What is it?
U-Con is a convention based around anime, games, video games, movies, music, and just about any other area of entertainment in the world. It is a three-day event that will start on Friday February 4th and end on Sunday February 6th. During this time, there will be tons of activities for participants including: anime and movie screenings, casual video games as well as tournaments, tabletop games, card games, board games, guest speakers from the entertainment industry, panels open for discussion on a variety of topics, and a multitude of performances both user supported and professional. There will also be a “vendor’s room” open during the entire convention where people can either show and display their goods for sale (relative to the convention itself), or con-goers can walk around, browse, and maybe purchase an item or two. What is the intention of the convention?
It is our belief that the University of Connecticut, the students, and anyone in the area deserves a convention just like the variety of other conventions that occur around the country. Given the amount of space and the resources available, holding a convention at UConn seemed as if it would be an easier task than most conventions. So, in a way, we felt obligated to give back to both UConn and the many communities out there by donating our time and effort to bring this convention together. The focus of the convention, though, is for people to relax, have some fun, and discover people who share similar interests. We are placing little focus on one activity at the convention and are offering plenty to do at any given time in order to cater to everyone and bring about the best experience possible. Ultimately, the goal of this convention is to inspire others to put for the effort like we have and to carry on this convention because, as stated before, the University of Connecticut deserves this convention and so do the people. Where will this convention take place and when?
The convention will take place in the Student Union located at the Storrs campus of the University of Connecticut. The convention itself will occupy the third floor of the building with some use going toward the theatre on the first floor. The third floor of the Student Union is perfect placement for the convention because there are enough larger rooms (303-304C) as well as some other smaller rooms if need be for screenings. In addition, there are the two ballrooms which one can be the designated “gaming room,” with all the gaming paraphernalia, and the other ballroom can be the designated “vendor’s room” as specified above. The Student Union theatre would be used for guest speakers and panels as well as any other activity that would require a large enough room. The convention is set for Friday February 4th through Sunday February 6th with registration and sign-in starting at noon on Friday. The opening ceremony (i.e. the start of the convention) will be at :001 pm on Friday, and the closing ceremony will be on Sunday at 1:00 pm. The convention itself will remain open each day until the Student Union closes (Friday 12:00 am, Saturday 1:00 am, Sunday 4:00 pm) and will open on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 am. Who will be admitted to the convention?
The convention is open to anyone who wishes to come regardless of his or her affiliation with the University of Connecticut. What kind of accommodations will there be for people who do not go to UConn?
For those people who do not currently go to UConn, there will be plenty of accommodations available. As far as rooming and housing, there is the Nathan Hale Inn located near South residence halls. The Nathan Hale Inn can accommodate 1,000 guests, and if that is not enough, there are other hotels in the area especially since the campus is only 30 minutes away from Hartford. People are allowed to make their own plans however, and staying with friends who currently go to the campus is highly recommended. As far as food and transportation, there are plenty of places both on and off campus that serve a variety of foods to cater to anyone’s taste. With the convention being held in the Student Union, there are over 8 dining areas located in the building’s food court, therefore people will not have to go far in order to get some food. There will be the usual bus routes that go through the campus during this time and their service is available if need be. The Student Union also houses an appropriate number of bathrooms, water fountains, chairs, and other important considerations dealing with large groups of people. Will there be an entry fee?There is no entry fee for the convention because the convention is the accumulation of various clubs and student organizations around campus which, when working together as one, can efficiently operate with low costs. We feel that in order to bring the best entertainment to you we need to make the convention free of charge; a service to both the UConn community and anyone else out there willing to come and have some fun. What clubs are participating in the creation of the convention?
As of right now, the following clubs are participating in the convention and their respective duties are listed as well:
Modern Animation Club: Will set up, run, and monitor the screening rooms. Material for their specific rooms will be scheduled and assigned by the club as well. MAC is responsible for having 1 (one) large activity at the convention.
Video Game Organization: Will supply, set up, and monitor the video game portion of the gaming room. The games, consoles, TVs, and other supplies will rely heavily on VGO as well as running and maintaining tournaments and league play gaming. VGO is responsible for holding at least 2 (two) major tournaments during the convention.
Japanese Animation Society: Will organize, judge, and set up an Anime Music Video contest, as well as a cosplay contest and the ‘Masquerade’, a main-event compilation of skits, costume displays, and a variety of other activities.
Gamer’s Guild: Will set-up and supply most gaming materials for the board and tabletop gaming section of the “gaming room.” Gamer’s Guild is also responsible for judging and monitoring the game tables as well as hosting either a series of smaller tournaments or a larger tournament (e.g. apocalypse battle, scenarios, etc…). More to come soon… Who will participate in general activities associated with running the convention (e.g. registration table, security, general aid, etc…)?
Each club will share the general responsibilities for running the convention. Once events, dates, times, and other convention specifics are defined, a schedule will be created which will detail who will hold what position and job during the convention. What vendors are participating?
We are still working on the final list of con vendors, buy there are still still tables open for those who would like to participate as one of our vendors. The tables are free to use however we are trying to limit groups to one (1) approx. 4x3' table supplied by the building. It is highly encouraged for groups to bring their own tables if they can. All groups are held responsible for setup and breakdown each day and also their own storage (however we can try to assist if you would like). All questions and requisitions should be sent to nicholas.calibey@uconn.edu or alex.fogarty@uconn.edu. Will it cost money to be a vendor?
There are no costs associated with being a vendor. As such, vending space at the convention is free of charge so long as you email one of the head coordinators to indicate that you would like to participate in the convention. We thank all of our vendors for participating and making our convention even better. Will there be any way to pre-register either as a participant or a vendor?
There is a pre-registration system located at Registration. Pre-registration is simply a way for people to sign up and avoid the registration lines at the time of the convention and does not allow any discounted price. Pre-registration will also give an indication of how many people are going to attend as well as how effective particular advertising is. With this estimate, we can make any last minute changes if necessary. Are there going to be any large acts or guest speakers?
Doug Walker, a.k.a. That Guy With The Glasses, will be returning and giving another presentation (http://www.thatguywiththeglasses.com/). Roger Travis and NoWacking will also be making return appearances. How will registration work the day of the convention?
There will be a registration booth near the entrance to the Student Union Theatre. At this booth, participants will receive a badge that they will place their name on (or whatever name they want to associate with themselves) as well as the program book. Con-goers will then wear the badge around their neck as a sign that they are a participating member in order to enter and be involved in the events planned for the convention. For those who pre-registered, there will be another line leading to a staff member at the same booth who will hand out badges and program books. What kind of security will be present?
In order to get into any of the rooms of the convention, people will have to show their badge to the staff member(s) standing outside the entrances. Using this method, people not participating in the convention can still use and walk about the Union as usual, however the rooms will be off limits except to those who have registered. How will staff be recognizable?
Staff members will be wearing some sort of identification at all times in order to signify their presence in case of questioning or confusion, security, or an emergency. What is the dress code for the convention?
The dress code follows and abides by the University’s code of conduct in reference to dress code. Simply put, all attendees must be fully clothed with shirt, pants, and shoes at all times. Any person violating the code of conduct will be either warned, or escorted out of the convention if need be. Is cosplay (costumes) allowed?
Cosplay is extremely encouraged at U-Con. Cosplay, to us, is a quintessential item of most conventions and it brings more entertainment and fun to a convention. With that said, however, the cosplay must meet the required dress code above and any form of fake weaponry as a part of a costume is not allowed unless deemed acceptable by the staff members of the convention. Any items of cosplay that are indecent or do not follow these rules will be taken and stored by the staff members of U-Con, and returned when the participant leaves the Student Union. What procedures will be taken come any unforeseen situations or incidents?
First and foremost, in any event of an incident, Student Union personnel will alerted immediately as well as the coordinators of the convention. All situations will be dealt with by the codes and rules set forth by the Student Union and Student Union staff will take any measures that they deem necessary. In an event of danger or physical harm, UConn medical aid will be alerted and requested as well as Student Union staff members. |
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