by JordanCon Marketing | Mar 10, 2023 | Activities, Announcements, Programming
As you look through this year’s schedule, I’m sure you’ll notice it looks different from previous years. That’s because this year we’re using a nifty piece of scheduling software called Sched.
Sched has a lot of cool features, but we know it’s something many of you have never used, and you might like some help getting started. No worries, we’ve got your back!
In this blog, you will find instructions on how to register for Sched, how to use it to add events to your own personal schedule, and how to view your schedule. We’ll also include some links at the very end to some helpful resources from Sched on the rest of their nifty features, including in-depth video walkthroughs on both the web application and the mobile app. (That’s right, they have an awesome mobile app!)
One thing I’ll call out is that you can view the schedule without registering or taking any other action. It’s available right here.
That said, if you’re interested in creating your own schedule of only the events you want to attend, you’ll need to start by registering for an account.
Registering
There are a couple ways to register. You can do it by viewing the schedule either in your browser or within the mobile app. Registering on the web is straightforward: just find and click the green ‘Sign Up’ button on the schedule.
From there, follow the prompts to register using either your email address or your Facebook account.
If you want to register using the mobile app, there are a couple more steps involved. First, you’ll need to download the app. You can either search for it on the Apple or Android App Store or you can view the schedule on our website and click on the Apple App Store or Android App Store link.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, the first thing you’ll need to do is search for ‘JordanCon 2023’ in the search bar and tap on our event when the search results come up.
This will load the JordanCon schedule, and you’ll now be able to see an icon in the bottom right corner of your screen that says ‘My Account.’ Tap on it. It will give you the option to log in to an existing account or sign up for a new one. Tap on ‘Sign Up’ and follow the prompts to create an account using your email address.
Adding Events
Once you’re all registered and signed in to Sched, you can now start adding events to your personal schedule!
On the web, all you need to do is click the white circle to the left of the name of the event you want to add:
And that’s it! You’ll see a checkmark instead of an empty circle, and that’s how you’ll know the event was added to your schedule.
On the mobile app, you’ll need to tap on the event you’re interested in adding.
This will bring up the event’s details in addition to an ‘Add to Sched’ button in the bottom left corner of the screen. Just tap on it to add the event to your schedule!
Viewing Your Schedule
Now that you’ve added a few events, you’ll probably want to view your schedule.
To view it on the web, hover over your profile picture and click on the ‘My Schedule’ option on the dropdown menu that appears while hovering:
To view it via the mobile app, go to the JordanCon 2023 schedule in the app and tap on the ‘My Sched’ tab on the top center of the screen:
Wrap-up
Now that you know the basics, you can go ahead and use Sched to create a personalized schedule for JordanCon 2023! Sched also has a lot of other features (too many for us to go over them all), so if you want to know more about what it can do, Sched had a number of support guides that can help.
They also have video walkthroughs that cover all of what we’ve covered and more.
Web video walkthrough
Mobile app video walkthrough
Have fun choosing your panels and activities! We can’t wait to see you all in April!
by Workshops Track | Feb 15, 2023 | Activities, Engagement
When it comes to badge ribbons there are two common reactions:
Ribbons? Oh yes! Giveme, giveme, giveme!!
And…
Ribbons? What’s the deal with ribbons? What are you talking about? I’ll pass for now.
At JordanCon, many people are of the first opinion. Let me introduce you to the world of badge ribbons and answer the most common questions about them.
Badge ribbons are a fun way to decorate your badge, declare allegiance to a fandom, or design a moto. The design and quote possibilities are nearly endless. Seeing people walk around with badge ribbon beards might inspire you to say “I want those!” or they might just confuse you, and that’s okay.
JordanCon History with Ribbons:
Attendee Glen Vogelaar shares his badge ribbon collection in an example of the increased availability of ribbons.
There used to be just a few ribbons at JordanCon. Focused around the official ones given to guests, panelists, and staff members. Then around 2013 or so, someone asked “Can I bring my own ribbons to trade? Saw it at a different convention.” Permission was given, and a trend started.
For a few years people tried to avoid using the colors of the official JordanCon ribbons, but as more people created their own designs, it became harder to track. Now the convention staff just ask people to avoid key word and color combinations (more below in Designs).
There are several friendly competitions among JordanCon attendees to see who can collect more ribbons. The one between long-time attendees Bao Pham and Thom de Simone is the most well known by regular attendees. Authors Gerald L. Coleman and Milton Davis have one they play out on the JordanCon Facebook page every year as well. Encourage them in their antics.
Etiquette:
Follow some simple rules of etiquette at the convention to help avoid awkward moments around your ribbon collecting. Being polite is the best thing we can all do for each other.
Gerald L. Coleman showing off a small collection of badges from JordanCon and Multiverse.
First, ribbons cost money. The person who brings the ribbon design sets the rules for their ribbons. They might give them away freely, ask for a trade, or if it’s in support of a cause, even ask for a donation. It is their choice if and how others get their ribbons.
Second, know that not all ribbons are for everyone. Some are made for specific groups: fan groups, people in cosplay, friend groups, participants for a different convention, etc. Someone might have three ribbon designs, but only one that is available to everyone. If they have ribbons, but don’t offer you one, you might not qualify for that ribbon. No hard feelings, there will be others. Who knows, while talking with them you could learn about a cool new fan group to join and be eligible for the ribbon at another time.
For those that have to decline a request, remember to be polite as well. Say something like, “I’m sorry, but this ribbon was specifically made for those who participate at ‘a certain event.’” Or you could try, “Sorry but these are for people who are dressed in cosplay.” Being courteous goes a long way to avoiding hurt feelings. Always remember to be polite on both sides of the ribbon trading game.
If you see someone freely handing out ribbons, feel free to approach them and ask, “May I please have a ribbon?” or “What is your design about?” Or best: “Are your ribbons available for trading? Let’s trade!”
Be respectful of the ribbon designer’s responses by remembering the points above.
It is polite to not duplicate a ribbon’s design without permission. There are many ways to be inspired by a design, or a similar concept. Duplicating all aspects of another’s design is frowned upon. Look at the ribbons as another artform.
The term “badge beard” is used to describe the ribbon collection on the badges. The style people wear their ribbons can mimic the variety of beards: Wide and messy, short and trimmed, or long and neat. Find your own personal style!
Attendees showing off different badge beard styles. From right to left: Asha’man Anthony, T-shirt crew Kalyani, Deana, & Rahul, Author Lyndsey Luther, Tardis Patrick.
F.A.Q. – Frequently Asked Questions
DOES everyone like ribbons?
No. The choice is individual. There is no pressure to wear badge beards. There is no pressure to make custom ribbons. But if you are bitten by the “I want ribbons” bug, this article is intended to answer your questions.
WHAT size ribbon should I make?
JordanCon badges are 4″ wide.
Most ribbon companies sell 4″ wide ribbons in two heights: 2″ and 1 5/8”
The height is up to you. If going with a longer quote or image, the 2″ height gives you more design room.
The other common ribbon size is 3 1/2″ x 1 5/8″. (This is the size of the ribbons used at some other conventions.) The 4” ribbons can be cut down to that size with pinking shears.
WHEN should I buy ribbons?
To be on the safe side, if you want ribbons by JordanCon, order by April 1st from most of the companies listed below. Look at the shipping dates the company provides before ordering.
Their production time does not include weekends. With the companies that send you PDF proofs, each change to the design is another possible two-day delay.
Each company will have its own “last minute” deadline. Most of them ask when your event date is, so they might tell you themselves if they can’t meet the deadline.
Personally, I try to have everything finalized by March 15 most years. This way I don’t risk having to pay a rush fee or for rushed shipping, which both add greatly to the cost per ribbon.
Again, for peace of mind, that’s order by, not start the design process by, April 1st.
WHERE to buy ribbons?
There are multiple online companies that make custom ribbons. In Ribbon Companies, I list the most recommended sources with known pros and cons for each. When bought in bulk of over 100, prices for single color ribbons become similar. Shop to compare for your best price. Setup fees and shipping could determine your best price for the quantity of ribbons you plan to order.
If you want to shop local, look for trophy companies or custom print shops.
HOW many should I buy?
The answer to this question is determined by your personal choices and budget.
As said in the Etiquette section, some ribbons are made for smaller groups, so there is no need to have hundreds made up. Other ribbons are made to be given away to everyone that wants one. Thus the question becomes, how many do you want to give away?
At JordanCon there are up to 1200 attendees, but around half don’t collect the ribbons and the other half don’t collect every ribbon available. The most I’ve given away was 100 ribbons in a year. Other people have given away 30 to 400 ribbons.
At one larger local convention, there are 80,000 attendees and dedicated ribbon trading times and sessions. Even they say 200 ribbons is a good number to bring for trading, so don’t feel like you have to bring enough for everyone at the con.
If you plan to give away ribbons for more than one year, I’ve found the math works to buy more than I need for a single year. But that’s only if I have the budget for them. Shipping and set-up fees are a factor in the costs not included in the price per ribbon quoted by the companies.
Obviously, vendors or authors who want to make ribbons part of their promotional material, would be wise to order larger batches.
HOW do people walk around with long badge beards?
Decorated or plain clips hold ribbon beards together well.
People have many tricks, but the easiest is to bring a clip with you to the convention.
Examples: Binder clip, large paper clip, alligator clip, etc.
Roll up the ribbons as you walk with it in a much neater arrangement. Then you can have a dramatic reveal to show off your impressive collection.
Keeping your ribbons rolled can also help keep the edges looking nicer longer. If the edges start to look ragged, use a pair of pinking shears to trim them nicely.
MY ribbons keep falling off, what can I do?
Tape for support.
Duct tape, Gaffters tape, or a strong masking tape. Tape is your friend if your ribbons don’t want to stick together. Put a strip down the center backs of them.
You can also decorate the back of your ribbons with stickers or other items. Because your badge will spin around and there’s no stopping it.
ARE there forbidden or restrictions on the ribbons?
The convention tries to be a welcoming place for all ages. Keeping word choices and artwork PG-13 is encouraged. There is at least one “F*** Moash” ribbon that goes around the convention. The asterisks are part of the design, not an edit for this article.
JordanCon has ten official ribbons. To prevent confusion we ask that you do not copy the Wording & Color combos of the list below. Even the wording should be avoided, since each represents an official group at the convention. Aiel and Jenn Aiel ribbons can be earned by anyone that volunteers to help at the convention.
| Word |
Fabric |
Ink |
| Attending Professional |
Silver |
Black |
| Chair |
Red |
Silver |
| Director |
Black |
Gold |
| Eternal Member |
Berry (purple) |
Silver |
| Guest |
Blue |
Gold |
| Aiel |
White |
Red |
| Jenn Aiel |
Teal |
Gold |
| Media |
Pink |
Black |
| Program Participant |
Brown |
Silver |
| Vendor |
Green |
Gold |
CON is over. Now what do I do with the ribbons?
Some cons have ribbon recycling programs. JordanCon is not one of them.
If you have leftover ribbons to hand out, save them for your next con or bring them back next year. Repeating a ribbon is 100% acceptable.
Typically people start each new con with a fresh badge, so whole badge beards are not used again. Yet it is up to your personal choice. Reusing selected favorite ribbons is more common.
Some people collect ribbons with the intent to create some larger art project. I’ve seen skirts, vests, hats, and a few other creative crafts made from con ribbons.
Many just hang them as a fun reminder of their convention trip somewhere in their house.
Ribbon Companies:
Below is a list of the best known and most recommended companies that create custom ribbons. Known pros and cons are listed for each. Listed in alphabetical order only, not a ranked order. No one at JordanCon was paid to promote these companies.
*Editor’s Note: These companies were chosen and researched by Deana for the purposes of this article. JordanCon does not endorse these companies or guarantee their services in any way.
Hodges Badge
Pro: Provides full-color ink printing (sublimation). The cost per ribbon is higher than single ink color printing. Need to contact customer service to arrange for full color printing.
No set-up fees for single color print ribbons.
Con: Text only, no images allowed. Very limited font options.
Does not make 3 1/2″ ribbons (issue for other conventions, not JordanCon).
Type your text, they email you a PDF proof to approve.
PC NameTag
Pro: Provides full-color ink printing (sublimation). The cost per ribbon is higher than single ink color printing.
The company has a pre-made package of pronoun ribbons.
Offers the option to buy packages of pre-made ribbons of random sayings if you want to get in the ribbon game but don’t have a design in mind yet. Also useful to help create something with ribbons when you don’t want to cut up your own ribbon collection.
Con: Has a set-up fee and a 100 ribbon minimum to buy.
Marco Promos
Pro: Two color text printing possible. Had a Prism foil print for design. (Could still, I just didn’t see it while checking for this article.)
Clipart printing is possible. Multiple text styles possible.
Widest selection of ribbon colors available, examples: Rainbow, gold trimmed, Netherlands’ flag
Con: Set-up fee. Extra fee, if you order less than 100 ribbons.
Type your text, they email you a PDF proof to approve.
Name Badge Productions
They call them the 4” Stick and stack ribbons
Pro: Can order low quantities of ribbons.
Good selection of colors.
Con: Set-up fee for text and a Logo fee for custom line art. The design is only kept for 2 years after you order, so you need to re-order yearly or pay the fees again. You type your text, they email you a PDF proof to approve.
Ribbons Galore
Pro: Able to see a draft of the ribbon as you design it. Wide range of available clipart and fonts preloaded. Able to upload your own line art.
I personally prefer the interactive design feature on this website. You can see the design and feel confident about the look.
They will email you a PDF proof of the final design to confirm and make suggested changes before printing.
No set-up fee. Can order low quantities of ribbons.
Con: Single color print only. More expensive, per ribbon, in comparison when ordering smaller quantities.
Ribbon Design Tips:
The combinations of colors and inks seem practically endless, though some of the companies have more options available than others. As a general rule, less is more in ribbon design. Keeping artwork lines and text short makes for better visual impact. There are exceptions to the guidelines below, but in general, simpler is better.
After avoiding the official JoranCon ribbon combos, the rest of the world is open to explore and design. Pull inspiration from your favorite things! From food, to books, to super heroes, to sarcasm. Express yourself freely.
Size:
Remember, just because the ribbon is 4” wide does not mean you have 4” of design space.
The design space is closer to 3 ½” x 1 1/4” on a 4” x 1 5/8″ ribbon. This allows for open ribbon space around the edges and the cut edges. If using Ribbons Galore, turn on the “Print Area” blue lines to see the design area space. For the other companies, to see your design before submitting it to print you can achieve a passable template using Word’s “Text Box” function or one of Adobe’s more powerful tools like Photoshop and InDesign.
Text Length & Font:
It’s a rare ribbon that looks good with three or more lines of text. One or two lines of text is best for readability. If you do plan on a longer quote, the 4” x 2” ribbon is a better option.
As a general rule, use one font for your ribbon design. The exception is using a different font for a website in small plain text under something more elaborate. Check the fonts available from the company you intend to order from. If you want to use a font they do not offer, you have to turn your phrase into an image and upload it as clipart or a logo.
The more elaborate the font, the simpler the text should be. Keep in mind font can also convey meaning. The font you select can alter the perception people have of the ribbon. Are you getting the reaction you want? Try altering the font to see how you feel.
For example:
Color Choices:
Visual impact – Color on color printing is valid, but black foil on top of black fabric will not be visible from more than 6” away depending on the viewer’s eyesight and room lighting.
Dark ink on a dark fabric is harder to read.
Light ink on a light fabric is harder to read.
Rainbow ink on a rainbow fabric is harder to read and also a hard to find combination.
There are many design rules at play as to why black, white, silver, and gold are the most common ink colors seen.
Grab a color wheel and play with contrasting colors. Be inspired by the color combinations of your favorite superheroes or logos! What you see on the screen won’t reflect the finished ribbon, since the printing is normally a foil. The shimmer will help the text pop. Full color sublimation printing is an exception, since those are often printed as a flat color.
Logos, Designs, and Clipart:
Each printing company listed above accepts artwork as various types of digital files. There is widespread acceptance of JPGS and EPS files. Double check with your printer and ensure the open spaces of your design show as you intend.
When designing with clipart or custom vector art, again—less is more. Elements with fewer lines and more defined open spaces look great on ribbons., especially at a distance. Too many fine lines in a design can blend together creating an unclear image. Repeating elements can be more impactful than many different elements like an emoji string.
Two pancake inspired ribbons. Lower design is too busy.
Example: The “Let’s Eat Pancakes” ribbon shown was one of my early designs. I will not be reprinting this ribbon. The busy font and complicated clipart does not read well at a distance. Narrow gold lettering on white ribbon – not a good choice. It is very hard to read at any distance. Gold on white? Use a block text.
The “Your Panckefulness” with the simple fork clipart and larger silver text is a more successful ribbon design. Props to Dea Carey for her creativity when creating that one.
Do not use copyrighted designs that are not your own. If you have permission from the artist to use the design, wonderful! Use it well!
There are millions of “free clipart line art” images available on the internet. Low-resolution files are typically fine for badge ribbons since the artwork size rarely exceeds ½” x ½”. Are just the lines showing or is everything printing as a block of color? You may have to adjust the file’s transparency settings before it is usable for printing. The transparency allows the ribbon’s color to show inside the open spaces of the line art.
Whatever inspires you, have fun with both the design process and handing the ribbons out! We all look forward to seeing what people create every year.
Join us at the next JordanCon for sharing ribbon fun and more shenanigans.
-By Deana Whitney
by ebbierowe | Feb 13, 2023 | Activities, Engagement
As a new JordanCon Member, you will notice 3 things as you move through the convention space: ribbons, tiaras, and kilts. These are our traditions. I am sure you have already heard talk of ribbons in the group so let’s get started with those.
Ribbons:
Ribbons are fancy accoutrements that are a must-have at JordanCon….now, there seems to be an unspoken competition
between some in the JordanCon Family to see who can collect the most ribbons.
There are two kinds of Ribbons:
Official Con Ribbons (vendor, director, program participant, volunteer), and then there are a ton of “Fun Ribbons” you can get. From vendors to other attendees, ribbons abound.
Anyone can create a “fun ribbon”. One of the more popular places to get ribbons is PC Nametag (please note: this is not an endorsement of this vendor).
Ribbons are placed on the bottom of your JordanCon badge using the adhesive on the top of the ribbon. Each additional ribbon is added to the bottom of the previous ribbon. (see picture)
For some “fun ribbons,” the owner of the ribbons may ask you to complete a task….sometimes it is simply reciting a phrase…other times it might be to pledge your soul to The Dark One, so use your own best judgment in these circumstances.
Tiaras:
You will see many members adorned with a tiara or crown of some sort. While this is in no way required it is certainly fun. Anyone that wishes to wear a tiara or crown is more than welcome to. In the past, we have coordinated a picture with everyone wearing their royal headpiece. I am sure we will make this happen again this year. Keep an eye out for more information on that. This wonderful tradition was started by our very own Creator, Jenn Liang. To get the full story you can check out this blog post.
Kilts:
Not to be outdone by our tiara/crown-loving crowd we have a contingent of attendees that have brought kilts into the fold (and we are so grateful for that). On the Friday of JordanCon, you will find quite a few members sporting kilts. A couple of them will even have a crown on to complete their outfit. You can find out more about the origin of “On Friday We Wear Kilts!” in this blog post.
This year we are adding a new tradition to our list: CouchCon!!
CouchCon:
It started as just some people hanging out Sunday night after all the programming ended and has now grown into an Official “unofficial” part of JordanCon. Dubbed CouchCon because it started in the lobby, this is the time after JordanCon has ended but there is still fun to be had. Nowadays, we usually hang out in the Gaming Hall. We connect with friends we didn’t get to spend enough time with during the weekend. We game, we chat, we laugh, we reminisce, and we bond all over again. It is a wonderful tradition that forges new friendships and strengthens old ones.
There are more shenanigans that exist at JordanCon, some from Jordancon One, some a little more recent. And undoubtedly you and your new family will create some of your own.
There is never any pressure to participate in any of these extracurricular activities but, all are welcome to join if and when they feel comfortable.
by Programming | Jan 20, 2023 | Activities, Programming
Do you want to create using the colors of Nalthis to command the light of Roshar? While we can’t transport you to the Cosmere, we can introduce you to Master Stained Glass Artisan Leia Powell. She has been creating glass
masterpieces, breaking down barriers, and rejuvenating the old world craft for over 25 years. The first stained glass artist to be nominated for the coveted Chesley Award, Leia is also the first glass artist in history to be the sole maker of an author’s trademarked characters: Edgar Rice Burroughs. Additionally, Leia has been licensed to make official JordanCon stained glass! Her three-dimensional dragons can be seen flying around the convention along with a host of other glass creations. Her intricate stained glass windows and fantastical builds have won her multiple art show awards at LibertyCon, Chattacon, and JordanCon. Her fused glass jewelry is a testament to how glorious melting glass at 1200 degrees can be. Leia keeps apprentices and interns on staff at her studio, Wildcat Mountain Artistry, in Florence, Alabama, and is determined to teach everyone she can to ensure the flame of stained glass creativity keeps burning.
At JordanCon 2023, Leia is offering a stained glass demonstration and a Learn to Cut Glass by a Master workshop in the Makers Track:
- The demonstration does not require registration or a fee.
- Glass cutting students will leave the class with a completed 9 ½” x 8 ½” piece to take home.
- There is a $200 fee that will be prepaid directly to Leia. It includes a student kit full of tools and
glass to keep.
- Sign up is first come, first serve. Mark your calendars for: 11 am Eastern on Saturday Jan 21st. That is when Leia will open registration for the class on Facebook.
If you are a returning student, you have the option to bring your tools and make a more difficult pattern that Leia will design especially for you. You will also receive more of a variety of glass, so stipulate if you plan to bring your tools. Should you forget them, some will be on-hand to purchase, sorry no loaners.
The class will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023, 2:30 pm – 5 pm.
Leia will post on the JordanCon Facebook group Saturday January 21st at 11 am Eastern. Engage with the post to reserve one of the 12 open seats. You will select your pattern and be given directions to prepay for the class. Once the class is full, there will be two alternates chosen in case someone has to cancel. If an alternate is able to participate, they will have to make whatever the canceled student chose. Because this class requires a significant amount of preparation, no refunds will be available.
This is a high demand class that typically fills up in less than a day so mark your calendars!
