Summary:
Allow me to express my reservations: Bemidji, Minnesota appears rather unsuitable to host a Unicon. It is exceedingly remote, diminutive in size, lacks renown as a tourist destination, and is devoid of proximity to other attractions. Additionally, it proves costly and bereft of public transportation.
How and why was this locale selected? The website mentions consideration of various locations in the USA. What were the alternatives? Is there a procedure for proposing, voting on, or suggesting venues?
Extended Critique:
Upon reflection, it appears that the last Unicon held in such a remote location was in 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand? Prior to that, there was Bottrop, Germany in 1998 – albeit merely an hour by train from a sizable city.
It appears the event is to take place at a university. While the website suggests most facilities are nearby, the main Sanford Center is 5 km from the dormitories. Dormitory accommodation begins at 420 Euros. One might assume university lodgings are chosen to minimize costs, offering modest, economical options with flexibility, rather than mandatory 14-night stays.
The registration fee appears exorbitant. Nearly 400 Euros plus IUF registration, totaling close to 500 Euros. What does this fee cover? Insurance, emergency services – but are these expenses truly warranted? Previous Unicons seemed considerably less costly.
There is no regular public transportation to Bemidji. The nearest major city is a four-hour drive away. This appears to be a significant oversight. While the USA may not boast extensive public transit, surely there are smaller towns accessible by transit or closer than a 4-hour drive.
Bemidji has a population of 15,000. Previous Unicons have been held in larger cities (Montreal, Ansan) or smaller towns with tourism appeal (Donostia, Brixen). Bemidji falls short on both counts – neither near a major city nor recognized as a tourist destination.
Only 140 Americans are registered, with 25% from the state of Minnesota. There are more Germans registered than Americans?
Recent Unicons have been situated in either major cities or smaller, tourist-friendly locales with ample transportation options:
- Grenoble: Accessible public transport from Paris and Switzerland; situated in Europe.
- Ansan: One hour from South Korea’s largest city, Seoul.
- Donostia: An hour from Bilbao, a 5-hour bus ride from Barcelona.
- Montreal: A major city with proximity to Europe.
- Brixen: Regular daily 3-hour bus rides from Munich, boasting a major airport; 5 hours from Venice.
- Wellington: Remote, akin to Bemidji, perhaps the most challenging to access recently.
Comparing further back may not be entirely equitable due to differences in social media, rideshare apps, accommodations, and transportation options. In short, I merely aim to articulate and share the reservations shared by myself and many peers. This is not an attack on anyone just attempt to understand.