Hi All. Here's my two-cents based on 2014 Flite Fest. This was a fantastic event and I want to do everything I can to support it this year.
1. LOVED quality wrist bands. They said, "class event." Maybe backup alternative paper bands for those with bigger wrists?
2. LOVED the pilot ID tags. Another sign of a "class event." Still have mine hanging on the wall. Maybe provide file folder stickers so we can write our name on them, stick them to both sides of the tags at the bottom (they always get twisted), so we can easily learn each other’s names.
3. Some sort of printed schedule of events available at check in. (Maybe there was one last year. I can’t remember now.) Not to prevent last minute additions and changes.
4. Clearly marked INFORMATION table at registration and/or near center of flight line. Have a list of cell phone numbers there of volunteers and such who are knowledgeable in certain areas and willing to help.
5. Clearly posted list of services and assistance that are available, maybe at Information table. For example, buddy box flights for newbies, FPV questions, airplane repair, electronic trouble shooting, first aid of course, and local knowledge (Where’s a nice place to get a beer?). See earlier suggestion regarding list of names and cell phone numbers.
6. Clearly marked section of build tent devoted to newbies. I know there probably won’t be too many of them but even those with some experience need to know where to go for basic questions. Maybe knowledgeable “experts” clearly marked with volunteer t-shirts or maybe orange vests. (I have several I can bring. They are fairly cheap.) As Grenadapult pointed out, volunteers definitely need to be identifiable. Plus, people working by the driveway on in parking areas, definitely need something like an orange vest to make them stand out.
I'm going to have to make arrangements within the next day or two for the trip. I'm currently estimating on arriving on Monday evening. Hope that's not too early to be in the way of the Furey's with nothing that needs to be done, and not too late to be able to help as much as I can.