In October 2009, Narrate Conferences will present Sirens, the first in an annual series of conferences focused on women in fantasy literature: women authors, women professionals, even women characters. The conference was inspired by the daring adventures of heroines and the brilliant works of women fantasy authors--and we hope that you’ll join us in Vail, Colorado next fall.

Sirens will be a smaller conference than our Harry Potter offerings have been, so everyone has the opportunity to discuss and debate, and we hope that Sirens will be equal parts scholarly examination, networking weekend, professional workshop and fan convention. Like our Potter conferences, Sirens will be attendee-driven: attendees will propose and present our programming, teach our classes and host our informal programs, and we hope that their viewpoints and discussion will make Sirens truly outstanding.

For more information, please visit the Sirens website, join our LiveJournal community at sirenscon or visit Narrate Conferences’ LiveJournal at narrate_blog to learn more about why we chose a conference focused on discussing and celebrating women in fantasy literature.

For those of you anxiously awaiting more information about Sirens/sirenscon--we're not quite there yet, and we want to be able to answer all of the questions we know you'll have about the event once we provide you with the dates, location, and website.

In the interim, we're pleased to announce that we've activated a new community: narrate_books. This community is not specifically related to any particular conference, but it will focus heavily on the sorts of books that you might be interested in if you're interested in one of Narrate Conferences' events--fantasy, science fiction and/or speculative fiction, young adult literature of all genres, steampunk, and so on. We're talking about favorite books right now, so please feel free to watch or join in.

More soon. Good news is on the way!

The North Star is the official conference newsletter for Terminus. The North Star is also available by e-mail; subscription information can be found at www.terminus2008.org/newsroom/subscribe.html.

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THE NORTH STAR
The Official Newsletter of Terminus
Delivered via LiveJournal, Mailing List, Forums, Myspace, and Divination
Volume 2, The Final Issue

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Terminus
To the nearly 1,500 of you who came to Chicago, shared your theories, discussed your analyses, showed your fanfilms, sold your wares, sponsored teams, and everything else, thank you. We were glad to play host to you, whether you came from Illinois or New Zealand. Or the U.S. or Canada or the U.K. or Ireland or Australia or Germany or Peru or Puerto Rico or Croatia or Bolivia or South Africa or China or Denmark or Italy or anywhere else. Thank you for being presenters, for being volunteers, for being vendors, for being sponsors, and most of all, for being supporters and adding your enthusiasm just by attending.

Volunteers
Thank you to the many, many of you who showed up early and stayed late to ensure that presenters had someone to provide an introduction, to fiddle with projector lenses, to answer questions and collect lost wands, to sign in attendees with a smile, and to keep us safe and secure. Thank you, every last one of you. Your experience, your patience, and your enthusiasm made Terminus happen.

Lost and Found
All we have at this point is a phone, and its battery has been hit with an Unforgivable Curse. (Okay, we don't have a suitable power adapter.) Please identify the brand and model number, and we'll get it back to you.

Terminus Forums
As many of you know, we never announce upcoming events until we have all the i's dotted and t's crossed. We're still waiting for the ink to dry on a few magical contracts, and since we don't have new forums up for future events, we're happy to keep part of the Terminus forums open for you to keep in touch with friends in the meantime. For updates about Sirens, connect to news via its website or sirenscon, and the Narrate Conferences mailing list for updates by e-mail about the Terminus compendium, Sirens website launch, and another upcoming event announcement we think you'll be very interested in.

The Tempest Cup
Congratulations to Kohilo House, who won the Cup! Led to victory by Head of House Skyler Hijazi, the Kohilos took the coveted Cup by a wide margin, though they had serious competition from the other Houses.

The Continents Cup
Congratulations to the Knight 62442 Werewolves, who were victorious in the Trade Winds Tournament. A few pictures of teams playing Quidditch can be found behind the cut. As the Trade Winds Tournament was played outside, and was a publicly-viewable event, please feel free to drop links to your own tournament pictures in the comments!

( Read more... )

Frequently Asked Questions
Did Terminus alter any presentations just so they'd fit a particular room?
Presenters tell us at the submission stage which form of presentation they feel most comfortable with, and we think that it's important to allow their experience and preferences to guide their presentations. Occasionally, we'll advise presenters during the proposal stage--such as encouraging a paper/lecture instead of a workshop if there aren't any hands-on elements--but we never alter someone's presentation without their consent.

What's a compendium? Where can I get a Terminus compendium?
A compendium is a collection of papers--and for Terminus, it's a collection of papers, panel overviews, articles, and roundtable discussion questions. Presenters of these types of programming were invited to submit the written versions of their presentations, and many have contributed to the Terminus compendium. It takes some time to review all of the submissions, edit them for consistency, and have them typeset; then, after that, the physical publication and wait time for online listings takes longer still. If you were a Terminus attendee, we'll send you an e-mail when the compendium is available, and you can always check the Terminus website to see if there's a link in the Programming section. Otherwise, we recommend subscribing to the Narrate Conferences mailing list, which has only occasional announcements, including compendia publication information, new conference announcements, and so on.

Can I still purchase merchandise from Terminus?
Yes! We do still have a few pieces of merchandise from past events, and a few pieces for one of our future events. Please write to help[AT]terminus2008.org with the merchandise you'd like to acquire, and include the size, if applicable. We have Terminus conference t-shirts; Sirens t-shirts in men's and women's styles; With You Whatever Happens t-shirts in light blue, both men's and women's styles, Terminus chancellor's dragon notebooks, Terminus program books, Trade Winds Tournament track jackets; and Aeolian University messenger bags. We'll correspond with you about your order total, shipping, and payment options if you'd like to place an order.


Questions? Please write to help[AT]terminus2008.org.

We're thrilled to announce that, after a day of heated play, blood and bruising, the Knight 62442 Werewolves have taken the Continents Cup! They beat the Navy Pier Ninja in the final match by a mere 20 points, with the Ninja Seeker catching the Golden Snitch.

Congratulations to all the players, and thank you from Amy, Collin, Simon and the rest of the Quidditch officials for an awesome day on the pitch!

Preliminary rounds of Quidditch have begun! Results of this round determine matchups for the elimination rounds.

Gameplay was very impressive from all teams.

Knight 62442 Werewolves - 30
vs.
hp-ohio Crystal Balls - 180

FictionAlley Cats 130
vs.
Lakefront Fire Crabs - 50

Navy Pier Ninja - 160
vs.
Betas Anonymous Punctuation Pixies - 60

Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 30
vs.
Wizard Ties Trolls - 150

Navy Pier Ninja - 30
vs.
hp-ohio Crystal Balls - 120

Wizard Ties Trolls - 160
vs.
FictionAlley Cats - 50

Knight 62442 Werewolves - 110
vs.
Betas Anonymous Punctuation Pixies - 30

Lakefront Fire Crabs - 80
vs.
Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 40

hp-ohio Crystal Balls - 120
vs.
Betas Anonymous Punctuation Pixies - 70

Knight 62442 Werewolves - 70
vs.
Navy Pier Ninja - 110

Lakefront Fire Crabs - 50
vs.
FictionAlley Cats - 130

Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 30
vs.
Wizard Ties Trolls - 150

Wizard Ties Trolls - 160
vs.
FictionAlley Cats - 50

Lakefront Fire Crabs - 80
vs.
Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 40

Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 120
vs.
Fiction Alley Cats - 110

Wizard Ties Trolls - 100
vs.
Lakefront Fire Crabs - 90
Pictures to follow soon!

Announcements, Reminders, and Changes

As our program book goes to print many weeks in advance, we do want to let you know about a few items that weren't included on earlier schedules so that you can make your plans.

The North Star Live!
We're very pleased, first, to give you a preview of The North Star Live! The talk show will examine our reactions to the Harry Potter phenomenon in how we've created community, scholarship, and transformative works, as well as how the phenomenon changed us, with a variety of panelists from many different fields.
Hosts: Melissa Anelli, Joanna Goldstein, Suzanne Scott
Musical Guests: Draco and the Malfoys and the Whomping Willows
Location: International Ballroom, 2nd floor (enter via the escalators on the first floor - no entry on the second floor)
8 p.m. – midnight

Meet the Author
Authors Melissa Anelli (Harry, A History), Racheline Maltese (The Book of Harry Potter Trifles, Trivias and Particularities), Tamora Pierce (many young adult books, including the Circle books, Melting Stones, and Terrier), Erin Pyne (A Fandom of Magical Proportions: An Unauthorized History of The Harry Potter Phenomenon), and Rob Smith (Hogwarts, Narnia, and Middle Earth: Places Upon a Time) will be on hand during Artists and Authors Night to share their books on fantasy and the Harry Potter phenomenon.
Location: Waldorf Room, 3rd floor
8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Wrock Chicago
We've made a few changes to the lineup as several bands have had life-changing events happen lately. We wish the very best of luck and success to Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ginny and the Heartbreakers, and The Hermione Crookshanks Experience, who won't be able to play at Wrock Chicago. Remus and the Lupins, Neville's Diary, and Romilda Vane and the Chocolate Cauldrons will fill in for each band, respectively. Please see the schedule flyer that you'll pick up at the door, if you're attending, for a complete schedule of bands and locations. An e-mail about picking up your ticket was sent over the weekend to the e-mail address you listed on your registration.

Terminus Questions and Answers
In just a few days, we put Terminus on the road to Chicago: our staff will be packing up conference materials into suitcases and trailers, and traveling by plane and car. Please know that after July 30, it will be very difficult for us to answer e-mailed inquiries, and so we will be handling the most urgent first. We recommend asking any last-minute questions no later than the 30th. If you have a non-urgent question, we will respond on approximately August 15, once our staff has returned home. Once you're in Chicago, please visit the Information Desk, rather than sending e-mail, if you have a question. The hours are as follows:

Information Desk
Astoria Room, Hilton Chicago Hotel 3rd Floor

Wednesday, August 6: 9:00 a.m. to midnight
Thursday, August 7: noon to midnight
Friday, August 8: 8 a.m. to midnight
Saturday, August 9: 8 a.m. to midnight
Sunday, August 10: 8 a.m. to midnight
Monday, August 11: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Forum Closure
Since we won't be able to provide our usual light moderation of the forums at http://www.terminus2008.org/forum while we're in Chicago, they will close for new posts on Sunday, August 3 and be read-only. They will be open again from August 15 to 30, and then go into archival mode.

We'll see you in just a few days!
Questions? E-mail help[AT]terminus2008[DOT]org.

As a reminder, if you reserved a room at the Hilton Chicago Hotel through Terminus, you must provide the hotel with 72 hours' notice if you plan to cancel. If you cancel after that time, you may have to pay for the first night of your stay.

See you in a few days!

Keep an eye on your e-mail this week--each day, we'll be sending out a batch of check-in e-mails. Most of these will be delivered to the e-mail address with which you registered automatically, so expect that your check-in reminder may come very late on Friday, July 25. Thanks for your patience!

In the meantime, a few of our most popular questions are below.

Is there internet service at the Hilton Chicago Hotel?
Yes, there is, and it seems like there may be a rumor spreading that this service is free. Unfortunately, as with most urban hotels large enough to hold an event like Terminus, the wireless (or wired, depending on the floor you're on) internet service comes with a fee. We looked into having Terminus provide complimentary wireless, but the cost from the hotel was outrageous. We recommend sharing a weekly guest room internet plan with others to keep the price reasonable, if you'd like internet access.

Is the pool going to be open?
Yes! The hotel changed the renovation schedule for us. There is a lap pool on the 8th floor.

Can I just e-mail you my transfer even though online registration is closed?
Unfortunately, no. Parts of your registration have been packed for transfer in five different states, and other parts are in transit. All of the check-in databases have been printed and packed up. Please give your buyer a transfer form, and we'll help them take over your registration at the conference.

Can I just tell you my information?
Again, unfortunately, no. Once we get to Chicago, our internet access is limited, and we'd be likely to miss your message or be unable to match it with a transferred registration.

Do I have to have ID?
Yes. If you do not have government-issued photo identification, you should go to your local DMV and obtain some right away. The cost of an ID card is minimal, and most of you will need one to get on the plane. Please note also that we can't admit you without proper identification, especially if you are a minor or a chaperone.

Can I sell things at Terminus?
The hotel has a firm policy that no sales are allowed, except for businesses, individuals, and groups who have reserved space in the Terminus Vendor Station. If you are selling items or soliciting anyone for money on hotel property, you may be removed from the hotel.

Registration AND the Wizards’ Lost and Found both start at noon on Thursday, August 7. Will there still be time to play if I have to wait in line for my badge?
If you like, for this one of the Pan-Magical Games, you may join in the neighborhood scavenger hunt by going directly to the Room of Requirement (PDR #2) at noon on Thursday. You'll need to know what House you're in when you turn in your scoring sheet, but otherwise, you can pick up your registration packet after playing, if you like.

Can I bring my little brother? I'm babysitting.
If you have a pre-mobile infant, you may bring him or her along, though of course we'll ask you to step out of presentations if the baby is disruptive. If your little brother isn't yet 14, he will have to stay home, since we do not have any programming for children. He may come with you to visit the Vendor Station or to watch the Trade Winds Tournament in Grant Park, though; both of these items on the Terminus schedule are open to the public.

Do I REALLY have to have a chaperone?
Yes. Absolutely. We will not be making any exceptions to our chaperones and minors policies.

Where is there to eat around the hotel?
Lots of places! Chicago has all sorts of great places to eat. We have a list of some within walking distance of the hotel here.

When does Starbucks close?
Starbucks is part of the Lakeside Green Lounge, and they close at 2 p.m. to set up the bar. Once it closes, we recommend walking out the parking entrance and around the corner to 8th and Wabash (right behind the hotel) to Caribou Coffee--and they even have free Wifi!

Where is the grocery store/Target?
The closest full-service grocery store is the Jewel-Osco at 1224 South Wabash. Walk 4 blocks south on Michigan Avenue and 1 block east on Roosevelt to Wabash and Roosevelt.

The closest Target is the Chicago South Loop Target at 1154 S. Clark Street. Walk 4 blocks south on Michigan Avenue and 4 blocks east on Roosevelt to Roosevelt and Clark.

Both of these locations are within a half-mile of the hotel.

I heard the El is going to start some new construction projects.
We have, too, and we will be updating the transportation page at the end of the month; a volunteer (thank you!) will be riding the route to ensure that we have correct directions. At present, it appears that from Chicago O'Hare Airport, you will take a shuttle to the next blue line station instead of boarding at the airport. Chicago Transportation Authority staff will be at the airport to help you find the shuttle. According to their website: O’Hare customers will board and alight buses at the O’Hare Bus Shuttle Center located in the airport’s lower level near the flight Arrivals area (O’Hare terminals 1, 2 and 3). On the return trip, they will stop at the Rosemont Station and shuttle passengers to O'Hare.

When will I receive an e-mail about checking in for Terminus? For Wrock Chicago? For my keynote ticket that I bought without a registration?
Please watch your e-mail this week. Terminus check-in instructions will arrive first, and Wrock Chicago check-in e-mails will be last, arriving late on Friday evening.

Can I rent a ballroom to have a private party?
We can put you in touch with the hotel, but our understanding is that all of the meeting spaces in the hotel have been reserved for the weekend. (Also, rental cost in hotels is very high, and you often must order food from their set menus. We recommend meeting friends at a restaurant outside of the hotel.)

What are alternate parking options if I don't want to pay the daily charge at the hotel?
First, if you must bring a car, consider parking near O'Hare or Midway Airport and taking the El into town. There are numerous lots where parking will cost $7-10 per day. Chicagoparkingmap.com can help you find parking options near the hotel.

Have questions? Send them to help[AT]terminus2008.org.

Hi everyone,

If you are searching for tickets for Terminus or related events, please use our forums at http://www.terminus2008.org/forum. Please do not call the Hilton Chicago Hotel regarding tickets or registrations. The hotel cannot help you. Thank you for your cooperation.

Cheers,
Hallie

As a reminder, the last day to make a new reservation at the Hilton Chicago Hotel is Wednesday, July 9. After that date, the hotel will no longer make reservations at the Terminus discounted rate.

At this time, there are no King or 2-bed rooms available at the $169 rate, but upgraded rooms with a corresponding higher rate can be reserved through the hotel reservations website or by calling the hotel directly. If you have any questions about reservations at the hotel, please write to help[AT]terminus2008.org.

In recent posts, we highlighted a few of our roundtable discussions, papers, panels, pre-empaneled papers, fanfiction readings, workshops and gallery art and fanart portfolios. Today, we'd like to highlight a few Terminus programs that you might be unfamiliar with. As you can see on the schedule page, there are educational programs, evening events, and a variety of activities to keep you busy.

Talk Show
On Friday, The North Star Live!, our wizarding talk show, invites attendees to sit in our studio audience while several hosts interview guests about their Harry Potter experiences. Segments of The North Star Live! will be dedicated to fan works, academia and community, and our hosts will attempt to discover what makes Harry different, why we’ve followed his path with him, and how he’s changed our lives, our classrooms, our businesses, and our imaginations.

Fandom Trail
FictionAlley, the FictionAlley eMentors, Fornjot's Apprentice School of Wizardry in Clowning, HPANA, the On-line Wizarding Library, and the Swiss Shippers will have tables at the Fandom Trail -- and you can visit them and take a turn at the Fandom Trail game. Roll the dice and find out if you move two steps forward, two steps back, or lose a turn...

Wizards’ Lost and Found
Attendees arriving early on the first day of the conference are invited to take part in the Wizards’ Lost and Found competition, which will send participants out into the streets to collect Muggle artifacts from the community. (One hint: The "Point Me!" spell will help with navigation – and Lake Michigan is to the east!) Visit the Room of Requirement at noon on Thursday, August 7, to join in.

The Odyssey
As Odysseus explored the world, so must you—but instead of wandering for ten years, you need only devote a few days to tackling The Odyssey. In this weekend-long, at-your-own-pace quest, you will be challenged to collect treasures and memories from all that the conference has to offer. No Trojan Horse is required. Sign up in the Astoria Room when you pick up your registration. Especially recommended for those attending their first conference.

Magical Mystery
How is your sleuthing? Have you honed your powers of observation? Do you have a supply of Veritaserum? Can you wrangle the truth out of witnesses who may not even understand what they saw? A wizard has been killed, a handful of witnesses are at your disposal, and the clock is running. Can you help Chicago’s Finest Aurors? Visit the Information Desk in the Astoria Room to pick up the mystery at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, and you'll proceed to the Bon Voyage Ball to puzzle it all out.

Challenges
Throughout the conference, the Pan-Magical Games will include a series of writing and art challenges, brainteasers, games and logic puzzles. Attendees can participate in one or all of the challenges, alone or in teams. The winner or winners of each challenge will earn points toward Aeolian University’s Tempest Cup. Please review the activities schedule in your program book to find out where--and when--to take the challenges.

Drabbles, Drawbles, and Craftables
If you prefer to stretch your creativity solo, drop in on this program. A new prompt will be available on the hour, and you'll respond with words, pictures, or crafty materials. Let your imagination take the lead!

Favorite Things
After the Departure Breakfast, we'll hold a few rounds of Favorite Things. We'll have a set of the Harry Potter books on hand, and we invite you to share your favorite sentence, paragraph, or page, as well as why it's your favorite.

Impromptu Roundtables
On Monday morning, after we've given awards and had a bite to eat, we'll hold Impromptu Roundtables. If you still want to talk about Remus Lupin, or the significance of baby Voldemort, or the heritability of Veela traits, stop by the Impromptu Roundtable and sign up for a...round table! If you'd like to join in a mini-discussion section, stop by to see what is on offer, and join any table. Topics should be appropriate for ages 14 and up, and for a general audience.

For more information, please see your program book, which you'll receive when you pick up your registration after noon on Thursday, August 7. See you in Chicago!

The North Star, the official conference newsletter for Terminus, will be delivered approximately once a month between now and August of 2008. Most regular editions of the newsletter will be presented outside of a cut tag because the newsletter is also part of the Terminus website. Between regular editions, the terminus2008 community will post occasional updates and reminders, as well as in-depth articles on preparing for a programming submission, traveling to Chicago, and so on. The North Star is also available by e-mail; subscription information can be found at www.terminus2008.org/newsroom/subscribe.html.

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THE NORTH STAR
The Official Newsletter of Terminus
Delivered via LiveJournal, Mailing List, Forums, Myspace, and Divination
Volume 2, Issue 7
Read the last issue here!

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This will be the last regular edition of The North Star! As we approach the conference, keep an eye out here for special travel and conference check-in editions, as well as last-minute notifications in your e-mail, if you're a registered attendee.

No time to read? Right-click and save the No-Frills Grab and Go version, and listen later. MP3 | Ogg Vorbis | WAV

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Registration Deadline
TODAY, July 1, is the last day to register online for Terminus. Tonight, the system will close, and all registrations will freeze as the various parts and materials start on their way to Chicago. If you miss the deadline, you'll have to register at the door for $200--so why not take care of your registration today and save $20 that you could spend on a new wand, a Terminus journal to record your favorite memories of the conference, or to buy half a can of soda on your flight to Chicago? (We're kidding--$20 will buy you ten sodas on some airlines, with present changes to in-flight amenities.)

Dietary Issues and Concerns
If you are registered, you should have received an e-mail recently regarding any food allergies or dietary restrictions that we at Terminus should know about. Once registration closes, we'll take your information to the chef at the Hilton Chicago Hotel to check on the presence or absence of particular ingredients in different dishes, and if necessary, arrange a special meal for you. In most cases, you can enjoy the menu we've already arranged, and if you don't have severe food allergies or a dietary restriction, we don't need you to check in! If you have been registered for at least 24 hours and you need to report dietary restrictions, please write to registration[AT]terminus2008.org by Wednesday, July 2. After that date, we may not have enough time to make special arrangements for you.

Bon Voyage Ball and Auction
During the Bon Voyage Ball from 8 p.m. to midnight on August 10, there will be plenty to do, whether you want to dance your socks off or use your brain to solve the Magical Mystery. Additionally, we will have a live and silent auction of unique items, including a large signed print of Mary GrandPré Harry Potter book cover art (courtesy of Clampett Studios--viewable in the Astoria Room before the auction, as it's extremely valuable), Harry Potter toys and games, art, commissionable items, jewelry, antique books, crafts, a special Twilight messenger bag, film posters, and more. Please visit the Astoria room on or after Friday, August 8, to view the auction items, and look for some on display in the Terminus gallery as well.

Trade Winds Tournament Teams
The teams are here! If you've signed up for professional play, you'll be drafted into teams in mid-July, after all ticket and registration payments have been applied and we've placed you on a team according to your preferences. Click any picture for desktops and icons!




Thoth's Tournament of Knowledge Teams
Some of you have been drafted into teams already, and your team mascot will be announced to you in mid-July, after all ticket and registration payments have been applied and we've placed you on a team according to your preferences. Click here for desktops and icons, and below to see a short film of the sixteen teams competing for the Khenti Prize.


Wrock Chicago Change
Justin Finch-Fletchley and the Sugar Quills will be unable to join us for Wrock Chicago, but we wish him the best of luck while acting as best man. Remus and the Lupins, already contributing musically, will play Justin's set. Thanks for your understanding!

Contacting Staff and Asking Questions
Please be sure to ask your questions by mid-July. After that, many staff members will be printing, packing, and shipping thousands of items, as well as traveling to Chicago, in the days before Terminus begins. Once it's July 15, it may take as long as several days for us to respond to inquiries, and once it's August 1, we will have only limited access to the internet.

Travel Tips

+Print a copy of your itinerary, as well as contact numbers and addresses, and put it in your suitcase. If your luggage is lost and the tag comes off, the airline can use this information to locate you.
+Print a copy of all the information you need for your travels, including flight information, airports, hotel address and phone number, and your I.D. and carry it with you.
+Bring a copy of maps and directions, whether for the El or for local parking options.
+Get cash in U.S. dollars, and in various denominations, at your local bank. You'll skip the big fees on ATM machines in airports, and you'll be able to pay with amounts close to your total, rather than flashing big bills.
+Contact your credit card company ahead of time if you're going to use it for most purchases, so they won't put a fraud alert on your card just because you bought a new set of robes, a Chicago postcard, and lunch all in the span of twenty minutes.
+Visit the TSA website to find out what you can and can't take in carry-on luggage, and check in with your airline, train, and bus transport to ensure that checked luggage meets their requirements.
+Take a big breath--travel can be stressful. If you don't expect it to be perfect, you'll have an easier time coping with problems that crop up.

FAQ
Do I have to wear my badge all the time? On me? Over my clothes? Even if it doesn't match?
You need to wear your badge when you are in a conference space, on the top half of your body, so it is easily visible to conference volunteers. If you are not wearing yours, you will be sent to get it--or asked to get your badge out and wear it. Please help us keep the corridors clear and help us prevent bottlenecks by wearing your badge. The only badge exception is the Bon Voyage Ball, and for that event, you will swap out your badge for a wristband.

But I'm worried it will ruin my clothes!
Your badge will include a lanyard, which shouldn't cause any damage to your outfit.

But I don't want it to show in pictures!
No problem. You can take it off for a moment or tuck it in.

Do I really have to have a photo I.D. to check in for Terminus?
Yes, absolutely. That's to ensure that you and only you can pick up your packet, and it's also necessary for the safety of minors and to identify chaperones. If you don't have identification, you will not be admitted. If you do not have a form of government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, driver's license, or state identification card, we recommend contacting your local Department of Motor Vehicles immediately to obtain I.D. It's inexpensive--and it's a very good idea to carry identification with you when you're traveling or at an event of any size.

If I see an empty room in the Hilton Chicago Hotel, can I hold a meetup there?
If you walk past a room and it's not in use or not holding a program according to the Terminus schedule, please don't camp out there! The room could be on hold for cleaning, waiting for a change of furniture setup, or even reserved by another group meeting in the hotel. If you go into the room and use it, you could be subject to room rental and cleaning fees--and those are not cheap by any means. Please only visit meeting rooms as they are noted on your conference schedule. The Hilton Chicago Hotel has a variety of public meeting areas, from the Lakeside Green Lounge on the lobby level, to the stairs and corridors around the clock near the 8th Street Entrance, to gathering areas on sleeping room floors where cozy, squashy couches and chairs wait near the elevators. There's also Grant Park literally across the street, the beaches of Lake Michigan, and a number of neighborhood cafés and restaurants. Thanks for your understanding, and we hope you'll enjoy casual times with friends in these public spaces.

How many people can I put in my room at the Hilton Chicago Hotel?
That depends on the type and size of room you have reserved. Please contact the hotel directly with any questions regarding the maximum allowable people for your specific room.

How do I check in for Terminus? Am I going to receive something in the mail?
You'll receive an e-mail regarding check in for Terminus and its events in late July. We don't send any registration materials through postal mail, since they could be lost or misdirected.

Questions? Send them to help[AT]terminus2008.org.

There are only two days left to register for Terminus! After July 1, the price will jump to $200--and you'll have to buy a registration at the door.

Questions? Send them to help[AT]terminus2008.org.

See you very soon in Chicago!

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In recent posts, we highlighted a few of our roundtable discussions, papers, panels, pre-empaneled papers, fanfiction readings, and gallery art and fanart portfolios. Today, we'd like to feature a few of the workshops that will be presented at Terminus. As with the roundtable discussions, seating for these presentations is very limited.

Knit Your Own House Scarf!
Dale Hwang, Emcee
This workshop is designed to teach attendees the very basics of knitting by focusing on one staple of the Harry Potter cosplayer—the House Scarf. Each attendee will have the opportunity to try hands-on activities, including casting on, knitting a garter stitch, switching colors, and binding off. The workshop will be geared towards fans with little to no knitting experience. Participants are asked to bring their own knitting needles and yarn (size US 7 needles and two skeins of either Paton’s Worsted Wool or Caron’s Simply Soft yarn are recommended).

Sewing Basics: How to Make a Student Robe
Generalmanda, Kate B., Beth Anne (VoldieBeth) Bollenbacher
This workshop is designed to teach attendees the very basics of sewing by focusing on one staple of the Harry Potter cosplayer: the school robe. Each person will have the opportunity to try hands-on activities focused on material choice, pattern layout, cutting and basic machine sewing. The workshop will be geared towards fans with little to no sewing experience. Participants are asked to donate $5 to material costs.

Whose Side Are You On: The Power of Point of View
N. Apythia Morges, Tamela J. Ritter
Imagine the story of Harry Potter as told from Dumbledore’s point of view, or how different book seven would be if we were inside Snape’s head. Would we have loved this tale so much if it had been presented from another viewpoint? Choosing the right voice for your story can make all the difference. In this workshop, we’ll explore the different types of point of view, their benefits and limitations, and explore how changing POV can drastically alter a story through a writing exercise.

To see more presentations, please visit the accepted proposals page.

There are only three days left to register for Terminus! After July 1, the price will jump to $200--and you'll have to buy a registration at the door.

For those of you who have registrations and single tickets, the last day to log in and update your e-mail address, purchase tickets to the keynote brunch with Tamora Pierce, join in the Trade Winds Tournament, or add Wrock Chicago is July 1. After that, we put everything on freeze while we ship your registration materials to Chicago, make final counts of every last badge and lanyard, and other tasks that must be done before you arrive. If you transfer your registration after July 1, we won't be able to take care of it for you via e-mail, and your transferee will have to arrive at the conference with a signed and notarized transfer form from you. We'll post more about this after registration closes.

Questions? Write to help[AT]terminus2008.org

See you in Chicago!

There are only four days left to register for Terminus! After July 1, the price will jump to $200--and you'll have to buy a registration at the door.

For those of you who have registrations and single tickets, the last day to log in and update your e-mail address, purchase tickets to the keynote brunch with Tamora Pierce, join in the Trade Winds Tournament, or add Wrock Chicago is July 1. After that, we put everything on freeze while we ship your registration materials to Chicago, make final counts of every last badge and lanyard, and other tasks that must be done before you arrive. If you transfer your registration after July 1, we won't be able to take care of it for you via e-mail, and your transferee will have to arrive at the conference with a signed and notarized transfer form from you. We'll post more about this after registration closes.

Questions? Write to help[AT]terminus2008.org

See you in Chicago!

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Want to chat with other Terminus attendees? Try out our this thread and tell us what you think wizarding Olympics would be like.

There are only five days left to register for Terminus! After July 1, the price will jump to $200--and you'll have to buy a registration at the door.

For those of you who have registrations and single tickets, the last day to log in and update your e-mail address, purchase tickets to the keynote brunch with Tamora Pierce, join in the Trade Winds Tournament, or add Wrock Chicago is July 1. After that, we put everything on freeze while we ship your registration materials to Chicago, make final counts of every last badge and lanyard, and other tasks that must be done before you arrive. If you transfer your registration after July 1, we won't be able to take care of it for you via e-mail, and your transferee will have to arrive at the conference with a signed and notarized transfer form from you. We'll post more about this after registration closes.

Questions? Write to help[AT]terminus2008.org

See you in Chicago!

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Do you have Saturday morning or afternoon free? Are you willing to work in any programming or security track? We could still use a few extra hands. Please be sure to fill out the volunteer intake form and join the group here, and send your preference of morning or afternoon to volunteers[AT]terminus2008.org. If you write in by today, and work two or more shifts, you'll receive a special volunteers-only t-shirt from Terminus. (After today, we can't guarantee that one will be available for you, unfortunately.) Thanks for your help!

There are only 6 days left to register for Terminus! After July 1, the price will jump to $200--and you'll have to buy a registration at the door. Skip the lines and the wait for your PayPal transaction to clear, and make arrangements in advance.

For those of you who have registrations and single tickets, the last day to log in and update your e-mail address, purchase tickets to the keynote brunch with Tamora Pierce, join in the Trade Winds Tournament, or add Wrock Chicago is July 1. After that, we put everything on freeze status while we ship your registration materials to Chicago, make final counts of every last badge and lanyard, and other tasks that must be done before you arrive. If you transfer your registration after July 1, we won't be able to take care of it for you via e-mail, and your transferee will have to arrive at the conference with a signed and notarized transfer form from you. We'll post more about this after registration closes.

As of now, we are no longer taking wait list requests for the keynote lunch with Cheryl Klein or Thoth's Tournament of Knowledge, because all tickets for these events have been sold and paid for. If you're interested in acquiring a ticket, you may wish to keep an eye on the registration section of the Terminus forums.

Questions? Write to help[AT]terminus2008.org

See you in Chicago!

There are only 7 days left to register for Terminus! After July 1, the price will jump to $200--and you'll have to buy a registration at the door. Skip the lines and the wait for your PayPal transaction to clear, and make arrangements in advance.

As of now, we are no longer taking wait list requests for the keynote lunch with Cheryl Klein or Thoth's Tournament of Knowledge, because all tickets for these events have been sold and paid for. If you're interested in acquiring a ticket, you may wish to keep an eye on the registration section of the Terminus forums.

Questions? Write to help[AT]terminus2008.org

See you in Chicago!

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Want to help Terminus by volunteering at the conference? If you are free for all of Saturday morning (about 8:30 a.m. - noon), Saturday afternoon (about 1:45 - 5 p.m.), or Saturday evening (about 7:45 to midnight), we'd love to have your help in the areas of presenter assistance, microphone wrangling, badge checking, and question answering. Please visit the Terminus volunteers page to read about volunteering and click the link to the intake form, then fill it out. Next, follow the instructions to join the volunteers group, and e-mail your preference for morning, afternoon, or evening shift to volunteers[AT]terminus2008.org. Those volunteers who take on two or more shifts by Friday, June 27, will receive a special volunteers-only t-shirt--and the grateful thanks of our staff, other volunteers, presenters, and attendees who count on you for support.

There are only 7 days left to register for Terminus! After July 1, the price will jump to $200--and you'll have to buy a registration at the door.

If you've got your registration, have you got your roommates? Travel buddies? Find some here on the Terminus forums.

Questions? Write to help[AT]terminus2008.org

See you in Chicago!

There are only eight days left to register for Terminus! After July 1, the price will jump to $200--and you'll have to buy a registration at the door.

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In recent posts, we highlighted a few of our roundtable discussions, papers, panels, pre-empaneled papers, and gallery art and fanart portfolios. Today, we'd like to feature some fanfiction readings. Fanfiction readings will be scheduled on Artists and Authors Night, and both budding and experienced fan authors will read excerpts of their work. Each and every one would appreciate having a few listeners, and you're welcome to interact with them by asking questions about their stories and writing process. We hope you'll consider dropping by a reading, even for a few minutes. A few of the readings are detailed below.

Always You
Aria*
A revisit to Snape’s worst memory. Harry discovers the secret hidden by his father’s apparent loathing of Severus Snape.

No Loyalty in the Moonlight
Ariadne
Because some secrets aren't meant to stay buried--years after the Final Battle, Hermione will have to confront her own, even those she's kept from herself. (HG/SS; Deathly Hallows disregarded.)

Not Here
Snapekat
“No honor was given to the fallen heroes of the war. But one lies alone and forgotten and deserving of so much more. She will see to it.” Post-Deathly Hallows.

To see more presentations, please visit the accepted proposals page.