Oh, I would.

Did someone say convention? No? by Phobos on 2013-01-08 19:30:00 UTC Reply

So, Neshomeh and I are connected to a college anime and gaming group in Michigan that runs a family-friendly charity convention every year. What do I mean by "charity"? You do not pay to attend, and any money made through the con goes to the Relay For Life. It is three days, Feb 8-10, of awesome that you don't have to pay to get into (beyond what you pay for lodging, travel, food, and impulse buying from the many vendors, of course).

"That is amazing, Phobos, who is awesome and also very stylish," I hear you saying from...wherever you are able connect to the internet. "But where can I get information about all the cool stuff that is going to happen at this thing?"

I can help with that. Check this page out: The Convention

Some things that aren't on the web yet, due to some really bad luck with servers and whatnot, are the schedule and list of events, which they are finalizing right now.

However, I can tell you that I will be hosting two panels during the con and also hanging out, playing games, and generally being awesome. So, that should have all of you planning on attending, right?

Right?

No?

Okay...

Anyway, if you happen to be in the Great Lakes region (or want to travel to the Great Lakes region), and have the time and resources to make it to the con, you should consider it. It is a lot smaller than other cons, but that is actually a good thing. It is a great con for people who have never been to a con before, and you can get some real interaction with the guests.

It is a lot of fun, and I hope that some of you can make it out.

-Phobos, Conman (That's the right word, isn't it?)

Dammit, I live in SoCal. by Lily Winterwood on 2013-01-10 01:46:00 UTC Reply

I really wish there was a way us US!PPCers could meet up. Looking at all the happy little Gatherings in the UK and such...

Nebraska here ... by Antigone68104 on 2013-01-10 12:13:00 UTC Reply

... but most of my vacation time for 2013 has been booked for a couple years. I bought my membership for the Denver Costume Con when it was in Milwaukee, I think that one was 28 and we're about to hold 31.

There ought to be some way to arrange a US Gathering, but with travel distances/expenses it may have to be regional instead of national.

That's usually how it's done. by VixenMage on 2013-01-10 21:22:00 UTC Reply

There's a relatively centralized location (Seattle, Boston, Chicago), and a date/time that work for the PPCers in the area, and people show up as they can. Often, Gatherings are plotted around Conventions, as with the last Seattle Gathering, or take place when a PPCer is traveling near others, as with some of the British Gatherings.

Re: That's usually how it's done. by Data Junkie on 2013-01-11 06:35:00 UTC Reply

Don't forget what was the first (and possibly only) Atlanta Gathering, based around Dragon*Con.

Though maybe not only, since I think people are going back for Dragon*Con this year. Just, y'know, not I (the only vocal Atlanta resident), since I'll be on the opposite side of the country.
But I just had to be different... by Phobos on 2013-01-10 22:25:00 UTC Reply

And give people about a month's notice to be in a location that is not near anyone. Honestly, though, I am not expecting more than maybe one person to make an appearance. I'm a bit of an optimist.

I suppose there is always next year (it should be early Feb again).

-Phobos

-pats sympathetically- by KittyNoodles on 2013-01-11 21:22:00 UTC Reply

Er... is it really optimism if you only sort of expect one person to make an appearance? o.0;;

I live in Denmark by EileenAlphabet on 2013-01-09 19:28:00 UTC Reply

And therefore consider myself excused from attending cons in Michigan.
But it sounds like fun. Have a great time!
Shoot! by KittyNoodles on 2013-01-09 02:00:00 UTC Reply

Oh, it sounds like so much fun... Drat that I live in Modesto! -stamps foot in irritation-

Well, I hope it goes well either way, Phobos (and, er, I don't believe conman is the correct word...?)

-- KittyNoodles, blatantly ignoring sarcasm since 1993!
Oh, blast and bebother. by VixenMage on 2013-01-08 22:29:00 UTC Reply

For once, I actually will be in the Great Lakes region, briefly - but not until March. Perhaps next year.

But for this time, have fun, dudes! It looks awesome.

Unnecessary Clarification: by VixenMage on 2013-01-08 22:37:00 UTC Reply

Perhaps next year I can attend, not I'll be in your stomping grounds perhaps next year. I will definitely be passing through the Great Lakes region this year, barring supernatural acts of road-destroying quality, in which case I will be passing either north or south of you.

*cough*

Carry on, folks.

I only wish... by TheMadHatteress on 2013-01-08 21:47:00 UTC Reply

But since I currently reside in the wastelands of New Jersey, I am sad to say that I cannot attend. It sounds fun though, I hope you guys have a good time!
Oh, I would. by World-Jumper on 2013-01-08 21:38:00 UTC Reply

Believe me, I would, but I am from the cold north of Alaska. There is no way I could attend. Sorry. :(

Still, hope you have fun, and that some of these nut jobs show up too. I'll await the report with eager anticipation.
(Something's wrong with that sentence.)
What?
(I don't know, but 'eager anticipation' sounds wrong.)
Hmmm... Perhaps you're right, but I don't know how to fix it.
(Neither do I. Oh well, have fun you guys!)