Our May ConCom meeting notes will be out shortly, but I thought I’d spread the word about a few things beforehand:

We are hard at work on our 2016 web site! We have a number of professionals in various specialties of web design contributing this year.

Each of our ConCom members will have an assistant (or Lead Staff) position, all the better to make sure our knowledge transfers and we continue to keep new people involved in running Penguicon.

Our Con Committee has expanded! Head of Volunteers will be a year-round role for 2016. Jessica Roland​ has some great ideas for how to keep everyone involved, fully trained for the positions needed, and feeling the Penguicon love.  The Volunteer Bash and the Staff Appreciation Party are likely to happen again this year, along with other volunteer-focused events.

We are changing the role of Assistant Chair to have a wider focus.  Some of the departments the AC will shepherd include our Maker Market, Charity Drive, and Maker Space, allowing our Head of Programming to focus on our tracks. Thanks very much to Daniel Dugan​ (who was critical to the success of our 3d-printing effort last year) for stepping up to a challenging role.

Julie Winningham jumped in at the last moment to make our film track fly last year, and has been asked to be the Assistant Head of Programming (one of the Lead Staff positions) – not only helping Janet with our main tracks, but sheperding our special event departments like Geek Prom, Chaos Machine, and Geeks with Guns. She did an incredible job as a Co-Head of Programming for ConFusion in 2015, and we’re lucky to have her help.

Other changes include Nicole Milkovich as Marketing, Heather Fish​ in Sponsorships, and of course Meghan Oliver​ (who introduced herself on FB) for Community.

We’re hoping to post our organization chart, along with the positions that are yet to be filled, very soon.

Also, we believe we are days away from announcing a contract – we have put our heads together with multiple hotels, each with their own positives and negatives. We’ll announce that as soon as we can, but worry not, those hotels have each committed to the dates of April 29th – May 1st, 2016.

FINALLY: We’ve decided that June and July weekends are too crazy for in-person meetings. Parties and other social events are likely to happen, still.

We intend to plan a mid-week video hangout for those months, and will be resuming physical ConCom meetings in August (30th, to be precise). Amanda Robinson​ has offered her place (and pool!) again.

I’m terribly excited to have gotten so much done at our first meeting. Thanks to all who attended!

What an amazing convention we had last week!  Stay tuned for a convention report, with links to photo galleries, videos, articles and public blogged experiences.

Today, though, we’ve been told by our T-shirt vendor, OffWorld, that they sold 85 convention shirts and 24 embroidered items!  I look forward to seeing you out in the world, nerdy sisters and brothers.

Those of you who missed out on a shirt, never fear – for the first time, OffWorld is providing our shirts after the con in a direct to garment process!

They’re a little more expensive at $29.00 each (+$3.00 for the ladies cut and +$3.00 for sizes 2XL and up), but these shirts are otherwise unavailable (there were only 4 left over from the con weekend).

Even if only a couple of people want to purchase them, we wanted to make that option available to you.

• Men’s Cut Penguicon 2015 shirt
• Ladies’ Cut Penguicon 2015 shirt

Registration

The Registration desk opens officially at 3 PM, however it’s often open much earlier, so if you get to the hotel midday, check in the North lobby.

• At-the-door weekend rate is $60
  
• Friday-only memberships are available for $3o.  Your access to Penguicon events expires at midnight, and include a wrist band, not a badge.
• If you purchase a membership on Saturday, it is reduced to $40.
• If you purchase a membership on Sunday, it is reduced to $20.

Errata

Maker Market

This year, instead of the Artist Alley and the Dealer Room, we have the Maker Market – it can be found in the same location, but the Makers have committed to providing works not for resale.  The hours for the Secure Room are:

• Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm
• Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm
• Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm

Hallway vendors have flexible hours.

Geeks With Guns

GwG meets for their off site range shooting in the lobby on Friday, noon sharp.

Dining

Breakfast will be served from 7 am until 12 pm, and the restaurant will continue to serve until 11 pm, and the hotel bar until 2 am.

Hotel

All rooms have been carefully arranged, which means you cannot change your room designation without speaking to our hotel liaison.

Check in is at 3 pm. If you ask for your room prior to that, and it is not ready yet, you must wait until 3. The hotel will not be shuffling people around to other rooms in order to accommodate – this is Penguicon’s rule, not the hotel’s, so please remember to be courteous and respectful to hotel staff (for this and all other aspects of this weekend!).

The Westin Southfield Detroit is located at 1500 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48075.  It is SOLD OUT, though you may still try to request a room in case someone has returned their room.  The Holiday Inn Express shares a parking lot. They are about the same price, without an official rate.

Event Calendars

If you’re interested in putting one or more tracks into a calendar program, we are here for you!

These versions are using the final schedule. If you see a conversion error (wrong time zone, for instance), please email [email protected] – James kindly put this together for us again this year.

If there is a schedule error, such as a program that has been cancelled, please email [email protected].

Instructions

If you want to view the calendar format, use the HTML link.  If you want to add a calendar to your own, use the ical links to subscribe.

To add a calendar using its address, follow these steps:

Google Calendar:

1. Click the down-arrow next to Other calendars. (Google Calendar)
2. Select Add by URL from the menu.
3. Enter the address of the track calendar (ical format) in the field provided.
4. Click Add calendar. The calendar will appear in the Other calendars section of the calendar list to the left.

Note: It may take up to 8 hours for changes in ICS feeds to reflect in your Google Calendar.

(instructions taken from https://support.google.com/calendar/answer/37100?hl=en )

Other calendar apps:

1. Find the setting that allows you to import a calendar (ical) file.
2. Enter the address of the track calendar (ical format) in the field provided.

If you receive an error:

Change the date format.

• The file is currently in month/day/year format. So for example if your default date format is day/month/year then switch the day and month in the file for start and end dates so that it matches your default format, you will also need to make the proper changes to the time if needed
• The other possible solution is to temporarily change you settings for your Google calendar date  format to 12/31/2015 and make sure you time format is 1:00pm then after importing the file change your settings back to your normal settings (recommended option)

Calendars

2015 Penguicon full calendar

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=51safh7g70q0bcp0rb225qqk88%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/51safh7g70q0bcp0rb225qqk88%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Action Adventure

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=4mseu581cgem5jb4bh24ll5r68%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/4mseu581cgem5jb4bh24ll5r68%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: After Dark

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=41kleuq1onftulv147v5hv4j3g%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/41kleuq1onftulv147v5hv4j3g%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Anime

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=o1vjo02o35iq02a1cu8n69l8gk%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/o1vjo02o35iq02a1cu8n69l8gk%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Costuming

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=s8u1t5qet6sk646uuchg972kp4%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/s8u1t5qet6sk646uuchg972kp4%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: DIY

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=3r7tg0uv6ss67m180p3joeeatg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/3r7tg0uv6ss67m180p3joeeatg%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Eco

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=e3e1n0680ppctl1ie6gj44jlr4%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/e3e1n0680ppctl1ie6gj44jlr4%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Film

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=ddu5j97kpkng2ecoqrb3i1f48g%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/ddu5j97kpkng2ecoqrb3i1f48g%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Food

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=rphj56e1lqpvj8u5a9hgucv890%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/rphj56e1lqpvj8u5a9hgucv890%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Gaming

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=kr5mmi1lf26h0dllci69cb46lg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/kr5mmi1lf26h0dllci69cb46lg%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Life

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=gn7om329vne10f2qm4v7556g4s%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/gn7om329vne10f2qm4v7556g4s%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Literature

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=p7bmrlkp2g1ve6ls0si340oduo%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/p7bmrlkp2g1ve6ls0si340oduo%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Mayhem

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=9is9uejjg1fg46ulo8bb1qe3jk%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/9is9uejjg1fg46ulo8bb1qe3jk%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Music

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=31i5amm3k1aeg4bsq444q5v1vk%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/31i5amm3k1aeg4bsq444q5v1vk%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Penguicon Events

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=hg8kl82jqv0v8dafs33hlpmbhg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/hg8kl82jqv0v8dafs33hlpmbhg%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Science

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=vlku4fe5n8r5pcj4s3m6bhckpc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/vlku4fe5n8r5pcj4s3m6bhckpc%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Tech

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=s2l6o10gm27jpjhktl0c5n5m5g%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/s2l6o10gm27jpjhktl0c5n5m5g%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

2015 Penguicon: Videogaming

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=3v877uqu0gk34nh559dgh60vvc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/3v877uqu0gk34nh559dgh60vvc%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

• HTML Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=6pjjefdimtocvdjupvahgg5080%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
• iCal Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/6pjjefdimtocvdjupvahgg5080%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

Traditionally, Penguicon has a low-key Guest of Honor dinner on the night before Penguicon.  It’s a chance to chat with staff and guests before all the events take over.

It’s at 7pm Eastern, at the hotel.

Dinner is $25, all-in (tip included).  Available dinner options are listed in the form below.

YOU (yes, you) are welcome to attend.

Whether you’re a Penguicon board member, a returning Guest of Honor, or a first-time attendee, we are all part of the same community.

Please RSVP if you’d like to eat with us!

The Action / Adventure track is going to be something special this year, thanks to our community and the work of track head Heather Fish!  She says, “We’ve developed the Action Adventure track substantially this year.  I’m super excited about the broad range of panelists and diversity of activities in the track!”  Here are a few of the highlights – don’t forget to check out the rest of our programming!

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Open Source Martial Arts – Heather Fish, Matthew William, Douglas Scholl, Michael Spagnuolo

Practitioners of all martial arts are invited to collaborate on developing skills. There’s much to be learned from practicing with those who study other styles and in other areas.  By spending this time together we gain perspective and make connections, as well as enjoy the camaraderie of those with shared interests!  The format will be open, and there will be various opportunities to share skills including kata, drill, sparring, and the discussion of techniques. Please bring any equipment that you would like to use. Come ready to learn and share!

Archery Lessons – Devon Boling

Want to live out the experience of your favorite archers? Receive professional instruction from a level 3 certified JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) coach at nearby archery range. All ages welcome. USA Archery membership required, applications will be available before the event for all who sign up. A range fee is required and equipment rentals are available. This event would be offsite at MJC Archery in Royal Oak on Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM. Participants will need to sign up in advance as membership forms must be completed for insurance purposes. Range fees and equipment rentals will also need to be collected to cover the cost of the event.

Freerunning/Parkour Academy – Eric Zimmerman, Jacob Winslow, and Jesse Harrison

Ever wanted to learn parkour or freerunning? Join up with Phoenix Freerunning as we demonstrate and teach this unique discipline, from basic to advanced exercises. Parkour is a discipline using movement that developed from obstacle course training where runners aim to get from A to B in the most efficient way possible using only the human body and surrounding obstacles. It’s a great way to stay active without the boring routine of a work-out!

Action Photography – Devon Boling

Dancers suspended mid-air, splashes of water frozen like glass, bullets exploding an apple? Maybe not the last one, but come see what it takes for a photographer to capture those surreal moments.

Some of our events have limited space, and some ask that you bring something to the panel.

Sign-up Only

If you’d like to participate in one of these events, you must sign up at the Operations desk (in the coat closet area across from Registration).   These program events have limited attendance.

• Close Quarters Combat Martial Arts Demo & Seminar
• Throwing Spears
• Shillelagh: Irish Stick Fighting
• Combat Taiji Class
• Historical Shields
• Archery Lessons!
• Sewing 101
• Silicone Casting for Cheap Bastards
• Geeks with Needles: Embroidery 101
• Bug House (Chess) Tournament
• Getting Started with BeagleBone
• The Brown Liquors

Be Prepared

These program events request that you bring additional materials with you to the event.  While most of them do not require it, you will get much more from the experience if you come prepared.

• Rope Basics: Bedroom & Beyond – rope
• Sewing 101 – sewing machine, thread (not required, but helpful)
• Silicone Casting for Cheap Bastards – small item for casting in silicone
• Electronics Projects Show and Tell – electronics projects of your own creation, or photos of your project
• Intro to Finger Knitting – yarn (the chunkier the better)
• Intro to Arm Knitting – yarn (the chunkier the better)
• Bug House (Chess) Tournament – chess sets (some available)
• Costume Contest – an awesome costume!
• Geek Prom – formalwear, or a costume from anywhere in space and time
• Cryptoparty, Penguicon Edition – laptop
• Key Signing Party – notebook computer capable of outputting PDF files
• RPM Packaging Workshop – notebook computer running an RPM distribution (or remote access)
• Getting Started with BeagleBone – laptop
• Hearthstone Fireside Gathering – laptop

We had a great time hosting the Volunteer Bash, and we hope you had a great time attending!

We had a full crowd for three hours, not to mention a very full con-com meeting beforehand. Lots of people played carnival games for tickets, and used those tickets to win prizes, while talking to our staff about our volunteer needs.

We also had plenty of interest in volunteering during Penguicon, and one volunteer won a free membership in advance! The line in front of Kalika was long, which is great news for the staff, who want to see everything happen successfully in two weeks.

If you’d like to volunteer, there are still plenty of spots open, especially Saturday and Sunday.  Email [email protected] to sign up!

We had people playing Jenga and Apples to Apples in a second room, and board member James Hice brought out his photo booth for us, as a tease for the real thing at Penguicon(PHOTO BOOTH PHOTOS)

It just gets better and better, so be sure and thank him for letting us borrow it.

The Exploding Kittens playtest went over smashingly, and there were people playing constantly throughout the event, and even a bit after the event as we were cleaning up.  If you played at least two rounds, please go to 2015.penguicon.org/kittens to review your experience for the company who so generously sent us four playtest decks.

We’ve decided to include those playtest decks in the Penguicon Gaming Library, so feel free to check out the game in two weeks – just remember it’s a pre-release version of the game, and take care of it so future attendees can have fun with it.

  

Don’t forget our Volunteer Bash is happening tomorrow at the Westin Southfield Hotel from 3-6pm!  Open to all, you can play carnival games for a chance to win prizes, as well as playtest Exploding Kittens with a ton of great people.

We’ll also (probably) have a photo booth!  Snacks and drinks will be available, of course.

Our pre-registration will be available during the bash, so if you missed out, this will be your last chance to sign up before Penguicon proper.

If you sign up for at least an hour of volunteering, you’ll be eligible for swag including a raffle for a free membership.  Volunteering can be vary from strong-arming boxes to manning the Greeter Table with other Penguicon Experts – whether you want a discount or not, it’s a great opportunity to give back to this community-run convention.

Our final ConCom meeting is also happening at the hotel from 12p to 2pm, though some of that time will be occupied by a “limited staff” walkthrough of the hotel with their reps.

When you arrive, take the staircase up and turn left to enter the salons.

Please RSVP here.