A comprehensive write-up of FFXIV Fanfest 2023 North America; and how to do better

[Avenger]

A few additional suggestions (based on experience at NA fanfest 2023 vs. other, larger conventions):

1. Queue inside in the air conditioning, not outside in the 100+ degree heat.
2. Make better use of the space. 15K convention doesn't need to be vastly overcrowded when the venue supports 100K or more. The keynote could have been in a larger space with much more seating and standing room.
3. Use line staff to manage the end of each line and make sure it is growing properly and in the right direction.
4. Have line staff count people in line and have the counts in the app like PAX did for panel lines.
5. Don't rely on the clunky GPS and fix the broken app if you are going to use it for battle event or other registration - also explain the process clearly in advance. And do the math as noted above. And bring back t-shirts somehow. ;-)
6. Have enough space for the keynote and concerts because everyone is going to be there; also have staff maintain ADA sight lines and aisles. No mosh pit/crush area at front if possible.
7. Lower the insanely deafening sound. Piano concert was crazy loud. Primals even louder with a very muddy mix and distorted amplification. Even the orchestra concert was unnecessarily amplified and too loud.
8. Don't confiscate people's water bottles as happened at the orchestral concert.
9. Open more food courts outside, including the north hall food court which was inexplicably closed.
10. More cars on the monorail to and from the event.
11. Provide official/discounted conference hotel housing options near the venue.
12. Realize that attendees have an huge (huge!) demand for merch as well as food and drink.
13. Provide additional seating/chilling areas besides the Quiet Room.
14. Hire experienced event planners and plentiful operations staff who have successfully run larger events.
15. Orchestral concert ticket presale for fanfest attendees.
16. FF TCG tournament and learn-to-play sessions.
17. Don't do Las Vegas in the summer. San Diego or even Reno would be fine.