Welcome to Arisia '00
Arisia is back home to the newly renovated Boston Park Plaza Hotel
and Towers. New England's largest speculative media convention, the last
Arisia of the millennium promises to be just as interesting and entertaining
as the previous decade's worth of excellent conventions. As usual, we will
have a full program for adults and children on a range of subjects; the
only
full-scale masquerade in New England; the largest Art Show around; dozens
of dealers huckstering everything from silver jewelry and vampire teeth
to new and used books; filk concerts; an astounding selection of videos
shown 24 hours a day; the return of ArisiaTV, films, and anime; storytelling
and items especially for children; plenty of gaming, including role-playing
games and board games; and much, much more! All this, and an opportunity
to make friends with fellow fans interested in science fiction, fantasy,
horror, and related fields. So forget your Y2K problems and be sure to
join us for the first big speculative fiction bash of the year 2000!
Our Guests
Jane Yolen-writer and editor
Called alternatively the "Hans Christian Andersen of America" (Newsweek)
and "the Aesop of the twentieth century" (NY Times), Jane Yolen
is a storyteller, novelist, children's book author, poet, playwright, and
author of over 200 books for children, young adults, and adults. Ms. Yolen's
books, poems, and stories have won so many awards, they cannot all be listed,
but they include: the Nebula Award, the Rhysling, an Asimov's Magazine
Reader's Poll award, the World Fantasy Award, the Caldecott Medal, the
Nebula Award, a National Book Award nomination, three Mythopoeic Awards,
the Golden Kite Award, the Skylark Award, the Jewish Book Award, the Christopher
Medal, the Association of Jewish Libraries Award, the Charlotte Award,
and more! She has six "body of work" awards from such diverse groups as
the Catholic Library Association, the Universities of Minnesota and Keene
State, the Oklahoma Libraries, and the New England Science Fiction Association.
Her books have been translated into thirteen languages, including French,
German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Xhosa, Hawaiian,
Russian, Danish, Swedish, and Afrikaans. They have been made into television
shows, audio books, and theatrical presentations, and one-The Devil's
Arithmetic-is being filmed for Showtime by Punch Productions, starring
Kirsten Dunst. Ms. Yolen was consultant to Punch Productions on the script
for her feature film. She has written the script for one short animated
feature and two musical plays (produced in Boston and in Northampton, MA)
and lyrics for several rock and folk groups, including Cats Laughing. Some
of her more popular works include Owl Moon, The Devil's Arithmetic,
Sister Light, Sister Dark and White Jenna, The Girl Who Cried
Flowers and Other Tales, Briar Rose, the Xanadu series
(editor), and The Boy Who Had Wings.
Tom Kidd-artist
Tom Kidd is a widely known fantasy illustrator. He has received
four Hugo nominations, won four Chesley Awards, and won the Anlab Award.
Tom's work has appeared on the covers of well over two hundred books and
many magazines, ranging from Good Housekeeping and Reader's Digest
to Analog and Savage Sword of Conan. His paintings have been
displayed at the Delaware Art Museum, The Society of Illustrators, and
the Cleveland Museum of Science. Tom designed robots and created architectural
designs for a theme park, and is working on a large-scale book called Gnemo.
This September, William Morrow published an illustrated edition of The
Three Musketeers with sixteen full-color illustrations by Tom. He has
also just finished work as a conceptual designer on an animated feature
for Walt Disney Studios, and is now at work illustrating The War of
the Worlds for Morrow. Tom lives in New Milford, CT, with his wife,
Andrea.
Sharon Sbarsky-fan
Despite being an avid science fiction reader since grade school, Sharon
Sbarsky didn't find science fiction fandom until she joined HopSFA
(The Johns Hopkins University Science Fiction Association). At that point
she heard about conventions with names like Boskone, Lunacon, and Philcon,
but never attended any until she graduated and moved to Boston in 1978.
Her first convention was Boskone XVI, twenty years ago, where she not only
joined Noreascon Two, but signed up as a volunteer. Since then she's attended
almost 200 conventions, working in one area or another at most of them.
She's run or worked in program, registration, treasury, newsletter, art
show, dealers, sales to members, staff den, green room, ribbons, ... well,
you get the idea. Sharon is currently an active member of the New England
Science Fiction Association, Massachusetts Convention Fandom Inc., OSFCI,
and the Lunarians, is active on-line in fannish newsgroups and mailing
lists, and is having fun building various fannish web sites, including
the World Fantasy Convention web site. She's even been known to assist
Arisia from time to time.
Program Events
Arisia '00 will have guests specializing in art, costuming, gaming, literature,
media, and science, with panels and workshops covering topics in all these
areas and more. There will be readings, autograph sessions, and all kinds
of gaming. If you have an idea for program, let us know on the membership
form below or email program@arisia.org.
The Deadwood Society has promised us a follow-up to last year's hilarious
spoof on favorite SF movies. There will also be plenty of filking
(fannish folk singing) throughout the weekend, both group and solo, with
opportunities to sing along, in the new, acoustically wonderful Terrace
Room, plus a concert with our musical guest (TBA). For more information
on filk, use your membership form or email filk@arisia.org.
Dazzling costumes of all types will be judged, and awards given in many
categories, at the Saturday night Masquerade. The Masquerade is
open to all at no charge, but advance registration is required. You may
register until Saturday afternoon at the convention. For complete information,
please check the Masquerade box on the membership form, or email masq@arisia.org.
The Masquerade will be followed by the all-night Camarilla dance, where
the vampires roam freely.
If you prefer a different mood, the Time Patrol invites you back (and
we do mean back) to a Shakespearean dance on Friday night. Period
costumes are encouraged (but not required), and we will have live music
and a dance-master to teach you the steps. Alternatively, you may wish
to visit our Opening Ceremonies/Meet-the-Pros party and hobnob with your
favorite authors.
Video, Anime, and ArisiaTV
The 24-hour movies go on (and on) in the Video Room. From noon Friday to
close-out Sunday, the theater is open and showing arcane or amusing videos,
movies, amateur videos, and cartoons. Don't miss the Saturday Night Mystery
Movie! We will also have films again, and then there's the return of ArisiaTV
in your hotel room. To place an ad on ArisiaTV, let us know on your membership
form or email arisiatv@arisia.org-special
rates are available for dealers and fan groups. This year there will be
a separate around-the-clock room for Anime (Japanese animation), showcasing
a wide range of material in the genre (email anime@arisia.org)
for all ages. Arisia will show multiple titles and will attempt to cover
a broad spectrum of styles and intended audiences, including action adventure,
comedy, Martial Arts Fighting, classic older titles, and some unique Japanese
categories. Most well be shown in Japanese with English subtitles. This
year, we will include some DVD's as well as tape and LD sources for the
videos. We hope to have an amateur video contest if there's enough interest-check
the appropriate box on the registration form. To submit an amateur video,
contact Arisia, or email video@arisia.org.
Art Show and Auction
Our Art Show will feature the artwork of our Artist Guest of Honor, Tom
Kidd, and much, much more. You may place a written bid on many of the items;
those with fewer than four bids on Sunday will be sold to the highest bidder,
while those with more bids go to the live Auction. There is also a Print
Shop, where fine art prints are available at fixed prices. Special events
include the always-popular Dueling Easels, where artists create a book
cover right before your very eyes! If you would like to exhibit your work,
please check the "Art Show" box on the membership form (new lower rates!)
or email artshow@arisia.org.
This year, we have decided to hold a Student Art Contest. To
enter, you must be a current high school student in eastern Massachusetts.
Send five slides of each entry to the Arisia address, clearly marked
"Student Art Contest." (Your slides will be returned if you include a self-addressed,
stamped envelope.) Entries should be a maximum of 9"x12" (2D) or have a
36 sq. in. or less footprint (3D). Finalists will receive a free one-day
entry to Arisia '00 as well as having their art displayed in our Art Show
(where they may choose to sell it, subject to the usual Art Show rules).
Winners will receive a cash prize! For information and a complete
set of rules, write Arisia, use the form below, or email student-art@arisia.org.
Dealers' Room and Dealers' Row
Looking for something special? Visit the Dealers' Room, with an extensive
selection of everything from anime to books, chains to dragons. Also be
sure to browse Dealers' Row, where dealers set their own hours. For information
on rates and availability, check the "Dealers" box on the membership form
or e-mail dealers@arisia.org.
All dealers must have memberships, and space is limited; sign up now. Dealers
will also get a special rate on ArisiaTV ads (and the people there can
help you make one). For Dealers interested in Dealer's row, there are additional
charges and deposits to the hotel.
Hospitality Suite and Fan Lounge
Cookies, caffeine, and camaraderie will be available round-the-clock in
the Hospitality Suite, the perfect place to relax, have a snack or some
soda, pick up the latest newsletter, and meet other fans. The Fan Lounge
will be the perfect place to get comfy with a fanzine or APA, and perhaps
learn a bit of fandom's roots-or life before the Internet, anyway.
Just For Kids
Children under 12 years old must either be Kids-in-Tow (with an authorized
adult at all times) or have a convention membership. Jane Yolen is a well-known
children's author, and we will cater extensively to the younger set with
special storytelling, activities, and plenty more fun guaranteed to make
grown-ups jealous. We plan a special storytelling event featuring Ms. Yolen
on Sunday morning, which is open to all. Other Fast Track activities
are open free of charge to pre-registered children, ages 8 to 12,
with memberships.
Babysitting by professional sitters is available for ages 18 months
to 7 years; the cost of a babysitting membership is $70 (which includes
a regular membership). Pagers (requiring a deposit) will be issued to parents
(or you may bring one). Parents are expected to help in kids' programs-and
they'll earn extra gopher hours which can be used to get a free shirt (or
even a membership-see below). The space available in both Babysitting and
Fast Track is limited, so be sure to reserve now by letting us know on
your membership form or email kids@arisia.org; please include the
children's ages with their names. Both kids' programs require advance pre-registration
by November 30, 1999.
Fun Stuff
As usual, Arisia's nightlife will be hopping with parties. If you'd
like to host an open or closed party, you must contact our
party coordinator (check below or email parties@arisia.org). If
you decide to host a party, we'll "seed" it with some snacks after you
register it with Security. Alcohol is not allowed at open parties
(those with open doors).
Fan tables will grace the mezzanine throughout the convention, and one
table is free to any recognized organization which signs up in advance.
Freebietables
will be nearby, full of flyers with information about upcoming fan events
and opportunities-and sometimes free books, pins, posters, or other items.
Volunteering
Ever wonder how all these wonderful and exciting events are made to happen?
Here's your chance to find out! Arisia is completely volunteer-run, and
we need you to help everything run smoothly! See what happens "behind the
scenes," meet fellow fans, and get that warm glow that comes from knowing
that you made a difference. Not only do you still get to see the con, you
can earn a free membership for next year-or at least a free shirt,
depending upon how many hours you volunteer. If you will be available Thursday
evening or Monday morning, volunteer for set-up or tear-down and earn extra
hours. For information on volunteering, either before or during the con,
check the "Volunteering" box on the membership form. You can also sign
up during the con at the Gopher Hole, which is stocked with free drinks
and snacks for volunteers. Sign up in advance at gophers@arisia.org.
Publications
The Souvenir Book, featuring art by our Artist Guest of Honor, Tom
Kidd, will contain biographies of all our guests, and short biographies
of all program participants, as available. You will also find a massive
bibliography of our Writer Guest of Honor, other items of interest, a short
history of Arisia, and ads for upcoming books and conventions. Be sure
to obtain your complimentary copy when you arrive at the convention. If
you would like to advertise in our Souvenir Book, please contact Arisia
for rates (or email ads@arisia.org). The deadline for ad reservations
is October 1, 1999. Double the effectiveness of your ad by
placing one on ArisiaTV, too (see above).
Members as of December 1, 1999, will also get a pre-registration
packet with useful information, such as directions, hotel reservation
information, and more details than we can offer here. Look for a pocket
program and our newsletter, Clear Ether, at the convention.
Convention Rules and Security: The strictly-enforced weapons policy
(for costumes or "real") is published in the pre-registration packet and
the Souvenir Book. If you intend to display an object that might be considered
a weapon, write for a copy of the guidelines. Arisia also has policies
on dress and behavior, established by ARISIA, Inc., and published in the
Souvenir Book. This includes respect for the comfort and privacy of attendees,
as well as other guests of the hotel. Smoking is permitted only
in your room or in designated areas in the lobby. Please contact us with
any questions. Be aware that restaurants and public places are generally
non-smoking in the Boston area.
Illegal drugs and other illegal
activities will not be tolerated.
Hotel
Arisia '00 is back in the newly remodeled Boston Park Plaza Hoteland
Towers in downtown Boston. For hotel reservations call (617) 426-2000
or (800) 225-2008. The convention room rates are $98 for
a single or double, $108 for a triple, and $118 for a quad,
effective until January 6, 2000. We usually sell out, so make your
reservation early! Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card or
check deposit; if you wish a non-guaranteed reservation, contact us by
mail or email at hotel@arisia.org. Also contact Arisia for information
about suite availability and for party or dealer's rooms. Note:
You must have a membership to obtain the hotel convention rates.
As some of our past attendees know, the Park Plaza is a venerable hotel,
and handicapped access will be awkward to some areas. If you will
need handicapped access, please try to let us know as soon as possible.
We will have a special packet for you at Registration.
Registration
Save money and join now! Our $30 pre-registration deadline is
November
30, 1999; registrations arriving after that (until 1/1/00) will be
processed at the full at-the-door rate of $40. Paid memberships may be
transferred in writing to another person. To join, fill out the form below.
If you register now for Arisia '00, your Progress Report with directions
and pre-registration confirmation will be in your Christmas mail. If you
do not receive it by January 1, please contact us at the address below,
or at reg@arisia.org. Advance group discounts are available; please
inquire. If you are a member of the press, or represent a publisher, write
to Arisia for press pass information, or email press@arisia.org.
Contacting Us
By US Mail:
Arisia '00
Building 600, PMB 322
One Kendall Square
Cambridge, MA 02139
On the Web: http://www.arisia.org/2000/
Useful addresses at arisia.org:
Arisia '00 Registration Form
Mail to:
Arisia Inc.
Building 600, PMB 322
One Kendall Square
Cambridge, MA 02139
Print clearly Attach additional memberships
Name ________________________________________________________________
Name on badge (if different) ________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
City ___________________________ State ______ Zip ___________________
I am paying for ___ membership(s) at $30 each, total $US ____________
__ check payable to ARISIA (do not send cash!)
__ Visa __ MasterCard __ American Express __ Discover
Card # ___________________________________ Exp. ____________
Signature ___________________________________________________
__ This is my first Arisia.
__ This is a new address since my last Arisia.
__ Please do not put my name on your mailing list.
__ Please do not share my name with other SF organizations.
__ Feel free to share my name with other SF organizations.
Please send me information on:
__ Advertising
__ Amateur Video
__ ArisiaTV
__ Art Show
__ Dealers' Room/Row
__ Fan Tables
__ Filking
__ Gaming
__ Handicapped Access
__ Kids' Programs, age(s) as above
__ Masquerade
__ Parties
__ Programming
__ Student Art Contest
__ Volunteering
__ Other
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