This video offers a comprehensive review of Open Sauce, a first-time science and makers convention held in San Francisco by YouTuber William Osmon. Amanda, the speaker, details her experience from purchasing a premium ticket to navigating the event. She highlights logistical aspects like the venue at Pier 35, the manageable crowd of around 5,000 daily attendees, and the initial 30-minute entry line. Key attractions included the "Safety Zone" with robot tug-of-war, a giant mech, various motor-based exhibits, intimate creator discussions reminiscent of older VidCon formats, and a creator museum. Amanda also points out areas for improvement, such as the inaccessible food situation on a ship, non-functional metal detectors at security, and a lack of merchandise for sale by individual creators. Despite these critiques, she praises the organizers for successfully executing a complex first-year event and expresses optimism for future improvements, especially regarding sponsorships and marketing.
Overall view of the bustling Open Sauce expo hall, with various exhibits and attendees.
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The video begins with an introduction to Open Sauce, a science and makers convention organized by YouTuber William Osmon in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. The speaker, Amanda (Swell Entertainment), recounts her personal journey to the event.
Amanda was initially invited as press/media in March by fellow creators Evan and Katelyn but heard nothing further.
She purchased a premium pass for $364.15 on May 3rd, which included early access and creator talks.
William Osmon later contacted her in June, offering a guest badge and hotel wristband, and offered a refund for her purchased ticket, though she is unsure if the refund was processed.
William Osmon's video "I Made a Baby" revealed that the event was projected to lose money, partly due to renting a battleship.
Amanda explains that losing money in the first year is normal for social media events and conventions, contrasting it with the failure of TanaCon, which expected immediate profit.
She believes this approach suggests a long-term vision for Open Sauce, as the team seemed aware of the initial financial loss.
Similar to older VidCon formats, Open Sauce offered intimate creator discussions, allowing small groups of attendees to interact directly with featured creators like Katelyn.
Creators participating in a discussion on the main stage.
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Adam Savage speaking on the main stage at Open Sauce.
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Amanda praised this format for its intimacy and the opportunity for fans to get questions answered, a feature VidCon no longer offers.
Various BattleBots competitors were present, engaging the crowd with fiery demonstrations.
A BattleBot with a flamethrower ignites a burst of fire.
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Many creators had booths, offering interactive experiences and often giving away free merchandise, which surprised some exhibitors who expected to stand out by offering freebies.
A table displaying various Among Us figurines, including a large red plush.
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A small white robot dog walks on the convention floor.
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A Furby creation at Jessica Crafternoon's booth.
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An RC car with exposed internal components.
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Areas for Improvement and Future Considerations [8:52]
While generally positive, Amanda identified several areas where Open Sauce could improve for future events.
Food options were primarily located on the SS Jeremiah O'Brien Liberty Ship, requiring attendees to climb rickety ramps.
The SS Jeremiah O'Brien Liberty Ship, used for food services at Open Sauce.
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Attendees queueing on the deck of the SS Jeremiah O'Brien Liberty Ship.
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This setup posed significant accessibility challenges, as evidenced by a service dog having a meltdown on the stairs.
Food tickets were expensive ($22 for one food item), leading Amanda and her friends to opt for cheaper street tacos outside the venue on the second day.
A ticket for one food item at Open Sauce, priced at $22.
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A plate of street tacos, an alternative food option outside the convention.
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There was a noticeable lack of items for sale by individual creators, with most exhibits giving away freebies.
Amanda suggested incorporating an "Artist's Alley" or a dedicated "Creator Merch" section where creators could sell their handmade items and merchandise, providing an important revenue stream and engagement opportunity.
The main stage, with about 500 seats, suffered from significant audio issues.
An overhead view of the main stage and crowd in the convention hall, with a "CAUTION LOW CLEARANCE" beam.
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Amanda suggested repositioning the stage to face the expo hall rather than an internal wall, believing this would improve sound projection and clarity.
Amanda received numerous inquiries from potential attendees worried about the event being a scam due to a lack of visible promotion.
This highlights a critical marketing oversight, where insufficient promotion could lead to cancellation, as seen with other events like Playlist Live.
Securing sponsorships for a first-year event is challenging due to the lack of "proof of concept" and the current economic climate affecting tech sponsorships.
A sign on a wall that reads "Please Sponsor Us Next Year, Your Company Name could be HERE".
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Amanda suggested more targeted pitching, focusing on event features and the niche audience of science and maker enthusiasts for future sponsorship acquisition.
A few booths began dismantling several hours before the event officially closed, which Amanda found unacceptable, as attendees paid for a full day's experience.
She commends the organizers for successfully pulling off a complex first-time convention, an impressive feat that even "seasoned events" sometimes struggle with.
The chosen attendee number of 5,000 was ideal, preventing overcrowding while still filling the space.
A unique aspect of Open Sauce was the overwhelmingly positive feedback Amanda received directly from attendees.
Unlike other events where viewers often share negative experiences, Open Sauce attendees were excited to share what they had seen and encouraged her to explore different exhibits, with minimal complaints beyond the food situation.
