One of the most noticeable differences about this year's fanfest layout is there is no more Autograph Stage. Now please don't get all excited until you hear me out, and let me explain.
 
One of the most unnerving things about the whole weekend is trying to keep the lines moving at the Autograph Stage. Lots of folks, other wrestlers I'm talking about here, seem to have no problem wandering up on stage, stopping everything, just so they can chat with their friends and buddies. These same guys would likely chew you up if you ever tried interrupting one of their matches, but they don't seem to have the same respect for the fans in a lot of cases. This certainly isn't everyone, but you guys know who the worst offenders are.
 
So with all that said, we're changing the Autograph Stage to the Autograph Room. It will be more secure, and less likely that someone is going to distract our guests from signing everyone's stuff in a timely manner.
 
For those of you familiar with the ballroom layout in Charlotte, the Autograph Room will be the very last section of the largest ballroom. This is the section that has the windows and drapes across the full end of the ballroom. This section of the ballroom will be closed off for the duration and you will enter through the door for that section.
 
Aside from calling VIPs in groups of 40 (1 through 40, 1 through 80, etc.) everything else about the Autograph Room will still operate in the same manner as the Autograph Stage has for years.  
 
There will be seating for 40 inside the Autograph Room. You will pass through a checkpoint to enter the room, where your VIP number on your lanyard will be matched with the VIP number on your attached wristband. At that point, your name will be marked off our master list, showing you as having taken part in that particular session.
 
Please remember this. Once you're inside the Autograph Room, do not leave until you have been through the line to get your autographs. You will not be allowed to re-enter the room under any circumstances after your name has been marked off the master list.
 
I'm excited about this change and think it will be very beneficial to everyone. No more interruptions on the Autograph Stage!
 
--No cameras in the Autograph Room
 
--Please have your items out and ready to be signed
 
--Please listen and follow carefully the directions of the Autograph Room staff. We have one goal and one goal only: to see that you get your stuff signed in a timely manner, without interruption.
 
Thanks very much to everyone for making this work. If any of you have any questions, I'm happy to help!

Sounds Like a Great Idea.....

Quote from JBLCENAFAN on Jul 28^th, 2010, 6:50pm:

 
I don't think that will happen, but the best way to do something about things like that is for them to be pointed out to staff in the Autograph Room at the time it's happening.

no cameras?
it all sounds good but this. i always like to get a shot or two of the guys lined up together or sitting side by side (from afar of course, not interrupting anything). so, i guess i can't do this anymore? just making sure.

Quote from bobbyryates on Jul 28^th, 2010, 7:39pm:

 
Well, just like before, there's no problem with taking pics when you're way back in line, but once you reach the stage area, the cameras are off limits. Really no different than previous years. I just didn't explain it as well.

Not able to get the VIP pass this year due to time restrictions, but getting 2 single day passes, but I think the autograph room is a great idea.  Can't wait to use it in 2012 when FF is back in Charlotte!!