I've always managed to sit at a table during Party for the Senses, but I do spend at least half my time standing up. While there are hardcore "seat savers", there are others who would have allowed others to have a seat if needed.
This was not our experience AT ALL.
We were herded into a pre-event waiting area and when the curtains parted, there was a stampede for the limited number of tables and chairs. These tables were guarded like a lioness guards her "kill".
There were 4 of us attending (John, Kathy, her daughter Katie and myself). We finally found a "stand up" bar table and scouted for chairs and / or barstools all evening. 90 minutes after the even began, we were offered a regular chair that we shared for the duration of the evening. When sitting in the chair, the table was at ear level and I'm 6'5". This is not a comfortable way to share food, wine or conversation.
As I watched the room, someone ALWAYS stayed at each and every table. People would either take turns or they would bring each other food samples.
Maybe we were there on a very crowded night, but thats not the feedback I've gotten. I have been told that the only way to do this is to arrive early and have everyone in your group dash in opposite directions when the curtain is parted. When one person snags a table big enough for everyone, call the others and let the other tables go.
I always tell people to wear comfortable shoes for PFTS because chances are, you will be standing a lot. These walkabout events are intended for most people to graze, not park themselves at tables.
That's the way this event is marketed, but again.....this was not our reality.
The venue was not overly crowded and we never waited in line more than a minute or two. We should have had the opportunity to sit at least once in a while. This was after all a three hour event.
The issue was that there were enough seats for approximately half of the attendees. in my opinion, there was virtually no reason not to have more tables WITH chairs. In my opinion, EVERY person attending the event should have the option of a seat at a table. Whether you choose to take advantage of that seat is entirely your choice....but you should have the choice.
And the idea of charging extra for the opportunity to sit at an already overpriced event smacks of the worst kind of price gouging.
I have to say that you will be able to ice skate in Hades before I would ever attend this even again, unless the policies change.
-running-
