Transport is a key issue - if you publicise where the venue is and how people can get there it allows them to start to think about it.
The starting location will be either Randers or Vejle (Randers most likely). Both rather small towns that few outside Denmark will even have heard of. Both are close to the center of the Danish mainland.
Transportation to both towns, is simple. Travel times look something like this:
From the German border: About 2 hours by car. About 3 hours by train or bus.
From the north sea ferries: About 1 hour by train.
From Billund Airport: Under 1 hour by airport shuttle (to Vejle) or 2-3 hours by train (to Randers).
Camping will put many people off. We had 30 people at our first steamy camp out but 450 at our first convention. One major problem is the transportation of camping gear if people are flying or travelling by train. People want to be able to carry lots of clothes and accessories and it is expensive to bring a car over to Denmark. How is your venue supplied with hotel/B&B accomodation?
I can see that tents (even period correct luxury tents with beds) are not to peoples liking. But just to clarify completely. If tents were chosen, They would be set up in advance and taken down after, by the supporting crew. No guest would have to do anything other than enjoy themselves.
But as I said. Other forms of accommodation is available. I just need to know what people want. Anything from blanket in a ditch, to a 5-star hotel is possible. As long as it follows the theme.
With all due respect you need to sell it a bit more. Trains and castles are plentiful in the UK but people will want more - what about bands, authors, workshops, trade stalls etc?
I know. All the elements are present in most halfway civilized countries. And as such, Denmark (or any other country for that matter) would never be able to offer something that could not be found somewhere else.
But like most things, it is not each ingredient but the sum of them all that would make this an event to remember.
But please. Let me hear what you would like. That is after all why I asked in the first place.
But keep in mind. This is not meant to be a convention, but an exclusive event.
I gave up on the idea of cons a long time ago. Why?
1: They are all the same. The same beginner workshops (even the "advanced" ones), the same authors talking about the same books and the same activities. Just wrapped in a different color paper.
2: There are simply to many of them. It seems like everyone is organizing a con these days. When I started, we still broke new ground with every one, but those days are gone.
3: Cons are low budget affairs by nature. They depend upon large numbers of guests. And I do NOT do "low budget".
In short. Most good organizers in Denmark, have chosen to make smaller, more exclusive events, targeted at those who want a unique experience.
