I imagine the celebrations are suffering because of this new information being released. Hopefully, they will move them to a more appropriate date than his death date. Hopefully, they will celebrate the beginning of his life--June 7th. I understand the supposed justification for April 21st..Prince stating that he would celebrate his death because that's the day he was crossing over into the next plane. But I still think its time to switch it to a more cheerful date. After all, many of his wishes that were followed through were destructive to him while alive and many other wishes of his after his death were ignored. Maybe its time to stop making his cross-over something to celebrate.

purplerabbithole said:

I think if they try to run it aound the 21 April next year (Good Friday to Easter Monday), it would be a mistake. Flights will be at a premium.

They also need to give more notice. It sounds like there were a lot less international fans this year, and it didn't sell out. People need to plan and save.

SquirrelMeat said:

It didn't sell out this year like last. I was told there were 1500 between both tracks, compared to 2000 last year. It probably had something to do with them not announcing guests until late. It wasn't as chaotic this year with less people.

I say this only because I want the celebration to thrive, but they need to get a decent international event manager on board.

If its gone from 2000 to 1500 in a year, its at risk. They need to give much more notice, cater for a global fan base and improve the registration process.

Where is the reward scheme for returning members? Budget accomodation options? Downtown pick up bus routes? Schedule tie in's with Dakota, Bunkers, First Avenue and Capri? Local cinema screenings of movies?

This thing could be twice the size and success with proper event management.

SquirrelMeat said:

shoud be cheaper ...and use his footage to attract REAL fans..not all these associates

luvsexy4all said:

I've gone to the Tribute in 2016 and both Celebrations. I did VIP for all of these events. I have already decided that next year I will take a break from going to the celebration. For me to return and pay all that money, I need to know in advance what I am paying for. This year was a gamble because they had no line-up or even the Prince Live event announced when they gave the deadline to pay in full. I had planned in advance so I had my airfare, hotel, car already booked. I felt I was committed enough to move forward this year. Next year, I'll just pass. I don't care if it is Easter Weekend or June. I would go if, and only if, I knew in advance what the celebration would entail. It's sad, but I don't see how the celebration can continue much longer. The guest panel's will begin to dwindle. (After all, they are aging too and how often do they want to tell the same stories) This year, too many said they could not tell certain stories because 'their book' would be out soon and we need to buy the book to hear the stories. Everyone has a book coming out. Once the books are on the market, the stories will have been told. What will be left?

kiki5490 said:

I've gone to the Tribute in 2016 and both Celebrations. I did VIP for all of these events. I have already decided that next year I will take a break from going to the celebration. For me to return and pay all that money, I need to know in advance what I am paying for. This year was a gamble because they had no line-up or even the Prince Live event announced when they gave the deadline to pay in full. I had planned in advance so I had my airfare, hotel, car already booked. I felt I was committed enough to move forward this year. Next year, I'll just pass. I don't care if it is Easter Weekend or June. I would go if, and only if, I knew in advance what the celebration would entail. It's sad, but I don't see how the celebration can continue much longer. The guest panel's will begin to dwindle. (After all, they are aging too and how often do they want to tell the same stories) This year, too many said they could not tell certain stories because 'their book' would be out soon and we need to buy the book to hear the stories. Everyone has a book coming out. Once the books are on the market, the stories will have been told. What will be left?

I'm with ya, but if you go to the comic con / Sci Fi events, the actors repeat stories for 20 years and people come back!

What I think many will agree with is, only so much can change each year. They need a clear 10 year plan to keep it fresh.

Examples:

Make it every other year at PP.

In the gap year, take it on the road, holding an event in Europe/Japan/Aus etc.

Mimic the My Name is Prince exibition, but with events.
Make it a weekend only (2 or 3 nights), not mid week just because it fits the 21st April.
Theme years to tie in with the 30 anniversaries of key albums.

Have less guest speakers each year, but have a much wider Q&A with the audience.

Make the sale of hardcore vault material exclusive to the celebration, they have plenty.

Show the films.