"Execution of GO Fest 2018 is THE template for future PoGo Events"

#PokemonGO: tl;dr: Go Fest 2018 execution of Day One should become standard in Niantic's approach to event planning. Some keys to the day:Self-admittance using codes meant no linesDynamic response to mitigate potential hiccups - packets not delivered resulted in long early Will Call lines, so Niantic emailed entry codes to ticket purchasers to preempt excessive event-day linesThis was an adventure-based event versus a stagnant "festival" event, much in the spirit of a game called Pokemon Go.Areas for improvement still remain, but GO Fest 2018 is a great template for the future and shows Niantic staff are learning and adapting to the unique needs of Pokemon Go.MainNiantic's execution for 2018 GO Fest needed to be on point after 2017's well-publicized mishaps. I believe Niantic delivered.The entry process for this year was a departure from standard procedure; no check-in lines were required, as each individual was able to enter a code or scan their wristband when the check-in pokestops were activated around 9:30 am CST. Friday's early Will Call lines prompted Niantic to email entry codes to ticket-holders, expediting the entry process and preempting the need for long lines prior to Saturday's start. From the check-in Pokestops, the player could choose to hang out at the entrance Pokestops/lounges, or begin the 1.8-mile trek through beautiful Lincoln Park and the various staged Pokemon habitats. Establishing two separate entry points allowed Niantic to break the attendees into smaller, more manageable groups at the two entry nodes. By opening the event 30 minutes early, the natural diffusion of early adventurers down the walking paths helped prevent an overcrowded buildup at the start. Event staff were stationed along the path at key choke points, directing northbound and southbound traffic to continue moving on separate sides of the trail. In my opinion, Day One successfully avoided the claustrophobic sensation of a typical Festival event. I traversed the path from end to end three separate times, stopping to hang out at several points along the way, and at no point did the overcrowding become excessive.The various habitats were somewhat corny, but the DJs and event staff did a great job of being engaged with participants while running the giveaways every half hour. The contests themselves were often skewed towards the elite-tier players, with contests such as "how many Pokemon caught" and "how many total gym hours defended," but they were a fun break along the trip to stop and interact. Additionally, the associated biome spawns spanned either side of the habitat while also seeming to rotate periodically throughout the neutral areas. This provided incentive to continue moving and catching throughout the day. I think the inclusion of multiple habitats and biome as a mechanic will become a staple of future Pokemon GO events.Technically, the gaming experience was smooth for the majority of the day. There was a time where Verizon users were having difficulty connecting, and there may have been others I did not witness, but my experience on AT&T was mostly flawless throughout the event. Clicking Pokemon gave prompt responses, and Pokestops registered spins quickly. The preparation with the carriers beforehand pre-empted the types of technical glitches with cellular access that occured during 2017. It also seems Niantic prepared for the server load effectively to maintain a solid gaming experience for the attendees.Discussion of Amenities:Water stations were dispersed throughout the park, and as these ran dry later in the day, event staff handed out bottled water. Contingency planning was evident.Bathrooms were typical portable units which naturally became more disgusting throughout the day. The portable hand washing stations also ran out of water, but I believe is typical, and hand sanitizing stations were available as well which did NOT deplete. The restrooms were plentiful and well-distributed throughout the park.Food was the single biggest miss of the fest, as there were a measly SIX food trucks and a single cafe for the 30K participants. I chose to leave the park and walk a few blocks west for lunch, which was both cheaper, healthier, and more efficient than standing in the long lines for the food trucks. This is an area for improvement.Lounges were neat, with an interesting tent design (as posted here several times already). With the rain, it would have been nice for a few additional shelters like these throughout the park for players to stop and rest, but I think that is a minor gripe considering the availability of benches and other resting places. Additionally, event staff in the lounges were fun & engaging, executing giveaways and facilitating trades between attendees.Niantic needed to deliver with GO Fest 2018. There were some conservative choices, such as there being no gyms in the entire park (and therefore no raids). I believe GO Fest 2018 should be the template for future events, enhanced and improved as technical and logistical challenges are solved. As Niantic explores what works and what doesn't, the staff is adapting and improving, and I believe they can improve upon this event to create an even better experience for the players. Ultimately, GO Fest 2018 was FUN, and I look forward to future Pokemon Go events. via /r/TheSilphRoad https://ift.tt/2zGy2Ez