Event Ideas

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Now_To_Morrow
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Event Ideas

Post by Now_To_Morrow » 13 July 15 1:36 pm

Hi all,

I'm thinking of creating an event but don't want people to just turn up, sign a log book, feel awkward, and leave again like the first event I ever attended.
I'm also considering holding it in a cafe due to being winter. is that even allowed with GC being in a commercial place?

So, I'm looking for ideas of things to do at an event, and alternate location ideas if a cafe is not acceptable.
Also, has anyone got any ideas how to make the event more like a geocache besides having a log book, swag and trackables? ...Ideas as crazy as framing the doorway like an open sistema or the door like the front of an ammo can are acceptable (just not proactical at a cafe). haha

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EuDes
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Re: Event Ideas

Post by EuDes » 13 July 15 2:13 pm

This event, Meet and greet Traralgon (GC3YRW8), was in the back garden of the Star Cafe in Traralgon. You'll notice that it is not 'advertised' in the cache description although sushilord announced it in his log of 18 November 2012. I'm not sure how he arranged it with the cafe owners but maybe you could PM him and ask if you are interested.

As far as logbook goes, keep in mind that you can't insist that people sign it to show that they attended (see here for details). A strange 'rule' that one but it's GC's game I guess.

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The Morris
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Re: Event Ideas

Post by The Morris » 13 July 15 10:34 pm

There are lots of different ways to run an event - I would suggest have a look at your local (geocaching) community and see what the demographic is. If there are lots of young families a lunchtime barbecue at a park with a playground is probably the best option. You can set up meet and greet games or a GPSr game to connect people with each other.

You can have events which feature car rallys, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, bingo, camping weekends, cluedo. I suggest you have a look at the Vic bookmark list of events for some more ideas - Philip has kept a list of every event held in Victoria. There has been several held in restaraunts and cafes - the guidelines are allow it as long as people can choose whether to buy something.

If you pick an area with lots of cachers, event the awkward will usually find someone to cache with.

List it and they will come

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Re: Event Ideas

Post by Goldenwattle » 13 July 15 11:31 pm

I attended an event (GC5R5PY) in London that was held in a pub, and advertised as being held in a pub, plus it was mentioned that they sold food. I don't see that as different from being held in a cafe, unless Australian reviewers think differently. A cafe is a good idea in cold weather, but preferably one with an area where Geocachers can gather, rather than be squeezed in with other people.

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Re: Event Ideas

Post by caughtatwork » 14 July 15 9:36 am

I'll let others speak for GC, but at GCA you can hold an event anywhere, anytime, with any cost, at any level of commercialisation you please. Whether people attend will be up to them, but we have no rules on any cache placement so if you can think of it (and it's legal) you can list it.

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Now_To_Morrow
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Re: Event Ideas

Post by Now_To_Morrow » 16 July 15 11:58 pm

I don't think I'll try that with GC again. Still waiting to pass the guidelines, and they make it so if you want to log finding the event you can just show up and leave 5 seconds later. How is that attending an event? It's just raising their find tally. I want to meet REAL geocachers.

But thank you all for your advice. I've decided to go with a scavenger hunt acknowledging past local geocachers' activity (although GC says it can only be a voluntary activity at the event).
Last edited by Now_To_Morrow on 28 September 22 5:50 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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Now_To_Morrow
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Re: Event Ideas

Post by Now_To_Morrow » 28 September 22 5:49 pm

I'm looking for event ideas again. GC related again. Regarding a community event i still have to use. Three questions:
- I really want to know if I MUST supply food at a community event. Every community event I've been to or read about seems to have a sausage sizzle. I hate the idea of having to feed people, especially in a way that is inclusive for all dietary needs.
- If I don't have to have food, what else could I do?
- What is a good date or reason to hold a community event?

I'll take answers to one or more of the above.

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Re: Event Ideas

Post by Team737 » 28 September 22 11:15 pm

We're using one of our community events as a camping event (Diamond Head NSW in a few weeks time) - we've held two camping events in the past, and both have been great - everyone tends to engage well, there is no time pressure to nick off as they tend to be evening/late afternoon, and everyone brings there own food, and maybe a little plate for a table.... win/win....
I think the only real requirement for the CCE's is they need to be 2hr long, I don't believe you would be expected to cater....

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Re: Event Ideas

Post by wayn0 » 30 September 22 11:07 am

I’ve only been to one Community Celebration Event. It celebrated a geo anniversary which is a good idea as there are multiple options for the host. Even a special date in geocaching history would be valid.

I doubt anyone would expect to be feed. I also don’t believe it’s the host’s responsibility to keep everyone amused for the duration of the event. It’s not like people pay for entry. Little geo prize giveaways, raffles, easy games help though.

Good luck :)

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Now_To_Morrow
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Re: Event Ideas

Post by Now_To_Morrow » 05 October 22 5:33 am

Team737 wrote:
28 September 22 11:15 pm
We're using one of our community events as a camping event (Diamond Head NSW in a few weeks time) - we've held two camping events in the past, and both have been great - everyone tends to engage well, there is no time pressure to nick off as they tend to be evening/late afternoon, and everyone brings there own food, and maybe a little plate for a table.... win/win....
I think the only real requirement for the CCE's is they need to be 2hr long, I don't believe you would be expected to cater....
I like this idea. I had a camping event once a few years back and it went okay so i might try it again. I just took a look through a calendar of awareness etc days and noticed there's an international mountain day. Hmmm...

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wayn0
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Re: Event Ideas

Post by wayn0 » 05 October 22 9:37 am

International Mountain Day, 11 December annually

Ha! I didn’t know there was a day for that! I 100% must be on a summit that day.. although if there’s going to be a Queensland storm with lightning it will be a low summit haha

It’s as good as any other excuse for an event :)

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