A friend of mine threw a run a couple of weekends ago and got taken to
the cleaners. Out of 160 people, 60 didn't pay. At 20 dollars a ticket,
that comes to $1200 he lost.
He's the kind of guy who wants to live and let live, but at this point
he's seen the err of his ways and has been asking for tips on how to put
on a run so he doesn't get hosed financially. His runs are all
"Invite-only", so fliers are not used.
My friend is already on top of dealing with the fire marshal, insurance
and music, but suggestions for other major topics and various details
are what I'm looking for to add to this list I've compiled (forgive the
formatting, but this is a text only group - also note that the word
"asshole" isn't capitalized):
________________________________________________________________________
Suggestions for putting on a Run.
These are suggestions I’ve gathered by talking to various people like
Rick from the coast and Joe Coleman. It also consists of techniques I’ve
seen in use when I’ve attended other runs.
1. TICKETS and LISTS- Make up numbered tickets and lists for those
tickets. The lists should have the following on them:
a. Full Name (printed) - This is the full name, not just the nickname.
b. Signature - This is also the full name, not just the nickname.
c. Address
d. Date (of signature and ticket purchased)
e. For use at the gate, a field where that ticket can be signed in
by the gate attendant.
The disclaimer at the top and be for when people buy a ticket either
in advance or at the gate. They must sign the list legibly and provide
their address. If they refuse to do this, they can’t buy a ticket
because their signature indicates that they agree to the terms of the
disclaimer and that they have both read and understand it.
Numbered tickets mean that forgeries can’t be used. Even if a person
is supposed to get in free, they would need a ticket and to sign the list.
2. ARMBANDS - In a best case scenario, the armbands given at the run
would have numbers on them corresponding to the tickets.
a. Armbands are put on the participants at the gate and if a person
refuses to wear one, they are not allowed to enter.
b. If a person takes off the armband later on and are spotted
without it, they will be told to leave and escorted to the gate.
Alternatively, if they agree to cooperate, they can be given another
armband, maybe even have to pay a modest fee for it.
c. The beer wagon person and all vendors must be told that if they
see anybody without an armband, that person must be refused service and
that security must be alerted about the person.
3. THE GATE - A properly run gate prevents crashers and other assholes
from entering.
a. In advance of the run, a list of volunteers should be made up and
a schedule assigned. The length of the ****ft can be either fixed at say,
four hours, or whatever a person is willing to do.
b. The gate has to be manned at all times. There should be three
persons at the gate at all times:
? One person to take the ticket and write on the list that the
person has entered.
? One person to put on the armband, don’t allow the participant to do
this because they may put it on loosely so that they can take it off
later or so others may use it.
? One person to say “You can come in, you can’t” - a bouncer, in
other words.
Alternatives should also be figured out in case a person doesn’t show
up for their ****ft.
c. The gate should be in a location where people are funneled in and
which they can’t get around.
d. Gate keepers should have at least one walkie-talkie with them
which allows them to contact security.
e. There should be a definite time for the gate being closed and
possibly a means to block people from coming in after it is closed.
4. THE BEER WAGON - Should never be left unattended.
a. There should be a folding table or bar in front of the tappers
and attendees should not be allowed to pour their own beers.
b. A schedule should also be worked out in advance for the
bartenders. Alternatives should also be figured out in case a person
doesn’t show up.
c. Bartenders should be familiarized with when a keg is empty, how
to pull it and how to put on a new one. They should be shown how to pour
a beer so that there isn’t too much head and how to work a keg so that
it’s not spewing mostly foam.
d. As mentioned previously, bartenders should be on the lookout for
people not wearing armbands and have access to a walkie talkie so they
can contact security for help with any problems like people who are
acting like assholes.
e. Cups should be re-used and have the owner’s name written on it
with a Sharpee or the like.
f. To prevent attendees from getting beer for people who don’t have
armbands, one beer per person. Discretion should be used in implementing
this and security can help in this regard by pointing out who’s helping
crashers.
5. SECURITY - Due to liability issues, all runs should have at least
two people assigned for security for every 400 attendees.
a. In advance of the run, a list of volunteers should be made up and
a schedule assigned. The length of the ****ft can be either fixed at say,
four hours, or whatever a person is willing to do.
b. People who are assigned security duty should be capable of
backing up what they say and do. They should be briefed on how to behave
and what problems to look out for. While on duty, they should have a
walkie talkie to call for assistance and to receive calls from the gate,
the beer wagon and others. They should continuously roam and avoid being
drawn into partying and, as much as possible, be sober and unstoned.
c. Security should be able to either flash an ID to prove they’re
security OR wear an armband. Wearing an armband can defeat the purpose
though, because if they can be seen coming by people who are doing
something wrong.
d. Security should always be on the lookout for people not wearing
an armband.
• Again, if a person takes off the armband later on and are spotted
without it, they will be told to leave and escorted to the gate OR if
they agree to cooperate and can produce the armband they removed, they
can be given another armband, maybe even have to pay a modest fee for it.
• If the person never had an armband or can’t produce the one they
took off, they should be removed from the run. Discretion is called for
in this case though.
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That's all I've typed at this point. This might even be a good subject
to be added to the F.A.Q.
TIA for any help.
--
John Corliss BS206
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