Moderators Popular Post AY Mod Posted June 20, 2020 Moderators Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2020 [First Survey now closed] August 2020 Survey - now closed In various topics there are plenty of comments across the spectrum on how individuals feel about attending shows and when. For the benefit of show organisers and for the wider visiting attendees I thought it may be worth putting something more substantive behind this and have created a simple anonymous survey which may help give a barometer of how people feel at present. No personal data is captured. It is possible to see the overall results after participating but when there's a meaningful number of responses I'll look at filtering the data to see how different groups feel about the future. It should be assumed at the time of participation that any event complies with local or national legislation or guidance on protective measures and that there is no local or national restriction on events at that time. It's about how individuals feel. Results link to June 2020 survey - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKgl1zgLRmxL3Bk0e58Jr8ER8AGZYkkf0hoc1itkvPCuzDUw/viewanalytics Results link to Aug 2020 survey - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejWSj791pcW7f-FblfgyCqLfXGAJQ4b22UBtbSW_AL-6zA9w/viewanalytics 44 7 4 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium dhjgreen Posted June 20, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 20, 2020 Andy, is there a way to view the current summary without completing the survey again? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators AY Mod Posted June 20, 2020 Author Moderators Share Posted June 20, 2020 9 minutes ago, dhjgreen said: Andy, is there a way to view the current summary without completing the survey again? Sure - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKgl1zgLRmxL3Bk0e58Jr8ER8AGZYkkf0hoc1itkvPCuzDUw/viewanalytics Now added to OP. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators AY Mod Posted June 22, 2020 Author Moderators Share Posted June 22, 2020 1 minute ago, melmerby said: Why has the survey stopped? Surely one day would not get many responses? I stopped it as as there is sufficient data (540+ responses) to identify the trends and I am currently filtering data to look at the differences between groups. I have been observing submissions and it had reached the point where it was making negligible differences to the proportions. So, yes, there are enough responses. This captures the position as it is now before any changes to distancing etc which may occur this week. It can be run again at a future point if there looks to be significant changes one way or the other. 11 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Popular Post AY Mod Posted June 22, 2020 Author Moderators Popular Post Share Posted June 22, 2020 The final results can be viewed here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKgl1zgLRmxL3Bk0e58Jr8ER8AGZYkkf0hoc1itkvPCuzDUw/viewanalytics Thank you to all who participated and I wasn't expecting as many responses so quickly so your input is appreciated. As there was little change in trends and norms I felt it had reached a point where some meaningful conclusions could be drawn. Obviously, as it was not a compulsory survey, the results cannot be considered to be accurate for the whole of RMweb nor the whole hobby. Obviously, too, the results cannot capture the opinions of more casual or non-hobby visitors (which are crucial to town shows) so that remains unknown. There should be enough data here to be of use to exhibition managers about how the core market generally feels at present. How they feel in a month or two may be different dependent on virus incidence and any legislative impositions. It would be interesting to hear the perspective of any exhibition managers once they have looked at the data. There is little unexpected in terms of the age demographic but it reinforces that 69.1% of the sample are over-50 (vaccine priority) whilst 39.6% are over-60 (higher risk). The current views of respondents is probably the most relevant chart in the survey. I have looked at the difference in perspective between those who said they were visitors, those exhibiting and those who are traders (although this is not a big enough sample). Visitors Exhibitors Traders There aren't huge differences between the perspectives of visitors and exhibitors (many respondents were both) but if the trade responses are indicative there may be greater reluctance due to the nature of contact. At present it looks like around two-thirds would be reluctant to attend until there is an improvement in the situation including case levels and preventative medicine. The other big question is "When?". It is better to look at this as a cumulative position against time; only individual exhibition managers will know where their break-even attendances are but this gives an idea when that may occur for them. The viability of shows will depend on the number of visitors of course but there needs to be a draw in terms of exhibits and trade so I looked at the relative position of visitors, exhibitors and trade on when they feel they would return. Visitors Exhibitors Trade Again there is little significant difference between visitors and exhibitors but, again, if the trade figures are indicative then their perspective is later, rather than sooner which may be considered counter-intuitive. If the data does translate into real actions the indication is shows, in general, may not be viable until after the winter in terms of attendance. However, I feel there could be opportunities for some events to be viable later in the year if they can work with any restrictions whilst providing peace of mind to visitors and exhibitors. However, considering the responses to this question... ... therefore, as visitors may be more selective about which shows they go to (the 30+% in red) the show would need to be give clarity on their facilities and ensure the content is sufficiently appealing to give viable numbers. At present the picture's not pretty but let's hope that cases reduce, treatments become available and confidence returns. It will be interesting to see if there's a change in perspectives in 2-3 months. 4 11 18 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators AY Mod Posted June 22, 2020 Author Moderators Share Posted June 22, 2020 45 minutes ago, john new said: From time to time I attend in either one of two of the categories depending on where the show is. (Society trade stand & visitor) That particular question allowed multiple answers, some respondents were all three. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagrizz Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 Andy, Can I ask that results are presented slightly differently in future. I'm partially colour blind and those coloured pie charts are difficult to interpret as I'm not sure which colour I'm looking at. If the figures could also be tabulated at one side of the chart then I'm quite happy looking at the numbers. Thanks Graham 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators AY Mod Posted June 24, 2020 Author Moderators Share Posted June 24, 2020 It's standard Google forms output. To show tables I'd have to re-enter all the totals. I hadn't got that amount of time available, sorry. From the results link you can click on the pie slices to see the figures. 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Barry O Posted June 24, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 24, 2020 A thread for everyone to share questions and ideas on Exhibitions now an din the future https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/155948-exhibitions-a-place-to-add-your-ideas-on-the-current-situation/ Baz Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators AY Mod Posted August 5, 2020 Author Moderators Share Posted August 5, 2020 It's 6+ weeks since the first survey ran and several things have changed since with relaxation of rules on travel and access to locations but little has changed with regard to incidence levels and risks but I felt it would be useful to detect if any changes have happened in how people feel about when they would be comfortable attending an indoor model railway event. Aug 2020 survey now closed. Results link to Aug 2020 survey No personal data is recorded in the surveys. 7 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators AY Mod Posted August 5, 2020 Author Moderators Share Posted August 5, 2020 Initial results comparing the data show consistencies in the sample cross-section and responses. The responses to the final question indicate that the point at which attendees are likely to feel comfortable in returning seems to be remaining at a static duration into the future or even extending. Increasing confidence would have manifest itself in that point being closer in time from the point of survey. I understand this is a self-selecting sample and cannot represent more casual attendees but there doesn't seem to be any other data out there. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted August 5, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 5, 2020 There’s no way to question the general public so a cross section of enthusiasts is the only gauge on it we can get. It’s likely though they will give a fair indication that is enough to indicate to a show organiser if there’s general confidence or not and it’s up to them from there plus what they see in the local area. I still think it’s useful as we have a fair cross section on here of those that attend shows 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
APOLLO Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 Uncertainty of the virus going forward is my main personal concern, especially with second wave / hot spot problems etc being reported daily. Wigan being in Greater Manchester has seen restrictions applied last Thursday night - how long this will go on for locally is anyone's guess at the moment. I would only feel confident of exhibition attendance (and many other places etc also) when / if a vaccine is produced, administered nationwide and proved effective - perhaps soon, long time away or never - who knows ? It's a matter of wait and see - and perhaps it will be a very long wait. I thought this pandemic would be over in a couple of months - how wrong I was. Brit15 11 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shanghai Diver Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 Whilst covering multiple markets, the UK is here. Toluna have been doing a 'barometer' for a few weeks now with updates. Covers multiple topics, but if you want / are interested in a general pop comparison of opinions on social gatherings, etc. then this is a good place to start. https://tolunacorporate.com/client-resources/insights-and-trends/ YouGov also have an equivalent but not as comprehensive. Both will work well along side a good sample of enthusiasts on the RM version. You'll need to download the PDF, probably supply your e mail but you can opt out of updates etc. BT 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Chris116 Posted August 5, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 5, 2020 (edited) I normally visit three or four exhibitions a year but there is no way I would go to one at present. I am also a volunteer guard on the Mid Hants who would love to be part of the running days they are now having but again I do not feel happy at the idea of being in a crowd where much of the time is spent inside. Another love of mine is Stock Car racing and on 26th July I went to Aldershot for a meeting which featured the Superstox which are my favourite formula but although I enjoyed the entertainment I found that by the time I had got home I felt that I had made a mistake going. Too many people were taking very little notice of the rules and while the promotion did a wonderful job they cannot force people to stick to the rules. In fact I am less happy going shopping now than I was a month ago as since the rules were relaxed a lot more people are behaving as though nothing is wrong and seem to think that a metre is 12 inches. Edited August 6, 2020 by Chris116 Spelling 3 7 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexsTrains Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 There are no "covids 1-18". Covid-19 was so named because it was identified in 2019. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEAMYAKIMA Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 2 minutes ago, AlexsTrains said: There are no "covids 1-18". Covid-19 was so named because it was identified in 2019. In that case I apologise for spreading fake news and have already removed my post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 My opinion has shifted somewhat due to staying in a hotel and visiting a couple of museums. Booked entry / access times, timed duration at exhibits, well laid out fixed route with generous spacing and supervised distancing, 'no mask/no entry' enforced, special item for MR events, turned away if olfactory evidence suggests unfamiliarity with soap, plentiful provision of hand sanitiser. While the objection may be that this would significantly cost - and it will - there is firstly a deal to be done with venue providers: no events, no revenue; so meet us part way there. And for the exhibitors, a calmer experience, less crowding, higher gate fee could mean the same money for fewer show attendances. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted August 5, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 5, 2020 (edited) 8 minutes ago, 34theletterbetweenB&D said: higher gate fee could mean the same money for fewer show attendances. A brave group that tries that first when we get so much moaning about costs already. A museum doesn’t have independent traders who understandably want the usual footfall or a reduction in stand charges which would cut the money further back. There are two revenue streams, punters and traders, that need to be factored in somehow and I suspect traders will be asking what happens because lower numbers inevitably mean less impulse purchases plus the big spenders who stay away altogether. It’s ok to think about the what if in the longer term but while there’s still a good prospect of effective treatments next year, to hopefully bring it into the same catergory as flu in it’s dangers, I do think the costs won’t add up at present as a risk worth taking. I’m in my late 40’s and fairly robust but having seen the very slow recovery of a colleagues wife who’s fit and hikes for a hobby, plus drives steam locos at two railways, I’m just not taking unnecessary risks within the timescale for a treatment the experts have been giving us since March. If we get 18-24 months down the line without anything in sight I might start thinking ok there is a new normal but so far we are seeing trials and treatments well within the timescale so I’ll keep the faith in the medical profession and not risk my health or their mental health treating me. Buying food is an inevitable risk of contact, seeing friends you know and trust can be done within sensible guidelines. Going to a show just seems a lot of unknowns at present when there’s hope ahead if we are just a tad patient. Best opportunity to slow down life a bit I’ve had since I broke my leg. Edited August 5, 2020 by PaulRhB 11 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR(S) Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 1 hour ago, AlexsTrains said: There are no "covids 1-18". Covid-19 was so named because it was identified in 2019. Reminded me of one Twitter post I saw a few months ago where a mother reported that her young daughter asked her whether we all had to stay at home during Covids 1 to 18. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium J. S. Bach Posted August 5, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 5, 2020 I just filled it out but had a problem with the next-to-last question about how one attends, alone or with someone/group. For me it was about half alone and half with someone so it was a bit of a think involved. I included all the hobby shows that i would normally attend, not just train shows as the answers would be the same. FWIW, I selected "with someone". 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJS1977 Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 I think a lot depends on the type of event. I would certainly have considered going to the event at Tinker's Park last weekend, had it not been for the length of journey to get there. Small event, plenty of room, one way system in operation and plenty to see outside as well (so if the hall looked too busy I could look at something else outside until it started to empty. I've also taken part in a number of events at places like Amberley, Farnham Rural Life Centre, Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, where the layouts were spread between a number of buildings (no more than one or two layouts per building) - and even one at Pulbrough Garden centre where the layouts were in separate greenhouses! That helps spread the visitors out, rather than have one large hall with a hundred or more people in it. Next up is the village/church hall type shows, including the 009 Society Members' Days. Many - but not all - of those I would be comfortable attending, depending on the layout of the building and the number of visitors. Not sure I'd be ready for the next level of shows though - Alton, Basingstoke, Wycrail as they were pretty busy before lockdown so I wouldn't be comfortable with that number of people in attendance. However if attendance was lower, I would be. Certainly not prepared to go to Ally Pally or Warley yet! However the bigger issues for me would be distance, and whether masks were required as I find wearing a mask for more than about half an hour can give me headaches. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Dunsignalling Posted August 5, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 5, 2020 (edited) My own thought is that the size of show isn't really an issue in itself. Wherever you go, there will be a fairly uniform proportion of infectious persons within the cohort, A smaller show means fewer potential bad contacts overall, but the ratio remains the same and smaller premises often mean the density isn't much less. Indeed, small shows often need tighter spacing to get everything in, with an expectation that the lower turnout will make that acceptable. Obviously that's no longer a viable position. Whilst the area in which I live has fortunately (so far) suffered one of the lowest occurrences of the virus, I am on the cusp of the "vulnerable" age group with responsibilities toward older relatives*. I'm therefore not planning anything too "daring" until and unless I have received a vaccination. *Since relaxation we have enjoyed a Sunday lunch at a village pub we used regularly before lockdown and were quite happy with the arrangements and behaviour. Other customers were mostly people with whom we are on at least nodding acquaintance, anyway. I also went for a city pub lunch with a couple of friends last Wednesday (at 2pm to avoid any rush, which the barman said will be a fine thing to see, when and if it ever happens again!). We were there about 90 minutes, during which time the three of us constituted a good quarter of the total clientele, so we think it was pretty safe! Travelled in and back by SWR and was only sharing the coach with a handful of others one way and about a dozen coming home. Both were "optional" activities and worked out well with everyone observing the precautions, which has greatly increased my confidence. However, had either venue looked at all "iffy" or contained evidently non-compliant patrons we would have left. We've been limiting such outings to one a week on the principle that if we do develop symptoms, we should notice before the next one, and hopefully avoid spreading it. Unlikely we'd all be asymptomatic! Attending exhibitions is similarly discretionary, but travelling for an hour or two with the risk of finding the venue unacceptably crowded and/or with significant flouting of distancing rules going on, is a very different proposition. John PS, I put my "normal"attendances down as 6-10 p.a. but, on reflection, it averaged at least one a month. Edited August 5, 2020 by Dunsignalling 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caley Jim Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 Being in the over 70 bracket I am extremely wary at present of going anywhere that has a number of people indoors. Not everyone seems to appreciate that we are still in a very delicate situation and the virus is still out there ready to spread at the slightest opportunity. Look at the situation in Aberdeen and around Manchester. It just needs one person who is unknowingly infected to act in the least way irresponsibly and it will spread like wildfire. Much as I enjoy participating in shows manning a society stand, I will not be doing so in the foreseeable future. The risk is too great. As a retired health care professional I understand that public health must take absolute priority. Jim 2 6 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Davexoc Posted August 5, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 5, 2020 I see that The Great Electric Train Show in October is still waiting for jury to come out. I'll go if it is on, and I'd even catch the shuttle bus (although in the survey I put private transport, my local ones would usually be free shuttle). Can't see it happening though at this rate. Perhaps the first one will be the Great Central at Quorn, they could even leave half the sides off the marquee, which would make it more bearable in the summer sun.... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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