How do I connect to Escapade 31?
Our plans are to have panel conversations (video optional) on Zoom, text chat on Discord, video streaming on Vimeo, and the art show on Tumblr. If you have any concerns about accessing the virtual convention, we will be running a “test drive” session on Saturday afternoon before the convention (February 13) with activity on all platforms. You will be able to try out your system, and get live tech support from convention staff. We want everyone to be connected and confident before the convention launches on February 19.
Do I have to buy hardware or software?
No. All of the applications we are planning to use are free on the user’s side. If you want to speak in panels (via Zoom) but your computer doesn’t have a microphone, you can connect via phone or tablet. If you don’t have a phone or tablet, you can still participate via text chat in Discord. If you want to show your face in Zoom, but your computer doesn’t have a camera, you can use a tablet or smartphone.
How can I help?
Thank you for asking! If you’re comfortable (or willing to get comfortable) with Zoom, we’d like to have a “tech mod” in each panel to watch the text chat, gather raised hands, etc. and pass that information to the rest of the mods. You’ll be able to pick panels you wanted to attend anyway. If you help out at 4 or more panels, we’ll refund your reg or credit it toward next year.
We will also be running a consuite channel, open during convention hours (or as long as we have someone to host it) as a place to hang out and chat with other fans. It should be pretty mellow. You don’t even have to make cucumber sandwiches (unless you want to).
If either of these appeal to you, please email volunteer@escapadecon.net.
