Another Gathering is behind us. Sasnak City: The Gathering 2024 was the last one to take place in the World War I Museum. Let’s take a look back at what happened. What worked? What didn’t? Here’s our review.
There is no doubt that The Gathering 2024 was an emotional one. The World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri has been the home of the convention from the start. It all started with the first Gathering, and Gina Phipps-Hubbell, the mind behind the event, has grown that throughout the years. There are many more events to come, but they will be in a new location, to be shared at a later date.
The focus was on saying goodbye to the venue. It’s not a goodbye to everyone else, though.
Dedications to Sasnak Sisters past
The Gathering 2024 did spend some time remembering some of the Sasnak Sisters who have passed away. One of those was our own Mary T. Walker, who is still very much fondly remembered—and it's because of Sasnak City and Mary applied to be a writer! An Angel Donation recipient became the first to receive the Mary Walker Memorial package, which was an upgrade to her badge and a new swag bag. This was brought out by John Bell, making it for an extra special moment.
One thing about the Sasnak City conventions is that the attendees end up becoming a family. The events being so small gives people a chance to meet others. We get to chat not just about Outlander but about everything. Sasnak City is often referred to as a Sisterhood and a Brotherhood, because that’s exactly what it is.
A packed schedule that mostly worked out perfectly
Friday and Sunday’s schedules went well. Everything remained on time, and people got a chance to chat and shop the vendors.
It was Saturday where there was an issue. Some of this was due to starting some photos late, but the attendees were also partly to blame. Sasnak City attempts to keep everyone informed through a big screen in the reception room and by team members dotted around the venue to answer questions.
It is so important for attendees to listen. I noticed a couple of times during the event that people missed things or were late because they didn’t listen to their name being called. Meet & Greets can’t be made up, so those have to be a high priority item when it comes to listening to instructions. The team members will do everything they can to get people through the photo lines quickly and there is always time to make up the photos and autographs if they’re missed, especially due to a Meet & Greet. So, following instructions is a must.
The Gathering 2024 was on the more packed side than normal. There were 10 cast members in attendance, which ended up leading to more events going on. Due to changes at the World War I Museum, the photos were also done in a different location, which meant a little further to walk and some extra planning for those who needed the elevator.
The elevator use was something that Sasnak City had to figure out at the time, due to the World War I Museum restrictions. As the team members realized a problem, they went to work on finding a solution. But again, it just meant attendees needed to listen. I get that people are excited and want to chat with their friends, but when the team members take to the mic, quietening down so everyone can hear—and so you can hear yourself!—is essential.
Overall, it was another successful, although bittersweet, event. Each year has grown as the team members learn from mistakes of the past and figure out ways to solve a situation. The new venue will make things interesting in 2025, but if any team can handle those challenges, it’s the Sasnak City team.
Stay tuned for the latest updates about Sasnak City and more Outlander conventions with Claire and Jamie.