Changes: The biggest change this year is the creation of a three-day registration option that covers Friday evening through Sunday. Attendees selecting this three-day option will only be able to sign up for games in slots 4-8. Our hope is that this will make it easier for people to attend who don't wish to take the extra day off of work.
New attendees (or attendees who haven't been to Ambercon since 2000) will receive a $10 discount on their registration. So if you know anyone who's been thinking about trying out Ambercon, now's the time to do it!
We are also going to be holding a wrap party in HQ on Sunday after slot 7. People are encouraged to come by, chat with other attendees, and use up whatever food coupons they may have left at the bar or restaurant. We will be announcing the various contest winners during the party, before the beginning of slot 8.
THIS YEAR'S SCHEDULE
Food certificates: The response to the switch from the banquet to food certificates last year was very positive, so we will be continuing the system this year. Every registrant will receive $20 worth of food certificates* that can be used at the hotel restaurant or for room service. In addition to allowing us to set a better schedule on Sunday, eliminating the banquet helps us keep the registration fee lower.
In addition to the food certificates that every registrant receives, we also offer some as bonuses. Volunteers in HQ receive $5 worth of food certificates for each slot they work. GMs who run games in four or more slots receive $20 worth of food certificates.
Costume Social/LARP: As in previous years, we're going to have a "Crowd's Choice" prize for costumes again - free membership to next year's Con. All paid Con members are welcome to cast one vote at the Costume Social Friday evening. Costumes are also encouraged, but not required, for the LARP, which immediately follows the Costume Social in HQ. James Arnoldi, our excellent GM from last year, will be running the LARP again.
Graphic Design Contest: Back for a fifth year! We had some wonderful submissions last year and hope to get even more this year. "Center of All Things" on our front page was done by last year's juried contest winner, Todd Lyles. Your entry could be there for Ambercon 2006! We'll also continue the "Popular Choice" contest that attendees can vote on during the Con..
Hotel: Room prices will be similar to last year, with increases of only $5 per night for certain rooms. Like last year, we will not be having con-sponsored suites. The Con lost money on these every year, and only a few took advantage of them. If you need a roommate, please post a note online at our message board.
Rides: Like last year, no shuttle services will be offered this year due to potential liability problems. Instead Jill Pritts will act as ride coordinator. What this means is that if you e-mail your flight information to rides@ambercon.com, Jill will be happy to connect you up with other people arriving within an hour of your flight on the same or nearby airlines. Then it will be solely up to the people involved to arrange their own transportation into the conference. The Ambercon web page will have shuttle and taxi information and rates available on the Transportation page.
Referral Bonus: Once again, we're offering a bonus for every new Ambercon attendee (or attendee who hasn't been to Ambercon since 2000) that you convince to attend Ambercon 2005. For every new or long-absent attendee who lists you on their registration form, we will reimburse you $10! On your own registration form, you can choose whether you would prefer to receive your reimbursement in the form of a check at the Con, or credit towards next year's Ambercon. Recruit enough people, and you could get in free!
Scheduling Priority: GMs do not get priority for running continuing campaigns that are closed to new players. GMs will receive priority for every non-continuing campaign, or continuing campaign that is open to at least one new player, that they submit.
Volunteers: We need help! We need someone to man HQ, at least one person per slot and between slots, but preferably two, so no one gets too much to handle. Working in HQ can be boring, but it's a good way to meet new people, gives you priority in game scheduling over non-GMs, and can earn you extra food certificates. E-mail Ray Laura at volunteers@ambercon.com to volunteer.
Other activities: For those looking for some outside activities, there's an opportunity to do some geocaching. Ben Fogt is planning to hit some area caches before the con starts on Thursday and after on Monday morning. If you'd like to join him, contact him at ben@benbash.com or (614) 554-8808. Don't know what geocaching is? Some links:
Common Sense: Our convention policy is one of respect. We expect our fellow gamers' sensitivities to be respected. If you smoke please do so in designated smoking areas. Please do not make your fellow players uncomfortable or ill by smoking in rooms where gaming is occurring. Everyone is welcome at Ambercon, but if you are under 18 years of age, and you will not be accompanied to your games by your parent, we need them to sign some important legal documents. Have your parent or legal guardian e-mail Kris Fazzari at conchair@ambercon.com. Thanks.
*Food certificates have no cash value and may be used only during the Ambercon weekend. Refunds will not be given for unused certificates, and late registrants after a certain date (set by the hotel) will not be eligible for certificates.
Maintained by Kris Fazzari