CONvergence Programming

CONvergence programming promises panels and events related to Science Fiction and Fantasy. There will be discussions with our guests of honor, discussions related to our theme, and ones that discuss many other topics as well.

Why Didn't My Favorite Panel Get on the Schedule?

We get way more panel suggestions than we can actually use. So, many panels aren't going to make it. Typical reasons for a panel not making it onto the schedule include:

• We received the idea too late. We need the ideas by early January: anything past mid-February is almost guaranteed to not make it.
• Too few people signed up to be on it.
• It duplicated (or appeared to duplicate) another panel. We only have the title/description that we have to go on, and sometimes your idea appeared to duplicate another. Of course, this means that your panel did make it, just under another title/description.
• We couldn't figure out what the panel was about. Often, this is because we have incomplete notes (typically from the brainstorming session).
• The panel isn't appropriate for CONvergence. There are lots of good panel ideas...for other conventions.
• We just did that panel last year. While we do have a few recurring panels, the vast majority are new each year. And for the recurring ones, we try to keep them fresh from year to year. If you were on (or attended) a panel last year and you "want to do it again," try to suggest it with a fresh twist.
• It didn't make it into the mix. We balance many factors and try to come up with the best mix for everyone.
• We just ran out of open slots.

Why Didn't I Get on a Panel I Asked for?

While we try to get everyone on the panels they request, we can't always manage to do so. There are several cases, including:

• The panel never made it to the schedule. See the previous section.
• The panel made it, but you didn't.

The latter can happen because...

• There were already enough panelists (we try hard to keep it to four or under).
• You would have been double-booked at that time (we try to move things around, but can't always).
• Panels are filled in this order:
  • guest of honor
  • former guest of honor
  • invited guests
  • well known/respected panelists
  • people we don't know very much about

Format

CONvergence programming features 60-minute panels on a 90-minute schedule: 60-minute panels with 30-minute breaks in-between. We divide our programming into themes by media or subject. And yes, we try to schedule the ones that we think will be popular into the larger rooms.

The Author's Reading Lounge

CONvergence is proud to continue presenting an author's reading lounge, now in Cabana 201. This space is intended to give local authors, guests of honor, and others an intimate setting, off-the-beaten-track for quiet readings, workshops, and discussions. We may try our hand at a few poetry slams (or fiction slams) as well as the opportunity to meet with authors who are willing to share their stories and ideas in a refined atmosphere. You can read more about the lounge here.

If you are reading or presenting in the lounge, we ask that you bring 2-5 printed copies of any materials (that you are going to read from or present aurally).

How Can I Help?

You can help in any or all of several ways:

• You can attend the programming brainstorming[*]
• You can attend the programming panel discussion meetings[*]
• You can suggest ideas
• You can sign up for panels[**]
• You can be a programming head[***]
• You can be a programming sub-head (see discussion below)[*]
• You can be a programming room host (see discussion below)[*]
• You can be a programming general host (see discussion below)[*]

Items marked with [*] count as volunteer hours.

[**] Signing up doesn't count, but actually being on the panel does.

[***] As with all Convergence head positions, this comes with a free admission to the mental hospital of your choice.

Do Panelists Have to be Convention Members?

Yes, all panelists must be registered members of Convergence. If you know that you want to be on a panel, register early and save!

What Are My Responsibilities as a Panelist?

When you check in at registration, stop by the programming table after you get your badge: we will be there to answer any questions, give you your schedule, and try to be helpful.

First, show up on time. Preferably, 5-10 minutes early so that you can meet your other panelists and get settled.

Second, get ready. Pour some water if you want, turn off your cell phone ringer, etc. Review the panel description.

Third, stay on topic. Talk about what’s actually written: don’t veer off onto a tangent. If you don’t like the topic as written, don’t sign up for the panel hoping to change it at the last minute!

Fourth, spread the word. Ensure that all panelists are involved and can have their say.

Fifth, involve the audience. For the most part, these panels are interactive and the audience is both expected to contribute and expecting to contribute. Take questions and comments. This obviously doesn’t apply to certain panels that are presentations or readings.

Sixth, end on time.

Seventh, remind audience members to pick up their trash and put the chairs back.

Also, if you move or rearrange things in the room, it’s your job to put them back. There isn’t any hidden army of people to do it for you.

Being a Programming Sub-Host

We will continue to use sub-hosts for programming. A sub-host will be pretty much running programming during their shift, so it’s a great way to get involved! Basic duties:

• There will be an mandatory orientation session 1-2 weeks before Con.
• Sub-Hosts will primarily be in the programming green room (Atrium 5). They will:
  • handle queries as needed
  • handle bridge communications
  • backs up general and room host staff
  • escalate as needed to on-duty head
• Sign-up by email to programming@convergence-con.org: see shift slots below.

Being a Programming Room Host

We will continue to use a few programming room hosts. Room hosts will be programming hosts for (we hope) panels that you would be attending anyways. We will typically be assigning room hosts to panels that may require that "extra touch," incluing GoH panels and those with A/V equipment (you don’t have to be an A/V expert!).

• No-pre Con time.
• Check in at Programming Ops when you first arrive at Con to verify shifts as rooms/panels will assigned in advance.
• Sign-up starting May 15 by email to programming@convergence-con.org: see shift slots below.

Being a Programming General Host

These are the "traditional" programming volunteers.

• No-pre Con time.
• Check in at Programming Ops when you first arrive at Con to verify shifts.
• Sign-up starting May 15 by email to programming@convergence-con.org: see shift slots below.

Shift Slots

Programming is organized into shift slots, each is three hours long and typically covers two panels. Here’s a summary:

Thursday (yes, we know that this starts at shift 2)

• shift 2: 12p - 3p
• shift 3: 3p - 6p
• shift 4: 6p - 9p
• shift 5: 9p - 12a

Friday

• shift 1: 9a - 12p
• shift 2: 12p - 3p
• shift 3: 3p - 6p
• shift 4: 6p - 9p
• shift 5: 9p - 12a

Saturday

• shift 1: 9a - 12p
• shift 2: 12p - 3p
• shift 3: 3p - 6p
• shift 4: 6p - 9p
• shift 5: 9p - 12a

Sunday

• shift 1: 9a - 12p
• shift 2: 12p - 3p
• shift 3: 3p - 6p