☕ OzBargain Meetup Melbourne: FREE*: 3 hours of retro video games, pinball, food and drinks. Who's interested? ☕

neil on 19/03/2013 - 23:25
Last edited 30/04/2013 - 02:46

Update (30/4):

13 spots reserved, 47 remaining

  • You need to be an OzBargain member.
  • We will be approving non new members (more than say a day old) first depending on interest.

You need to sign up as a member of OzBargain meetups. We will approve the account manually. You can then RSVP for the event.

RSVP here

OK, this has been a long time coming. We are organizing the first official OzBargain meetup (2nd meetup after Quop's great job in Brisbane).

To stem the social awkwardness of talking to people offline, we are going to have the meetup at a place called Bumper Action Amusements in South Melbourne. They generally service and hire pinball machines & video games. Once a month, they open up their showroom for something called Pinball Faith. Sharking for Chips and Drinks has a great writeup about them. We will be hiring the venue just for OzBargainers.

Consider this Stage 1 for organizing this meetup. Firstly, we need to assess how many people will come. Then we will assess the logistics of booking people.

↓↓↓↓↓

➜ When: May 17 7PM-10PM

➜ Where: Bumper Action Amusements 562 City Road, South Melbourne - Minutes from the city, near tram lines.

➜ Who: The capacity of the venue is 60-80 people so to be on the safe side, let's say 60. $5 per person

➜ What else: In addition to having 3 hours of unlimited pinball and video games, we will also be providing food and non-alcoholic drinks. The venue doesn't care where we get the food from, so if you see some catering deals, let us know. Otherwise, most likely Dominos and whatever soda deal is on for the week. (By May, supermarkets will be giving away Pepsi Next)

↑↑↑↑↑

Issues to sort out:

Quop as well as some other groups that have done meetups, have flagged some issues. I'll go over some of them now.

  • No-show/Cancellations

There were a few no-shows at the Brisbane meetup. Some contacted Quop at the last minute and some didn't bother. Research from the Internet shows more than half of the attendees won't show if it's free. If we do charge up front that % drops to around 10-30%.

But that's for normal topic/company related meetups and no free video games/food. We aren't normal (in a good way). We are here to save money. So the initial plan is to charge everyone a $15 deposit to secure your spot.
If you are one of the first 40 booked AND you attend, you will be refunded your $15 deposit.
If you are the 41st-60th person booked AND you attend, we will pass on the money to the venue.

We are happy to refund your deposit if you give us enough time before the event. We really want to get as many members in for free. No shows just screw up everything.

  • Who's invited?

All members. This is all dependent on interest expressed on this thread. This is an OzBargain member meetup for OzBargain members. While of course we would like to extend this to friends and family, members get the first priority. (Don't just get your family/friends/partner to sign up for an account! ;) )

So what's next? Vote in the poll, leave a comment, add suggestions, preference of date, or any questions. Once we know rough numbers, settle on a date and figure out logistics, we will open up a new thread where you can secure your spot. If there is anyone who is in event management or would like to help me out, then let me know. I'll shout you a couple of whatevers.

Poll: Will you attend the Melbourne OzBargain meetup in May?

Poll Options

  • 66
    Yes, preferably Friday Night in May.
  • 26
    Yes, preferable Saturday Night in May.
  • 4
    Yes, some other date.
  • 20
    No.
  • 45
    Candy.
Site Discussion

Comments

  • tonester on 20/03/2013 - 09:52
    +3

    could we have a practice run this weekend at westfield doncaster? :)
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/97141

  • firedragon on 20/03/2013 - 12:50
    +7

    When will there be a Sydney meetup? :(

    • quop on 20/03/2013 - 13:49
      +8

      When people stop (just) asking the question and start (actually) doing something about it? :)

      • Gav on 22/03/2013 - 19:43
        +3

        Gen f'n Y shakes head

        • neil on 22/03/2013 - 21:54
          +4

          Last I heard Scott was looking at a place in Sydney.

  • Tal_Shiar on 22/03/2013 - 06:28
    +2

    i wonder if anyone has met someone at a meet up that they somehow rubbed up the wrong way in a thread lol…awkward!

    • neil on 22/03/2013 - 17:58
      +4

      I'll be bringing my body guard with me. ;)

      • [Deactivated] on 24/03/2013 - 22:34

        Poor body guard.

    • Skinnerr on 28/03/2013 - 19:50
      +10

      JV better show up, we're gonna have a little chat ;)

  • Gav on 22/03/2013 - 19:40

    I applaud the idea, and hope to attend - I LOVE pinball! If I could offer some advice I would recommend capping the event at 40 paid people or bargaining with Bumper Action to make it 60 people included in the fixed cost (this is OzBargain afterall … perhaps let them sell the soda and keep the profit?). I recommend this because people will be certain whether they are paying or not - otherwise you risk people not attending (OzBargainers are, by their nature, tight wads… I say that in the nicest possible way! Maybe.).

    PS - Given some of my comments I might need a bodyguard too. Group deal?! :)

    • neil on 22/03/2013 - 21:46

      Not sure if I explained it correctly but if you pay the deposit and we respond that you are within the first 40 people, then you definitely won't pay anything IF you attend (deposit refunded). There should be no changes unless you are close to that 41 spot. Even then, it will all be done electronically, the next day. No handling of cash on the night.

      perhaps let them sell the soda and keep the profit?)

      They don't seem to have in house food and drink services. They were happy with getting caterers or getting pizza delivered.

  • MagicTsukai on 25/03/2013 - 01:00
    -4

    can i withdrawal if im not the first 40 people?

    • neil on 25/03/2013 - 01:05

      I think if you give us enough time, say for example 24 hours, then we will refund your deposit. Still need to figure out the logistics of this. Don't want to make this overcomplicated.

      You will know ahead of time, before you pay the deposit if you are one of the first 40 people.

  • AmericanDad on 27/03/2013 - 12:06
    +1

    So… I think the $15 deposit then refund for the first 40 is fair to cope with the no show issue.

    Perhaps keep a spreadsheet of people according to the time they deposit the money so if one of the first 40 pull out the 41st can then get the spot for free ie a waiting list?

    Also lay down the terms as to how much notice you guys need if members can't show, and if it is possible to get a substitution ourselves instead of having the money forfeited, or if we can still get a refund if someone else can replace our spot. Not sure if this complicates the whole thing but what if emergencies pop up right before the event?

    Any ice breaking activities/games on the night? If I am not mistaken it's like an event to socialise but attending alone I am not sure if it ll get awkward for me lol.

    • neil on 27/03/2013 - 12:55

      Perhaps keep a spreadsheet of people according to the time they deposit the money so if one of the first 40 pull out the 41st can then get the spot for free ie a waiting list?

      Yeah, that's the plan.

      and if it is possible to get a substitution ourselves instead of having the money forfeited

      Yeah, substitution would be fine but the priority is getting members as the 40 and not just randoms who don't know about OzBargain. I'd rather refund the deposit of the under 40er and substitute with an over 40er member, rather than a straight substitution with a non-member friend/family/coworker. Probably a bit idealistic. Guess we won't know until it happens.

      Any ice breaking activities/games on the night?

      Well there are loads of pinball and video games, so there are things to do without interacting. There are games there that require more than 1 person to play so I suppose that's ice breaking.

      Other things: Name tags, a Raffle, t-shirts, Google Hangout (Get Scott to connect, any other members) if we can get a steady Internet connection, play the OzBargain videos people made. I can imagine prying people away in the middle of playing a video game is going to be a tough ask. :) Happy for any ideas.

      • AmericanDad on 27/03/2013 - 14:46

        Yea but seems a little odd to turn up to a social event and not interact lol. Not sure if the games will turn people away from interacting or otherwise.

        • tonester on 27/03/2013 - 16:50
          +1

          headphones off helps :)

  • pana on 27/03/2013 - 12:21

    Ozbargain should make it simple for everyone by either making everyone pay or everyone free(60 max). This 40/20 thing just creates hassle.

    • neil on 27/03/2013 - 12:52

      I agree but…

      If it's free to everyone, we get 60 people to commit, and then only 30 show up, it's a waste. Members lose out on attending.

      If it's paid for everyone. That's simple. But would 40 people pay?

      So yes it's a hassle but it should only be a hassle on OzBargain's side. Happy to entertain other ideas.

      • pana on 27/03/2013 - 15:15

        Ok I have a simple idea.

        Like all other sales on this site first in best dressed.

        First 40 people to show up on the night get in free.

        Forget making door lists etc.

        Reward people willing to arrive 6pm sharp.

        If more than 40 show up have a line up first 40 are free.

        • neil on 27/03/2013 - 15:49
          +5

          The idea has its merits but

          • How can we make sure these are 40 OzBargain members and not say a big group of friends/co workers?

          • What if there are 100 people waiting outside?

          • How can we cater in regards to food and drinks if we don't know how many people will turn up?

        • pana on 27/03/2013 - 16:44

          Make the party an event(ie that people will talk about and want to go to the next one)

          All great parties are hard to get into.

          If 100 people rock up and cant get in that great next time you have a party 500 people will go and everyone will love it

          Carter for max numbers of 60

        • neil on 29/03/2013 - 00:55

          Van Wilder, is that you?

        • pana on 29/03/2013 - 11:57
          -7

          Yes champ and you desperately need advice that why you started this post.

  • bargain_knight on 27/03/2013 - 15:27
    +2

    Neil- I think your idea is a good one and minimizes waste- something I am all for. I found it clear and easy to understand. There will always be no shows and pull outs and that is frustrating for all.

    Having organised a wedding, I actually assumed 3 guests out of my 90 guests would pull out. In the end it was easier to add people, which we had to do when one of my wife's uncles turned up without RSVPing.

    The moral of that haphazard story: also be prepared for people who turn up without responding!

  • Wickzki49 on 27/03/2013 - 16:39

    Would love to go dependent on the date (football and rugby commitments).

    • neil on 27/03/2013 - 16:50
      +1

      It seems Friday is leading in the votes. Friday makes sense for those who work in the city as its very close by. That leaves the 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st.

      May 17th AFL is being played in WA.
      May 31st AFL is being played in Brisbane.
      Other Fridays in May will have Melbourne based games.

      NRL doesn't have any Friday night Melbourne games.

      So in that respect, that narrows the days to the 17th and 31st.

      • Ashlea on 10/04/2013 - 07:53

        I like narrowing it down this way.

  • fieldafar on 27/03/2013 - 17:58

    I chose Saturday as I usually work on Friday nights. Looks like I'll just write in that I will be 'unavailable' on the chosen date.

  • MagicTsukai on 27/03/2013 - 21:44

    pls not 11th May,
    it's my bday x]

  • Fuzor on 27/03/2013 - 21:51

    Just have it everybody pays a bit to it to make it cheaper.

    • bargain_knight on 28/03/2013 - 11:38

      That doesn't work as you will end up subsidising those who do not turn up. Neil's suggestion works as it would require more than 20 people not to turn up before we incurred wastage for no shows. And in this case the no shows are paying by not getting their deposit back.

  • danielh on 27/03/2013 - 22:32
    +1

    Well I'm up for it. I used to go there many years ago. Was a lot of fun and was very tempted to buy my absolute favourite Pinball machine, Guns n Roses there. Cost about $4000 back then. Not sure now.

    Well anyway, I'll be happy to catch up with the rest of you but if there is a GnR pinny still there, please be prepared to talk to my back. :-)

    Daniel

    PS: My second fav pinny is Indiana Jones and then Lethal Weapon.
    PPS: The new Star Wars Pinball game is awesome!

    • berger on 01/04/2013 - 09:48

      Guns and roses is around $7000 now.

      • danielh on 01/04/2013 - 15:20

        Damn, least it is still around. I'd love to see an ios version of it made but I doubt it would ever happen. GnR can't even get their music catalog into gear to sell even Rock Band versions of their classics.

  • Gecko on 28/03/2013 - 09:21

    Damn, I'm in town on the last weekend of April and would've loved to go!

    • danielh on 28/03/2013 - 09:26

      I'm assuming you will not be in Melbourne in May.

  • Timding on 28/03/2013 - 09:59

    This sounds like an absolutely awesome idea. Props to the organizers and happy to help out here and there although have no specific experience in the area.

  • mickey on 28/03/2013 - 14:09
    +5

    Is jv going? I think you'll get more numbers if he shows up

    • machej on 29/03/2013 - 00:42
      +2

      JV will say it's a bad deal unless OB pays him per hour he goes.

      • neil on 29/03/2013 - 00:54
        +3

        We don't have the budget for 2 bodyguards.

  • chansthename on 28/03/2013 - 15:04

    Would love to go, can't make it to Melbourne at that time :(

  • m0nkeycheese on 28/03/2013 - 16:46

    Sweet, Sweet Candy!

    • neil on 29/03/2013 - 00:58
      +2

      I should have mentioned in the voting, if you vote Candy, meaning another answer not listed, you probably should comment on what that is.

      /Wonders if people thought we were actually giving away candy

      • m0nkeycheese on 29/03/2013 - 19:40
        +3

        I still want candy :(

  • freemoneyhunter on 31/03/2013 - 15:25

    u should organise free homebrew for people.

  • firebladepat on 31/03/2013 - 18:56

    sounds great.. can't wait to attend!!hopefully

  • berger on 01/04/2013 - 09:47

    I'm keen. Arcade machines rock.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/04/2013 - 21:43

    would love to go i love pinball and i love ozbargain

  • huntress_love on 03/04/2013 - 12:31
    +1

    Not sure if I can make it, but thought I'd throw in the idea.

    Everyone bring your entertainment books so we can do a big swap!!!

    • neil on 03/04/2013 - 12:35

      Ha good idea. I was thinking the same thing. Unfortunately, they all expire June 1.

      • berger on 03/04/2013 - 15:45

        new books will be out soon?

  • Medrad on 03/04/2013 - 13:08

    I'm hoping this will be the 2nd weekend in May… annual leave from work makes this so much more exciting! More OzBargain time and MORE PINBALL!!!!

  • NGPriest on 04/04/2013 - 00:05

    I'm more interested in how neil made the vote thingy? :S

    • neil on 04/04/2013 - 00:13

      Anyone can make a poll. It's at the bottom of the page when you create a thread.

      Help: Poll

      • NGPriest on 04/04/2013 - 01:37

        Okays, so, i can't make it on deal pages thingy? :S

  • neil on 04/04/2013 - 14:05

    Just to give an update. Friday night seemed to win by a huge margin (57 to 22). As the only preference we've heard is to avoid NRL/AFL occurring in Melbourne, we've settled on May 17. I've also pushed the start time from 6PM to 7PM so that people who finish work a little later don't have to battle crowded trams to make it by 6.

    Still pondering the logistics of how to RSVP.

    • Medrad on 05/04/2013 - 11:58
      +1

      Possibly make PayPal account, add Ozbargain username to payment, get numbers.

      This way you get time and date stamps attached to a simple to read format, count down 40 spots, there's your free entrants. How you link this to an attending list (door list) on here is not my forte…

    • danielh on 08/04/2013 - 21:34

      Ahh bugga, the ONE friday I can't make it. Well I hope you guys have a lot of fun!

      Regards
      Daniel

  • The Gent on 06/04/2013 - 00:52
    -4

    I don't live in Melbourne.

  • zan5hin on 06/04/2013 - 13:20

    I will definitely be coming along. Haven't touched a real pinball machine in a while. Might I suggest we limit the event to 18+ and what is the deal on BYO alcohol? Also, maybe have some tentative plans for an after party with the choice of shooting pool at golden triangle off Chapel St South Yarra, or one I recently visited in the city called iCue which is near QV and has fantastic tables. I think it was $13 an hour: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ICUE-Billiards-Melbourne/1287…

    "ICUE Billiards is offering Birthday, School, Office Group Events Packages! Private message us to get this EARLY BIRD promotion!"

    For true ozbargainers, we can work out a rideshare system for those without transport to get to the pool hall.

    • Scrubman001 on 06/04/2013 - 22:41
      +3

      Whats wrong with people under 18 coming ? you scared of us or something ?

  • PenKnight on 10/04/2013 - 00:34

    Sounds like fun. May bring the candy :)

  • Ashlea on 10/04/2013 - 08:01

    How exciting :)

  • easternculture on 10/04/2013 - 11:51

    We aren't normal (in a good way).

    Straight up Neil, we aren't normal ..
    we are not Hardly Normal … We are the Professionals

  • neil on 13/04/2013 - 13:32

    We're all set up for May 17.

    We've opened it up to the power users first, so power users check your power user forum. We'll open up the link for everyone else shortly.

    Instead of the $15 then refund complicated way, we've decided for a simple $5 for everyone. It's a small enough fee but more than nothing to ensure people will turn up.

    • Medrad on 17/04/2013 - 08:06
      +1

      Oh…. I wanna be a Power User!!!

      When will the link be open for everyone else?

      • yacman on 18/04/2013 - 15:23

        I am keen for this! as I can not find if there has been a link set up for us non-power users I ask if there is one can it please be provided?

        If not I am officially stating here my intention to attend :)

        • neil on 18/04/2013 - 16:30

          I was hoping some power users or mods would test out the Meetup system.

          As of 18/4, I am the only one attending (out of 60 spots). :(

          • You need to be an OzBargain member.
          • We will be approving non new members (more than say a day old) first depending on interest.

          You need to sign up as a member of OzBargain meetups. We will approve the account manually. You can then RSVP for the event.

          RSVP here

  • berger on 18/04/2013 - 19:27

    Cool, I'll work out if I'm going this weekend. Ill Talk to my mate on ozb if he's keen so I'm not completely alone.

  • inasero on 20/04/2013 - 22:33

    hai guys cool story
    i'll be there
    be good to put names to faces

  • Medrad on 23/04/2013 - 14:37

    AWESOME! I'm in!

    It'll be on… like DONKEY KONG! (pun would be funnier if they had a Donkey Kong machine).

  • Medrad on 26/04/2013 - 08:26
    +1

    Come on people from Melbourne (and interstaters, find some OzBargain worthy flights!), get on this one and sign up! Cheapest pinnies around!

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