Planning a large LAN party

[golfcart]

Anybody have any tips on planning a large lan party?
We have been debating on throwing a party for up to 50 or more people. I'm looking for any ideas that might help stop unforseen problems that could occur. I'm looking for answers to these questions and anything else that might help out.

How much electrical power?
How much internet bandwidth?
How to enforce antivirus policies?
How to organize games?
How to handle tech support?

And many more questions that keep running through my head


Any pointers would be great I've hosted many small(dozen people) lan parties and sometimes it's more work than it's worth. Anybody who has been to a large party, please share any info that helped make it a good experience. Thanks

[Martoch]

I still have yet to go to a LAN party, large or small...

Hey, can I be a bouncer at yours?!?!

[golfcart]

Sure. I will scratch "security" off the list

http://www.tweak3d.net/articles/howtolanparty/

will this cost?
if so how much?
age restrictions? (if under 18 should have parent premission forms)
no alclohol or drugs of any sort
antivirus is basically up to the person who goes. you shouldnt be responsible for there virus problems
express your concerns of file sharing (its going to happen either way :P)

to organize the games you should have several servers set up for people to play right off the start.
have tables, will you provide chairs?
sleeping area?
Have switches!

[Gomer]

50 people is going to tax the electrical supply of a house.

[Martoch]

Great link GZ!

Originally posted by GroundZero3

no alclohol of any sort

BOOOO!!! Does that include security?

[golfcart]

Thanks for the link and ideas GZ Don't worry Gomer, we plan on renting a hall or something of that nature. Should only be an hour or so from you. I will let you know if and when it happens

[Gomer]

ooooooooooo a LAN party... everyone frag the noob or something like that... I can hear it now =)

[phenious]

Martoch... NO LAN PARTIES!?!?!?!? Jeeeeze I gotta save you from your self... how far are you from Orlando?

-: phenious :-

[Bob The Great]

For a party that big probably staying away from DHCP would be a good idea. Asign nametags (hello, I'm), and IP's at the door.

I'd also look into hotel confrence rooms for the LAN party. You can usually get 35+ people and PC's into a confrence room. It'll cost around $130, but is well worth it IMO. They usually have tables and chairs, plus great AC which can be a major plus (bring a fan or two as well cause even with AC at full it can get hot). Plus most hotels have half way decent connections. DSL, Cable etc that you can use. Sometimes for free if you promise to only use it to get patches.

Food is another major thing. I'd suggest a cover price of $15 per person. At 50 people thats $750. That pays for the room, and 20 or so pizza's, a big old hub or 2, snacks, and sodas.

Buy extra lan cables, and bring powercords as inevitablly someone will forget theres. If you have the money try having some prizes for tourneys or just door prizes. Local PC shops have been EXTRELMLY generous in donating cases, fans, mouse pads, lights etc to our cause. See if you can work something like that up.