1.) Inviting the public?
There were some FIRST banners installed along International Blvd. However, I think most people assume when they see such banners that the event will cost money.
The small sign near the Georgia Dome was not enough, because sightseers visiting downtown Atlanta won't get any closer than the CNN Center, which is at least two city blocks away. Signs in Centennial Park could have been very effective; there were crowds of people there, even on Friday. The only signs in Centennial Park stated that there would be no Dome tours due to an event. It would have been better if those signs also stated that the event had free admission.
I have a question, though-- Do we really want to advertise to the public? It would be great if we got more spectators who are generally interested in seeing the robots compete. But I wouldn't want certain types of people to come--namely those who would be more interested in making off with unattended laptops, cameras, and other valuable equipment. The other problem is that, the more people you invite to the pits, the harder it is to enforce the safety glasses requirement. Plus, the pits can get crowded. This was such a problem in Phoenix on Saturday morning that an announcement was made that the pits were off-limits to anyone but team members.
2.) The length of the closing ceremonies-- Last year, many people noticed how long some of the speeches dragged on. As I recall, it didn't end until after 7:00. This year, I actually kept checking my watch--and noting the times. Only one speech was over 5 minutes long, and that was from a legislator who only spoke 9 minutes. However, the closing ceremonies still lasted until about 7:00--an hour past the scheduled ending time, and a half hour taken from the expensive team social.
What took up the extra time, since the speeches were shorter? How could this be improved for next year?
--I think the closing started late, but by less than a half hour. (Hard to avoid if the division championships end late.)
--That circus act with the lights was confusing and annoying to many. Maybe it is a bona fide warning about next year's game, but it could have been shorter. If it was only a joke, we could have done without it.
--Perhaps the award presentations could have been shortened slightly. (Segways loaned to the recipients so they can get to the stage faster?
)