Ops

From Conbledegook

A team of staff whose job it is at-con to organise things, solve problems, and generally keep everything running smoothly. Also the name of the room or area the ops team work from.

Styles of Operation aka Big Ops vs Small Ops

There are two main theories of how Ops should work at a convention. Small Ops and Big Ops. Though these are two extremes and most conventions pick something in-between. In recent years the Eastercon has usually chosen Big Ops as the standard operating style.

Big Ops

During the actual running of the convention, there are a team of people responsible for making sure everything happens, for sorting out problems and for being the central co-ordinators and communication resource. Effectively the Ops Manager is responsible for keeping the convention running. In the larger scheme of things, Big Ops may also be responsible for some or all of Logistics, Tech, At-Con Office, night time registration, Gophers, and possibly even Programme ops.

Small Ops

Each department is entirely responsible for running their own area of the convention and the Ops team are there as a resource to provide central communication and to be called on to handle emergencies. The Programme team will handle programme ops, and may also be responsible for Tech. Logistics and At-Con Office will be handled by another team etc.