Session Toronto 2014 - Jun 13/14

[aofe]

Here's some more info on the beer:

http://www.canadianbeernews.com/2014/03 ... tive-beer/

[JProulx]

Here's some more info on the beer:

http://www.canadianbeernews.com/2014/03 ... tive-beer/

Thanks!

[Griffin Gastropub]

I just find it ridiculous that they are creating two tiers of festival goers.

This arose out of requests from festival goers. Some wanted nicer bathrooms, an area they could retreat to for seating, a private entrance, and were willing to pay for it.

The Collaboration Nation beers will be served in the VENDOR area of the festival, where all patrons are treated equally.

[Griffin Gastropub]

So much for the multi-year deal I heard they signed at Wychwood. Wonder what happened...

there's not going to be a ton of room in there. And no relief from the sunshine if it's a hot June.

As we explained last year, Wychwood had preferred suppliers that we were required to deal with, who didn't do their jobs up to standard (sound, toilets, security). Moving forward using their suppliers was a non-starter for us.

We have been wanting to get to Y&D Square since we launched the festival, and an opportunity finally presented itself. We had to switch weekends, but now get to take craft beer to the heart of Toronto.

Capacity of Y&D Square is approx half of Wychwood, which is why we've moved to 2 days.

[liamt07]

Some wanted nicer bathrooms, an area they could retreat to for seating, a private entrance, and were willing to pay for it.

Things ALL WELL-RUN beer festivals should have:
- Easy access to bathrooms, for ALL patrons (waiting more than 5-10 minutes is inexcusable)
- Easy access to water (rinse stations and for consumption to prevent dehydration)
- SPACE (last year explains itself, and I don't foresee this year being any more "spacious")

Without addressing these three CRITICAL parameters FIRST AND FOREMOST, a festival WILL NOT be received positively by a better part of the attendees.

where all patrons are treated equally.

Establishing a dichotomy (the "haves" vs. the "have-nots") in the population attending the festival is sure to backfire. One of the several reasons I refuse to buy a ticket this year.

[Cadbury102]

I attended Griffin Session last night with my wife - this was our second consecutive year. I was a bit hesitant to buy tickets this year, as I thought the change of venue, plus the slight increase in cost (we bought general tickets) and the 'two-tiered' system may make the event less enjoyable.

I must say that this year turned out more enjoyable than last year. Not only did it seem like there was perceptibly more space, but the lineups were minimal on all accounts - entry, beer - and nearly non-existent for the bathrooms. It did not feel like I was at Yonge and Dundas. I was actually surprised at this, but it had a very similar feel to Wychwood.

The breweries all did a fantastic job, and all the beers I tried were quite good, with a few being quite exceptional - Niagara College's Bitter, and Sidelaunch's Tripel in particular. The food trucks were great too. I did miss Hogtown, however.

Also, Sam Roberts poured my wife and me a beer, and he was even kind enough to chat with me for a few minutes despite being very busy.

Overall, it was a great event. I would definitely go back next year without reservation should it be held at Y&D again.

[bufordsbest]

i attended yesterday as well and had a blast. it was my first beer festival and after reading some of the posts in this thread i was uncertain of how fun it would be.

it was not overly crowded, the lineups for washrooms were non-existent and i never waited for a beer more than a minute or two. (many times walking right up) the only lines that were noticeable were for the food trucks but even those didn't seem too bad.

i loved the venue, came in on the go-train and it was an easy walk.

would definitely go back again next year.

tg