What can we tell you about a multi-media slash convention that’s now old enough to drink? We’ve been doing this for a long time. We keep doing it because we love the con, fandom, and the excuse to get together in person for a big, weekend-long party. Quite a few people have “been around forever,” but plenty of attendees have only attended Escapade once, or this year will be their first. Know that you’re welcome. New blood inspires everyone, and brings new fandoms, new friends, and new technology; we’re glad you’re here. For an overview of Escapades gone by, check out Fanlore.

The convention’s programming is designed by the attendees. Every single year. Attendees provide the songvids for the shows, attendees volunteer to moderate panels and volunteer panel ideas, and attendees’ popular vote is how panels get selected for the schedule. Think of the staff as your friendly and welcoming cruise directors, and don’t be shy about asking questions. We’ve covered many details in the FAQ, but if we missed anything, just email us.

Across the top of the site, you’ll find the following critical links:

• Register: This page covers all the details of pricing, deadlines, what’s included with your reg, and has the link to the registration form.
• Hotel: The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach is lovely, and right on the beach. Be sure to make your reservation early.
• Travel: Whether you’re driving from around the corner, or flying from far away, this page has maps, directions, and parking details.
• News: There are always quick links to recent news on the Escapade home page, but if you missed a post, or want to look up something older, look here.
• FAQ: We’ve tried to anticipate (and answer) all your questions here, so please check it out. If you have a question that’s not covered, let us know. We’d love to expand the FAQ to better serve you.
• Contact Us: This is a quick and easy contact form, so you can get your questions or concerns addressed.

Down the right side of the site are links to the program areas of the convention:

• Art Show: Fan art and craftworks are welcome for display and sale at Escapade. The live auction Sunday morning is not to be missed. 
• Charity: Escapade attendees have several opportunities to make a difference for folks less fortunate, while filling their own fannish needs. 
• Con Suite: From early registration on Thursday evening through the Dead Dog Party Sunday afternoon, the con suite is the heart of Escapade. Drop by for coffee or a snack, to watch songvids, read zines from the fanzine library, or just hang with friends.
• Dealers Room: Dealers offer a variety of (mostly) fan-related goods for sale; you can partake of their bounty on Saturday and Sunday.
• Panels: Escapade panels are famous (or maybe infamous). Be sure to contribute panel ideas for the ballot, vote for the panels that sound interesting, volunteer to moderate, and then show up and be heard.
• Schedule: Escapade programming starts on Friday morning, but lots of fans come in Thursday evening, pick up their badge & registration materials in the con suite, and start the party early. The actual content of Escapade 21 will be set later, but this page will let you know what we did last year.
• Scholarship: Fans helping fans. Take a minute to nominate someone you think would be a good addition to the Escapade family, and if you’re able, make a contribution toward their trip. Every dollar (or five hundred) makes a difference.
• Songvid Show: Escapade and songvids go together like Starsky and Hutch. The Saturday night show is a spectacular event. Escapade welcomes submissions from all vidders.
• Volunteer: We couldn’t do this without help. A lot of help. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the convention, to meet new friends, and to get a discount on the following year’s registration.
• Zine Library: Some fans today may never have held a paper fanzine, but here at Escapade we have hundreds. You can read them in the con suite, or check them out…as long as you return them by Sunday afternoon.