James at Conventions - Dragon*Con

[PokerKitten]

It's getting nearer! I remember months and months ago when Marilyn was trying to interest me in a US con this year, I told her about this one and she poo-pooed it.... and now she is frigging well going and I'm not *sob, wail, gnashing of teeth*

It is a sci-fi geek's paradise and so much going on it is verging on the bewildering! But hey, James will be there, GOTR are playing too, JCL, and Jim Butcher. I guess these would have to be my priorities, but so much else as well.... Marilyn, you might lose Travis for the entire weekend!

Anyway, the site is - www.dragoncon.org

[PokerKitten]

And here are some of the special attractions:

Things to Do at Dragon*Con

Convention Features and Functions
Over twenty programming tracks
Main Programming (Presentations, performances, ceremonies, contests, and other "big stuff")
Southeast Trade and Retailers Symposium (Panels and workshops for retailers and store-owners)
Space & Science (Space and hard science programming)
British Programming Track (British media of all kinds; and film)
Filk (Traditional convention "filking" (fannish folksinging)
Worlds of Anne McCaffrey (Traveling this summer? Visit Pern in between)
Star Trek TrekTrak (Ensign Pillsbury? He's bread, Jim!)
Star Wars: Matters of the Force (Panels and programming related to Star Wars)
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time (Panels and discussions on the vast, bestselling fantasy saga.)
Writers' Track (Panels and workshops for writers and would-be writers)
Writers' Workshop (Basic and advanced, both taught by A.C. Crispin. A registration fee applies.)
X-Track (Panels and programming on the paranormal, conspiracy theories, etc.)
Comics (Comics panels and programming)
American SF and Fantasy on (Panels regarding the many SF shows on American television, plus classics like Babylon 5 and Sliders)
Xena and Hercules (Panels on these two popular New-Zealand-produced shows)
J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth (Panels and discussions on Tolkien's legacy and the LotR films

Buffy, the Vampire Slayer (By popular demand, panels and programming for this quirky cult-classic series)

Art Show Forums and Workshops (Dive into the incredible world of SF and Fantasy art and discover how it's created)
Electronic Frontiers Forums (Panels and programming about technology, politics, and online culture)
Late-night programming (Includes deejayed dances, traditional con filksinging, drum-circles and dancing)

2003 North American Tribe Gathering (Keeping the Dream alive and bringing it to the States in 2003)

Robotics (How to build robots, and how to bust 'em up)
Anime (Past and present, mostly Japanese but other countries' anime as well)
Tournament and Open Gaming
Extensive Tournament and Open Gaming schedules for all types of games, including roleplay, board and miniature gaming; live-action role playing; collectible card game tournaments and trading area; computer gaming.
Dealers and Exhibits
We'll present one of the largest (separate) Dealers Rooms & Exhibit Halls in the world.
Art Show and Print Shop
We'll again host one of the nation's best Art Shows & Print Shops.
Contests
Masquerade Costume Contest; Dawn Look-alike Contest; Hall Costume Contest; Robot Battles, Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Contest, etc.
Writers' Workshop
An intensive Writers Workshop hosted by bestselling author A.C. Crispin
Fan Tables, Band Tables and Concourse
Located on the busy floor below the Hyatt's atrium lobby and outside the Hyatt's Centennial Ballroom, the Hyatt Concourse is where our performing bands' tables are located. Contest Registration, Concourse Operations, Information Services' main desk and an area reserved for acoustic performances will also be set up in this area.
The Marriott Concourse, covering much of the Marriott's Convention Level, will once again be home to fan clubs and convention tables, freebie tables for flyers and other giveaways, etc.
Theatrical, Musical and Radio Performances
Each year we host at least a dozen performances from bands who've ranged from light pop (Apollo Smile) to goth and world-music (The Cruxshadows, The Last Dance, Voltaire, The Changelings) to the heavy (The Misfits, Bloodhound Gang, Godhead). Mainstays like the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company have also been featured and will appear again. We'll also feature other late-night entertainment, like deejayed dances, traditional convention filksinging, and nightly drum-circle/jam session/dances.

Video and Film Rooms
Two (maybe three) rooms devoted to 'round the clock film & video presentations.
Guest of Honor Awards Banquet
A feast and awards presentation with our Guests of Honor and keynote speaker.

[PokerKitten]

Details of the BuffyTrack at Dragon*con are here - www.frozennorthstudios.com/buffy/

Friday

1:00 pm
A New Man: James Marsters Live
See Buffy's love interest live on stage

Guests: James Marsters


2:30 pm
Welcome to the Hellmouth: Track Intro
A documentary about the making of the 2003 Buffy Track

Host: Tricia Charrier

4:00 pm
That Vision Thing: Cordelia Dissected
From cheerleader to Angelic Half Demon thing, Cordelia has undergone a whole lot of changing over the past seven years

Panelists: Emma Bridgeman, Penny Century, KarKar, Queen Mab, Kelly


5:30 pm
What's My Line?

The Buffy version of Whose Line is it Anyway

Host: Paul Gibson


7:00 pm
Life Serial: Fan Fiction explored
Two words: Fan Fiction. Come talk about the ins and outs and where you find all the juicy reads if you've only just discovered it.

Panelists: Wolfen Moondaughter, Sandy S, Zarrah , Anthony, Sherri McKenyon


8:30 pm
Reprise: The Angel end of season review
Come talk about all the angst and that icky Cordelia/Connor scene

Panelists: Matte Lee, Eric Hendrix, Anthony, Henry Hanks

10:00 pm
Once More With Feeling: Buffy Horror Picture Show
The Buffy Horror Picture Show is back. Bigger and Badder than Ever Before

11:30 pm
Dirty Girls: NC-17 Fan Fic
This is the NC - 17 Fan Fic panel you asked for. Bring your stuff and your I.D.

Panelists: Harmonyfb, Nyxie, Wisteria, Ginmar, Annie Sewell-Jennings, Jessica Walker, MustangSally


1:00 am
Dead Man's Party: video viewing

The Buffy Slumber Party continues with episodes of Buffy and Angel all night long


Saturday


10:00 am
Redefinition: Buffy Music Videos
Buffy and Angel redefined in music videos to watch while recharging with your coffee and scones

11:30 am
I Was Made To Love You: The Shipper Discussion
The Shippers panel for discussion of the romances of Buffy

Panelists: Brian Peace, Wolfen Moondaughter, Elizabeth Dubec, Sharon Vernon


1:00 pm
Normal Again: An hour with James Leary and Andrew Hallet.
Meet James Leary and Andy Hallet without the makeup

Guest: James Leary, Andy Hallet

2:30 pm

Two To Go: An Hour with Danny Strong & Iyari Limon.
Guests: Danny Strong and Iyari Limon

4:00 pm
Storyteller: Buffy Authors speak
Buffy Authors talk about working in the genre
Panelists: Harmonyfb, Nyxie, Wisteria, Ginmar, Annie Sewell-Jennings, Sherri McKenyon, MustangSally

5:30 pm
Choices: Annual Fan Works Contest
First annual Buffy Fan Work contest. This year's themes will be Spike Fan Works. Our panel of esteemed judges (You!!! The track attendees!!!) will choose their favorite fan work from four categories - Music Videos, Art work, Short Fan Fic and Miscellaneous


7:00 pm
Halloween
This year the Buffy Track presents a Buffy Halloween. Fun for all and trick-r-treating without toothbrushes.

8:30 pm
Lessons: Buffy RPG Demo
The people from the Buffy RPG (Eden Games) host a demo game of their popular new RPG
Panelists: Paul Gibson, Jen Farrell, Brian Peace


11:30 pm
Real Me: Alternative lifestyle in Buffy
An exploration of gay and lesbians as portrayed on Buffy and the reality in fandom.

Panelists: Outworlders, Flaming Fen

Sunday

10:00 am
The Puppet Show: Buffy Fan Film
Help us cast a Buffy Fan Film to be shot during the track and seen on Monday.

11:30 am
Seeing Red: Discuss what drove you loony about the show

Come talk about what's made you just stark raving mad about the Buffy and Angel and find out if it peeved other fans too or you're just a little too intense.

Panelists: Wolfen Moondaughter, Henry Hanks, Sharon Vernon, Elizabeth Dubec

1:00 pm
Him: James Marsters
Catch James Marsters in a solo appearance.

Guest: James Marsters

2:30 pm
Double or Nothing: Angel Jeopardy
Double Jeopardy for Angel fans

4:00 pm
Showtime: Buffy the Game Show
Buffy The Game Show is back! This year will top the hula dance by Anthony so be sure not to miss it

5:30 pm
Provider: Buffy on the Internet
Explore the ins and outs of Buffy Life Online

Panelists: Carol Buchanan, Wolfen Moondaughter, Matte Lee, Eric Hendrix

7:00 pm
A Very Buffy Christmas: Buffy Holiday Special
Buffy fans get together for the ultimate Buffy gift exchange followed by a viewing of the infamous Christmas episode: Amends.

Guest: Santa Claus

8:30 pm
Bring on the Night: Buffy RPG Seminar
Eden Games conducts a seminar how you can live your own little slice of Sunnydale life with Buffy RPG.

Guest: Eden Games

10:00 pm
Disharmony: Buffy Karaoke
Sing the night away with Karaoke Buffy-style.

Monday

10:00 am
The I in Team: Weakest Slayer
Weakest Slayer is back with a vengeance. Use your teammates to get more prizes and then stab them in the back.

Host: Tricia Charrier

11:30 am
Killed By Death: Series Review
We say goodbye to the first run episodes and discuss the series as a whole, followed by a viewing of the last episode.

Panelists: Matte Lee, Erik Hendrix, Henry Hanks, Elizabeth Dubec, Sharon Vernon

1:00 pm
Superstar: Buffyverse Cast Extravaganza
Cast members from all things Buffy on stage at one time

Guests: James Marsters, Andy Hallet, James Leary, Danny Strong, Iyari Limon


2:30 pm
Parting Gifts: The Track Wrap Up
We celebrate the end of another year with our yearly track wrap party. Come by for the raffle, left over prizes, our fan film and salty goodness.

[PokerKitten]

See how the NC17 fic panel have pinched our laydeez' moniker?! Lol! And James on his own twice, plus a Buffy ensemble farewell.

Apparently Chance is going to be screened as well, on Sunday night.

Hey, and is that Elizard and Rockgoddes doing the Killed By Death panel?! ;D

[twistedspike]

Wow that is one amazing line-up.
Are people really expected to get through all that lot in how many days is it on?
Saying that though the Buffy stuff really looks good even without JM and GotR.
It is one of Wils and mines dreams to stay up all night watching Buffy screenings.
And I would love to sit and listen to some of those panels.

[PokerKitten]

Yeah, panels have been sadly lacking from my con-going experiences so far

[twistedspike]

Wonder why we don't get them over here. Do you think it's because UK peeps aren't willing to sit on them.

[PokerKitten]

I think we are dull.... But that's no excuse! Cons are international affairs these days, people travel across the globe to attend them. We should try harder!

[marilyn]

I'm not really sure what goes on at these panels....anybody clue me in?
Thanks for all that info, PK...I went to the Buffy track thingy and didn't find all that!! How do you do it?
Re Atlanta trip and you....don't really remember being discouraging about it, except to say hot and crowded, but since it seems to be spread out in two hotels then it might not be so bad....you could always reconsider....said last minute plans are the best for you!! ;D

[PokerKitten]

Dahlin', I'm pretty much housebound right now, and I shudder to think how much it would cost.

Anyhoo, Spike4evr supplied this info from JCB (who seems as efficient and organised as ever. Just as well some people are organised at COns...). Hope she doesn't mind me posting it here


First, yes, we will have autographing sessions with all of my actors, including James Marsters. James will NOT be bringing any Buffy photos, you will have to get them from the dealers. The autograph charge will be 20 dollars, on the fan's item, and we are pleased to present NEW Ghost of the Robot photos, available for 25 dollars.

The other Buffy actors will be charging 20, which includes the photos on their tables, and 20 when you bring them an item to sign. Some of them will have specialty items, and those prices will be posted at their tables.

There is a possibility of the band having a signing session on Sunday, but the time and charge is to be determined.

GOTR CDS will also be available throughout the weekend, 30 for a signed copy, 20 unsigned.

Second, we have arranged with Dragoncon to hold several photoshoots with Craig and the following actors:

James Marsters: Sunday, 10am-12 and Monday 10am-12 $50.00 US, cash only.

The following actors are $40.00 US cash only:

James Leary: Saturday 10-11 am
Danny Strong: Saturday 11-12
Andy Hallett: Sunday 5-6pm
Iyari Limon: Sunday 6-7pm

We will have a table in the dealers' room starting on Friday to sell photosession tickets. Craig and two assistants will be there to take money and give out the labels to be filled out. For James, we will only have time for 600 photos, and with 30,000 fans attending, they will go fast! Additional copies will be $25.00 US each.

For the other actors, we will only have time for 150 photos, each, and we expect them to go even faster!

All of these actors are signing and will be sitting in the same area of the dealers' room. The actors will also sign around their panels. We will have a sign up outside the dealer's room to let you know when the Buffy/Angel actors will be in the dealers' room.

No personal photography will be allowed in the autograph line, and due to the huge numbers of people expected, gifts are not encouraged. If you have had the chance to see James before, please don't bring him gifts, if you REALLY REALLY need to, we will have a box to put them in behind his table.

On another note, I will be doing a concert with Billy Mumy, on Friday night at 10:30pm after the banquet, so I hope to see you there.

Thanks again for writing, and let me know if I can answer anymore questions. You have my permission to post this message on your boards.

Best Regards,
Julie

[Sali]

GGGGGrrrrrrrr.........so envious...need lots of money and lots more hols from work.And the bravery to travel on my own.......Which of those have I got?None,so need good reports from you M...and Drool boy too...
We can but dream PK......

[j20a]

What kind of convention has 30,000 attendees?!

[PokerKitten]

It's a huge event J. Covers just about everything sci-fi, including writing and art. There are themes within it though, so the Buffy Track at Dragon*Con is more like the kinda con we are used tApart from being better because of the panels!). Other people will be going mostly for Star Trek, or anime, or whatever.

[marilyn]

Hmmmm....any idea how to get in touch with JCB by email?? I would like a pic with Jm and it would have to be Sunday and will probably sell out as soon as offered....T and I might get there later in the morning....would like to see if I could reserve a pic thru paypal or even moneyorder......

[PokerKitten]

Because she is organising this with her hubby, and it is not a Con sponsored thing, it looks like they just want hard cash and they will be selling from Friday in the Dealers' Room... so, you are def up for ANOTHER pic?! You are insatiable, M! ;D

[marilyn]

yeah, I'd like to do another one if I can get the opportunity......it's my souvenir from the cons...don't usually get much else.....but I don't think I'll be there in time to get one....that's why I wanted to see if I could contact her directly and ask about paying for one....doesn't matter what number as long as it's the Sunday shoot.....thpught maybe someone would have her email addy to ask......couldn't hurt!

[PokerKitten]

Try Elizard, Marilyn. She was communicating with her re -fated meeting with JCL. And if you are going all that way you just HAVE to go to JM's Q&A!! Both of 'em!

[marilyn]

Hey, thanks, I'd forgotten about that!! I'll go email her now.... ;D

[talkenglish2me]

PHOTO OP, Autograph and other updates from JCB:


I've had some nice email correspondence with JCB and she has okayed me sharing some updated info (now there will be 800 James photo ops sold). It definitely sounds like there will be lots of opportunities for folks to have their "moment" with James. Plus, SO MUCH fun stuff going on overall. It's an embarrassment of riches - not just the James and Buffy stuff but everything!

PHOTO OPS:

Information direct from Julie Caitlin Brown:

Tickets will go on sale on Friday and continue to be sold until all 800 places are filled. 50 dollars for the first shot, 25 for each additional shot [note from Talky: I think this means add'l shot of same picture, not for a second photo op], no more than two people with James at a time. Cash only.

If you are buying [photo ops] for a friend that's fine, you just fill out a label per session purchased at 50 dollars each. Additional prints of the same photo will be 25 dollars each. As before, your photo will be sent 2-3 weeks after the event.

We will start selling them [photo op tickets] at 1:00 pm when the dealer room opens on Friday, but since James has a Q&A at that time, we don't expect to be too busy until James comes in to sign at about 2:30pm.
James will sign from 2:30 to 7pm on Friday, and after you get your autograph, you can come to the photo op table (which will be right next to him, and buy the photo session.)

Here is the schedule for photo ops, on a first come, first serve basis:

James Marsters:
Sunday, 10 am - 11 am -- Ticket Numbers 001-200
Sunday 11 am - 12 pm -- Ticket Numbers 201-400
Monday 10 am - 11 pm -- Ticket Numbers 401-600
Monday 11 am -12 pm -- Ticket Numbers 601-800

We will ask that no one line up for the first session of each day before 9:30 am and that those in the second hours for James not arrive until 10:30 am each day. We have to control the traffic.

Other Buffy actors are available for 40 USD per session, 25 for each additional shot:
James Leary -- Saturday --10 am - 11 am, Ticket Numbers 001-200
Danny Strong -- Saturday -- 11 am - 12 pm, Ticket Numbers 001-200
Andy Hallett -- Sunday -- 5-6 pm, Ticket Numbers 001-200
Iyari Limon -- Sunday -- 6-7pm, Ticket Numbers 001-200


AUTOGRAPHS:

James Marsters Autograph Sessions:
2:30 pm -7:00 pm Friday
10:00 am -3:00 pm on Saturday
2:30 pm - 7:00 pm on Sunday
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm on Monday, if time allows

The other actors will sign each day all day except for breaks for the panels if they have them or when James is onstage.

From GraySunrise's earlier post on forums.morethanspike.com/index.php?s=6b2643497393345cf44abc7d807412dc of an email from JCB: The autograph charge will be 20 dollars, on the fan's item, and we are pleased to present NEW Ghost of the Robot photos, available for 25 dollars.

The other Buffy actors will be charging $20, which includes the photos on their tables, and $20 when you bring them an item to sign. Some of them will have specialty items, and those prices will be posted at their tables.

GOTR CDS will also be available throughout the weekend, 30 for a signed copy, 20 unsigned.


More bits from my conversation with JCB:

At this time, it is a space issue for selling the photo ops. We wanted to do it right outside registration on Thursday night and Friday morning, but there isn't any room. We were supposed to have a separate room for the Buffy actors to sign in, but again, that didn't work out. ... As I said, we will try to set something up earlier [to sell photo op tickets] on Friday, but I doubt it due to security.

One last bit...

JCB: We are selling advance [tickets] for the photo sessions, since that is our project. Dragoncon does not sell autographs, the actors are responsible for doing that. Each actor will have an assistant, sometimes two of them, to handle the money. In James' case, we will have his photo ops and merchandise out at all times, so even if he is not there, you can purchase the items before seeing him.

This is not your average con, be prepared to be blown away.

No word on whether there has been any confirmation of the full band signing autographs yet...

edited to add that as with any con, there could still be last minute changes...

[PokerKitten]

Thanks for that info petal. Better get Marilyn in here to put her mind at rest ;D