[identity profile] irishbuddha.livejournal.com 2012-09-04 03:53 pm (UTC)(link)
The "line people" are normally volunteer Con Security but it can also be TechOps lending a hand or even Hotel Security. Normally the "1 hour before the panel" line rule is enforced. However, sometimes that is changed to 45 minutes (or earlier) at the request for Hotel Security or other non-volunteer staff.

I know it's annoying to have to wait for the "Line Is Forming" announcement. I know everyone wants to be first. There just can't be 1000 people standing in front of a ballroom causing a walkway to be frozen. When that happens, the Fire Marshall can simply walk up and close the room. Nobody wants their panel cancelled before it is even started. It is not perfect... but there is not much of a choice. Pre-forming an "unofficial line" is disastrous as well. Once the official line formed by the "line people", the pre-formed line gets upset because they were "in-line already". Fights/arguments begin and it escalates from there. I've seen panels were 3 unofficial lines have started because everyone wants to be first.

Could Big Ballrooms lines be allowed to form as soon as the previous panel has been loaded? At times, Yes and at times No. Will this concept the discussed for 2013 Con? Absolutely. Will the rules changed? Who knows... stay tuned.

As for Disability Services, I agree... MAJOR CHEERS for them. They did an outstanding job in all of Con. People are starting to use them more each year. I spoke to countless people this year who have issues that prevent them from standing in long times, walking long distances, having sight or hearing issues that did not use Disability Services this year who will be checking in with them next year.