Still with me after the mini rant in Part 1? Good! 
For part 2 I’d like to go over some of the things that AA staff can do (or has done in the past that stuck with me) to really make the experience that much greater for the artists.
Registration and check-in – Let me register everything together – badge(s) and table(s). Preferably there should be a package deal so I am not forced to register early for badges before knowing if I have a table. Unfortunately I cannot go to nearly as many conventions if I’m not selling, and having to get locked into a badge ahead of time is a turnoff.
Check-in should be the day before if at all possible. Otherwise, at least an hour or two before opening so I have time to settle and set up before it opens to the public. I actually prefer assigned seating to first come. There’s nothing worse than having to elbow someone out of the way, or make someone move after they’re set up because of an electrical outlet placement. Get your tables laid out, and make sure everyone’s needs are accommodated. Very few alley’s do not assign anymore, as it is more trouble to deal with fallout. Be firm! A layout has more benefit to everyone.
Layout, layout, layout – No matter how long or short the convention, eventually your butt starts to go numb and you start feeling claustrophobic. Artists are there to be AT our table to sell our art, and if you make sure there is enough space between the table and the wall and a gap between every 2-3 tables for someone to get out for the occasional potty/water/food break it makes life so much better. Believe it or not, this has been overlooked at some cons.
Speaking of…
Water/Food – Not all conventions have the luxury of staff to do so but man do I appreciate when someone is able to come by and offer to do a “food run”. Bottles of water, the generic cheese pizza (ie a bunch were ordered and someone brings some by the AA). At the very least – making it well known where the drinking fountains/closest food or snacks/restrooms are in relation to the Alley is awesome.
Advertising – Many folks have some sort of website these days, whether it’s a deviant art account, a full website setup, or just facebook/flickr/twitter. Listing prominently on the convention site who is coming and how to find out about them before hand (or get in touch after) makes a really big difference. It increases the odds for commissions (and allows for the potential of more commissions than you could do at the con), generally gets people interested in the AA, and gives an easy way to follow up if there’s any problems/praise afterwords.
Trash – No, don’t give me trash, give me a place to put it. Easily accessible, frequently monitored/emptied, and enough to accommodate the number of people in AA and attendees passing through.
Attention – Come acknowledge me! Please take a minute to come by and introduce yourself – odds are I’ve only talked to you online and sometimes not even that (most cons have just a form and never need to talk one on one with the DH) and I’d love if you stopped by, said hello, and made sure things are going well. It shows you’re paying attention to the Alley, the people in it, and are truly open to feedback…
Feedback! - Paper survey, online forum post, anonymous form – give me some way to give all my criticism and happy thoughts.