Philly how did we do?
 

Hey, i just wanted to get some info on what you guys thought of the Refs and the volunteers at this regional. I think that this regional was the first one to begin and end on time! and we even made lunch exactly on time and with the right match ending. just wanted to know^_-

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

Along those same lines - Jason Taylor from 357 and I put together that closing video. I have completed compressing it to a 26.6MB DivX file that still preserves some quality. If someone has some space that can host the file, I'll gladly distribute it to the teams. I also put together a DVD at the request of Carol Kauffman (one of the Regional Directors at the event) that will most likely be distributed to the teams that want it. If you can host the video, PM me and I'll arrange to transfer it to you. Also, MOE may be hosting it on their site (www.moe365.org), but that isn't finalized yet.

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

Jake has put together some awsome videos for team 365 over the years, and his work for the Philly Regional was another exceptional piece of work. We're still trying to figure out how he was able to do it using a "toy" computer? :D
(Jake, do you have nightmares about "one-button" mice at night?)

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

Major kudos and props to you guys, Jake and Jason. You guys did an awesome job and were both a huge help on top of making the closing video.

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

Team 204 would like to have a copy of the closing video. We though it was amazing. You can contact through private message by leaving me a message, Thanks

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

I'm always grateful for the time and energy and shear number of volunteers it takes to run FIRST events like Philly. In addition to the event itself, you guys put in a lot of time before as well as after the teams compete to organize everything and kep it running smoothly.
We really, really appreciate your effort on our behalf.

I loved your closing video guys. I've always liked those compressed time-lapse shows. It gives you a real feeling for all the work and effort that all of us, from the regional volunteers to the team members, put into every FIRST competition!

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

Good things:
1. This event was run on schedule, and we had time for lunch every day.
2. The IFI guy was so helpful, even though we didn't get our problems 100% fixed in the end. He always seemed so happy to help us, even though we probably bothered him more than all the other teams combined. Kudos to him, and I hope he reads this. If he doesn't, tell him I said thank you.

Bad things:
1. The announcer got our name wrong in the semifinals.
2. The same song was played multiple times a day, the music stunk, and the DJ wouldn't take requests.

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

Pros:
Being a blast (as usual), and running on time, too.
Great announcers and MCs, short speaches (except Dean's, but even his was brief by his standards), and well-run awards ceremonies.
Scorekeepers who managed to keep things going despite the scoring program's best efforts to thwart them.
Dean's homework assignment.
Staff who either knew the answer to my questions or knew who to send me to.
The variety of impromptu sporting events during breaks (frisbee, football, hacky-sack...).
Lou Rosanio's WFA.
56/365/316's win.
The overall quality of the teams competing.
California rolls at the team party :p

Cons:
Only two rookie teams got in (all spots filled the first day of registration).
Uninspired music.
Team party not at the Franklin Institute :eek:

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

I agree, those shots were great! Especially the one of the pits, an empty gym floor, then the crates then people working. :)

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

The regional ran very smoothly. At the pittsburgh regional there were 30 teams, and each team had 10 qual. matches. At this regional there were 42 teams, each team had 11 matches (some had 12, (1 was a filler and did not count for the rankings)). This is a testament to how hard the volunteers worked to keep a tight schedule.

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

Philly is my favorite regional. The competition is always intense and the size and noise level of the Drexel gym add to the excitement. The event was run smoothy as usual, and I know my team enjoyed the experience.

Dean said something about moving to a bigger venue to increase the number of teams. I really hope that doesn't happen. When the NJ (Mid-Atlantic) Regional moved from the cozy Rutgers gym to the larger arena in Treton the event lost much of the flavor of what made it special.

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

I think that i can speak for all of the scoring table, when i say thank you for the compliment. The reason we were able to keep a tight schedule, was a combination of the scoring system running nearly flawless and the referees being able to score the match and get teams on and off the field. The final video was the absolute best video I have ever seen at any reigonal.

Re: Philly how did we do?
 

it was really well organized. The cueing was all set up. The scoring table was generally ready and there didnt' seem to be any major problems. The video guy was like 102348972 times better than the one at Jersey. The schedule was...impecable. I liked that the pit admin table congratulated the teams that made it early for their matches, thus encouraging more teams to do the same.

The announcer was a bit dull, sort of monotone, unlike Jersey. And the atmosphere seemed to be lacking a little enthusiasm at times.

I liked that the judges and the refs wanted to dance almost as much as the students, especially when everyone did cotton eye joe at the end of the day, Friday. It might be small, but it's friendly, it's cozy, and I felt like I had a personal relationship with a lot more people. It was amazing to see so many matches, myself having only attended Jersey and Annapolis in prior years.

The thing I liked the best was that everyone seemed to be a big family. Everyone was happy that another team won an award rather than "Oh, why didn't we win?" It was a positive atmosphere, and I can't wait to attend again next year.