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Hyatt Regency Crystal City
2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Arlington, VA 22202
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January 15, 2021: Year 12; Edition 2
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A FEW WORDS FROM THE NOVA OPEN EXECUTIVE BOARD
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Hi, All ~
At this time of year, we are normally busy rolling out our schedule in preparation for a traditional MARCH 1 Registration. That date has been pushed back to MAY 1, 2021. We learned in 2020 that it does not benefit NOVA Open to start registration ahead of a pandemic, and we are proceeding with caution in the midst of that same issue. Having said all that, we continue to be optimistic that, if any event goes forward, the one scheduled for September is well positioned. Therefore, fear not, the lights are still on and the planning for a robust NOVA H'Open 2021 is underway.
The results of the November Planning Survey provided good steerage. Results of the January Survey (summarized below) were more inspiring. Mark your calendars and plan to participate in the third and final survey on March 1 ~ strategically placed to analyze and incorporate YOUR SURVEY RESPONSES before registration. We are listening!
It is important for this community to understand that NOVA Open is in the business of providing a fun, safe, social environment for tabletop wargamers to play, vendors to sell, hobbyists to take classes, and friends to spend time together. We will do all we can to give attendees enough time to make personal decisions on whether to attend should the government issue orders or mandates which could make you feel uncomfortable.
In order to open registration on May 1, we are faced with making all decisions regarding this event no later than April 1. If there are no clear and compelling indicators of a safe NOVA Open on that day, we will inform the community and begin making plans for 2022. Under no circumstances will we risk the safety of NOVA Open attendees.
We are compelled to address any misunderstanding that may have led our attendees to believe the “temperature” surveys were meant to inform how NOVA Open handles the issue of safety. Several responders expressed a desire to have NOVA Open create and enforce certain mitigations. Equally, there are those who wish to see NOVA Open take no position. We are not the arbiters of safety. The state and local governments issue orders and mandates, the hotel is required to post and enforce those rules, and the NOVA Open will notify the community and expect all who attend to comply.
The most up-to-date information is always available in the newsletter, on the NOVA Open website, and across our social media outlets.
NOVA H'Open,
Executive Board
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THANKS FOR TAKING OUR SURVEYS:
As part of NOVA Open planning for 2021, we reached out to the community on November 1 with the first of three surveys. On January 1, “Round #2” was released. Both were available to the public for two weeks.
Special thanks to the 140 people who took time out of their busy lives to weigh in and help us out in November, and to the 300 who participated these past two weeks. Your responses and comments impact planning. The NOVA Open Executive Board reviewed the surveys and used them for guidance at their monthly meetings. Several projects have been initiated based, in part, on your input and feedback.
RESULTS:
The results of our November 1 survey were summarized in the November 15, 2020, newsletter [ LINK]. The results of our January 1 survey are summarized below.
DEMOGRAPHICS:
Participation doubled in January. The age demographic remained strong at 20-50. The percentage of previous attendees grew dramatically. With LVO and Adepticon already canceled, it was not surprising to see a significant rise in those who now plan to attend NOVA Open. Though survey participation grew, international responders all but disappeared and the greatest concentration of answers could be clearly identified as Midwest to East Coast.
We added “Vendors” as a category in the list of primary reasons for attending NOVA Open. GW events (1) and Social Activities (2) stayed atop the leader board. Vendors (3) edged above Seminars (4), NOCF (5), FFG (6), and Capital Palette (7). Corvus Belli (8) took a solid lead above Privateer Press (9) and Wyrd (10) events.
SENTIMENT
The weighted average in support of vaccine use grew, not surprising since release occurred between surveys. The comments on mitigation drew more questions than answers as responders expressed confusion over why masks and social distancing would be necessary if proof of vaccine were required. Similar comments also questioned whether proof of vaccine would prevent those with immunity and antibodies from attending – and HIPPA violations were also raised as a concern.
The survey results leaned more positive than negative this time around. A “Build it, they will come” tone seems to have overtaken the community, with less concern about pricing than playing.
We limited responses (for purposes of this summary only) to the ranking of NOVA Open Con Features by those who have attended one in the past. With twice the number of participants, the weighed average only went up for two features: Multi-Day Tournaments, and the Lemonade Raffle. It helps the NOVA Open planners to know which features can be cut in 2021 if this becomes necessary. After two surveys, here is the ranking (with weighted average in parentheses):
- Multi-Day Tournaments (7.43)
- Vendors (6.93)
- Capital Palette (5.17)
- Swag/Store (4.86)
- NOCF/Lounge (4.82)
- Prize Packages (4.8)
- NOCF/Raffles (4.6)
- Lemonade Raffle (4.6)
- Awards/Trophies/Certificates (4.3)
- Board Games (3.67)
- Hobby Haven (3.16)
- Final Awards Ceremony (2.68)
COMMENTS:
As is expected from this gracious community, the great majority of comments were laudatory, courteous, and thoughtful. Please know we have heard you.
NEXT TEMPERATURE CHECK MARCH 1:
We expect survey responses may change as we close the gap to September 2021. For this reason, we will circulate this survey to test the community temp one last time on March 1. As above, participation WILL impact planning. Please mark your calendars and plan to help us out with “Round #3.”
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The upside of not being bogged down in a March 1 registration is that we have had time to review our operations and programs. We have identified a few special opportunities for anyone who has a love of NOVA Open and the ability to volunteer 4-5 hours a week. Those positions are listed below.
If you are interested in helping, and have the time to volunteer, let us know. We'll be happy to find the perfect fit and welcome you to the team!
CONTACT: customerservice@novaopen.com.
Receiving & Inventory
NOVA Store Manager
Administrative Assistance
Social Media
Graphics
Hotel Liaison
Procurement
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Due to the uncertainty of future rules, regulations, mandates, and attendance restrictions, NOVA Open 2021 Registration has been pushed back to May 1. We hope that, with time, we will have enough up-to-date information by then to avoid the type of situation we found ourselves in during 2020.
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HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS & PORTAL
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We understand that people have already begun booking accommodations at the Hyatt in Crystal City. We are excited by everyone’s enthusiasm; however, this will affect your ability to receive the best nightly room rates available and could negatively impact our contract with the hotel.
We anticipate the Hyatt/NOVA Open booking portal will become available sometime in February 2021. At that time, we ask that you call the hotel and transfer your reservation to the NOVA Open portal.
We will keep you posted, so please stay tuned…
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We appreciate the many Customer Service inquiries we have received the past few months about the 2021 convention. This has been very encouraging to us. As of today, our plans for 2021 are still taking shape.
The next, and final, survey will be published on March 1, 2021. The information provided by you through these surveys is integral to the decisions we will be making in the coming months. Please mark your calendar and make the time to help us plan for next year.
Your important responses - along with our newly acquired crystal ball, and the valuable input of community psychics, a local clairvoyant, and not a few charlatans - we really expect to find a way through all this to the other side of NOVA Open 2021.
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A FEW WORDS FROM THE NOCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Though 2020 was challenging, the NOCF thrived - thanks to this incredible community!
The January 1 newsletter dedicated a large amount of space to NOCF allowing us to properly thank the many artists, celebrities, companies and people who led to raising and donating $158,000 in 2020. If interested, click the link below:
Turning our attention to 2021, we will be meeting in two weeks to begin planning for the year.
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If you are interested in volunteering for the NOVA Open CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, let us know. If you've wanted to help, but weren't sure how, scan the list below for ideas. Once we hear from you, we can talk more about these opportunities and find the right fit for you!
CONTACT: novacharities@gmail.com
Programs and Projects
Umbrella Program Liaison
Admin Assistance
Social Media
Business Development
Photo/Video
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NOCF and its beneficiaries are grateful for the amazing altruism of those in this community who recognize this mission by making cash donations.
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NOVA Open Charitable Foundation was formed as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2013 to organize the tabletop wargaming community in demonstrating the generosity of this compassionate force. In particular, the NOCF mission is focused on supporting charities dedicated to service and relief for veterans and their families, victims of war and disaster at home and abroad, patients of disease and medical research, as well as other non-profit organizations which fit the mission as determined by the Board of Directors. The NOCF is obligated to ensure, through tools like Charity Navigator, that charitable giving focuses on organizations which spend the vast majority of funds raised on direct support of their programs.
NOCF’s “Primary” Charities are outlined below. They have received focused and significant contributions from the wargamers and hobbyists since 2013:
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
*Donated 2013-2020: $181,875
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (DWB/MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization that provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, protect life and health, and to restore respect for human beings and their fundamental human rights. They provide medical care in emergencies, assisting the most vulnerable people in crisis due to conflict.
You can read more about DWB accomplishments, financials, and scores here:
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
*Donated 2013-2020: $124,584
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, works to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $700 million to support research at medical institutions across the globe conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research that will help lead to prevention and a cure.
BCRF seeks to make breast cancer no longer life-threatening and to eventually eradicate breast cancer altogether through funding innovative clinical and translational research. BCRF supports the broadest portfolio of cancer research possible, supporting the entire spectrum from every angle, from prevention through treatments to survivorship.
You can read more about BCRF accomplishments, financials, and scores here:
FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION
*Donated 2013-2020: $121,226
Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of 87 comfort homes where military and veterans' families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans' families an estimated $500 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation. Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near hospitals.
You can read more about FHF accomplishments, financials, and scores here:
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SHOPPING IN 2021 AT AMAZON?
Why Not Support NOCF While You're At It?!
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SMILE.AMAZON.COM
Do All Your 2021 Shopping Here!
If you have NOT signed on to support NOCF when you shop Amazon.com, consider doing it today. The holidays are upon us, with more and more shopping online, Amazon makes it easy to give back! Click on the image and become a regular contributor to the Gamer's Charity!
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NOVA OPEN VENDOR & SPONSOR LOGOS/LINKS
SCROLL DOWN - VISIT OUR PARTNERS TODAY
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Atlantis Games and Comics
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