You know you have really good friends when
they go to humongous lengths to get wi-fi up and running for skype sessions at a hotel where the internet connection is down and will remain down for the foreseeable future.
WriterConUK's organising team pulled out all the stops when the members discovered that there was no internet connection at the hotel. The team persuaded the duty manager that it was essential to set up a skype connection for me as I was unable to attend. The Event in person. Duty Manager, Mike went out into Coventry and bought a dongle to set up a mifi on the team's laptop.
Connection was dicey at first as there were problems with the sound quality. Eventually that was sorted and I was able to say 'hi' to old friends in the newly refurbished Breakout Area.
Breakout area
I was able to attend some of the presentations but missed others.
Building costumes
One of the few sessions I was able to follow really well was 'Building Costumes.
I wish I had been there for the practical sessions on designing a character,
and for the When Art meets fic.
Not to mention all the other wonderful presentations I missed because of one thing or another.
I realised, just before the start of The Event, on Friday evening, that I had Raffle prizes to add to the impressive pile on display. Mine couldn't travel alone, so were added virtually.
Raffle prizes
I was even able to take part in the AGM during which the all-important question of 'do we carry on in the face of falling numbers?' was discussed.The answer is of course we do - small is beautiful and our quirky British event is like no other convention.
The Goodie-Bag Queen, Bogwitch, delivered my personalised Goodie-Bag on her way home on Sunday afternoon. I handed over two of the three items for the raffle which she will deliver. The third, The DVD of The Hobbit, will be posted as soon as I receive the winner's (everyone's a winner at The Event) details.
My Goodie-Bag and contents.
Raffle Prizes - bottle of Prosecco, Hobbit Cinema poster, Mug.
Personalised contents - Event Programme, Discworld bottle opener, name-badge and lanyard, writerConUk pen, notebook, selection of sweets and chocolates, fun-sized maracas, bubble-wand.
The Goodie-Bag itself is re-useable this year - a canvas bag with WriterconUK graphics.
It was so wonderful to be included at this year's Event and I am really grateful for the team efforts to make it happen in such difficult circumstances.