FAQ & Rules
FaQ & Rules
Why is the convention only Friday May 23 to Sunday May 25?
Going by past experience, we realized most people would be packing up and leaving Monday (Memorial Day) to travel home. Very few people attended panels or the video room. Therefore, we decided nothing would be scheduled for Monday other than everyone taking time to say their farewells.
Can I deal out of my room?
Yes, you may deal out of your room! When you register, make sure you let us know if you plan to be a Room Dealer; the hotel is going to try to get all Room Dealers into the same area. There is no charge to be a Room Dealer!
Can I hold a party in my room?
You can, indeed! Just be mindful of noise level especially in the evening.
Can I decorate my room door?
You sure can! The hotel requires we use blue painter’s tape (low-tack) and nothing on the walls that would cause damage. Also, do not obstruct the traffic flow in the hallways. Remember to keep it family friendly as there might be children in the hotel!
What if I don't want to do the buffet, can I still attend the party afterwards?
You most certainly can! Just give Catering time to clear the buffet and to reset the room. We will open the doors for the party when it’s all set. You are welcome to purchase drinks from the lounge and bring them in, but please do not bring outside food or beverage into the hotel meeting spaces.
Are there any special guests at this convention?
If you mean celebrities, no, but everyone who attends is considered a Guest of Honor!
What is the Peter Cooper Memorial Ice Cream Social?
Peter Cooper had been a longtime attendee of the Lansing convention and a friend to everyone. He would host a Sabbat on Saturday and on Sunday, he could be found in the party suite serving up root beer floats and sundaes along with a lot of laughs. Peter passed in 2017, one month before the con. That year, we decided to honor him with an ice cream shiva. Because this reunion celebrates those we have lost along the way, it seemed only fitting to have one last ice cream social to kick off the weekend. It’s what Peter would have wanted.
Can I arrive a few days in advance and stay a few days after the con?
You are more than welcome to do so. The hotel has assured us that our con rate will be honored for dates on either side of the weekend, taking into consideration those people who travel mid-week.
Will there be an Art Show/Art Auction?
Unfortunately, no. Even before we found our venue, we had received very little response from artists interested in displaying and selling their work. We tried to find ways to work around this; as much as we wanted to recreate those bygone days, we had to accept it would never be the same. Artists in attendance will sell work directly from tables in the Dealers’ Room or as Room Dealers.
Will there be a Costume Competition/Masquerade?
Not in the traditional sense, no. If people want to dress up and show off costumes during the Saturday Night Banquet, they are more than welcome to do so. We also encourage anyone wishing to costume during the day and walk around the con — because, hey, you never know if there might be someone handing out Hall Costume awards…
The Ten Rule Commandments
2. We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to abuse and harassment in any form. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, please seek out a member of con comm right away and report the unwanted attention.
3. The Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Airport has a No Pets policy. If you bring a pet, you will have to stay at another hotel and must leave the animal there when attending the convention.
4. The Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Airport is also a Smoke-Free hotel. No smoking of any kind in the hotel.
5. Only paid members of the convention are allowed admittance into con function space. Make sure you keep your badge with you!
6. No outside food is allowed in hotel meeting areas.
7. While Michigan is an open carry state, we ask that you refrain from bringing firearms to the convention. Any illegal weapons or substances are prohibited, as well.
8. Flyers may only be distributed in designated areas. Use low-tack tape when hanging flyers and keep content family-friendly (read: no graphic images). Hate speech, homophobia, transphobia, racism, et al, is not permitted. Refer to Rule #1.
9. Clean up after yourself. Remove flyers, door decorations, and any room decorations when you pack up to leave.
10. Cosplay is not consent. If someone is in costume, ask permission before touching. Refer to Rule #2.