Changes: We've made a few changes this year in response to feedback from our members, but not too many. We had to raise rates just a tad, due to hotel rates increasing to what's competitive locally, postage going up, and the decreased attendance the economy gave us in 2002. But on the good side, if you bring a new attendee (new being someone who hasn't attended since 1999) you'll receive a $10 reimbursement, per referral, off the cost of membership.
THIS YEAR'S SCHEDULE
Banquet: Just like last year, the Banquet will be Sunday at noon, to allow people time to check out. Food will be served around 12:30. We will be giving out another original piece of artwork by Wendi Strang-Frost as our door prize (you need not be present to win), and awarding our Costume Social "Crowd's Choice" and our Graphic Design Contest "Popular Choice" winners.
Costume Social/LARP: Since it went so well last year, we're going to have a "Crowd's Choice" prize for costumes again - free membership to next year's Con. All paid Con members are welcome to cast one vote at the Costume Social Friday evening. We will continue with our LARP, with a new GM this year - James Arnoldi. Costumes are encouraged, but not required for the LARP, which immediately follows the Costume Social in HQ.
Graphic Design Contest: Back for a third year, the Art Contest has been changed to a Graphic Design Contest to include a wider range of entries. We had some wonderful submissions last year and hope to get even more this year. "Fiona, Play and Die" on our front page was done by last year's contest winner, Lizete DeAssis. Your entry could be there for Ambercon 2004! We've also added a new "Popular Choice" winner that attendees can vote on during the Con.
Hotel: We will not be having con-sponsored suites this year. The Con loses money on these every year, and only a few take advantage of them. If you need a roommate, please post a note online at our message board.
Referral Bonus: New this year, we're offering a bonus for every new Ambercon attendee (or attendee who hasn't been to Ambercon since 1999) that you convince to attend Ambercon 2003. For every new or long-absent attendee who lists you on their registration form, we will reimburse you $10! On your own registration form, you can choose whether you would prefer to receive your reimbursement in the form of a check at the Con, or credit towards next year's Ambercon. Recruit enough people, and you could get in free!
Scheduling Priority: As was the case last Ambercon, GMs no longer get priority for running continuing campaigns that are closed to new players. GMs will receive priority for every non-continuing campaign, or continuing campaign that is open to at least one new player, that they submit.
Volunteers: We need help! We need someone to man HQ, at least one person per slot and between slots, but preferably two, so no one gets too much to handle. Working in HQ can be boring, but it's a good way to meet new people and gives you priority in game scheduling over non-GMs. E-mail Ray Laura at rgljr69@yahoo.com to volunteer.
Common Sense: Our convention policy is one of respect. We expect our fellow gamers' sensitivities to be respected. If you smoke please do so in designated smoking areas. Please do not make your fellow players uncomfortable or ill by smoking in rooms where gaming is occurring. Everyone is welcome at Ambercon, but if you are under 18 years of age, and you will not be accompanied to your games by your parent, we need them to sign some important legal documents. Have your parent or legal guardian call Liz Trumitch at (313) 388-6746. Thanks.