#ponyconau

So our local Pone-cawn here in Australia has hit the post-con hurdles. Here’s the official quote to fill you in…

“PonyCon AU would like to once again thank everyone who came to Seaponies Paradise this year, it’s only with the support of our community that we were able to host such a fantastic weekend for Aussie Bronies. Unfortunately, PonyCon AU has run into some trouble with costs we incurred running the event in 2015. Due to unforeseen issues arising at the eleventh hour, we still have roughly $8000 to pay off by the end of April. Whilst we will continue to work on the problem from our end, the PCAU team could really use some help from the community that’s supported us so well in the past. Nobody is obligated to donate anything, of course, but without some help we will sadly be unable to run the event in next year or in the future - PCAU needs 3,000 by the end of March, and a further 5,000 by the end of April. If you’re interested in helping out, please follow this link here: http://bit.ly/1Ck50E4 be Even if you are unable to donate, simply sharing this message to others in the fandom will help us out immensely. Keep an eye on our Facebook page as we continue to upload the panels and events to our YouTube.”

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Normally these sorts of things happen to every convention I’ve ever worked or been associated with. Many venues will bump up costs or hidden fees after an event has been run etc.

In this case it’s actually a number of extra factors that hit them where it hurts. The dismal failure and subsequent financial implosion of Sydneigh crippled a number of attendees, a previous event hosted by AusCons getting swindles by the venue, and a Cyclone thumping the GoldCoast during the event.

I’m actually rather impressed with PCAU dropping their costs this year by nearly 40%. But with an attendance less than 50% of last year due to the above circumstances they’re out of luck.

I’ve ran a convention event twice, been associated with the board 3 times and knows many con-organisers personally. They’re all A). Super passionate and B). Running everything out of their own pockets. So if you’ve enjoyed the previous conventions and have a little money spare please help them out.

That being said I’d also like to have a quick chat about community ideas for helping drop costs for next year :)

- Less Stages: I came from the Furry community and the most successful convention in Australia is FurDu (Furry Down Under). Their Ethos was fun first, size second, banking on the fact that friends like getting together at a venue and having fun instead of making a big song and danceFurDu doesn’t need 2x stages. It’s cool and all but the minor stage never filled up. Have 1 major stage and a number of panel rooms and cut your venue costs by around 15%

- Community Guests: Instead of bringing along 2-3 Show guests, which though cool and amazing and awesome, is expensive. Perhaps 1-2 show guests and 1-2 community guests. Community guests are normally happy to attend for their travel expenses being covered, and don’t need insurance, large payments etc etc.