Chamber
Music &
Memories: The Power of Vincent’s Love
Dallas, Texas
July 6, 7 & 8, 2012
Almost Everything You Need to Know about Cons
REGISTRATION: Once you have registered (before the con – see registration information for details), everything you have signed up for will be within your convention tote bag or it will be at the registration table(s). Volunteers at the registration table will ensure that you receive a name tag, banquet tickets, conzine, and that all-important schedule of events. Please check your tote bags before you leave the registration area.
Sometimes, the con committee will somehow distinguish themselves from others, i.e., different tee shirts, different badge colors, ribbons, etc. Please don't hesitate to ask questions. You're with family!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Please make every effort to adhere to timeframes and time constraints of events. The Schedule of Events is subject to change with little notice, so keep an ear open for announcements.
BANQUET SEATING: After you have registered, please ask when the banquet seating charts will be available. If available at the registration table, please take a few minutes to sign up for seating.
The cost of the banquet is included in the con registration. There are no pre-assigned seating arrangements. Banquet table seating is available on a first come basis. Each table will be named or numbered. It is your responsibility to sign up for seating, so please make a note of your table selection. At registration you will receive your banquet meal ticket. Please bring your meal ticket to the banquet and place it on the place setting or seat you've chosen. This helps the servers identify your meal selection. Should you have a change of heart regarding your meal choice, please advise someone on the con committee as soon as possible. There are no guarantees but it may be possible to change your meal selection.
It is unacceptable and rude to alter the seating charts for anyone other than yourself. If you wish to make a change, please do so with the permission of others who have signed up for a particular table.
ATTIRE: There is no specific dress code. Dress in a style that is comfortable for you. It is recommended that you have a pair of your most comfortable shoes. Cons are very informal. Style of dress is an individual choice but, generally speaking, the only "dress up" event is the Banquet. You may need a shawl or jacket as most hotels can get a little cool.
BRUNCH: The Sunday Brunch may be an extra expense. There are no pre-seating arrangements of any kind. It's strictly on a first come, first serve basis. The brunch is normally a buffet style breakfast.
TALENT/COSTUME PARADE: In keeping with the theme of the convention, programs should reflect the spirit and ideals of Beauty and the Beast. Acts and costumes must be in good taste. The general rule of the talent/costume show is to laugh often and have fun, although we love a good romantic song, as well. Guidelines vary and anything is acceptable as long as it doesn't cause injury to others, create a fire hazard or have nudity. Talent show participants are responsible for providing their own music, costumes, props, etc. Costume parade participants are responsible for providing a description of their costume to be read by the master of ceremonies. If you plan to participate, make sure you attend scheduled rehearsals.
Talent categories include, but are not limited to, singing, sign language, dancing, skit performances and poetry reading.
Costume categories include, but are not limited to, male or female tunnel person, major Beauty and the Beast character, fantasy or sci-fi characters, humorous and group entries.
DEALERS ROOM: The Dealers Room is the hub of activity at conventions. The Dealers Room is where you will meet writers, artists and fellow fans. Hidden treasures are everywhere. The merchandise consists of zines, t-shirts, artwork, jewelry, mugs and every imaginable souvenir. The Dealers Room can get a little frantic but its fun and you will walk out feeling good about yourself because you are happily broke!
Be sure to visit the Dealers Room on a regular basis as new treasures may reveal themselves on an hourly basis. Timing is everything in the Dealers Room. So be patient, have fun shopping, and mingle with everyone. The con prefers payment by check, traveler’s check or cash. But money transfers and credit/debit cards can be accepted through PayPal. Just be aware that it may take a while to scrounge up a laptop and internet access to facilitate the use of this service and a charge may be added to cover PayPal’s fees.
Since children may be in attendance, special attention must be given to any artwork, zine cover and/or merchandise in general which features R-rated (adult) material(s). The Dealers Room coordinators reserve the right to ask for either the covering or removal of any material(s) deemed inappropriate. PLEASE NOTE: No one under the age of eighteen (18) will be allowed into the Dealers Room unless accompanied by either a parent or guardian at all times. Please ask for assistance in the Dealers Room. If you damage it, you pay for it.
CHARITY AUCTION: All proceeds, after all convention expenses have been met, will go to the designated convention charity. Items up for auction will vary, and most will be Beauty and the Beast-related. The auction could run long. However, you are guaranteed to have fun and possibly find exactly what you need to complete your Beauty and the Beast collection.
The con prefers payment by check, traveler’s check or cash. But money transfers and credit/debit cards can be accepted through PayPal. Just be aware that it may take a while to scrounge up a laptop and internet access to facilitate the use of this service and a charge may be added to cover PayPal’s fees.
ART AUCTION: Below is a general description of how the Art Auction works (though it may be adjusted, as needed). The art show is open to all artists displaying artwork of any scifi/fantasy genre. Please ask questions if you do not understand. Someone from the con committee is always available. Photographs generally are not permitted in the Art Room.
Please ask for assistance when handling merchandise in the Art Room. Remember - if you damage it, you pay for it.
Each Art Auction item will have a bid sheet attached. It will list, as a minimum, the following:
- Artist
- Name/Description of Item.
- Minimum Bid Price
- Quick Sale Price (see below)
- N.F.S. – Not For Sale (Art marked "N F S" is for display only. Take time to admire any pieces so marked.
If another bid has not been added to the item by the time the bidding ends, this item DOES NOT go to auction. This item may be purchased for the amount of your bid as long as you've met the minimum bid price. Art that does not go to auction may be paid for and picked up in the Art Room after the Art Auction.
All art items for sale with two or more bids will be placed in the Art Auction.
You must to be present when an art item you have bid on comes up for auction. Most bids are usually in whole dollar amounts. Once the auctioneer calls out "sold" and identifies you, the item should be paid for immediately to the Art Auction cashier.
Quick Sale Price – The artist will sell the art piece for one price only. This means that you may purchase the item before it goes to auction as long as there are NO bids. Inform the Art Room staff that you wish to buy a quick-sale piece. The item will be marked "SOLD."
The con prefers payment by check, traveler’s check or cash. But money transfers and credit/debit cards can be accepted through PayPal. Just be aware that it may take a while to scrounge up a laptop and internet access to facilitate the use of this service and a charge may be added to cover PayPal’s fees.
CLOSING CEREMONY: All I can say about the Closing Ceremony is "Would someone please pass the tissue?"…..
