General Information

When did the con start?

The con was first held in 1991, at the Best Western Pepper Tree Inn in Santa Barbara, California.

When is the con?

February 24-26, 2012 (with early registration the evening of 2/24/11)

Where is the con?

Ventura, California.

How much is the con?

Attending registration costs $130. However, there’s a promotional price of $100 through 9/15 (and those who registered at the last convention received the discount rate of $85).

When and how can I sign up?

Registration for Escapade is open. You can register through the website here. Payment is accepted via PayPal, or you can send a check through the mail.

What is your cancellation policy?

Attending members who cancel before January 31 will receive a refund (less $20 for processing) or may roll their membership over to the following year (less the $20 processing fee). Cancellations after January 31 will not receive a refund unless we fill your spot from the waitlist.

Can I see a list of the other people who are attending?

Yes, there’s a list here.

Is there a minimum age for attendance?

Escapade members must be at least 18 years old (unless accompanied by a parent who is also a member of the convention).

Do you offer supporting memberships?

Yes. Supporting memberships for those who are not attending the convention cost $35, and include a reg pack with goodies and the program book, a DVD, and our eternal thanks.

Will you have day memberships?

Escapade doesn’t offer single-day memberships except in extreme circumstances. Contact the convention committee if you think you qualify.

How about registration at the door?

Escapade doesn’t offer registration at the door except in excpetional circumstances. Contact the convention committee if you think you qualify.

When does the con begin, and when does it end?

The first panel is Friday morning, usually around 10am. The last panel is usually around 3pm on Sunday, followed by the Dead Dog party in the con suite.

When will I be able to register at the con?

Onsite registration begins Thursday evening (usually at 8pm) and continues Friday morning at 9 am.

When will the schedule be posted?

The structure of the Escapade schedule can be found here. It will be filled with the details of the convention in early February.

Will there be a computer for me to use if I don’t have my own?

The hotel has a business center with internet-connected computers. There may be a computer available for attendee use in the con suite. Check when you arrive at the convention.

How can I find my friends at Escapade?

If you don’t have your friends’ cell phone numbers, you can use the low-tech, but very effective voodoo message board. The voodoo message board is located outside the convention suite on Thursday, then moves down to the prefunction space (outside the main panel rooms) for Friday through Sunday.

What is a voodoo message board?

The voodoo message board is a way to leave and get messages from your friends. It consists of a corkboard with a list of everyone at the convention, some map pins, and a card file separated by alphabet letter. Here’s how it works:

1) when you arrive, highlight your name on the list of attendees, so others will know you’re here

2) to leave a message for someone, put a pin next to their name, and write a message for them on an index card (be sure to include their badge name & yours)

3) file the index card behind the letter that corresponds to their badge name

Then, when they see a pin next to their name, they’ll know to look for your message. You can also keep an eye on your name. If you see a pin by it, be sure to pick up your message *and* remove the pin.

What will the weather be like?

Southern California in late winter / early spring is usually pretty nice. Check out weather.gov for up-to-date information. The latest forecast is always available on the front page of the Escapade site.

Are there rules at Escapade?

We don’t have rules, but we do have a few policies we ask everyone to respect.

Panels

What kinds of panels do you have at Escapade?

Escapade panels are usually more like moderated roundtable discussions, where everyone in the room is presumed to be a potential conversation participant. One or two people “moderate” each panel, which basically means some combination of offering some questions to get the conversation started, keeping order in the room and ensuring that nobody monopolizes the conversation, and occasionally holding forth with finely-crafted monologues and/or squee.

Who suggests the panels?

Our members/attendees provide the overwhelming majority of panel topics (or several). We add a spattering of suggestions based on past cons, and two hours are reserved for topics decided on in the “Welcome to Escapade” panel on Friday morning of the con. We will post an official call for panel suggestions on 12/15/11, but if there are topics or ideas floating around that you think would make an interesting Escapade conversation, feel free to send them in or post them to the Escapade LJ at any time.

Can I suggest a panel?

Sure! We accept panel suggestions from 12/15/11 to 1/5/12, and then those topics go into the panel ballot. Members of Escapade vote for the topics that interest them.

Who leads the panels?

Anyone who’s a member of Escapade can lead a panel. We especially welcome people who have never led a panel before, and we’re developing a panelist FAQ to help get you started. We’re always looking for new points of view, and we have it on very good authority that leading panels can be a lot of fun. We’ll also work with you to find co-panelists.

How do panels get chosen for the schedule?

Each year, we assemble a panel ballot from the suggestions Escapade members send in. Then we have a (2 week) voting period. The most popular panels (allowing for some human intervention) will be included in the final Escapade schedule.

When is the deadline for panel suggestions?

Panel suggestions must be received by 1/5/12 to be included on the panel ballot. This is the best way to get your panel onto the final schedule. However, there is a write-in space on the panel ballot. If you have a burning idea that occurs after the deadline, you can submit it here, and if the programming committee is as excited about it as you are, we just might wedge it into the schedule.

When is the deadline for panel voting?

The panel ballot will be posted on 1/8/12 and will be open for voting until 1/22/12. Please be sure to submit your panel votes, so you have a say in what happens at Escapade.

When will we know the results of the voting?

If the new website technology permits, we’ll have live results of the voting, so you can watch things rise and fall in popularity. If it does not, we will post the in-progress results every 2-3 days during the voting period, and then the top 10 vote getters at the close of voting.

When will the panel schedule be posted?

The preliminary panel schedule will be distributed to panelists on around February 1 and then posted to the website for all members around February 10.

Art Show and Charity Auction

What do “art show” and “auction” mean? How do they work?

The Escapade art show is a place for you to admire (and display) (and buy) (and sell) fannish and fannish-related art, crafts, merchandise, and other items. Arts & crafts will be on display Friday and Saturday, and available to be bid-upon. Items that receive 2 or more bids will be auctioned to the highest bidder on Sunday morning. Items with one bid only will be considered sold to that bidder, and will not go to auction.

Will the art show accept digital or photo-manipulated art?

Yes, we will display and auction computer-generated art (but only one copy of each piece, please).

Do I have to attend to submit art?

No. We accept art by mail. For art mailed in, return postage will be deducted from sales. (You may wish to include a check for return postage just in case sales are disappointing; we will return it or destroy it if it isn’t needed.) Mail-in art must be received by February 22.

Vid Shows

Will there be a vid show? How can I submit a vid?

Yes there will be a premiering vid show on Saturday night with vids being shown on the big screen. All types of vids are welcomed – Escapade does not censor or screen vids for content. You do not have to be an attending or supporting member to submit your vid but attending vidders will take precedence over non-attending vidders. The goal however is to showcase the widest variety of vidders possible.

There will also be vid show collecting vids from Escapades past. The schedule and format of this are still being developed.

Why are there two rooms for the vidshow?

One room is designed to provide a viewing experience where fans sit quietly so that the vids can be fully savored without distraction; the other room is designed to provide a viewing experience where fans can walk around, talk aloud, etc. We trust you to choose the room that will make you happiest at vidshow time.

Social Events

What is the con suite?

The con suite is the heart and soul of Escapade. It is staffed by wonderful and welcoming volunteers. Throughout the day there will be a selection of snacks and drinks available at no charge (though we do accept contributions that we use to re-stock throughout the weekend). The con suite is also a great place to relax with a zine or a few friends, or make some new friends. It also houses the Escapade Zine Library, as well as a TV/DVD setup for pimping. This is where the Dead Dog Party is held on Sunday.

Will there be a party? Is it a costume party?

The Escapade party is held Friday night at the convention. Light appetizers are served, and there’s a cash bar, though the first drink is on us. It is not strictly a costume party, though some people do dress up (some costumes, some just more formal than the convention uniform of jeans & t-shirts). It’s open to all members of Escapade, and included with your registration.

What is the Dead Dog Party?

No dogs are harmed in the production of the Dead Dog Party; it’s just a traditional end-of-convention gathering. We usually order in a bunch of food, people often bring the leftovers of snacks that they had in their room, and everyone hangs out, eats, drinks, and talks until they have to head back into the real world.

What about room parties?

Often, Escapade attendees will arrange smaller parties in their rooms. Feel free to announce room parties on the Escapade_con LJ, or on the escapade-chat yahoogroup. Additionally, the hotel has a nice patio between the bar and the beach where people have gathered for small parties.

Can I have a party in the alternate programming room?

Not really. That is, you can’t bring outside food & drink into the alternate programming room. You can have a gathering there to talk or show vids, and you could, if you wanted, have it catered by the hotel. All gatherings in the convention space must be open to all Escapade members.

Will there be dealers?

Yes! There is a dealers room at the con. It’s open on Saturday and Sunday (note: dealers can set up on Friday afternoon).

What kind of dealers will be at Escapade?

The list of dealers, and what they have to offer, varies from year to year. You can see a list of the dealers currently registered here.

What is the slash swap meet and how does it work?

Escapade’s slash swap meet is an elegant exercise in generosity. Functionally, it’s a space where fans can leave fannish stuff they no longer want (dvds, videotapes, books, etc) and pick up fannish stuff they do want. You get to decide what’s a fair swap. If didn’t bring anything to swap, but you want something, just drop a few (or many) dollars into the kitty; all funds collected at the swap table go to our convention charity.

What is the ‘zine library and how does it work?

The Escapade zine library is a collection of our fannish roots: printed fanzines. (Okay, there is some netfic in there, too.) Over the years, fans have donated zines, and each year we bring them to Escapade, and make them available for reading at the convention. If you have zines you’re not reading any longer, please feel free to donate them to the zine library.

Dealer Information

How much does dealer registration cost?

Dealers tables are available for $35 each.

Is con registration included in the dealer table fees?

No. In order to deal at Escapade you need both an attending membership and one (or more) dealer table(s).

What kind of dealers are you looking for? How many?

Escapade has no restriction on what people sell at their dealer tables. We’ve seen everything from handmade jewelry to paperback books and collectibles to zines and custom-made fannish do-dads. Basically, anything that’s of interest to fans is going to sell. We usually have between 10 and 20 dealers at Escapade.

Can I get a list of all the dealers who will be at the con?

Yes, a list of attending dealers is available here.

Can nonmembers work at my dealer table?

No. Everyone at Escapade needs an attending membership.

Will there be somewhere for me to unload my stuff at the hotel?

If you arrive at the hotel before check-in time (3 pm), they do have a small luggage storage room you can use. Dealer setup will begin Friday afternoon, and continue early Saturday morning.

Hotel

How much does the hotel cost?

See the hotel page for current room rates.

How do I reserve a room?

Best is to reserve online through the hotel page. If you prefer, you can call the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach directly at (805) 648-2100. You must mention that you’re with Escapade to get our discounted rates.

How can I find a roommate?

You can post to the escapade_con livejournal or yahoogroup.

Is there parking?

Yes. The convention has negotiated free parking in the city structure next to the hotel. If you choose to use the hotel’s lot, you’ll have to pay.

Does the hotel have Internet access?

Yes. There is wireless Internet throughout the hotel, and internet-connected computers in the hotel’s business center.

Is there a business center with computers in the hotel?

Yes.

Can I hook up my own VCR or DVD player to the TV in my hotel room?

No. The hotel TVs are security locked, so you won’t be able to connect a DVD player to the TV.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, the hotel accepts small pets. Contact them directly for details and deposit information.

Can I bring my dog into the convention space?

As Escapade is not a dog-oriented event, we don’t expect many people to bring their dogs with them, however, it may happen from time to time, so we have instituted the following policy:

Quiet, well-behaved, controlled (either on leash, or in the case of toy size dogs, in a suitable carry bag) dogs will be allowed in the Escapade Con spaces (panel rooms, dealer’s room, con suite), but only as long as there is no complaint from other attendees, or problems with the pet seen by con or hotel staff.

Con attendees who choose to bring their dog with them are encouraged to make sure they have suitable arrangements for their dog (a crate or pen in their hotel room, for instance) in case they are asked to remove the dog from con spaces.

Is there a restaurant in the hotel?

Yes. Information and menus here: http://www.cpventura.com/dining.html

Are meals included in registration? / How do meals work?

The con provides breakfast Sunday morning, but all other meals are the attendee’s responsibility. Most days are fully scheduled with panels from 10 am – 6 pm, then a small time slot for dinner before the Friday evening party and the Saturday Vid Show. Only Friday currently allows for a scheduled lunch break, so Saturday and Sunday lunch is up to the con-goer’s preference. Because of the large number of people attending the convention, the lunch room service can be slow; you may want to walk to an alternative venue or provide yourself with snacks until the dinner hour. The con suite does provide some light fare–cookies, cheese and crackers, maybe some chili–along with water and some types of pop, but if you have any dietary concerns (diabetic, vegetarian, allergic to wheat, etc), the con suite may not have what you needs, so it’s best to provide it yourself.

To that end, there are grocery stores within a couple of miles from the hotel, and walking may not be an option for all attendees. If you need something–say a flat of water–ask around. If anyone else is going to the store, they may be able to pick it up for you on their supply trip.

What if I want to keep food in my room?

It’s possible to arrange for a mini-fridge where you could store takeout leftovers or groceries, and at least one person mentioned having a microwave (though she may have been in a suite.) If you need a refrigerator for medical reasons, be sure to arrange that *in advance* with the hotel.

Is there a pool at the hotel? How about an ocean?

Yes to both.

What should I bring/pack?

In addition to comfortable clothes and shoes, you may want to bring your own power strip and extension cords. Even hotels that think they are geared towards a technologically savvy traveler really aren’t up to the challenge of a fan who might need to charge her laptop, phone, and iPod #1 while reviewing footage on her flip and maybe listening to iPod #2 – without unplugging every lamp in her room.

Are there restaurants, grocery stores, etc. near the hotel?

Yes, there are many restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, and there will be a list of local restaurants and a map included in the convention program book.

Does mass/public transit serve the hotel?

Not exactly. The Amtrak station is within walking distance. The city buses stop within one mile, but nothing comes right to the front door of the hotel.

How close is the hotel to downtown LA?

About 60 miles, depending on where in LA you’re going.

Travel

What airport can I fly into?

If you are flying, your viable airports are Oxnard, Los Angeles, and Burbank. See the Travel page for details. ETA: Currently scheduled flights into Oxnard have been canceled. When/if this changes, we’ll update everyone.

Can I take the train to the con?

Amtrak and Metrolink trains run to the Ventura area. The Amtrak station is very close to the hotel. See the See the Travel page for details.

How do I get to the hotel from the airport/train station/bus station/my friend’s house in downtown LA?

There are maps and directions to the hotel on the Travel page.

I’m interested in arranging a rideshare to or from the con – what can I do?

Post to the con livejournal and/or yahoogroup, and see who wants to join you!