UK MEGA EVENT

[+scottpa100]

<double post>

Edited December 12, 2007 by scottpa100

[+scottpa100]

When the updates are done, the banner will update. They just change the file that the banner points to. It will work seamlessly! Famous last words!

 

Excellent stuff - thanks for the banner. Already added it to my caches, focussing on the higher traffic ones. Do we have contacts in the caching community in other European countries already mentioned such as Germany, Netherlands, France etc who could translate it into their respective lingos? Or - a method for them to share the banner? Actually that's a thought, has anyone cross posted this into the respective forums there who speaks the respective lingos? Steamtraen (think I've spelt right) would seem to be a prime candidate to translate into French!

[+Jaz666]

Jaz the banner looks good, but when you do the updates, will the code stay the same?

 

It should do yes, I just edit the image and overwrite it.

[+wimseyguy]

Hi there UK Mega planners, I was recently steered to this thread by a Brit ex-pat geopal of mine who knows I was involved in planning Geowoodstock 5; the largest event (so far) in the short history of our great sport. We had over 2000 attendees representing 38/50 US States and 7 countries. Before hosting this event, I had attended Geowoodstocks 2-4. I'm also involved in event planning professionally. So I might be a bit qualified to help answer some of the questions that have popped up in this thread, and would love to help the actual planners pull this together. Who knows, I might even attend! My wife lived in London and Aberdeen before we met, and I doubt it would take much to convince her to fly across to visit, even though there might be some caching involved. We planned this past summer's trip to Europe around some caching plans of mine.

 

As someone who has seen the usuall UK style event and a USA mega event what are the main differences ? if any other than more people per square inch ?

I don't know what a 'usuall (sic) UK event is, but imagine they aren't much different than a US one. The most important factor is a central meeting place. Some events are in a park with picnic facilities and caches, some are in pubs where we drink and tell stories, and some are campouts. It sounds like yours are about the same.

 

I'm glad to see that someone has stepped forward and volunteered to drive the project. That is essential.

 

Why have one mega-event - when you could have three - one for everybody in the South / South West / South East, another for the Midlands and Wales (anything north of Milton Keynes and South of Manchester), and a third for everybody north of that.

 

And if they were all spaced out date wise, the die-hards could then get 3 in, and there'd be a better chance of getting the numbers up at 3 more "local" events......

Hello I'm new to all this, but I was thinking. Why does the Mega event have to be in one location?

If you centre it around the signing of 1 single cache, the organizers can organize 3 coordinates in the uk that the cache will be placed in one weekend. The aim of course to achieve 500 signatures and a Mega Event.

 

Umm, the whole point of a Mega-Event is to get a lot of cachers together in the same place to share stories and visit with each other. Not to score a new icon and sign a log book.

 

And I'd suggest that a private forum with access for the committee members only be set up, to aid with communications between them.

Yes, this is an excellent suggestion. It worked very well for us. Our NCGO webmaster simply added a new forum on that website for us to use.

 

The USA geo woodstock moves about the country and people are invited to bid to hold the next event. Its location for the following year is know while the current event is being organised. This gives the opportunity to hand out flyers, coins, notes etc for leaving in caches this year for next years event.

As far as I know, that is not true.

 

Almost/sort of true. Geowoodstock does move from year to year. The decision is made by the organizers/hosts of all of the previous events with leadership from JoGPS who came up with the idea. Things changed a little bit this year, with the announcement of next year's venue at our event. This gives the Sacremento CA hosts a full year to plan the event. We expect to make a decision on the 2009 location before GW6 and announce that venue from the main stage at GW6. So it could be be possible for the GW7 hosts to promote their event, but unlikely and quite unnecessary.

BTW I was the one interviewed by podcacher.

 

Don"t forget that GW lasts 3 or 4 days, partly because people roll up over quite a long period, but also because you don't want to make a huge trip for just 3 or 4 hours on site. So you are faced with how to feed 500+ people for 6 meals. Many people can't carry that amount with them, and if you limit attendance to experienced self-catering campers, you're putting a dent in the potential numbers.

Again-almost true. While the attendees of GW may be in town for a few days before and after the event, the official event is only on Saturday. We did host a Friday Night Meet n Greet for those who had arrived early, and charged a nominal fee for a burgers and bangers grill supper. We were overwhelmed with the fact that over 600 attended, and were awarded MEGA status for that event postdate. I don't think Groundspeak will do that again though. My understanding is only one MEGA tag for a weekend full of events.

 

You should plan to feed people on the main date of the event. Charging for the meal to recoup the costs is up to you. GW has always been free to attend and eat at, and relies on coin and t-shirt sales as well as sponsorship to fund it. The Midwest Geobash charges for all of its meals. It's held at a fairgrounds and many attendees camp and self cater though.

 

Sorry this has rambled on for so long. I've been reading through all four pages of the current thread and tried to address some concerns that are open. I avoided any comment on the location as I'm not up on who is where and what matters in UK caching. It looks like that has been sorted out nicely though.

 

I'll be in touch with the organizers directly, and will pop back into this thread on occasion. Anyone can feel free to contact me through my profile with any questions.

• Plan it and they will come.
  
• Pick a location that can support the crowd.
  
• Remember that the whole point of this is to bring cachers t o g e t h e r. Don't arrange for cache runs or other activities that take people away from the venue the day of the event, but offering 'guided tours' of the area the following day has become a GW tradition.
  
• Design a cool coin and t-shirt to provide the funds to produce a mega event.
  
• Make a budget.
  
• Share the responsibilities and delegate and follow up.
  
• Plan for a few ice breaking activities at the event.
  
• Remember that forum hounds represent but a small percentage of the caching community. Spread the good word at other events.
  
• HAVE FUN.
  

PS actually CCCooper is #2 now. Team Alamo passed her a while back. But she's a great person to have at an event. She might even sit still long enough for you to get to know her a little bit.

She's a lovely person, and one of only 10 who have attended all five Geowoodstocks so far. I've spend a few days on the trails with her which is why I suggest getting to know her at the event-you won't keep up on the trails.

[+Jaz666]

Thanks for the input wimseyguy, I'm sure the other committee members will appreciate it as well.

Rest assured that a lot of what you've suggested has already been going on behind the scenes

 

I think the idea of concentrating on the social aspect on the main day, and then running the "caching" activities the morning and afternoon after is a good plan. All too often events risk become a "hi there, right we've said hello, where are all the caches?" affair.

[+UK Mega Event Committee]

The world's most prolific cacher is going to make an appearance.

 

 

He He !!! Guess who was the contact....

 

By the way.... we also have some Germans and possibly Italians attending....

 

Welcome to the UK's first Mega International Event

[+UK Mega Event Committee]

May I say a big thank you to Wimseyguy, there was a lot of useful items, and yes I have been trying to get in contact with other committees around USA who have held other Mega events.

 

I shall be in direct contact !

 

As Jaz666 and I will iterate this to the rest of the UK caching community, may I thank you for all your support and may I also confirm that despite not a lot of movement on the UK cache page, there has been an anormous amount of movement and discussions going on in respect of a lot po areas, geocoins etc etc

 

UK Mega Event 2008 is going to be a reality....

 

But...

 

"WE NEED YOU..."

 

Please use the banners and spread the word....

[+Stuey]

UK Mega Event 2008 is going to be a reality....

 

I know it is still early days, but is there a likely date yet? The Piratemania event has just been announced at the end of July, and more will follow I would imagine. It would be a shame to run out of free weekends.

[+UK Mega Event Committee]

UK Mega Event 2008 is going to be a reality....

 

I know it is still early days, but is there a likely date yet? The Piratemania event has just been announced at the end of July, and more will follow I would imagine. It would be a shame to run out of free weekends.

 

Please bear with us..... It has only been 4 days since I volunteered to chair for this event, and 3 days since the other committee members volunteered...

 

As I said a lot has happened and we are working on this 26 hours a day at the moment....

 

You will know as soon as we know.....

 

robin (harrogate hunters)

[+Happy Humphrey]

I'll probably get to France, Germany, Canada, Eastern USA and Western USA in the spring and I'll do my best to spread the word! The best thing to help publicise the event around the world would be a UK Mega Event Geocoin, but I'm aware that it would be a difficult task to produce a brand new one within three months. My suggestion would be to use the original (2005) UK Geocoin design, replacing the lettering around the edge with relevant text for the event. If Slytherin would co-operate, it could be done very quickly!

Edited December 12, 2007 by Happy Humphrey

[+Bambography]

My goodness, your broadband breaksdown for a couple of weeks and all hell breaks loose! What a cracking idea! Already looking forward to this and just pray that we are free on the right date!!

 

Please use the banners and spread the word....

Consider it done!

[+Edinburgh walker]

I had forwarded the event info to a cacher / coin collector in the Netherlands who flagged up that there was a Geocaching Multi Event 2007 in Naarden, Netherlands, in April this year (with another likely to follow next year).

 

I have been adding the banner to some of my travel bugs which might get a better world circulation than caches and profiles.

[+sTeamTraen]

How about getting the info web page translated - at least into French, German and Dutch? That would encourage other Europeans, and emphasise that the event is not just aimed at cachers in the UK and Ireland.

 

I think this is probably more than is necessary, as long as the English version is kept fairly businesslike. The page will inevitably change and it's a pain to keep the details in sync.

 

If someone would like to "say when" (ie, when the cache page is ready for the general public to sign up, with links to the accommodation site etc) then I will happily spam inform the .fr/.be/.nl/.de forums in their own language (with a substantial caveat for my German).

[+The Lavender Hill Mob]

Our first attempt...

Very good.

 

Any problem with me getting it made into badges for me to leave as swapsies?

[+sTeamTraen]

Our first attempt...

Very good.

 

Any problem with me getting it made into badges for me to leave as swapsies?

 

A couple of points here:

- I would have thought that the logo is something for the organising committee to approve (hopefully at one of the earlier meetings).

 

- I'm not sure that the mix of the "universal G for all things Geocaching not just Groundspeak" with the Groundspeak logo, is in keeping with the logo ToU. I'd strongly suggest running the design past Groundspeak first.

[+PopUpPirate]

Good luck with this. If it comes off, it should nicely compliment all the other camping events for next year 2008 will be ace!

[+Bambography]

How about getting the info web page translated - at least into French, German and Dutch? That would encourage other Europeans, and emphasise that the event is not just aimed at cachers in the UK and Ireland.

 

I think this is probably more than is necessary, as long as the English version is kept fairly businesslike. The page will inevitably change and it's a pain to keep the details in sync.

 

If someone would like to "say when" (ie, when the cache page is ready for the general public to sign up, with links to the accommodation site etc) then I will happily spam inform the .fr/.be/.nl/.de forums in their own language (with a substantial caveat for my German).

 

You may find this page useful! I've not tried it myself and i've heard that the translations are not brilliant, but folk will be able to get the gist of what the site is about and get the information needed!

 

Google Translate

[The Red Kite]

I've put together a banner for cachers to add to their cachepages if they so with, to help publicise the event beyond the forums.

It will be updated every so often with news updates.

 

To add it to a page, first make sure you tick the "The descriptions below are in HTML" checkbox, then copy and paste this code into a suitable place on the page.

 

<center><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=327acf90-80bc-491c-aedc-0c7a74a71b13" target="_blank"><img src="http://jaz666.googlepages.com/anibanner.gif" border="0"></a></center>

 

This is what it currently looks like.

 

Looking good!! I am adding it to my profile in our local cachers forum as well as my profile in GC.

[+Madyokel]

Pity we cannot past it into cache logs... Well done Jazz.. Slowly updating all my cache pages..Cheers

Edited December 13, 2007 by Madyokel

[+sTeamTraen]

You may find this page useful! I've not tried it myself and i've heard that the translations are not brilliant, but folk will be able to get the gist of what the site is about and get the information needed!

 

Google Translate

 

Thanks for the idea, but /a/ my French and Dutch are more or less fluent, /b/ my German, while rusty, is better than Google's, and /c/ machine translations are the tools of last resort. People with poor English who often have to read stuff in English, are undoubtedly aware of this sort of service, and its limitations. In my opinion, machine translations should always be provided with a disclaimer, so that people are on their guard and don't assume that everything is right.

 

Example: when Google translates the French word "boite" (meaning box) into English, it doesn't give "box". It gives "limps", because "boite" is the 3rd person present indicative of the verb "boiter" meaning to limp. So you will see cache descriptions which say "The limps is at the top of the slope", to which most people would say "that's very interesting, but where is the box?".

 

Bottom line: providing a copy-pasted Google translation is like sending an electronic greetings card - it basically says "I'm thinking of you, but not to the extent that I'm actually prepared to put any effort into it".

[+Firth of Forth]

I and my partner, Jack Aubrey, will do our best to attend depending on the date.

[+Bambography]

Fair enough. I was thinking about the comment where someone pointed out that you would have to ensure all the details were kept current in all languages. Just thought it would save a job but I see what you are saying.

[+The Lavender Hill Mob]

Example: when Google translates the French word "boite" (meaning box) into English, it doesn't give "box". It gives "limps", because "boite" is the 3rd person present indicative of the verb "boiter" meaning to limp. So you will see cache descriptions which say "The limps is at the top of the slope", to which most people would say "that's very interesting, but where is the box?".

That explains the confusion I had while doing a cache in Paris earlier this year! "I'm looking for a LIMP"!

 

Thanks

[+Team Vorvik]

Am just posting a note to say i have added the code to all our cache pages as we are Yorkshire Cachers it's the least we could do. We have also added the event page to our watchlist and that means we are likely to attend we wish Robin and the group of coordinators all the very best with this project if there is anything we can do please ask.

 

Team Vorvik

[+gran6mac]

The world's most prolific cacher is going to make an appearance.

 

Thanks HH for drawing my attention to this. I look forward to Harrowgate 2008.

gran6mac

[Lactodorum]

Lots of people watching the event page (here) and lots of people saying they intend going in this thread but only 6 "Will Attend" logs on the page at the time of writing this post.

 

If you are hoping to go along please be sure to add a "Will Attend" log as this will help influence Groundspeak's decision whether to award it Mega status.

[+The Wombles]

In a similar vein, it would also be useful to post how many people your team name includes, assuming it's more than one.

[+UK Mega Event Committee]

In a similar vein, it would also be useful to post how many people your team name includes, assuming it's more than one.

 

Thank you for this.... As you can now see from the cache page this suggestion has been adopted.

 

Keep coming up with suggestions....

 

"WE NEED YOU...."

[+Bear and Ragged]

Q?

Would it be better to change the date on the cache page to after 12th January 2008?

As it is the date is before the planned meeting to discuss details...

 

We're up for attending -depending on date/work.

Most likely arrive/cache/attend event Sat pm, B&B Sat night, cache a bit Sun am before heading home.

Work depending Friday, could arrive/B&B Friday night.

 

G

[+Eclectic Penguin]

I've posted that I'll be attending, but I have quite a few reservations.

 

Firstly - I'll only be there if will I be able to get time off work - no date known at present so can't committ 100%

 

Secondly, why Harrogate? Accomodation (which would be essential for me travelling so far for an event) is VERY expensive there from past experience, compared to relatively close destinations such as York or Leeds.

 

Thirdly, I've spoken to a couple of friends in the London area who would be willing to go to a main rail hub such as York but find Harrogate inconvenient as rail travellers.

 

Just my comments - I still hope to attend if work and other circumstances alow, but I know of at least 2 others who won't even contemplate coming if it's in Harrogate...

Edited December 15, 2007 by Eclectic Penguin

[+Matrix]

I've posted that I'll be attending, but I have quite a few reservations.

 

Firstly - I'll only be there if will I be able to get time off work - no date known at present so can't committ 100%

 

Secondly, why Harrogate? Accomodation (which would be essential for me travelling so far for an event) is VERY expensive there from past experience, compared to relatively close destinations such as York or Leeds.

 

 

South Wales Minibus and some tents Hywel ?

[+chizu]

 

Secondly, why Harrogate? Accomodation (which would be essential for me travelling so far for an event) is VERY expensive there from past experience, compared to relatively close destinations such as York or Leeds.

 

 

Stay in York or Leeds and get the train/bus to/from Harrogate - simple!

[+fat boy slow]

 

Thirdly, I've spoken to a couple of friends in the London area who would be willing to go to a main rail hub such as York but find Harrogate inconvenient as rail travellers.

 

Just my comments - I still hope to attend if work and other circumstances alow, but I know of at least 2 others who won't even contemplate coming if it's in Harrogate...

 

I think the Harrogate AREA was chosen purely because that is where Robin ( Harrogate Hunter ) lives and he offered to drive the meet forward.

 

More details should be available later this week after the first committee meeting, this has been brought forward from Jan 12 primarily ( as I see it ) in response to concerns on date & venue.

 

As for rail travel to Harrogate I would say we have excellent rail links here, if you can get to Leeds or York easily then there are a lot of connections to Harrogate, though Leeds is better.

 

Harrogate also has a very wide range of places to stay, ranging from cosy B & B through to 4 star Hotels, there are also a number of caravan & camping sites in the area......

 

WE NEED YOU .... if we are to pull this off so as someone who has traveled this small country of ours extensively for all sorts of events could I please ask people to start looking for an excuse to attend rather than reasons not to... after all if this comes off then I'll be going to the next UK Mega event wherever it is

[+UK Mega Event Committee]

I've posted that I'll be attending, but I have quite a few reservations.

 

Firstly - I'll only be there if will I be able to get time off work - no date known at present so can't committ 100%

 

Secondly, why Harrogate? Accomodation (which would be essential for me travelling so far for an event) is VERY expensive there from past experience, compared to relatively close destinations such as York or Leeds.

 

Thirdly, I've spoken to a couple of friends in the London area who would be willing to go to a main rail hub such as York but find Harrogate inconvenient as rail travellers.

 

Just my comments - I still hope to attend if work and other circumstances alow, but I know of at least 2 others who won't even contemplate coming if it's in Harrogate...

 

Good Morning.

 

I think it has already been said

 

Harrogate should not inconvenient for rail travellers... As you are probably aware Harrogate is a conference town and there firstly a direct train a couple of times a day direct to London. Secondly Leeds main railway station is only a 30 minute train journey away and trains run every 1/2 hour !!!

 

If you travel to York which is the other main rail hub as you mention again there is again further trains running every 1/2 hour to Harrogate !!!

 

I have just done a check on British Rail website and London (Kings Cross) to Harrogate is around the 2 hours 40 minutes with one change !!! London to York is 2 hours ! 40 minutes therefore to Harrogate and that is waiting 10 minutes for a connection !!!

 

Any problems with travel please contact me and I shall be only too willing to help people with train connections etc etc

 

As regard accomodation as I mentioned Harrogate is a conference town and the accomodation is so varied.

 

If you fancy a cheep B & B or country pub there is that choice at one end of the scale right through to the 5 star plus hotels. If you want cheap accomodation I am sure we can come up with some on the list... Harrogate expensive ..... Mmmmm... maybe if you dont know where to look !

 

We shall be publishing on the website as soon as we can our accomodation suggestions.

 

ANY HELP AND WE SHALL TRY TO HELP PEOPLE !

[+Munkeh]

In the end I don't think location has anything to do with this, clearly it has to be in the same area as the people organising it, its no good someone from London trying to organise an event of this scale in Inverness

 

It all boils down to being a question of if people want it to happen by making the effort to attend, in following years if it continues the locatation is clearly going to move around and the people who are finding it a chore to travel to Harrogate, this will be the same case to some people in subsequent years

 

We are all in the same boat, it's just a matter of rowing together in order that it gathers speed

[+willow177]

Any chance we could have a minibus from Harrogate station to the event, it would make lives considerably easier.

[+keehotee]

I have just done a check on British Rail website and London (Kings Cross) to Harrogate is around the 2 hours 40 minutes with one change !!! London to York is 2 hours ! 40 minutes therefore to Harrogate and that is waiting 10 minutes for a connection !!!

But Exeter to Harrogate is £115 and 6 hours each way - so doubt there'll be many from down here getting the train...

 

Can you put a car-share noticeboard on the event website?

[+keehotee]

Whoops - double post

Edited December 16, 2007 by keehotee

[+perth pathfinders]

I have just done a check on British Rail website and London (Kings Cross) to Harrogate is around the 2 hours 40 minutes with one change !!! London to York is 2 hours ! 40 minutes therefore to Harrogate and that is waiting 10 minutes for a connection !!!

But Exeter to Harrogate is £115 and 6 hours each way - so doubt there'll be many from down here getting the train...

 

Can you put a car-share noticeboard on the event website?

 

I would recommend booking your train tickets in advance. Two singles often work out a lot cheaper than a return.

 

A ticket from www.thetrainline.com can be booked 3 months in advance.

 

I tried for March, one single Exeter to Harrogate

 

VALUE ADVANCE SINGLE C costs just £19.00 (and that includes your seat reservation)

 

The 'Its payback time' event in London was 6 hours for me each way by train, but wasn't a problem, could sit back and relax, load GPS, work out routes ....

Edited December 16, 2007 by perth pathfinders

[+The_Westies]

It may not help everybody but megabus / megatrain are very cheap. We've booked from Chester in the North West to London for £1 each way in December. The standard train fare would have been about £40 each so we made a fair saving. Look at www.megabus.co.uk for more info.

Edited December 16, 2007 by The West Viewers

[+Stuey]

Can you put a car-share noticeboard on the event website?

 

Car sharing list: Another good idea Tim!

 

I've looked at minibus prices, and all in cost including diesel for about 750 miles is about £30 each for 17 passengers. I think car sharing would be a favourable option as it gives more flexibility at the event location.

[+fishteers]

:D I've placed that HTML thingy onto our cache pages so thats my little bit done for this event, i can get hold of 2 mini marquees about 12x15 footers if they are needed it just depends on the date, the more notice given the more chance i can book the time off. good luck with this event and we'll all try and be there, thats 4 of us with 4 caching names. T shirts and coins are a great idea so count us in for some of those as well.Even stuck the banner onto our profile page

Deano

"WE NEED YOU...."

Edited December 16, 2007 by fishteers

[+Rubarbb]

Depending on the date we will be there. Will also be dragging along another couple of South Wales cachers. May have to look into organising some transport from South Wales.

[+studlyone]

This sound slike a great idea - something to get us all on the International map as it were. We'll definitely get up there for it (3 cachers). If you need any help with website design php/MySQL work or webspace I have a server with loads of free space that the events site can use. Just let me know if you need anything.

Ian

[+studlyone]

 

Here is an attempt at a full blown banner for the event, feel free to hotlink it from my server. Its address is:

 

http://www.ukgeocachers.co.uk/images/ukmega.jpg

 

I hope it helps.

 

Ian

[The Red Kite]

Lots of people watching the event page (here) and lots of people saying they intend going in this thread but only 6 "Will Attend" logs on the page at the time of writing this post.

 

If you are hoping to go along please be sure to add a "Will Attend" log as this will help influence Groundspeak's decision whether to award it Mega status.

I was under the impression we were asked not to post on the event page yet. Am hoping to get there under some steam or other

[+Haggis Hunter]

Can you put a car-share noticeboard on the event website?

 

Car sharing list: Another good idea Tim!

 

I've looked at minibus prices, and all in cost including diesel for about 750 miles is about £30 each for 17 passengers. I think car sharing would be a favourable option as it gives more flexibility at the event location.

Given the possible costs and trying to please everyone on board with where to go etc. I am now withdrawing my offer of a minibus from Edinburgh. I'm doing this before anyone takes me up on my offer.

 

SORRY!

[+Bambography]

Hi folks, I've not read through all the posts but just wanted to question the length of the event.

I've noticed a few posts and a couple of logs asking/stating that the event should be over the course of a week or weekend. I have to admit this idea does spoil the idea as far as I can see. The point to me would be to have all those people together on the same day for a gathering. If it was open for a week, its just gathering names of people that pass by. I'm not going to see any large gathering or get to meet half the people i'd expect to see.

Geowoodstock for example is just a day.

This is not to say that people don't camp or stay for a weekend or indeed a week, but I think that for this to count in my mind that it has to be a one day event.

[+Jaz666]

The format is still to be decided by the committee.

 

One possibility I'll be putting forward would be the same as most camping events. A Fri-Sun event, which gives folks a bit of flexibility of when to attend.

 

Friday, setup day. Some attendees travel down and camp the night, stay in a hotel etc. Caching Icebreaking activities in the evening.

 

Saturday, main event day, all activities based at the main site to encourage as much socialising as possible.

 

Sunday morning, off site caching. Afternoon CITO event.

 

Again, this is just one possible idea, and nothing is set in concrete just yet.

[+HazelS]

I have been busy working on a spreadsheet of "will attend" notifications for Robin, and so far we have 224 adults, 54 kids - making a total of 278.

 

That's after a day or so of people pledging they'll come...

 

Gonna be huuuge!!