After each event, we spend a lot of time gathering feedback via the forums, surveys and generally chatting to participants.

We don't just do this for show! We gather your comments so that we can continually improve our events for you!

There are still some final details to confirm for epic.FIVE yet, but we've tried to address some of your comments from the last event (particularly around the bar pricing) and we are now able to let you know what we'll be doing better. The list isn't exhaustive, we've just picked up on some of the key issues from last time.

Sometimes we can't fix everything though, or we already do something which works for the majority, if that's the case, we hope that you appreciate our honesty in telling you so. 

Read on to see how epic.FIVE will be even better than the last...

Bar Prices

We have re-negotiated the bar pricing with the venue and have received a substantial reduction. Bearing in mind since July there have been duty and VAT increases, the typical draught prices have been reduced by around 40p per pint (lager now at £2.90) and some of the bottles reduced by around 50p (e.g. Bulmers at £3.50). We feel these prices are now very good value for an event, as you can't really compare a temporary event bar to those of supermarkets and pubs.

Music Playlist

We continue to experiment with the playlist to try to find a balance of appropriate music for the event. We can't cater to everybody's taste and in general we try to pick music which blends as a background, hence why you're unlikely to ever hear any hardcore death metal at the events. However, we will be trying to put in a request delay of around 6 hours into the playlist so that the same track cannot be requested within that period We'll be running at least 5 live DJ sets at the event to give more variety, with 2 new DJs to be confirmed soon!

Steam Authentication / Network Speed

We have made some improvements and investment here as well as a possible solution to deal with Steam authentication vs. downloads. Murray-Mint is going to make a detailed post on network improvements soon.

More Cohesion Between Sites

Single sign on and cross-login have now been implemented for the majority of our public facing sites.

Catering Prices

The majority of people felt that these were about right for temporary event catering, and certainly cheaper than other major events/venues. We're waiting to hear back from the caterers on additional food servings during the day and evening depending on how much business they feel they can do. We'll update when we know more.

Night Music

In general an alternative late playlist is used with a more ambient style. We'll try to vet as much as possible, but sometimes occasional tracks do creep in as we cannot listen to every track in advance.

Shower Mix Taps

We have passed this comment on to the suppliers and are awaiting a reply.

Sleeping Room Space/Noise

There isn't really much we can do here for a communal sleeping room. We'll make sure we have more earplugs on sale but if you want absolute peace and quiet we always recommend either camping or an off-site room. We are monitoring the event numbers and if necessary we can add another sleeping room in the centre-course area, however we do permit sleeping in the main halls as well providing you do not block the escape routes.

Cooling

Won't be a problem in February, but it is the nature of a summer LAN event. We can't do much about the temperatures without serious investment in cooling equipment, however we will monitor the weather for other July events and look at hiring additional fans. LAN shorts are always recommended, but it is pretty much impossible to air condition an event like this.

Music Volume Levels

Will continue to be in the same region as previously, but we now provide an alternative hall without music.

Rubbish / Toilet Poor Aim etc.

We tidy up on a regular basis and we have arranged for cleaners to come in twice a day. I think it's fair to say that the participants have some responsibility here though. We provide small bin bags on the desks and bins at the end of most rows, so please do help us by clearing your own rubbish. We will try harder to keep on top of emptying the main bins though, but if you see one overflowing, just come and tell us and we'll get it sorted.

And yes, please learn to aim, or get an aimbot or something.

Game Modes/Big Game Variety etc.

There is currently a post on the forums asking for all of your input into the big game programme, please use this opportunity to help decide what sort of games we'll organise. If we don't know, we can't change it.

Security not checking PCs

We do not take responsibility for your equipment at the event. The only way security could have checked PCs is by some sort of sticker system which is by no means foolproof or by asking for proof of purchase of an item. Participants need to take all sensible precautions to protect their kit.

Pub Quiz Team Cap

Again, we are monitoring the event numbers to decide on whether a slight increase on the pub quiz team cap would be appropriate.