Smaller event howto
This is a guide, still in development, to running an event for new sports and pervasive games for around 10 to 25 people., where there will usually only be one game running at a time. It is based on the Iglab model.
If you're running an event for more people, perhaps check out the Sandpit howto.
Venue
Finding a good venue is tricky. You definitely need somewhere that:
- Is well lit enough that people are able to read
- Is quiet enough that a table of half a dozen people can talk comfortably, and a dozen people can talk without having to shout
- Has enough tables and chairs for most of the people attending to sit down at any one time
- Has space to move around in
- Won't be annoyed if you make noise or run around
These requirements rule out most pubs. It's also nice to have:
- A bar or cafe nearby
- A park or large pedestrianised area nearby
Equipment
In addition to the equipment you'll need for games, the following can be useful:
- A horn and/or megaphone for getting people's attention at the start of games
- A list of everyone who's signed up to games, if you were accepting sign-ups in advance
Staff
In addition to the people who are running individual games, you will need someone to do a general "hello, we're all starting now" welcome and, potentially, say things like "right, now we're going to play Holla-Lulu" or to run discussions on how the game went afterwards.
Games
It works to have one game scheduled at any one time; ideally each game should be large enough to take everyone who wants to play, and there should be somewhere comfortable for people who don't want to play to sit and chat while they wait for the next game. If you have to split into two groups and play two different games, it can be very difficult to get the players integrated again - the group who finishes first may move on to play something else, and be unavailable by the time the second group finishes.
