Registration Information

Last year, we had loads of games. However people found that requiring a different ticket for every event meant that they couldn't just sit down at any table with free places and join in.

Also companies are telling us that they want people playing all different games, as that will mean that new people are playing their games.

So this year we are trying something different.

Now, when you buy your entrance pass, instead of having to buy lots of event tickets as well, we have one inclusive price that includes the entrance pass and also includes lots of event tickets.

So the entrance price of £75 includes entrance for all four days, entrance to the trade hall and demonstrations. Also it includes sixteen event tickets.

Background

Some of the problems with last year's system were:

• Players said if you wanted to "just play a game", you had to go back to the ticket desk and queue and buy another ticket. You couldn't just sit down and play.
• Manufacturers said they measure us on the play numbers of their games. They want a system that encourages people to both play more, and to try out new games.
• Traders wanted people trying out new games. If they liked the games, it would encourage them to buy the games in the trade hall.
• We were badly short of volunteers last year.
• There was no discount for people who paid early
• There was no packages for families. We believe bringing families into gaming is the future.
• Depending on which games people played, some people were paying considerably more than other people. Thus some were effectively subsidising others to be there.
• And finally we have to pay for much of the convention facilities in advance. If we can get payments in early, it means we actually have the money to pay for them.

We have looked at a variety of pricing structures. We went through the feedback forms that people had submitted as well as discussions on the forums. We also talked to manufacturers and retailers. We looked at how other events do things, and considered a variety of systems, many of which won't work at all. We also looked at the models used by other organisations, eg Alton Towers, Disneyland.

After much discussion, we ended up with a system that is closer to the disney model of: pay once - do lots of events. We feel that this system should work given a chance.

We realised the package needed options, and we came up with the special deals for families, for example. If the price is high, as long as you agree to run 4 events (and actually turn up to do them), the final cost to you is not £75.00, but £0.00. And if you agree to run 7+ events, we'll even refund you your accommodation costs!

We firmly believe that including a whole batch of tickets with entrance so that people can do lots of things once they are in without paying again will work. People will play more and will try new games.

No system is perfect for everybody. For every pricing model, there are always people for whom it doesn't match. There are also many for whom it works well.

For example last year, a dedicated card player would play up to 15 games, and had to return to buy a ticket for each game last year. Apart from the queueing time, total cost £35 entrance + 15 x £3.50 = £87.50. This year the same package would cost £75.

Last year a family of 2 adults and 2 thirteen-year-old children would cost £140 for entrance plus money for every ticket. This year, it's just £100, and that includes a lot of events.

Please give this system a go. The "pay on entry, events included" works for companies such as major theme parks. So it's not a new system.

When we run it, we will be handing out feedback forms, and you will be able to say whether, all things considered, it worked or if you prefer to pay for every event as it comes up.