New for 2009!!!

 

Changes Made for 2009:

• Let’s face it; it is really a walk between the Sheraton and the Hyatt.  Google Maps lists it as a hike that takes the average person 10 minutes to walk.  What Google does not take into account is that the Dragon*Con fan is not the average person.  Do you think it would take a wookie carrying two heavy bags of memorabilia or an orc pushing a stroller 10 minutes?  No, I think not.  Well, you will be happy to know that we will have one of the Dragon*Con buses operation as a “local” shuttle between just the host hotels.  And if you have forgotten, those would be the Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and Sheraton.
• Tired of standing in that long registration line?  Well this year we are offering something new and exciting.  We have packed up and moved registration to the Sheraton.  Now instead of having to stand in that impossibly long yet well worthwhile line at the Hyatt you can stand in the new and improved hopefully not so impossibly long yet well worthwhile line at the Sheraton.
• Were you disappointed with your thin badge from last year’s con?  Well not to worry because we traded in all those pre-gut Riker badges for all new post-gut Riker badges.  And for those of you who missed TNG (shame on you) we are going back to thicker badges.
• Eternals, are you forever wondering why you have to stand in that everlasting line in VIP badge pickup?  Well your endless wait has come to an end.  This year we are happy to announce that Eternals will have their own line in VIP badge pickup which will also be housed in the Sheraton.
• Sticking with the Sheraton theme, Fan tables will not only be located outside of the Grand Hall of the Hyatt, but have fanned out to the Sheraton as well.
• This year’s Comic and Pop Artist Alley is going to be Super Man.  So if you’re Kraven some comic action, turn off the Cable and Dash on down to our new location in the Grand Hall East of the Hyatt.  Hell boy, we reached Maxx capacity in the Hilton and have moved the whole Thing into the Art Show. 
• In response to an outpouring of requests from the Goth fan base, this year band tables will be moving into the Marriott because the hotel is rumored to be using lower wattage light bulbs that are dimmer than the Hyatt’s. 
• We are using an online application process for bands and other performance groups.  But don’t worry; just because you can apply via broad band don’t think all girl acts get preferential treatment.
• If you don’t like fighting the crowds or just did a little too much late night celebrating and can’t make it out of your room, you will be happy to know that we will again be putting some of the daytime main events held in the Centennial and Atrium Ballrooms onto Dragon*Con TV.  Make sure you keep your pocket program handy because it will note which events will be televised.

Announcements:

• LAVAPALOOZA 2009 PRESENTED BY TRADER VIC’S AT HILTON ATLANTA
  The highly anticipated return of the best luau-style charity event is finally here!  Lavapalooza, now in its third year, is the place to enjoy great Polynesian food, island cocktails, live entertainment and do it all for a charitable cause.  With live hula dancing, music and the world-famous Trader Vic’s Mai Tai – the event is jam-packed with entertainment.

  An important element of this event is the philanthropic effort.  This year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB), a non-profit organization that delivers over 22 million pounds of food and groceries a year to a variety of people in need.  Come and support a great cause with a day of tiki festivities.

  • Date: Saturday, September 5, 2009
  • Time: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Location: Hilton Atlanta Hotel Pool Deck
  • Ticket Price: *$20 in advance, $25 at the door (includes 2 food & 2 drink tickets)

  *Additional food or drink tickets:  $5 each
  **Admission is complementary for Hilton Atlanta hotel guests and they may purchase food and drink tickets upon arrival.
  Proceeds benefit Atlanta Community Food Bank

  For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.lavapalooza2009.com or call Trader Vic’s at 404-221-6339.

• This year we have established online programming for tracks.  That might not seem like it means much for our guests, but behind the seams it means a lot.  Our programming director and all of the varied track directors are a great group who volunteer their time to share something they love with you, the fans.  And while they have done a stellar job in years past, having online programming will help them to get the most accurate information in a timely manner and smooth out any wrinkles that might arise ahead of time.  So what this really means for you is that when you show up at the Sheraton for a Skeptics discussion panel, there is actually a Skeptics discussion panel actually taking place in the scheduled room instead of being greeted by a sign saying that your panel has been moved to the Hyatt.
• Last year I witnessed a Klingon heckling a box trooper across the road between the Marriott and the Hilton.  With his peripheral vision impaired, the angered box trooper attempted to cross the busy intersection between the two hotels to defend his honor after the size of his package had been called into question.  The scene that followed was not pretty.  All that remained of the cardboard Imperial was a few popcorn remnants and some packing tape.  But don’t worry!  I am happy to say that in an attempt to avoid a repeat of this tragic event, a walkway between the Hilton and Marriot has been constructed and is now open!
• The Hilton has renamed its programming rooms to use numbers instead of names.  This was done in an attempt to make it easier for those guests who take advantage of Fog Cutter Fridays to find their way to the correct rooms.
• We are quickly approaching 400 guests for this year’s show, and by now you have hopefully been able to check out some of the talent who will be attending.   With the quality and quantity we are bringing in this year, you will be happy to know that The Walk of Fame will stay in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton.  We were shooting for a water (or adult beverage) station in the Leonard Nimoy line to break up the wait, but were told that our request was highly illogical. 
•  

• We wanted to trout something new this year and had a shell of a time making a decision; but we eel confident that we made the bass choice possible.   We have made a deal with the GA Aquarium.  Saturday night 9/5/09 from 7:30 to 11pm, will be Dragon*Con night at the Aquarium.  Tickets will be available for $17 in advance.  So water you waiting for; whether you go with a grouper by yourself, make shore you sea this event.
• I almost forgot, this year’s charity is the GA chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association

 

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