Farewell SFX Weekender hello Sci-Fi Weekender

[Kudos]

Sad news indeed. It was the SFX staff's involvement that made these events special for me and I don't like the idea of the event happening without them or the SFX name attached. Half the appeal was meeting up with friends on the SFX staff, forumers and readers of the magazine. Without that connection I don't see Chic's efforts having the same level of camaraderie... I wonder how many people who rebooked at the last Weekender will consider dropping out after hearing this news...

[count_libido]

Given the growing popularity of the event, the larger venue and the adverse effect personally on the SFX staff members, I can understand why SFX have opted out of the event and given it over to an organisation who run these kind of events. After seeing some of the feedback after the last event, it sounded like the SFX guys were not able to enjoy the event as much as they would have liked to so whilst this is a kick-in-the-balls bit of news, I get why it's happenned.

I hope that the Haven site is still suitable for this kind of immersive event and the costs, accommodation and guests still make the event worthwhile. We had 3 chalets in a row booked for the next event and I'll miss that camaraderie like Kudos said.

I'd still be interested in attending this event as there's still nothing else like this running in the UK and I hope I still get to see some of the great people I've met there over the years.

[SgtAngua_CW]

Originally Posted by Kudos

Sad news indeed. It was the SFX staff's involvement that made these events special for me and I don't like the idea of the event happening without them or the SFX name attached. Half the appeal was meeting up with friends on the SFX staff, forumers and readers of the magazine. Without that connection I don't see Chic's efforts having the same level of camaraderie... I wonder how many people who rebooked at the last Weekender will consider dropping out after hearing this news...

I'm with Kudos, I'm totally gutted at this news. I don't know if I want to go if the SFX guys aren't involved. I NEED to see all the forumers and readers too. Frak, this sucks.

I called Chic yesterday to make a payment and Neil didn't say anything about this!

Although I will say the pics of the new accommodation look good, and more facilities (and better food) are welcome. Hopefully Haven is used to events of this size and can cater for everyone, unlike Pontins.

Dave, does this mean that there won't be an SFX event of ANY kind?

[Kudos]

Originally Posted by count_libido

Given the growing popularity of the event, the larger venue and the adverse effect personally on the SFX staff members, I can understand why SFX have opted out of the event and given it over to an organisation who run these kind of events. After seeing some of the feedback after the last event, it sounded like the SFX guys were not able to enjoy the event as much as they would have liked to so whilst this is a kick-in-the-balls bit of news, I get why it's happened.

I can completely understand that. I saw the staff get a lot of abuse for stuff beyond their control. In fact most of the complaints I did see, at the event and reported since here on the forum should really have been directed at Chic rather than the SFX staffers. In light of that having Chic take over as the primary organisers and hosts does not sound like a good thing...

[SoulBroken]

Noooooo
I was going to try and come to the next SFX Weekender..
I wanted to meet everyone!!!!!!!

It would cost me an arm and a leg to come all the way from the underside of the world....Just to be told ..the SFX team aren't here ....nooooo

[SgtAngua_CW]

Originally Posted by Kudos

I saw the staff get a lot of abuse for stuff beyond their control. In fact most of the complaints I did see, at the event and reported since here on the forum should really have been directed at Chic rather than the SFX staffers. In light of that having Chic take over as the primary organisers and hosts does not sound like a good thing...

I was thinking the exact same thing....

[darkblu3]

I'm glad to be moving away from pontins for this event. Shame that SFX have had to pull out but I hope it'll still be used for the SFX Awards et al?

Also, has everyone noticed the date change? 1-3rd march now.

[nahp]

Originally Posted by darkblu3

I'm glad to be moving away from pontins for this event. Shame that SFX have had to pull out but I hope it'll still be used for the SFX Awards et al?

Also, has everyone noticed the date change? 1-3rd march now.

Where have you seen that? Dave's opening post said it was still in February

[Kraken]

I'm sorry to hear this, I've attended all the Weekenders and all the SFX Events that came before, I'm not sure if I'll still attend now. The Weekender's have been great but the two things I always look forward to the most are the Blastermind quiz and the SFX Awards. It's just not going to be the same without them.

[count_libido]

Originally Posted by darkblu3

I'm glad to be moving away from pontins for this event. Shame that SFX have had to pull out but I hope it'll still be used for the SFX Awards et al?

Good point. Will there still be an SFX Awards and a presentation or will it just be mentioned who won in the mag now?