Eastercons are normally 6-700 people. We're already getting numbers a bit above the norm (we passed 300 last week), so I'd expect us to come in around 8-900. That's not just Neil, it's partly good publicity and partly the fact that we've taken the event back to London after a decade or so in other parts of the country.
I think I'd expect Neil to add around 50 people, though that's pure guesswork on my part. The fact that we're a four day event rather than a single day will probably eliminate people who just want a souvenir and an autograph.
Not being overwhelmed is good, as that's not the kind of event we want to run. Eastercons are odd animals, very eclectic with all sorts of activities that have become tradition. (If you do it twice in fandom, it's a tradition and sacrosanct foreverafter...) That's why Neil is such an ideal guest for us because several different aspects of fandom are met in a single person. Plus, he's a Brit and knows the Eastercons anyway.
LOL, I know exactly what you mean about needing to diplomatically 'rescue' guests. I've had to do it once or twice at media cons where the pressure on guests tends to be a bit greater.
I read your note on Neil-handling last week - that's what drew me to read your LJ. They were very informative. I've particularly noted the wheat allergy.
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I think I'd expect Neil to add around 50 people, though that's pure guesswork on my part. The fact that we're a four day event rather than a single day will probably eliminate people who just want a souvenir and an autograph.
Not being overwhelmed is good, as that's not the kind of event we want to run. Eastercons are odd animals, very eclectic with all sorts of activities that have become tradition. (If you do it twice in fandom, it's a tradition and sacrosanct foreverafter...) That's why Neil is such an ideal guest for us because several different aspects of fandom are met in a single person. Plus, he's a Brit and knows the Eastercons anyway.
LOL, I know exactly what you mean about needing to diplomatically 'rescue' guests. I've had to do it once or twice at media cons where the pressure on guests tends to be a bit greater.
I read your note on Neil-handling last week - that's what drew me to read your LJ. They were very informative. I've particularly noted the wheat allergy.