Interesting marketing differences

[groomporter]

Yeah, a lot of people have been wondering if the increase in attendance is doe to "Stay-cations" People staying in town to do things locally due to the economy.

Unfortunately at the Masters' Dinner most of the artists said their sales were down by a significant amount. We're holding our own but I think it's partially because we did an earlybird special the first two weekends.

[Charlotte Rowan]

Evidently, beer sales are up...

[Will Gamwell]

Unfortunately at the Masters' Dinner most of the artists said their sales were down by a significant amount. We're holding our own but I think it's partially because we did an earlybird special the first two weekends.

I've heard this said a lot from different merchants/vendors.  It was also mentioned by Carr on the first weekend that it is what everyone is experiencing at the other Faires across the country.  It seems like people are staying home to save money, but when they do go out locally to an event, they are spending the bare minimum.  I've noticed that a few shoppes here and there have lowered their prices on items.  Perhaps to make the purchase a little more enticing.  

The other thing that was mentioned is that it seems "hat-pass" is up!!  It would almost seem that people are more greatful for the laughs they are given.  The small moments where they can forget their woes outside of the gates.

[Noble Dreg]

I think a lot of SCA people have a love/hate relationship with fair...There are a number of participants who are SCA members and there has to be a way to capitalize on that to improve the relationship.

Not jumping on my ars for "improper garb" while they themselves are wearing "civies" and are attending MY Renaissance Fair would be a good start.  The few interactions I have had with SCA have been meetings by accident, with them taking the innitiative, none have been positive experiences.  Likely a vocal minority, but an irritating one.

[groomporter]

As someone pointed out to me elsewhere, the real problem would be getting sponsors who would kick in some money towards the event the way Vitaminwater and the Minnesota Wellness Alliance are helping sponsor the "Royal Rumble", -so maybe the LARP and historic RPG groups would be a better fit than the SCA to get some RPG game store or gaming industry sponsors

It might suffer from the same lack of sponsorship problem as having the SCA in the special events area, but what if it was offered to various local historical reenacting groups? Last year Bristol had a little weekend for reenactors to promote the Chicago Reenactorfest Convention.

If it was done last weekend and billed as a "Timeline of History" it could add lots of educational value to Festival Friday. Although one problem with doing it last weekend would be the overlap with the Big Island Rendezvous when fest runs to the first weekend of October.

[Leyla]

RPG gaming store/industry involvement sounds like a great idea. I know quite a few people who would love to attend a "Magic the Gathering" tourney out at ren fest.
That B gate area would be a nice place to showcase various games too.

[groomporter]

And there's a big overlap between gamers and Renfair participants so there should be connections that could easily be made.

[Noble Dreg]

LARP and gamers...there's a group that could have good returns for MAF and the crafters.  MAF marketing really should look at that one.

[ladydiwinter]

Isn't Game Informer based out of MN? I'm not sure if they deal with the LARP, but many people who LARP also play MMORPGs, or perhaps the production company of Magic or D&D could get involved if they have any ties in MN. Also, any large comic book stores in Minneapolis could sponsor something. Just spit balling here.