THE driving forces behind Sunday’s failed Pokemon Go hunt on Mount Panorama could have bright futures ahead of them in events management.
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In just a couple of days, Samuel Kennedy and Patrick Kelly took their idea from a thought bubble to an extravaganza – and that proved to be their undoing.
The enormous response to their plans meant the event soon became much bigger than either had envisaged and the proposed Mount Panorama Pokemon Go hunt became a victim of its own success.
Once police became aware of the plans they issued reminders to the public that Mount Panorama was a public road and that any Pokemon hunters should obey the road rules for both their safety and the safety of others.
Bathurst Regional Council’s road safety officer also issued warnings to intending participants to take care.
It was rapidly becoming bigger than Ben Hur and local authorities were understandably concerned.
In the end, though, the right decision was made.
It simply would have been too dangerous to have hundreds of Pokemon hunters descending on the Mount Panorama circuit at once, particularly in fading light on a winter’s evening.
The Pokemon Go phenomenon has captured the imaginations of all ages and the danger on Sunday would have been even greater if young children became involved.
The authorities had no choice but to step in for the sake of all concerned.
But Mr Kennedy and Mr Kelly should still be proud of what they set out to achieve, and the community should be grateful that they tried.
Young people should never be criticised for having a go and these two young men were only ever interested in having a bit of fun and seeing if anyone wanted to join them.
It didn’t turn out the way they wanted but they’ve learned a few lessons along the way that will help next time inspiration strikes.
They should take it as a positive that their idea captured the interest of so many, because that is the toughest part of any event planning. Here’s hoping they put this disappointment behind them and turn their minds to the next big thing.
We need thinkers and ideas people in our community. We can’t wait to see what comes next.