Hello First Timers! The New Member Services team has searched the internet and picked the brains of previous attendees to gather all the information a newbie might need and put it into one handy dandy guide. We have included some of the highlights here.
Don’t worry, hard copies of the full guide will be available at the registration desk or you can download one HERE.
This blog is broken down into three sections; Terms, Noteworthy Events & Locations, and Helpful Hints, Guidelines, and Words of Wisdom.
Special Thanks to Leslie Annis for the awesome tips from her Newbie Survival Guide.
Terms: For many of our new members, this not just their first JordanCon, but their first Con in general. In that light, we’ll start out by talking about some terms you may hear or see:
Tracks – A track is the name given to a specific room or rooms generally being used for similarly themed panels.
Panels – A panel is a staff or guest led discussion about a particular topic.
CosPlay – A portmanteau of the words Costume and Play. It is a mix of dressing up as a character and role-playing as that character to some degree.
GoH – Short-hand for Guest of Honor. We have an Author and Artist Guest of Honor each year.
Ribbons – For a variety of reasons, you may be gifted a ribbon that can be adhered to your badge. These are little trophies that can be collected as you wander around the Con, and you should always keep an eye out for new ways to earn ribbons!
Team Jordan – The term used to describe the group of people who made this all possible: Harriet McDougal, Maria Simons, and Alan Romanczuk.
Noteworthy Events and Locations: Download the official JordanCon App for all this information and more!
Speedfriending – If you’re new to JordanCon, you may not know too many people. If you’d like to change that, this is the place for you! Don’t be fooled, this isn’t just for new members! Many of our Con veterans, including volunteers and other staff, attend this event every year so we can meet each and every one of our members!
The ConSuite – Please visit our volunteer-driven ConSuite! This is a great place to rest and recharge. Grab a drink, grab some food (including gluten-free and vegetarian options!), and chat with some new friends! Located in Room 301, open Friday 4pm-8pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, and Sunday 8am-1pm.
Accessibility Quiet Room – There’s going to be a lot going on, and that can be overwhelming for some people. We’ve set aside some space for people who need to unwind, and just need to recharge their social batteries. The Accessibility Quiet Room will be located in the Dekalb room Friday 4pm-5pm, and Saturday 1pm-3:30pm.
The Art Show – Come see the work of our talented artists on display! Some of the work on display will even be up for auction, and some may even be available as prints! You also can vote for your favorite pieces. This is one of the best ways to let the artist know you appreciate their hard work (well, besides purchasing their art)
Dealers’ Hall – Here is where you’ll find a variety of exciting merchandise. In the past, we’ve had leatherworkers, costume companies, collectibles, and more!
JordanCon Charity Auction – The items here are rare or unique items, donated by our members and guests. This is a great way to grab something special for your collection, while also helping a good cause! This year’s cause is very close to us, proceeds will be donated to Hospice of Mercy in honor of our beloved Steve Godecke. Located in Maplewood B. First door on the left as you go down the Track Room Hallway. Our auction will run from 9 AM until 7 PM on Saturday.
Workshops – The workshops will take place in the Gardenia room. When you check in at registration, make sure to check out all the workshops we’re offering this year, and sign up early! Fees may apply, be sure to inquire at registration!
Seanchan Hold’em Poker Tournament – Ok… maybe we just rebranded Texas Hold’em, but it doesn’t matter because it’s still a blast! This event runs on Friday night, and proceeds go to charity! $20 buy-in.
Costume Contest – There is never a shortage of Cosplayers and Costumers at JordanCon. Some just enjoy dressing up and portraying their favorite characters, but some actually enter into a competition for us all to enjoy! Stop by and check out our incredibly talented group show off their hard work and dedication!
Shadow and Light – Our Darkest Timeline Themed Saturday night dance! Everyone is welcome. Attendees may dress up, not dress up, dress to match the theme, or even come in cosplay! Located in Dunwoody A, B, and C. Saturday Night from 8:30pm-11:30pm.
Helpful Hints, Guidelines, and Words of Wisdom
The 3, 2, 1 Rule – For every 24 hours, try to get a minimum of 3 hours of sleep, 2 meals, and 1 shower. · Drink plenty of water.
Wash your hands. Please. You don’t want to get Con Crud, which is our fun little name for the plague that befalls those unlucky souls who don’t follow this tip. People come from all over to go to the Con, and they bring with them their own special regional illnesses. You don’t want to leave JordanCon and then get sick, your boss will be very mad and blame all of us and that’s just not fair.
· VOLUNTEER – I can’t stress this enough, you should volunteer. This is absolutely the best way to get to know other people at the con and get to know your way around. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop, it’s so much fun being a part of the process! Haven’t signed up yet? Here is the link: https://signup.com/go/dwJmsTw
Dress Comfortably – it sure is fun to dress up! Just remember that you’re going to be walking around and on your feet for the entire day. So, wear comfortable shoes whenever you’re able. Keep in mind, you’re going to be inside most of the day, and the weather may be warm outside… but inside? That’s another story. Easy to remove outer layers are a good call here, so you can transition easily if you get too cold or too hot!
Write it down – Remembering details in all the hustle and bustle can be difficult. Write things down! Start a note on your phone or use this handy folder we’ve provided and store notes! You don’t want to forget your friend’s room number, or where the ConSuite is!
Are you a hugger? That’s awesome! Some of us aren’t… so just make sure you ask before you go around grappling everyone! It’s not that we don’t love you, but some people just aren’t as comfortable with this even with people they do know well.
So that is the quick version of the 2019 New Member Guide. Be sure to pick up the full guide at the registration desk or download it today.
