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Community => Star Wars Celebrations => Celebration IV: Los Angeles => Topic started by: Nathan on March 29, 2006, 01:59 PM

Title: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Nathan on March 29, 2006, 01:59 PM
So.....

It's been nearly a year since CIII, believe it or not. A Celebration IV seems almost a given, and the consensus is that it should be in 2007 since that's the 30th anniversary of ANH, the 10th anniversary of the Special Editions, and the year the Clone Wars toon series is supposed to come out.

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but there've been hints. And two recent stories on SW.com have mentioned an "anticipated Celebration IV event"--and as the official site, they wouldn't mention something like that, even in an offhand manner, for no reason.

So who's on board? I know I am. CIII was the highlight of my time as a SW fan thus far. One of the funnest things was getting to meet VIPs and people I knew online from various sites. I'd only started posting here at JD a few months before CIII, and spent most of the time in the MN forum, so at the time I only knew a couple of you outside folks. I'm looking forward to meeting many more of you next time!

I just wish they'd announce details soon, so I can start making plans and saving up.

Discuss!

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/ValinKenobi/PICT1409.jpg)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Ryan on March 29, 2006, 03:52 PM
I had such a blast at C3, it feels like it was longer than a year ago. I plan on going to C4 for sure if there is in fact a C4. I want to get a closer hotel though, last time me and a friend stayed about 20 miles out of Indy and we had to drive in to town every morning and find parking. I'd much rather have been able to walk over to the hotel, and be in town to enjoy the nightlife. :)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: mousedroid on March 29, 2006, 04:59 PM
I don't really expect an announcement about C4 until the San Diego Comicon this summer.  Maybe they'll let the new FC President make the official announcement.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: BrentS on March 29, 2006, 06:37 PM
I've been a SW for a long time but never really followed the fansites so closely until the last 18 months or so.   Consequently, I don't have a good frame of reference on this.  Is the general consensus that C4 seems like a certainty?   If so, do you think Indy would be selected again?  I only made it to one day for C3 and had an absolute blast.  I'm all in next time (especially if its in Indy again as I've got free room and board there).

I'm hopefully optimistic!

Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on March 29, 2006, 08:04 PM
You can count me in, but I'll be flying out and staying as closes as money will allow me. No ******* way I'm taking a car to this one. I'm not doing THAT again.  ::) I'll of course be willing to have roomates.  :-*

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jesse James on March 30, 2006, 02:11 AM
Celebration IV speculation?

Where's Rob's Avatar at then?  That's my speculation...
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Chris on March 30, 2006, 12:49 PM
I believe that there definately will be a C4. There is so much demand for it they would be dumb not to and Lucasfilm knows it. I'll be there once again, I had a great time with everyone and thought it was very cool to meet many of the people who post here.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on March 30, 2006, 03:27 PM
I'm skipping San Diego CC on the premise there will be one and that it will likely be in '07. 

I'm in need of some more of Colman's Guiness love :P
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Ryan on March 30, 2006, 05:06 PM
You can count me in, but I'll be flying out and staying as closes as money will allow me. No ******* way I'm taking a car to this one. I'm not doing THAT again. ::) I'll of course be willing to have roomates. :-*

Kevin

If you bring some sandwhiches you can be my rhoommate.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on March 30, 2006, 09:17 PM
I promise, for every JD.com member coming, I'll make Sandwiches.

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Tracy on March 31, 2006, 06:20 AM
I promise, for every JD.com member coming, I'll make Sandwiches.

Kevin

Sweet!

Now, I have to get Shannon to work on finding me one of those t-shirts for me to wear............... ;)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Madcow on March 31, 2006, 11:03 AM
I haven't been to a Celebration yet but depending where C4 is, I may go...
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: jadesfire on March 31, 2006, 12:20 PM
Sandwiches??  T-shirts??  What did I miss?  We have to have Shannon make a helluva lot more cookies next time, that's all I know!!

I actually have a JD.COM t-shirt and sweats in pink  :-*.  I also want in on the air hockey games.....we'll see just how good you old guys really are when you have some decent competition ;).

PS:  I'll do line donuts for day one since I know Dale and Bob will be with me  :).
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on March 31, 2006, 01:15 PM
I also want in on the air hockey games.....we'll see just how good you old guys really are when you have some decent competition ;).

I'd probably do better if I was sobered up.  Still, I think I did ok, but I still laugh when I think about the puck nearly going into the elevator and Colman scared the crap out of the people in there as he lunged to get it :D
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Tracy on March 31, 2006, 02:26 PM
Sandwiches??  T-shirts??  What did I miss?  We have to have Shannon make a helluva lot more cookies next time, that's all I know!!

I actually have a JD.COM t-shirt and sweats in pink  :-*.  I also want in on the air hockey games.....we'll see just how good you old guys really are when you have some decent competition ;).

PS:  I'll do line donuts for day one since I know Dale and Bob will be with me  :).

Here's the shirt I want Shannon to help me find:
(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/2-05/IMG_0560.jpg)

JD.com t-shirt and sweats in pink?  I want some!  I'll make a bunch of treats too though I may need a chaperone if my husband decides not to attend :-\
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: JesseVader08 on March 31, 2006, 03:53 PM
Damn, Beth stole my idea of wearing pink sweats.  >:(  ;)

And I'll kick all your asses in air hockey.  I am your God, so accepting it early is key.   ;D

Kev, I'll take a Club on whole wheat, no mustard, heavy on the black olives.  8)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on April 2, 2006, 02:05 PM
Done and doner. As soon as we establish the date, I'll take orders.

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Tracy on April 2, 2006, 03:38 PM
As soon as we establish the date, I'll take orders.

Kevin

Hmmm, like "Wash my car" or "rub my feet" or "pay for my bar-tab" or "go dance on that table while singing O' Canada"?  If so, then I'll definately be there. ;D
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 2, 2006, 03:43 PM
Why do I have the feeling no one could afford Tracy's bar tab?  :-*
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: jadesfire on April 2, 2006, 05:39 PM

JD.com t-shirt and sweats in pink?  I want some!  I'll make a bunch of treats too though I may need a chaperone if my husband decides not to attend :-\

I'll chaperone ya  :-*.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 2, 2006, 05:50 PM

JD.com t-shirt and sweats in pink?  I want some!  I'll make a bunch of treats too though I may need a chaperone if my husband decides not to attend :-\

I'll chaperone ya  :-*.

I sense a disturbance in the force...
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on April 3, 2006, 12:06 AM
Brent will get a knuckle sandwich. :P

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 3, 2006, 12:19 AM
You weren't even there on time last round, so don't start that crap again :P
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on April 3, 2006, 12:50 AM
Pish posh, I beleive I was in a car accident the day before so I couldn't even get there. :P

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 3, 2006, 02:46 PM
See, you wussed out. 

Car accident ::) :P
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jesse James on April 4, 2006, 02:15 AM
Yeah that's like saying you were locked up vomiting and broke as a joke.

Pffft...  Tough it out like the rest of us.  :-*
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 4, 2006, 05:18 PM
When did they announce Celebration III?  Wouldn't they have to have plans in place for C IV (C4 heh, heh) by now?

it's not on the list for April of 2007 at the Indiana Convention Center  (http://www.iccrd.com/conv/convcal.asp) in Indy.  I'm not sure how keen any of the groups already booked in April would be with an overlap.  So there's some gaps there though Easter falls on the 8th.  Not really looking good for Indy though.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: BrentS on April 4, 2006, 05:46 PM
When did they announce Celebration III?  Wouldn't they have to have plans in place for C IV (C4 heh, heh) by now?

it's not on the list for April of 2007 at the Indiana Convention Center  (http://www.iccrd.com/conv/convcal.asp) in Indy.  I'm not sure how keen any of the groups already booked in April would be with an overlap.  So there's some gaps there though Easter falls on the 8th.  Not really looking good for Indy though.

Any reason it would have to be in April?
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Shannon (Princess) on April 4, 2006, 06:31 PM
We could make some new shirts, Tracy... :) 
I'm definitely in if there is a C IV...
I don't know about pink sweats though...

Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Ryan on April 4, 2006, 07:25 PM
When did they announce Celebration III?  Wouldn't they have to have plans in place for C IV (C4 heh, heh) by now?

it's not on the list for April of 2007 at the Indiana Convention Center  (http://www.iccrd.com/conv/convcal.asp) in Indy.  I'm not sure how keen any of the groups already booked in April would be with an overlap.  So there's some gaps there though Easter falls on the 8th.  Not really looking good for Indy though.

It is possible it would be in may around the 30th Aniversary, and it is also quite possible that it is registered under a psedo-name to keep it under wraps.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 4, 2006, 07:40 PM
What are everyone's thoughts on Gen Con running CIV?  Obviously, they made a few mistakes during CIII (lineups for the store anyone?), but at least they can see what they did right and what they did wrong.  Hopefully they can use that experience to improve last year's shortcomings.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 5, 2006, 12:23 AM
I don't think GenCon really cares much about lineup complaints.  Honestly, it's probably not that big a deal to them.  It pissed some people off, no doubt about that and mightily so but I don't think it cost them anything in the end other than some choice words.

Any reason it would have to be in April?

No, not particularly but it seemed to work pretty well that time and it's sort of slow for conventions in some respects.  Well, aside from Colman nearly freezing to death it worked well. 

It is possible it would be in may around the 30th Aniversary, and it is also quite possible that it is registered under a psedo-name to keep it under wraps.

Yeah, I considered that as well and it's a perfectly valid point.  If it's not in April, then the 30th anniversary makes great sense, I just thought they might have an easier time getting space for April rather than May. 

That Fire Department Instructors Conference seems awfully large and long in duration.  Though a google search reveals it is a real event.  Still, the 2007 event is 10 days long whereas the 2006 event is only five days long.  Hmmm....
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on April 5, 2006, 01:24 AM
Hopefully it will be after the 13th of May, that way I'll be 21, and can drink with the boys, legally.

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Tracy on April 5, 2006, 06:25 AM
Hopefully it will be after the 13th of May, that way I'll be 21, and can drink with the boys, legally.

Kevin
So, you're planning on snubbing me, Beth and Shannon? :'(  Or do you consider us one of the boys? ;)

Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on April 5, 2006, 09:10 PM
Drink with the boys is an expression around here. ;) I don't snub.

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Ryan on April 7, 2006, 04:08 PM
If Indy realy is booked, I personally think Denver would be a great location for CIV...

 :P
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 7, 2006, 05:13 PM
If Indy realy is booked, I personally think Denver would be a great location for CIV...

 :P

No way, I hear they have a lot of problems with Chaos there.  ;D
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Tracy on April 10, 2006, 10:52 AM
Drink with the boys is an expression around here. ;) I don't snub.

Kevin

Good to know ;)  Looking forward to legally having a drink with you.  I don't want to have anything to do with corrupting you............ ;)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Reid on April 10, 2006, 05:28 PM
If there is a Celebration IV, it should be in Fairfax, Va...

 ;)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on April 10, 2006, 08:18 PM
Drink with the boys is an expression around here. ;) I don't snub.

Kevin
Good to know ;)  Looking forward to legally having a drink with you.  I don't want to have anything to do with corrupting you............ ;)

Corrupt away. I am a tainted youth. :)

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: CorranHorn on April 11, 2006, 01:16 AM
If Indy realy is booked, I personally think Denver would be a great location for CIV...

 :P

Haha no way! I've heard about the insanity that came out of Denver, we wouldn't want anything like that. They should have C4 in Chicago, we have a couple convention centers that would be ideal - McCormick Place for that downtown Chicago feel, or Rosemont Convention Center for the proximity to O'Hare airport. Chicago is centrally located to the rest of the country and is a major transportation hub, as such Lucasfilm go with the smart thing here, go with Chicagoland!  ;D
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jesse James on April 11, 2006, 01:34 AM
I heard they had a contract that it should go to the city with the greatest NFL Team of 2005/2006, and the worst NHL team of the same year...

Obviously it goes to Pittsburgh, thank you.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Ryan on April 11, 2006, 02:44 AM
If Indy realy is booked, I personally think Denver would be a great location for CIV...

 :P

Haha no way! I've heard about the insanity that came out of Denver, we wouldn't want anything like that. They should have C4 in Chicago, we have a couple convention centers that would be ideal - McCormick Place for that downtown Chicago feel, or Rosemont Convention Center for the proximity to O'Hare airport. Chicago is centrally located to the rest of the country and is a major transportation hub, as such Lucasfilm go with the smart thing here, go with Chicagoland! ;D

That was only because it was held at an old Air Force Base. We have really nice and new convention center now, located right downtown. :)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Reid on April 11, 2006, 06:57 PM
I heard they had a contract that it should go to the city with the greatest NFL Team of 2005/2006, and the worst NHL team of the same year...

Obviously it goes to Pittsburgh, thank you.

If it's in Pittsburgh I could send my Grandparents to get all the freebies and exclusive figures for me...
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: MetalJedi on April 12, 2006, 01:37 AM
I heard they had a contract that it should go to the city with the greatest NFL Team of 2005/2006, and the worst NHL team of the same year...

Obviously it goes to Pittsburgh, thank you.

Pittsburgh would be cool. I could finally check out the Monroeville Mall (DawnOTD reference).

But in all reality they should go for Anaheim or San Diego.  ;D
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jesse James on April 12, 2006, 04:35 AM
SD gets Comic Con, they're already spoiled.

Pittsburgh has nothing...  We need this, and we have a brand new downtown (or as we see here, Dahn Tahn) Convention Center...

You guys haven't lived till you have eaten a Primanti Bros. Sandwich.  Long live putting everything on the plate onto the sandwich.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Reid on April 12, 2006, 09:57 AM
How about Washington D.C.?
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: BrentS on April 12, 2006, 10:49 AM
I'm voting for Chicagoland.  Thats even more convenient than Indy.  But heck, this isn't really open to vote is it?
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: mousedroid on April 13, 2006, 09:41 AM
I don't know where it will be, but hopefully it'll be within convenient driving distance of central Pennsylvania. 

One thing I'm will to bet on though is that it will take place after May 15, 2007.  If I recall correctly, to take advantage of whatever minor bonuses you got as a Fan Club member at C3, your membership  had to be valid during the convention. 

Right now we're seeing a huge push for new members in the form of this FC President campaign, which ends on May 15th.  If C4 takes place say, May 17-20 next year, all the people who sign up now will have to renew their membership to get the FC bonuses. 

Call me cynical, but it'd be a brilliant plan on their part to keep Hyperspace membership up through the beginning of 2008 when the real hype/buzz about the TV show will probably start.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Nicklab on April 13, 2006, 09:55 AM
Las Vegas would be an ideal location.  Abundant hotel rooms, relatively cheap airline flights from all over the US, lots of additional entertainment at hand, no worries about freezing outside on line, oh, and not one, but TWO of the largest convention centers in North America.  The convention center in Indy was overwhelmed in '05.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: jokabofe on April 13, 2006, 11:56 PM
I say have it at the Jacob Javits center. It's close enough to my house that I won't need to fly or stay at a hotel. But for crying out loud, don't have it in February  :P
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 14, 2006, 12:32 AM
But for crying out loud, don't have it in February  :P

 :D  ...unless they have snowmobile express service!
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on April 14, 2006, 10:13 AM
Were there any real problems with Indianapolis (Save for ******* traffic  >:() that anyone noticed?

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jeff on April 14, 2006, 10:25 AM
I didn't have any real problems with Indy the city.  Most of the problems I saw at C3 were with the way things were set up inside (most notibly, the damn C3 store).

But, I wouldn't mind if they moved it somewhere else because one trip to Indy was enough for me, I've got no need to keep gonig there again and again.  Why not move it around to a new city to give other people the chance to go too?

I know there want to keep it centered in the USA, but there are plenty of other mid-west cities to choose besides Indy - Minneapoils/St. Paul, Chicago, St. Louis, etc.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on April 14, 2006, 10:42 AM
I'd love to go to Chicago.

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Darth Slothus on April 14, 2006, 03:47 PM
Nope, it Def. needs to be in Cal either San Fran or San Diego...thanks Rob. There's nothing wrong with being spoiled! :D
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Nathan on April 14, 2006, 04:46 PM
But for crying out loud, don't have it in February  :P

 :D  ...unless they have snowmobile express service!

B.Y.O.T.T.... ;)

(http://www.starwars.com/databank/creature/tauntaun/img/eu_sm.jpg)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Holographic Elvis on April 15, 2006, 12:06 AM
They need to do it in Vegas!
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 15, 2006, 12:12 AM
They need to do it in Vegas!

I like that idea - I've never been to Vegas, and the evening entertainment would be a hell of a lot more interesting than any parties the fan club could put together.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 15, 2006, 12:30 AM
They need to do it in Vegas!

I like that idea - I've never been to Vegas, and the evening entertainment would be a hell of a lot more interesting than any parties the fan club could put together.

I don't see any need for evening entertainment.  As with CIII, the primary reason for my attendance was to finally meet my online friends. 

CIII itself was very interesting, no doubt, and as a fan of Star Wars there was lots of neat stuff to see.  As someone that is, to a certain degree, somewhat less geeky than many of the attendees at CIII (no offense, none of the people I met fit that category), the event itself was a wee bit, um, frightening at times.  I just saw a few too many people that really probably do live in mummy's basement :o :-X

I've also been to Vegas and as a non-gambler, it holds little appeal.  The spectacle is pretty neat but the most appealing aspect to me was the Star Trek stuff over at the Hilton, something that would probably get me lynched at CIV for admitting to it.  Shows were just too darn expensive for me. 
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 15, 2006, 01:08 AM
I don't see any need for evening entertainment.  As with CIII, the primary reason for my attendance was to finally meet my online friends. 

Good point.  Nothing will ever beat playing pool and air hockey, and drinking a few beers with the JD members (male AND female of course).  ;)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jesse James on April 15, 2006, 03:35 AM
I agree with Brent's thoughts on it going some place like Vegas.  If I'm in Vegas it's to drink and gamble, not go to SW conventions. :)  That was a benefit to it being at an incredibly dull location like Indianapolis...  No offense to the Indy folk of course.

A flat small city with little "attraction", lots of restaurants, good hotels, and everything fairly central, was all beneficial...  THe Con was what you were there for, and you enjoyed time with friends in the evening.

The idea of it moving around some isn't a bad idea...  I'd be ok with going to Indy again though.  It was convenient on a number of levels.  The show was run like crap, but it seems to be every year?  That's always been my impression when everyone got home anyway.

I only want some better handling of the con more than it moving...  I helped with the www.FFURG.com booth they had set up in the Fan Group area...  I got there early to start setting up, and I have to say it was a real screwjob to some of the fan tables.  We were able to secure little support from the convention's employees, they were incredible arrogant and hostile towards those asking for help...

Our group needed more space, more tables, information, and the ability to get our volunteers in so we could work early.  We were given none of the above.  We had to fight to get any of it, EVERY day.  It truly was a pain in the ass in that regard.

It was a little irritating too, to see that some booths had tons of perks while they had little actual effort and/or "work" going on at their booths.  It was mostly a PR thing.  The FFURG booth had actual work going on, big crowds every day...  And a big middle finger from the people running the con.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Ryan on April 15, 2006, 04:29 AM

Our group needed more space, more tables, information, and the ability to get our volunteers in so we could work early. We were given none of the above. We had to fight to get any of it, EVERY day. It truly was a pain in the ass in that regard.

It was a little irritating too, to see that some booths had tons of perks while they had little actual effort and/or "work" going on at their booths. It was mostly a PR thing. The FFURG booth had actual work going on, big crowds every day... And a big middle finger from the people running the con.


I got pretty annoyed seeing the Ohio Collectors club (or whatever it is called) booth, they had just as much space as the FFURG table and really didn't need it. No offense to them, but they were just sitting around, and really could have used 1/4 the ammount of space. It was pretty tough cramming four guys, bags and boxes of fodder, customizing equipment, and a little workspace into that small little booth. And it wasn't like they didn't have enough room in that hall, it was fairly empty for the most part.

Personally I wouldn't mind the con being in Indy again, it is nice and central and I thought everything seemed to be within a nice walking distance.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jesse James on April 16, 2006, 01:11 AM
I've heard stories that go far beyond space perks other clubs got and they ultimately had no need for it...  Though space was a huge problem for us all weekend.  Other issues clogged up the works though no doubt.  It was handled piss poor from the get-go.

The Con was fun, but there's gotta be better ways to do that crap than what they did.  There has just gotta be.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Darth Broem on April 24, 2006, 09:25 AM
http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/Celebration_4_Rumors_98155.asp

Possibly L.A?
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Nicklab on April 24, 2006, 10:11 AM
The Javits Center certainly would be convenient, Dave!  I wouldn't take issue with that since it's so close.  But I think the thing that would rule out NY as a location would probably be the hotel expenses.  The only way that I think it would even be practical is if they turned Star Wars Celebration into a touring event that would hit several key locations around the country.

The LA rumor is definitely interesting.  Thing is, how good is this rumored convention center?

As for Indy, the convention center was mobbed.  There's no two ways about it.  I recall that the Fire Marshall may have taken issue with just how many people were in the building, and I think it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 25K people at the busiest times.  Both the staff and the facility seemed stretched to capacity for the entire run of the show, as were the hotels.  The staff was worked to death and/or seemed incompetent much of the time. 

I even saw some interaction between some of the GenCon staff and Steve Sansweet.  The conversation was tense and Steve did not seem happy.  I think the consensus is that there was plenty of acrimony between LFL, the fans and  the organizers.  My sentiments?  Bye-bye, GenCon.  Time to find a new location and new organizers.  The people from Comic Con know how to run a very large scale event.  Get involved with them.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 24, 2006, 12:10 PM
Those dates suck as my wife is running a large scale meeting here that weekend, so I hope that isn't the date. :-\
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Holographic Elvis on April 24, 2006, 05:30 PM
Man I'm cool with LA cause then all I have to worry about is the drive!
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Darth_Anton on April 24, 2006, 09:24 PM
Same here. ;)

I'd like to make it to one one of these years, so this would be ideal.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Reid on April 24, 2006, 09:43 PM
C4 should be somewhere on the east coast, preferably Washington DC, 'cause all the SoCal people are spoiled by SD ComicCon, and all the upper midwest people were spoiled by C3.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 24, 2006, 11:57 PM
Minneapolis!
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jesse James on April 25, 2006, 12:11 AM
Better than LA, I'm ok with Minneapolis. :)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Matt on April 25, 2006, 12:35 AM
It's interesting to me that, with a lot of replies, the best place to hold the next Celebration is, coincidentally, in very close proximity to wherever that particular poster is from.

"I think it should be held in Kennesaw, Georgia!"
"Oh yeah?  Well, I think it should be in Boise, Idaho!"
"**** you both, Santa Fe is where it's at!"

And I can appreciate wanting to have the Celebration as close to your hometown as possible, to save on as much travel and lodging as possible (especially with gas being so high these days). 

But there's also something to be said for travelling, too.  I went to the first two Celebrations, and part of the fun of both of them was just getting away from everything, if only for a little while, and seeing new things, and hanging out in places I had never been before.

So, I'd be cool with Celebration 4 being as far away from my hometown as possible.  Miami, Florida.  Portland, Maine.  Seattle, Washington.  San Diego, California.  Hell, even Anchorage, Alaska would be okay with me.  (Plus, nobody else would go, so there wouldn't be a line for the store.)

Anywhere but Canada, is all I ask.   >:(
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: DSJ™ on April 25, 2006, 12:45 AM
Anywhere but Canada, is all I ask.   >:(

Maybe some some town like Kindersley, Saskabush.  :-X
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Matt on April 25, 2006, 01:00 AM
Kindersley, Saskabush?

Is that even a real place?  Because it sounds made-up.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: DSJ™ on April 25, 2006, 01:07 AM
Yeah, kinda real. I call it Saskabush eh.  ;)  ;D

Kindersley, Saskatchewan (http://www.kindersley.wcreda.com/)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: knashdx on April 25, 2006, 09:36 AM
Minneapolis!

I am so okay with Minneapolis. Considering that they have done them in Denver and Indianapolis which are smaller than Minneapolis. After all having it in LA will cost everyone an arm, leg, and their first born. I think we have just found the birth place of the Sith...LA!!!
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 25, 2006, 02:01 PM
It's interesting to me that, with a lot of replies, the best place to hold the next Celebration is, coincidentally, in very close proximity to wherever that particular poster is from.

Anywhere but Canada, is all I ask.   >:(

True. 

My suggestion for Minneapolis is actually based on the observation that it is one of the larger centers capable of handling large conventions.  Indianapolis is not such a place, rather it is considered a medium-sized convention venue and the scope of CIII was really beyond its ability to handle the event, well before it ever started.  Even the airport in Indianapolis is considerably smaller than suitable for an event of that size. 

But suggesting Minneapolis was as much a joke as anything else, given my proximity and the disproportionate preponderance on Vikings around this place. 

As for Canada, what a nightmare that would be :o  Between our stupid taxation and the rapidly changing border requirements (initiated, I might point out, by U.S. regulations) they couldn't select a worse location.  They'd be better off holding it in Mexico than Canada, of that you'd have no argument from me. 

As for "real" suggestions I'd think Minneapolis (really), Las Vegas or perhaps Denver would be suitable given the size of facilities and ease of travel.  Many cities are too expensive for many people, somewhat the opposite of Indianapolis and these would include Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco.  Others probably have the perception of being 'riskier' from a personal safety standpoint - Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Oakland. 

And no, I'm not pulling this stuff out of my backside, they are real considerations for a number of meetings that get organized on a U.S. national level.  The meeting size is indeed considerably smaller than what CIII was or CIV would be, but the considerations are the same for the success of the meeting: will people feel safe and attend; will people be able to afford hotel accomodations; will people be able to (mostly) stay close to the venue; is public transportation satisfactory for the venue and if not, is there enough parking?  All considerations for the meeting I'm reasonably sure. 

Like you (not that I'd have a choice) I'd much rather travel to this event.  I've no idea why anyone would want to stay home, you're bound to miss so much more by doing so.  I know with meetings we've hosted you attend what you can, but the option of going home to see the family at days end holds some appeal, either out of desire or obligation and you miss out on so muc of the cameraderie of the event. 

For me flight costs vary remarkably little, so long as I book in advance.  Fort Lauderdale, San Diego and Bloomington, IL all cost the same for me, so it's not really a factor.  I'll readily admit to bias towards Minneapolis though, that'd be cheaper than anything else and the flight time would be really short. ;)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: jadesfire on April 25, 2006, 05:58 PM
The only down side of any northern state would be the month the convension would take place.  Like it or not, many of us would have to stand outside for hours in order to get inside to stand in line again for a chance at exclusive items.  I froze my ass off at both Denver and Indy so any southern state gets my vote if it would be planned for the April/May time frame.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: JoshEEE on April 25, 2006, 07:28 PM
If only C4 could be held in Las Vegas.  Cheap hotels, tons of convention centers, and lots of entertainment when you're not at the con.


Why can't they just do it there? 
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: DSJ™ on April 25, 2006, 07:33 PM
Celine Dion, that's entertainment.   ;D  :-X
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: MetalJedi on April 25, 2006, 09:44 PM
I say they should have it in Anahiem (Anaheim Conventon Center) if they are choosing SoCal. Disney is right there for those with smaller children and there are hotels pretty much everywhere.

I do agree with Josh though, Vegas, even though its not exactly family friendly anymore would be a great place. Everything is pretty cheap.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: DSJ™ on April 25, 2006, 11:13 PM
Well this is interesting stuff that is floating arounds the boards, from the front page of Yakface.com (http://www.yakface.com/).

Quote
C4 411
April 25, 2006 | 7:52 PM EST | Bill

Yak Reader John sent us this scoop on C4:

"While the the Los Angeles Convention Center website is down,
I did call their event planning department to see what is going on at their covention center in May 2007. The Electronic Gaming Expo (E3 ie the huge video game exposition for professionals only) and a some kind of "Star Wars Celebration" event that month. General rule of thumb that I have encountered is that convention centers have event information in hand and posted for scheduling purposed usually before an organization officially announces it."
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: SilverZ on April 25, 2006, 11:57 PM
Anaheim just doesn't have enough small halls to support all the peripheral events/seminars/groups/crap though, I think. Which is a shame because it's the perfect location.

Up until 6 months ago the LA Convention Center was always less than a 30 minute drive from where I lived, and I still loathed going to it, which I've had to every May for years and years now. It's an awful location and downtown is a toilet. There's no entertainment if you're in a hotel there, and you'll be cabbing out 10 miles in any direction to get somewhere that does.

But after having to travel so far for all three of the other Celebrations, a local one is appealing.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 26, 2006, 10:01 AM
The listing of events for the LACC only goes to early May, so it shouldn't be ruled out just yet.  But depending on the timing, if it's the dates that Nick mentioned earlier, around the 24-27th of May, count me out.  I'd have thought those dates would be too close to the Memorial Day weekend as well. 

Jared's description of LACC certainly doesn't make for appealing draw power.  10 minute cab ride for entertainment?  AND downtown is a toilet?  Wow, guess I'm not walking anywhere, am I?  Sort of a dramatically different experience from Indy.  But I guess it would be warmer ::)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Famine on April 26, 2006, 10:50 AM
But I guess it would be warmer.

Now, your from Canada, and I'm from Upstate NY. The only thing I found cold was to be that freezing ******* rain on George Lucas Speaks day. Maybe it was all that extra insulation I had? :P

Kevin
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 26, 2006, 05:27 PM
I agree it was cold with the rain but for me it wasn't that bad (I think Colman nearly died though).  I think that's totally luck of the draw stuff though.  I suppose in the midwest the risk of cooler temperatures are greater than further south, but it was about 75 degrees in Indy the day I arrived.  Had the event been held four days prior to when it was, no one would have complained about the weather at all.  Maybe it would have been too hot :-X

But I think those weather variables are entirely impossible to predict, it could be pouring rain in LA for CIV. 

That said, I too think Vegas would be an ideal place to be.  The convention center by the Hilton is absolutely huge, tons of hotels, tons of entertainment options and a very well serviced, large airport. 
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Darth Slothus on April 26, 2006, 06:23 PM
I think Josh' Vegas Idea is the most awesome. However, LA wouldn't be bad-- the negatives were posted and there's more of those..but some positives?!

1. Imagine the.. ahhh... record breaking hooters photos we could collect
2. (for me) It's only a 1.5 hour drive ;D
3. Won't be cold so no freezing-parts-falling-off weather :-\
4. Pick a beach for JD event..any beach! (hopefully not closed for pollution)
5. We could all go to Coleman's new house and terrorize him!

6. Best of all you get to meet me ;D! (don't throw everything at once..ducks)
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Holographic Elvis on April 26, 2006, 11:33 PM
Actually Vegas was my suggestion.   ;)

It would be great travel-wise for us locals if it were at the LA Convention Center but for those from out of town, they'd have to drive to get to anything good.  The downtown area is not a great one and definitely not walking accessible like Indy was. 
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jesse James on April 27, 2006, 02:11 AM
Any place that is "affordable" ultimately would suit me.  If it's cheap to eat, sleep, and such...  that's cool.  Indy was, Minne would be I think...  LV I've never been to so I'd be interested, I just loathe flying if I can avoid it, plus it throws kinks in groups having tables.  I know Bill's had reservations about a PSWCS booth being able to make an LA con, and FFURG would be hard pressed to make a con that 90% (or 100%, I'm not sure) of their staff would have to fly to...  We'd have no FFURG booth and that was a highlight for me last time.  We did a lotta good for that end of the hobby at C3 because we could all drive (or most could) and pack in lots of stuff needed to set up a customizing booth...
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 27, 2006, 02:01 PM
Actually Vegas was my suggestion.   ;)

It would be great travel-wise for us locals if it were at the LA Convention Center but for those from out of town, they'd have to drive to get to anything good.  The downtown area is not a great one and definitely not walking accessible like Indy was. 

Due apologies.

Vegas can be affordable, you just need to figure out where you want to be is all.  It can be crazy expensive too, if you like. 

I'd still prefer something more central and Jesse's driving comments reflect that, but we'll have to see if it even happens.  Minneapolis would be quasi-central, but it's pretty darn far north.
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Jeff on April 27, 2006, 02:15 PM
One of the lines that we got for the reason they chose Indy was that it was "centrally located" and easy to get to for the majority of the country.

If you draw a 500 mile radius around Indy, you cover a lot of ground - St. Paul, Lincoln, Little Rock, Atlanta, DC, Philly, Buffalo, Detroit, Toronto, etc.  If you draw a 500 mile radius around LA, you cover a lot of California, a lot of desert, and a lot of ocean.   :-\


Anyway, to keep the rumor buzzing, here's some info that I got from an e-mail list I subscribe to -  the LACocnCenter did in fact make a pitch for C4.  Here's a brief exerpt:

Quote
I've been working with the LA Convention Center and Visitors Bureau on
the bid to get Celebration to LA for months now. Blame, me, flame me,
whatever- but I drove 4800 miles round trip for C3 and wouldn't mind it
a bit closer this time 'round. Proximity to Hollywood and San Rafael
might allow us to see more "A-List" actors show up, and perhaps a bigger
LFL archives exhibit to boot- we had 120 props and costumes at FIDM..

And the LACCVB and City of LA is incredibly behind this convention- more
than I've ever seen an organization gear up for something that is just a
potential event. They want it to happen here, and are willing to do what
it takes to make it work.

When LFL and Gencon came out to tour the LA facility, we presented a
large unified front of all the fan groups in the Central/Southern
California area. There are several thousand of us in the lower half of
the state... In an informal poll, I found it interesting how many of
them made the same arguments about not attending Cs 1-3 that are being
made here, but will now bend over backwards to volunteer if it is on the
west coast. I left a lot of friends- some bigger fans than I, if that's
possible- behind when I went to C3; they just didn't have the means to
travel to Indy. I'd love to see them get a shot at going to a
Celebration, but am not thrilled that others of you may have to face the
same decision they did for the previous three cons.


I guess we won't know until we know, but it sure sounds like LA tried to land it...
Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Morgbug on April 27, 2006, 03:19 PM
Quote
When LFL and Gencon came out to tour the LA facility, we presented a large unified front of all the fan groups in the Central/Southern California area. There are several thousand of us in the lower half of the state... In an informal poll, I found it interesting how many of them made the same arguments about not attending Cs 1-3 that are being made here, but will now bend over backwards to volunteer if it is on the west coast. I left a lot of friends- some bigger fans than I, if that's possible- behind when I went to C3; they just didn't have the means to travel to Indy. I'd love to see them get a shot at going to a Celebration, but am not thrilled that others of you may have to face the same decision they did for the previous three cons.


Gosh, what a shock, people are willing to go when it's in their backyard.  I'm just not sure why that's a surprise, but isn't the most sensible approach to make it easiest on the largest group of people from everywhere, rather than just making it easier on groups that had a hard time previously?  Wouldn't China make more sense, since they have way more people and probably more fans than the U.S. anyway?  Oh wait, that'd be miserably inconvenient for the rest of us. 

It's interesting to me that, with a lot of replies, the best place to hold the next Celebration is, coincidentally, in very close proximity to wherever that particular poster is from.

Hmmm....

Title: Re: Celebration IV speculation (2007?)
Post by: Ryan on April 28, 2006, 05:23 AM

Gosh, what a shock, people are willing to go when it's in their backyard.


Funny that I missed the one that was less than 20 miles away... :(

Honestly I'm down for just about anywhere that isn't too expensive and everything is within a good walking distance.