And it's built as a theater, not an auditorium. Plus, no rooms for breakout sessions. @peatyscotch 's comment explains simply what I have most disliked about this whole plan and process. In addition to the loss of oft-used meeting spaces of various sizes, parking was plentiful and free for attendees.
I'm not quite sure I understand what events could be held in an auditorium but not a theater. Being separate from Scheman is not ideal, but it's a couple hundred foot walk between the two. It wouldn't surprise me if at some point they turned it into a covered walkway, as well, especially if conferences still have the need for an auditorium.
If the new hotel has some conference space does that help solve some of this problem of needing breakout space?
Yes, we have, and it's not my intent to rehash something that won't change. One side note for conferences (at least the ones I attend): they also need registration space, space for speakers/presenters to meet with media, space for breaks and meals, adequate restrooms/space, and all as close together as possible. Once people need to leave one building for another, the chance increases that they'll simply leave altogether.
My information is really dated, but when I was in school 30+ years ago during the school year Fisher was constantly in use with rehearsals of ISU Theater shows and mounting of those shows. There were a couple of classes each term held in Fisher as well. During the summer it would be available as part of a conference.
During wbb Johnny's is pretty darn empty during the game it is full pregame and halftime.
Yeah, that's one thing I'm not sure of for Fisher. I know they have ISU Theater performance/series of performances there about once a month, but I wasn't sure what it's like in between. I really just meant to show that Benton Auditorium is not the only facility that meets those needs. Heck, Iowa State has a ton of lecture halls that are empty for several months of the year, with class and conference rooms of all sizes that can support smaller sessions. I know, for instance, that the Student Innovation Center hosts some smaller conferences.
Isn't that the point of it though? Hang out while the game's not being played, get some food, do some networking, etc. Then go watch the game.
Well that's how it should be IMO. I've never paid attention how busy it stays in the men's games I'm always in my seat.
I'm in my seat, too, but I can see the outside of Johnny's and people are there way more than wbb. Probably going early before halftime to get that food and then staying.
Fisher is an option but not very practical. Most industry (extension) meetings put a premium on giving people plenty of opportunity to interact, before, during and after the event. Fisher has no lobby area to speak of, so no place for people to gather and chat, have a coffee, maybe a Danish. It could work for some event, but not really a replacement for Benton.
One year Benton wouldn’t accommodate everyone and non federal Extension staff were sent to Fisher to watch the program on a screen. Well it didn’t work out too well. It was kind of like watching ESPN+ without sound.
Right, but Scheman could still be available for those purposes if the event is designed well to utilize both spaces (i.e. having breakouts in Scheman with one large keynote in Fisher). Every venue has limitations, and events have to be designed around those limitations. Just because something has always been one way doesn't mean it always has to stay that way.
Never understood why ISU couldn’t/wouldn’t renovate Scheman on their own? Other universities do. Michigan State’s and Illinois’ conference facilities come to mind. Neither one had to ask the city to help pay for renovations, or have athletics assume ownership.
I was very impressed. Add to the fact it’s not even half done I can only imagine how nice it will be.
