We’re looking forward to seeing everyone starting the day after tomorrow! If you’ve looked at the advance schedule posted to the blog and website, you’ll see that every day is very busy.
Friday starts with activities and panels in the early afternoon and culminates on Friday evening with the Opening Banquet, a live performance by Prometheus Radio Theatre, Charity Auction, Vic’s Place karaoke and the premiere of “Trenches” from X-ile Pictures. While the banquet requires an extra ticket, all of the other activities on Friday and the rest of the weekend are open to all convention members.
This year, our Charity Auction will take place in two parts – Friday evening and Saturday evening as part of the Masquerade halftime. Not to spoil things, but we’ve got some awesome items donated this year – including lunch with Harve Bennett, and a signed copy of William Shatner’s new book (donated by Phil Weyland). Remember, all of this year’s proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of Robbie Greenberger and the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Nancy Kippax.
Saturday’s activities include live Light Saber workshops in the atrium conducted by CosKumite. live performances by The Boogie Knights and Luna-C, lots of panels, films and gaming, and will end in our annual Masquerade.
Sunday will feature a performance at 2pm by The Usual Suspects: P For Producer, a live performance by Insane Ian Bonds, with our annual Meeting with the Farpoint Committee closing the show.
Throughout the weekend, check into all of our exciting panel tracks. Our programming team has gone above and beyond to provide lots of programs featuring the largest variety of topics we’ve ever had: Podcasting, Science, Comics and Anime, Film Production, Costuming and more. There will be activities throughout the weekend that are designed for our younger fans, too. The Gaming Oasis is featuring special activities and tournament games throughout the weekend. Your pocket program and signs at the Oasis will provide additional information.
For the Art Lovers: The Art Show is featuring a wide variety of returning and new artists presenting work for you to enjoy (and hopefully purchase!). The Art Auction will once again be on Sunday morning at 10:00 am. NOTICE TO ALL: There is a piece of artwork in the show inspired by the “beloved” carpet from our previous home at the Hunt Valley Inn. And yes, we take credit cards.
You won’t be able to miss our Dealers Room and Fan Club Bazaar this year, as it’s right in the middle of the atrium of the beautiful Crowne Plaza. You’ll be able to enjoy the market atmosphere with fellow fen, and when you’re tired from shopping can stop in at Quark’s Place, our con suite located right off the atrium in the Timonium room. Quark’s provides everyone a place to take a break and get a quick snack throughout the weekend.
New this year is our ConOps office. While primarily used by the convention committee, it is a place for anyone in need of assistance to stop in for help. It is located in the Board Room off the atrium. The Farpoint Registration desk will, as always, be in operation throughout the weekend. This year, it is located at the coat check desk at the Convention Center entrance to the hotel. If you’re at the hotel facing the lobby doors, look to your left and you’ll see the Convention Center entrance portico where you can directly enter into the convention area.
I’ve probably forgotten as much as I’ve written here. We’re looking forward to this weekend at our new convention home, and hope you will enjoy the experience as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. Everyone travel safely!
Sharon and Sandy
Farpoint co-chairs
