Minicon 47: April 6 - 8, 2012

Minicon is A fan run science fiction and fantasy convention run by the Minnesota Science Fiction Society, or MNStF. It is held yearly on Easter weekend. Never been to an SF convention? Here's a short introduction to what we're all about. Minicon 47 will be held in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Minicon features panel discussions, readings, signings, costuming, films, gaming (open and organized), an art show, dealers, kids' programming, a science room, filk and folk music, a consuite and bar, room parties, and various special events.

Please check out the details on our hotel: where it is and how to get a room and look at our registration information.

Our Guests of Honor are Ted Chiang (author), Christopher J Garcia (fanzine), and Frank Wu (artist).

Here is the Program Book. Remember to also check your pocket program and the Bozo Bus Tribune for updated information. You can also see our first and second Progress Reports.

Archival notes

These are notes and archival material added after Minicon 47.

Program Book

The program book link given above was the one shown during Minicon 47. However, the printed book differs in a few ways.

The inside front cover of the printed version is different. The PDF has corrected artist credits and copyright text relative to the paper version. Here is a scan of the paper inside front cover.
The Gala Brassiere ad got mangled in the above PDF, but was fine in the print version. This PDF, which is layed out for printing was used to generate the above PDF. In it, the Gala Brassiere ad is fine.
Before printing, the text "continued on page 21" was added at the bottom right of page 16.
Despite interior color in the above PDFs, only the outside cover of the program book was printed in color.

Progress Report 1

To people on our mailing list with working e-mail addresses, we sent this e-mail as Progress Report 1

To the rest of our mailing list, we sent a postcard. The postcard was printed from this PDF. Unfortunately, it uses a font which is not embedded in the file and will look bad if you don't have it on your system.

This scan of the postcard Progress Report 1 shows what it definitely looked like. As a bonus, you get to see how everything worked out with the address sticker, cancellation mark and barcodes (one on each side). If you'd like this as two images, here is the address side and the other side.

Progress Report 2

Here's the PDF of Progress Report 2 again for good measure. Note that it is layed out for printing and folding into a half-sheet sized booklet. The order doesn't matter too much, though, since most pages are independent of each other.

Pocket Program

It's the pocket program, as a PDF.

At the convention, there was also a Google Docs grid available via QR code. Here it is at Google Docs, and here's a local copy in case Google goes under.

Bozo Bus Tribune

The Bozo Bus Tribune is Minicon's at-con newsletter. It had 6 issues at Minicon 47 (all printed in black and white on a variety of colored paper; so I guess black and colored, really):

T-shirt

Here's the front of the t-shirt. The back is blank:

Registration

Hotel Reservations

Pre-registration is closed, but you can still register at the door. See here for details.

Registration will be open Thursday night in the consuite, room 882, for pre-registered members only (note change of room from last year).

For pre-registered members or to buy a membership at the door, full registration hours are:

Friday 10am–10pm
Saturday 9:30am–8pm
Sunday 9:30am–4pm

The registration desk will be on the first floor in the atrium of the hotel's north tower. (Facing the hotel main desk, go down the hall to your right until you see it.) Note that this is not where it was last year.

Memberships for Minicon 48 can be purchased any time the registration desk is open as well as at the Dead Dog party Sunday evening in the convention's bar (7th floor club lounge).

As usual, we're at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, except now it's a DoubleTree (yes, it's the same hotel that was a Radison not long ago).

To reserve your room use this special link or call 952-835-7800. Our rate for reservations made by March 15 is $89 for both regular rooms and poolside cabanas. Afterwards, including if you walk up to the desk at the convention, they are $99.

Filling hotel rooms is how we pay for our function space, so we would very much appreciate it if you stayed in the DoubleTree. Please also avoid booking your room through a travel agency or discount site. These will not count towards our block!

The DoubleTree Bloomington

7800 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN 55439
Google Maps | Mapquest

Minicon News

MnStf Meeting Notice

Tomorrow, vanaabegra and I will be hosting the MnStf meeting/party. There will be conversation, card games, board games, maybe a bonfire, and definitely some beer. Everyone is welcome. We are at 2829 Alabama Avenue South in Saint Louis Park, MN 55416. Park on either side of the street. The festivities start at 2:00PM, though many people do not arrive until about 4:00PM. We will probably go until latish. ... more >>
A jog down a garden path sentence. on April 20, 2012, 7:11 pm PDT

don't forget to register for Minicon 48

Register today (or tomorrow) for Minicon 48 (the one in 2013) and get the lowest pre-registration rate. Minicon 48 Registration. It's our "at the con" rate, but you can register online too.
on April 8, 2012, 6:12 pm PDT

Minicon 47 Locations & Hours

[Info snagged from the pocket program with details on locations of Consuite & Bar based on my own observation.] Registration is located on the first floor in the north/short tower atrium area. Not sure where that is? Follow hotel signs to the coffee shop and you should be able to see a bunch of big tables from there. That's also where you should go to Volunteer or ask questions. Registration will be open 10am - 10pm on Friday, 9:30am - 8pm on Saturday, 9:30am - 4pm on Sunday.... more >>
on April 6, 2012, 8:32 am PDT

internet access redux

I guess internet access is still free, but they were having some technical difficulties yesterday or something like that. I know that Ctein & Peer each have some info on it so if you spot them at the hotel you might ask them what's what. Or other folks who seem connected. Or just go to the front desk or call down to the front desk and ask how to get access.... more >>
on April 6, 2012, 8:06 am PDT

minicon @ 2012-04-06T01:58:00

I've made a version of the Minicon program schedule for my iPhone app (pSchedule). Just start the app (downloading it first if you have to (it's free in the App Store)), then go to Prefs (the button at the bottom of the screen), Check for Data Updates, Check for Data Update, and select Minicon47. The data's been updated to match the pocket program.
fmsv on April 6, 2012, 12:00 am PDT

Minicon Parties

COMMENTS MAY INCLUDE CORRECTIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT PARTIES W.T. Goddesses’ Birthday Party Room: 681 Hosts: Sarah Richard Hours: Fri and Sat, 8PM to 11:30PM ... more >>
A jog down a garden path sentence. on April 5, 2012, 1:04 pm PDT

LJ Party

fmsv & cowfan & iraunink & I will be hosting a LiveJournal party at Minicon on Saturday night starting around 8 p.m. in our adjacent rooms on the 6th floor of the short tower. We will have various food and drink - chocolate, other sweet, fruit, cheese, sausage, and beverages. You are welcome to bring additional food and drink to share or to make a donation to the "kitty" toward party expenses if you want. We will have a sign-in sheet where you can list your real name and LJ handle so we can get to know people better.... more >>
Scott Raun on April 5, 2012, 11:00 am PDT

Major Hotel News/Changes

I know it's been mentioned as part of other longer posts about different topics, but figured it worth spelling this out loud and clear as it's a big change . . . The Pool Area at the hotel is being remodeled so Minicon won't have use of any of the rooms surrounding the pool (and if you reserved a room down there, you'll need to move to a different room). As I understand it, Minicon didn't learn about the remodeling and changes until quite recently (a couple of weeks ago).... more >>
on April 4, 2012, 7:28 pm PDT

Livejournal Party at Minicon

cowfan and I and iraunink and sraun will be hosting a LiveJournal party at Minicon on Saturday night starting around 8 p.m. in rooms 669 and 671 in the short tower. We will have various food and drink. You are welcome to bring additional food and drink to share or to make a donation to the "kitty" toward party expenses if you want. We will have a sign-in sheet where you can list your real name and LJ handle so we can get to know people better. Hope to see you there!
fmsv on April 3, 2012, 9:02 pm PDT

Minicon Programming Schedule

If you've signed up for Minicon Programming panels, you should have received your schedule. Please contact the programming department at programming@minicon47.mnstf.org if you have not yet received your schedule, or if you have any other programming issues. ... more >>
A jog down a garden path sentence. on April 3, 2012, 5:59 pm PDT

Work party addendum

What I really could use, if anyone wants to bring something, is sweet stuff (cookies, etc.). At the moment, I have salty/savory pretty well covered. EVERYONE who is going to Minicon and is willing to help with whatever needs doing is welcome. Out-of-town folks who get here early, this especially means YOU!
Carol Kennedy on April 3, 2012, 1:54 pm PDT

I need to get the paper folder to the Minicon Work Party

but I have a prior commitment, and am not going to be there. Could someone pick it up tonight or tomorrow on their way to the party?
Scott Raun on April 3, 2012, 3:56 am PDT

Work party Wed. April 4

It will be at our house, starting at 6 p.m. 3328 Colfax Ave S, Minneapolis Since it will start at dinnertime, I am planning a large pot of chili and a crockpot of vegan soup. There will be lots of pop and some beer, and various munchies. Feel free to bring something if you want to. We have a water cooler (and of course the dreadful Mpls tap water), so if you prefer water I encourage you to bring your own identifiable water bottle, though we have some.... more >>
Carol Kennedy on April 2, 2012, 10:13 am PDT

Last day to pre-register for Minicon

Today's the pre-registration deadline for Minicon 47. Today, adult memberships are $45 and student memberships are $30. After today, you must pay at the door; adult memberships will be $60, student memberships $32, or single day memberships for $30 (Friday), $40 (Saturday), $25 (Sunday).... more >>
Matthew Strait. Wait, too clear, I mean — Aaaahhh! on March 15, 2012, 5:24 am PDT

Minicon 47 Grid

Here is a copy of the UNFINISHED schedule grid for Minicon 47. The Programming schedule, Kid's Programming schedule, Music Schedule and Art Show schedule are included. ... more >>
A jog down a garden path sentence. on March 2, 2012, 10:03 am PST

Concom Meetings in March

There will be a concom meeting on Sunday March 4 at 4pm at Emily Stewart & Aaron Vander Giessen's house, 2829 Alabama Ave S, St Louis Park. Then, there will be another concom meeting Sunday March 18 at 4pm at the home of Joel Phillips, 6323 Excelsior Blvd, Saint Louis Park, MN.... more >>
Matthew Strait. Wait, too clear, I mean — Aaaahhh! on February 25, 2012, 6:47 pm PST

Minicon Programming Panelist Reminder

This is a friendly reminder that Minicon 47 is still looking for programming participants for our upcoming convention, April 6-8. To see a list of all panel ideas, please go to our Programming Brainstorming Page. ... more >>
A jog down a garden path sentence. on February 21, 2012, 11:49 am PST

Account Settings Change

At the request of a frequent poster, I have changed the default community settings to disable anonymous comments. Given the reported rate - three spam comments in two days - I don't see that we have much choice. At the same time, part of me wants to make it easy for a non-LJ person to join in the conversation, without forcing them get an LJ account. Anyone have any ideas on this?... more >>
Scott Raun on February 19, 2012, 7:18 pm PST

Spam comments

Can someone involved with maintaining this group please change the settings to no longer allow posts or comments from anonymous users? Ideally, I think that only members should be allowed to make posts or comments. ... more >>
A jog down a garden path sentence. on February 19, 2012, 3:20 pm PST

PR2s are arriving in the mail, Pool Party tomorrow.

The Minicon PR2s are mailed, and I got ours today. They'll probably show up by today or tomorrow, but there may be a few stragglers into next week for those of you in the far reaches of the universe (Canada or Iowa). ... more >>
A jog down a garden path sentence. on February 17, 2012, 12:37 pm PST

late night Friday ride from Chicago??

Like, after the sedar? I'm afraid I'm not a relief driver, but I would be eager to contribute gas money.
et in Arcadia egoboo on February 14, 2012, 7:16 pm PST

Time to sign up for Minicon Programming panels!

This year’s panels are now online. You may view them at http://wiki.mnstf.org/index.php?title=M47_Programming_Brainstorm ... more >>
A jog down a garden path sentence. on February 5, 2012, 12:06 am PST

Request for support for family of Spider Robinson

Yesterday, I received word from Former Minicon Guest of Honor Spider Robinson. His daughter Terri has been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Terri and her husband Heron live in Ohio, where he works a very demanding schedule with lots of overtime. ... more >>
A jog down a garden path sentence. on February 1, 2012, 11:02 am PST

January concom meeting

There'll be a concom meeting Sunday Jan 8 at 4:00PM at the home of Emily Stewart and Aaron Vander Giessen at 2829 Alabama Avenue South in Saint Louis Park MN. The closest bus is the #17C or #17D, which runs on Minnetonka Boulevard.... more >>
Matthew Strait. Wait, too clear, I mean — Aaaahhh! on December 30, 2011, 2:45 pm PST

December concom meeting

There'll be a concom meeting Sunday Dec 11 at 4:00PM at the home of Joel Phillips. 6323 Excelsior Blvd, Saint Louis Park, MN. Park on Colorado avenue, odd side of street. Minicon concom meetings are informal and open to anyone who is interested in observing, offering ideas or volunteering!
Matthew Strait. Wait, too clear, I mean — Aaaahhh! on November 14, 2011, 6:10 am PST

more >>

minicon: Dead Dog Party happening now in the consuite, there are also at least two parties yet tonight on the 6th floor.
April 8, 2012, 6:17 pm PDT

minicon: (In case anyone was wondering, this has been Laurel Krahn (a.k.a. @windowseat) as your humble twitter Minicon blatherer.)
April 8, 2012, 3:12 pm PDT

minicon: The con isn't really over with closing ceremonies, there's the Dead Dog party tonight & another party tomorrow night.
April 8, 2012, 2:02 pm PDT

minicon: Frank Wu doesn't want to attend Closing Ceremonies because it'll mean the con is over.
April 8, 2012, 1:59 pm PDT

minicon: For the cheapest registration rate, register for next Minicon at this Minicon or online today at http://t.co/8IDEs7Xs
April 8, 2012, 12:44 pm PDT

minicon: Overheard in the consuite: "Well, I'm just going to have to have another peanut butter & Nutella sandwich."
April 8, 2012, 11:01 am PDT

minicon: Did you notice the radish tree in the consuite? It's because we call the hotel (a former Radisson, Sheraton; now Doubletree) RadiShTree.
April 8, 2012, 10:03 am PDT

minicon: Consuite still has muffins, bagels, juice, milk, coffee, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, & more.
April 8, 2012, 9:55 am PDT

minicon: A few parties still going on the 6th floor. Lots to drink yet in the bar & plenty of snacks & drinks in consuite.
April 8, 2012, 12:00 am PDT

minicon: Music party happening now in the concert space, Zar game about to start in consuite, people throwing airplanes into atrium from 7th floor.
April 7, 2012, 11:59 pm PDT

minicon: There will be a 4am pulse check of public con spaces so if you're up at that hour & want to be counted, best be in consuite or bar or ...
April 7, 2012, 11:27 pm PDT

minicon: Still some turkey & stuffing & ham available in the consuite. Plus the usual snacks, drinks, etc. Fans, lots of fans.
April 7, 2012, 11:21 pm PDT

minicon: PSA: the "c" in "Minicon" is not capitalized. Except when people do. But officially . . . no. Unlike "MnStF" where you can do whatever.
April 7, 2012, 3:12 pm PDT

minicon: Word! (You & Laura K were good on panel too.) RT @Jodyth: Jane Yolen & @emmabull are brilliant. That is all #minicon
April 7, 2012, 3:10 pm PDT

minicon: Welcome back! RT @petehautman: Going to #minicon this morning! First time since 1978, when Samuel Delany was GOH. http://t.co/5hbZlRPu
April 7, 2012, 3:09 pm PDT

more >>