Postscript: Monsterpalooza Needs To Move

The Monsterpalooza program booklet includes this announcement on the back cover:

MONSTERPALOOZA RETURNS TO THE MARRIOTT BURBANK CONVENTION CENTER APRIL 2012

The general consensus among this year's attendees is that the convention has simply outgrown the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

It was so overcrowded that vendors worried about people's behinds damaging their displays, no elbow room, no places to sit and inadequate parking. How can people enjoy a show if they're packed in like sardines?

While it is great the Monsterpalooza had such a great turnout (obviously a sign of success), it also presents organizers with a big problem. They need to hold it in a much larger facility.

The other day, I emailed organizer Eliot Brodsky and suggested the Los Angeles Convention Center. It is the only Los Angeles area venue (I can think of) capable of handling the big crowds that Monsterpalooza attracted. Also, it has plenty of parking. Many people have posted at various blogs and message boards that they attempted going to Monsterpalooza, but left in frustration over not being able to park their cars or that the place was too crowded to fully enjoy.

From what I've read online, the Fire Marshal had to step in to control things.

Besides the overcrowding, the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center "dropped the ball in many aspects," according to Eliot Brodsky in a message I received last night, including the ballroom (for presentations) only made available an hour late (from what was promised) Friday night. Could it be that the Marriott's staff were overwhelmed?

Having the presentations in another building away from the convention center was a bad idea. The presentations area needs to be at the main facility for easier access. The L.A. Convention Center's convention halls would meet this need. I've been to several Japan Expos at the convention center and there's plenty of room in one hall for all the vendors, a food area and for presentations.

I hope Monsterpalooza is not locked into using the Burbank Marriott next year so that it can be moved to a bigger facility. It desperately needs to move!