why try? This is the right thing for the show. Let's see it explode in the next few years!

-ian

[vectrexer]

I must say I am happy, happy, happy! Now I will finally be able to make good on promises to be there early and help out.

Besides the Vectrex items for the Museum, feel free to call on me if you need a hand setting up, running errands, supplying projectors, and stuff.

This time my promise will be easy to keep. I live 45 minutes up the road from San Jose.

Plus my vacation days are already set. I took the half week off before the show, and a few days following.