FREE PLAY FLORIDA 2023

[Knight Shift]

The only thing to add is SFGE was at a different hotel the first two years and it moved also, so arguments that lack the true facts lose some merit.  I have been to everyone so…

[Piglet]

Rat seems to have it figured out….

[hammer2]

You said something needs to change so, what needs to change?  I love solutions that come from an angle we may not be seeing. 

The thing I used to enjoy is the after hours party on Saturday night in appreciation for those that brought games to the show, that is, when ONLY those that brought games were admitted.  I love that the show was packed with enthusiasts during normal hours, but it was nice to have a couple of hours set aside where game owners could have the floor and enjoy the company of each other and play the games without all the chaos and wait times.  When this was opened to the public (by purchasing a ticket), it defeated the purpose of an appreciation event for the game donors IMO.  It was the reason I stopped bringing games to the event. 

[HammysHangout ( Hammy )]

The thing I used to enjoy is the after hours party on Saturday night in appreciation for those that brought games to the show, that is, when ONLY those that brought games were admitted.  I love that the show was packed with enthusiasts during normal hours, but it was nice to have a couple of hours set aside where game owners could have the floor and enjoy the company of each other and play the games without all the chaos and wait times.  When this was opened to the public (by purchasing a ticket), it defeated the purpose of an appreciation event for the game donors IMO.  It was the reason I stopped bringing games to the event.

That was exclusive to Gamewarp, Gamewarp 3 opened it to the public and it wasn't very well taken, the after hours party on Saturday was always a separated ticketed event for fpf, the only appreciation party we had for FPF was on Sunday at the end of the show with Raffle Prizes and give aways., however, I heard there is something special happening exclusive to VIP and Gamebringers this year that is NOT open to the public on Friday this year

[hammer2]

That was exclusive to Gamewarp, Gamewarp 3 opened it to the public and it wasn't very well taken, the after hours party on Saturday was always a separated ticketed event for fpf, the only appreciation party we had for FPF was on Sunday at the end of the show with Raffle Prizes and give aways., however, I heard there is something special happening exclusive to VIP and Gamebringers this year that is NOT open to the public on Friday this year

All I remember on Sunday was a mad dash to get your machines loaded up and get the hell out of Dodge as fast as possible.  My recollection for the appreciation night was Saturday, but it might only have been a year, then ticket selling ruined it.  In any event, the point is that it's good policy to give the donors a closed-door dedicated appreciation event (no VIP ticket holders and not at the show's end when folks are wanting to load up and go home!), for without them, there is no show.  Not sure why there aren't any details about the special event on Friday - if there is incentive for gamebriingers to bring games, it would be beneficial to get the word out now.

[SkyKing2301]

The thing I used to enjoy is the after hours party on Saturday night in appreciation for those that brought games to the show, that is, when ONLY those that brought games were admitted.  I love that the show was packed with enthusiasts during normal hours, but it was nice to have a couple of hours set aside where game owners could have the floor and enjoy the company of each other and play the games without all the chaos and wait times.  When this was opened to the public (by purchasing a ticket), it defeated the purpose of an appreciation event for the game donors IMO.  It was the reason I stopped bringing games to the event.

Not just the game bringers, but vendors too.  As a vendor (Rocket City Pinball), anytime I leave my booth during show hours I'm always worried I might miss a potential sale (and so I often stay within line of sight but then don't really focus well on what I'm playing).  The pre-show hour and the afterparty are the only chance I get to play while truly relaxed, so that's always been my favorite part.  (Except for the music, but thank goodness for earplugs, lol.)

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

We've always allowed access to the show floor for vendors & game bringers outside of the regular hours, but we can make an official proclamation to that effect so it's more clear.

Not just the game bringers, but vendors too.  As a vendor (Rocket City Pinball), anytime I leave my booth during show hours I'm always worried I might miss a potential sale (and so I often stay within line of sight but then don't really focus well on what I'm playing).  The pre-show hour and the afterparty are the only chance I get to play while truly relaxed, so that's always been my favorite part.  (Except for the music, but thank goodness for earplugs, lol.)

[hammer2]

We've always allowed access to the show floor for vendors & game bringers outside of the regular hours, but we can make an official proclamation to that effect so it's more clear.

Yes, clarity is always good.  So, for example, if the show closes at 2200 on Friday, as a game contributor (or vendor) I can stick around and play until midnight?  Nobody is going to be shutting down machines and asking me what the heck I'm doing? 

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

As long as we have staff there, it shouldn't be an issue.

Yes, clarity is always good.  So, for example, if the show closes at 2200 on Friday, as a game contributor (or vendor) I can stick around and play until midnight?  Nobody is going to be shutting down machines and asking me what the heck I'm doing?

[BigMatt]

If I could chime in here with a suggestion, getting games In was a PITA simply because there wasnt equipment available beyond on hydro cart to do so. I had skates with me because I brought two games and my minivan was STUFFED(RIP mini van!!) Have to use the hotel flat carts sucked. Use the skates was even worse. I'd have brought another cart had I been able to fit one. Might be nice to throw VIP passes out there just for pinball cart bringers up to a certain amount? Cheers guys.

[hammer2]

"we've always allowed access" and "as long as we have staff there" is a definite "I don't really know", and not a plan.  Like you said, an official proclamation is needed.

[ibis]

If I could chime in here with a suggestion, getting games In was a PITA simply because there wasnt equipment available beyond on hydro cart to do so. I had skates with me because I brought two games and my minivan was STUFFED(RIP mini van!!) Have to use the hotel flat carts sucked. Use the skates was even worse. I'd have brought another cart had I been able to fit one. Might be nice to throw VIP passes out there just for pinball cart bringers up to a certain amount? Cheers guys.

We normally have several dollies, one large furniture dolly, one coffin cart , one yellow lift cart and any other game moving device we have between us all at the back door for use.  Steve is usually directing traffic, but that doesn't always mean they are brought back to the load-in door right away.  During the busy time I imagine they are all being used.  But we appreciate the feedback, will try to make it clear for them to be returned as soon as possible.

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

"we've always allowed access" and "as long as we have staff there" is a definite "I don't really know", and not a plan.  Like you said, an official proclamation is needed.

As the volunteer coordinator, I wanted to verify people were assigned, but I was traveling for work.
I can confirm we will be staffed for an hour before open and an hour after close or regular hours.

[ibis]

*** Freeplay Florida 2023 Game Donations! ***

Its that time of year folks!  FPF is in full swing and we are excited to present to you another banging show full of special guests, weekend fun and gaming!  All of this can not happen without you, the collector!  Because of your support through your generous game donations we can produce such a high quality show that FPF has become.  This community is why this show exists and FPF is forever grateful for your efforts in supporting the show!

We think we’ve got some really fantastic incentives to offer for bringing your games to the event!  Some of them are Weekend Passes to the show, killer merch, admission to the after hours party on Saturday night, Raffle entries to win amazing prizes, VIP party access and more....
1 Game - 1 weekend pass
2-4 Games - 1 weekend pass per game and 2 merch choices (shirt, koozie, coin, cup, pin, hat, etc)
5-9 Games - 5 weekend & vip party passes, 2 merch choices (shirt, koozie, coin, cup, pin, hat, etc), $50 cash card
10+ Games - 5 weekend & vip party passes, 2 merch choices (shirt, koozie, coin, cup, pin, hat, etc), $100 cash card for gas - Free booth for vendors bringing 10+ games (please let us know if you will be taking advantage of this option)
Raffle ticket per game for all donor levels

Couple of links for you to read with all the details and information:

Freeplay Florida Web Site
https://www.freeplayflorida.com/

Game Donations Link/Application
https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=1798

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Bobbi D and Steve who are managing all the game donations.  They can be reached at:

bobbi@freeplayflorida.com
steve@freeplayflorida.com

Looking forward to seeing everyone! 

[Piglet]

Rat...has it figured out. After all, the ONLY arcade to close was his. So of course, you should follow his lead.