ARISIA... Yes, I'll be there!
Despite rumors to the contrary, YES, I will be attending ARISIA as a panelist once again this year! It will be held in Boston at the Westin Waterfront Hotel, January 14-17. I will only be on a total of three panels this year, but I plan to make the most of them!
My current schedule is as follows:
Friday 6:30PM, Revere: Flirt Like a Pro! (I will be the moderator for this panel.)
Flirting, like any skill, can be learned and gets better with practice. Our panel of experts are here to help! They will discuss and maybe even demonstrate ways to flirt like a pro, and what never to do under any circumstances!
Other Panelists: KT Pinto, Michael McAfee, Cheryl Braverman, Michelle Driscoll
Sunday 8:00PM, Quincy: SMOF 101: How to Become a SMOF (I have no idea why I'm on this panel, as I am not a SMOF (Secret Master Of Fandom). Everyone knows who I am and what I do. Therefore, I'm an OVERT Master Of Fandom... an OMOF!) ;-P
How does one become a Secret Master of Fandom? What *is* a Secret Master of Fandom? Is there a pass phrase? A special handshake? A minimum number of merit badges to earn? Come to this panel and find out what it takes be one of the ones running the show.
Other Panelists: Nicholas "phi" Shectman (mod), Suford Lewis, Victor Raymond, René Walling
Monday 2:00PM, Paine: Age and Treachery: The Older Fan (I'm not sure, but I think I'm the youngest person on the panel! Regardless, I am going to be the moderator.)
How does growing older impact one's experiences as a member of fandom? How do our experiences color how we enjoy the ideas, the stories, and the media? Did we think, a decade (or three) ago, we'd still be going to conventions and seeing the same friends? Are we worried about the future of fandom?
Other Panelists: Steve Sawicki, Marlin May, Martha Adams, Sandra Hutchinson
Aside from my panelist duties, I will be co-hosting the PHILCON party on Saturday night (room to be announced at the con), and I will also be putting in some time at The Fantastical Roving Lobbycon, which will be making it's first Arisia appearance! Also please note that, due to the very long drive from the Philly area to Boston, I will be arriving at the Westin Waterfront Hotel on THURSDAY, 1/13, and I will be departing on Tuesday, 1/18. Because otherwise I will be arriving JUST IN TIME for my panel on Friday, and I won't get home on Monday until after midnight! I will be rooming with my wonderful friend, the lovely Mz. octoberland, and her friend Brad. Which reminds me... I really need to give her a call about this, shouldn't I? (I'll try to call you tonight, Jen!)