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Posted on by CONvergence Social Media Posted in Hotel

As we all began our Monday morning, the story broke that significant damage has occurred at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Bloomington. We are attempting to contact La Quinta to determine what this may mean to CONvergence members who have made reservations during next month’s convention. We will update this post when we have more information. We ask that everyone please be patient and know that we will do our best to keep you all informed.

Update 6/10/2015 10:30am

La Quinta Inn & Suites has informed us that, due to the incident, they will be closed during CONvergence 2015 and are in the process of contacting CONvergence members regarding their La Quinta reservations. They regret that they are unable to work with us this year, but have told us that their sister hotel, La Quinta Inn located on 7815 Nicollet Ave South in Bloomington, will honor the CONvergence rate.

In the meantime, we reached out to the other CONvergence overflow hotels and are pleased to announce that the Crowne Plaza, Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington, Holiday Inn Express, and Park Plaza have opened up additional rooms for CONvergence members. If you were booked at La Quinta Inn & Suites and have not made other arrangements yet, please contact one of these overflow hotels.

If you have additional questions about overflow hotels at CONvergence, please contact the Hotel department.

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Posted on by CONvergence Social Media Posted in Announcements, CVG-TV, Gaming, Masquerade, Programming

CONvergence 2015: DoublePlusGood is officially one month away. It’s time to ramp up your con prep, make your checklists, and check out all the great ways you can get involved!

Connie as the 10 Doctors prev

Online Schedule is Available

The CONvergence 2015 online schedule is available! Please note that it is not yet finalized and will continue to be added to, updated, and tweaked in the coming weeks. But don’t let that stop you from starting to plan your schedule!

The CONvergence 2015 mobile app should be available in the second half of June.

Masquerade Sign-Up Open

Are you a costumer? You might be interested to know that sign-ups are now open for the CONvergence 2015 Masquerade and the Art of the Dress Costume and Corture Show! All sign-ups are handled online, so go check it out!

Whether you’re wearing a costume in a show or not, you might also be interested in checking out these helpful tips for costuming at CONvergence!

Mark 2 as Nathan from MisfitsVolunteer Recruitment Session

The CONvergence Convention Committee (ConCom) would once again like to invite you to a CONvergence volunteer recruitment event this weekend. Meet representatives from a variety of CONvergence departments and find out how you can help!

When: Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 2:00pm
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington Plaza 1
Address: 7800 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN 55439

This recruitment session is specifically intended for anyone interested in year-round volunteering, possibly including joining the CONvergence ConCom.

Can’t Make it to the Recruitment Session?

There are also several Info & Training sessions for CONvergence Ops volunteers coming up! Or check out our volunteer positions page for a listing of different ways you can volunteer for CONvergence, then contact the Volunteers Department to tell us how you’d like to help!

Host a Game for CONvergence Gaming

CONvergence Gaming is seeking fun-loving, knowledgeable individuals to host gaming events in our 22nd floor Gaming Space! If you’d like to run one or more games on the 22nd floor for this year’s convention, please contact CONvergence Gaming as soon as possible with the following information:Connie Mark 2 Heroclix

  • Type of game/event (board, card, RPG, etc.)
  • The title of the Game/Event.
  • A description of the game/event (include both a description up to 254 characters for the schedule and a longer description to help Gaming staff understand your proposal.)
  • Game System (Pathfinder, D&D 5, Call of Cthulu, etc.)
  • Expected approximate duration of the game/event.
  • Expected player experience level.
  • Appropriate ages.
  • Day & time preferences.

Please note that the CONvergence 2015 gaming schedule is filling up fast, so it’s first-come, first-served for available times and table space. The deadline to propose a gaming event for CONvergence 2015 is June 20, 2015. Anything after that will be considered a pick-up game for scheduling purposes. You can find more information about hosting a game on the Host a Game page.

Attention Filmmakers!

Submissions are open for the 2015 Midwest Sci-Fi Short Film Festival! You do not need to attend or be a member of CONvergence to submit your film for consideration, and the film festival is now accepting submissions from Ontario & Manitoba Canada! So spread the word and tell your friends!

All 2015 Midwest Sci-Fi Short Film Festival submissions must be received by June 15, 2015. Click here for more information!

Be Seen on CVG-TV

CVG-TV, CONvergence’s closed-circuit television channel, is also accepting submissions to air during the convention! CVG-TV submissions may include:

  • Advertisements for CONvergence parties, performances, panels, vendors in the Dealers Room, artists in Artist Show, or ads from our Community Partners.
  • Public Service Announcements relevant to the CONvergence community.
  • Short Films produced by members and/or supporters of the CONvergence community.
  • Feature Films produced by members and/or supporters of the CONvergence community.
  • Music Videos produced by members and/or supporters of the CONvergence community.

Find more information on submitting to CVG-TV on the CVG-TV page. All video submissions to CVG-TV must be made by June 13, 2015.

Connie as Ralph Hinkley

Hotel Guarantees

Did you remember to guarantee your hotel reservation with a credit card? If you’re staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton, you’ve only got until June 15, 2015 to do so!

Ordering Ribbons?

Just a friendly reminder: time is running out to order badge ribbons for CONvergence 2015. (Not sure what badge ribbons are? Check out the Ribbons page for more information!)

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Posted on by CONvergence Social Media Posted in Volunteers

Are you the type of person who likes to have your thumb on the pulse of an event? Have you been looking for a way to become more involved with CONvergence? Good news! CONvergence Operations (also known as Ops)—the department responsible for running The Bridge and services such as Lost & Found, Emergency Aid, Peacebinding, Wandering Hosts, and more—is looking for more volunteers for CONvergence 2015!

Please come to one of CONvergence Operations’ department orientation and volunteer training sessions in the coming weeks to learn more about how you can get involved, and acquire the skills and training necessary to be an Ops volunteer!

CONvergence Operations Department Orientation & Volunteer TrainingConnie mark 2 making a fist
  • 45 minutes: Overview of the functions and responsibilities of CONvergence Operations, the various roles within the department, what is expected of volunteers in each role, and discussion of the types of situations encountered during a typical con.
  • Short Break
  • 20-30 minutes: Radio training.
  • 60 minutes: Live scenario training during which we will role play various situations, discuss peace bonding and the CONvergence weapons policy, and give interested volunteers an opportunity to practice various roles prior to CONvergence 2015.
When?
  • Saturday, May 23, 12:00pm – 2:30pm
  • Thursday, June 4, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
  • Tuesday, June 23, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
  • Saturday, June 27, 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Where?

Geek Partnership Society Event Horizon Room 107
Waterbury Building, 1121 Jackson St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413

Attendance of pre-con training sessions will count towards your CONvergence 2015 volunteer hours if you complete volunteer shifts with CONvergence Operations during the convention. What’s stopping you?

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Posted on by CONvergence Webteam Tayefel Posted in Hotel, Venue

Last week, CONvergence received the following important update from the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington regarding reservations for CONvergence 2015. Please read the hotel’s update and be aware that these are now standard, ongoing DoubleTree operating procedures.

DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington is excited to welcome you as our guest for CONvergence 2015. As times change, so does our property in order to adapt to the modern conveniences and security procedures.

With this being said, starting January 2015 DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington requires a valid credit or debit card at check in. The credit or debit card on file will be authorized for your full stay, as well as $30 for incidentals per night. Cash deposits are accepted but NOT without a valid credit or debit card with matching ID to check in. Should you not own a credit or debit card, you are able to contact the hotel ahead of your arrival to arrange for a friend or family member to fill out a credit card authorization form to be used for your room, tax and incidentals. Please be advised that any unsettled charges, including food, gift shop charges, possible damages and any other possible charges will be settled to that card. Also, please be aware that the card holder of any credit card presented at check in is required to be present. We will not accept a credit card not matching the individual presenting it. You are still able to pay your balance in cash at the beginning or end of your stay, however a credit or debit card is still required. Since this is being communicated well ahead of time, please be aware that any individual attempting to cancel their reservation past the cancellation policy deadline will be charged a one-night cancellation fee. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions at (952) 893-7800.

Smoking Policy

DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington supports MN State Law by enforcing a strict nonsmoking policy within the hotel, allowing all of our guests a comfortable stay. The DoubleTree has designated the East Courtyard as the ONLY smoking area on property during the CONvergence event. Smoking within the hotel will result in a $250+ deep cleaning fee. This nonsmoking policy is in affect for ALL smoking products, including E-/Vapor Cigarettes.

Remember, CONvergence members are welcome to smoke or vape at all hours in CONvergence’s Smokers Paradise! Just be sure to stay away from the outdoor patio grilling area, as well as at least 25 feet away from building entrances per Bloomington, MN law to avoid getting fined.

If you have any additional questions about hotel policies or checking into your room, please contact the CONvergence Hotel Department.

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Posted on by CONvergence Social Media Posted in Announcements, Registration & Badges, Volunteers

The deadline to register for CONvergence 2015: DoublePlusGood at the reduced rate of just $75 is fast approaching! Make sure you and your friends get your memberships before 11:59pm on Friday, May 15th, 2015 or you’ll end up paying the full at-the-door rate of $120.

Click Here for information on registering for CONvergence 2015!

CONvergence Policies

There have been a few updates to the CONvergence Policies for 2015. Now is a great time to familiarize yourself so you can go into CONvergence 2015 prepared, not to mention impress all your friends with your encyclopedia-like knowledge of CONvergence!

Connie as Arthur DentLocation Changes During the Convention

The location of several things will change for CONvergence 2015!

Maps to help you navigate to everything will be on the Maps page.

Volunteer Recruitment Session

The CONvergence Convention Committee (ConCom) would once again like to invite you to a CONvergence volunteer recruitment event this weekend. Meet representatives from a variety of CONvergence departments and find out how you can help!

When: Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 2:00pm
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington Atrium 8
Address: 7800 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN 55439

This recruitment session is specifically intended for anyone interested in year-round volunteering, possibly including joining the CONvergence ConCom.

Can’t Make it to the Recruitment Session?

Check out our volunteer positions page for a listing of different ways you can volunteer for CONvergence, then contact the Volunteers Department to tell us how you’d like to help!

 

Posted on by CONvergence Social Media Posted in Events, Registration & Badges, Volunteers

Here is a summary of what was discussed at the Convergence Events Open Meeting on April 19, 2015. Convergence Events open meetings are held quarterly and are open to the entire membership.

Introduction of the Board of Directors

CONvergence 2015 board of directors:

  • Liz Hernandez – Chief Administration Officer, Director of Administration
  • Amy Mills – Chief Productions Officer, Director of Productions
  • Margaret Eastman – Chief Activities Officer, Director of Activities
  • Thomas Keely – Chief Financial Officer, Director of Systems
  • Matt Resong – Public Affairs Officer, Director of Data Transmissions
  • Ishmael Williams – Chief Operations Officer, Director of Hospitality and Member Experience

Website Clarifications

There are two “CONvergence” Websites:

  • www.CONvergence-con.org is the website for the annual CONvergence event itself. Go here to find out any information or news related to attending CONvergence.
  • www.ConvergenceEvents.org is the website for Convergence Events, CONvergence’s parent organization. Go here to find administrative and procedural information related to planning CONvergence and the operation of Convergence Events.

Voting FAQs

A brief overview on voting in Convergence Events elections.

  1. Attendance at at least two meetings is required to vote. Remember to sign in at Convergence Events open meetings like this one.
  2. Convergence Events open meetings are held quarterly. This is the third Convergence Events open meeting of the convention cycle; the fourth is held during CONvergence.
  3. The time and location of the next Convergence Events open meeting will be in the CONvergence 2015 schedule and the printed programming guide.
  4. For more information on Convergence Events elections and voting rights, visit: www.ConvergenceEvents.org/about

Becoming a Volunteer

There was a volunteer recruitment session April 19, 2015, at 2:00pm. There will be another volunteer recruitment session on Saturday May 16, at 2:00pm.

Volunteer opportunities are always available on the CONvergence website. See the Volunteer Positions page for a full listing of available volunteer positions. Come to CONvergence volunteer recruitment sessions to ask questions, talk to representatives from departments and sign up on-the-spot to be a CONvergence volunteer!

Open Q & A 

When will the finalized panel schedule be available?
The finalized panel schedule is generally available online in May or Early June.

When is the deadline for CONvergence 2015 panel submission & sign-up?
The deadlines are already passed. They were March 1st and March 31, 2015.

What are examples of dystopia applicable to CONvergence 2015? The topic is so vast; what’s the difference between dystopia and apocalypse?
How do YOU feel about it? CONvergence themes are generally broad and intentionally open to interpretation.

Is Harmonic CONvergence coming back?
Harmonic CONvergence will be back for 2015 and located in the Crowne Plaza hotel.

Will there be other location changes for CONvergence 2015?
The Bridge and Nerfherders Line Management will be in Nine Mile Grill, Registration & Badge Pick-up will be in Verandas 2, 3 and 4 (overlooking the pool), and Teen Room will be in a new location. There will be a map available both online and at the convention so you will have no trouble finding anything.

Is anything scheduled for the Sheraton?
There will be no events held at the Sheraton across the street during CONvergence 2015 due to construction.

How will the shuttles be improved for CONvergence 2015?
We are working on having more free shuttles, and stops at more hotels.

What are the current CONvergence 2015 registration numbers?
Right now there are 4,000 pre-registered members for CONvergence 2015.  We are estimating a total of about 7,000 members for CONvergence 2015 based on a 6% increase in pre-registrations from this time last year.

Will early Badge Pick-Up be available for CONvergence 2015?
Badge Pick-Up will officially open Wednesday, July 1, 2015 from 9:00am – 6:00pm, close for a dinner break, and open again 9:00pm – 11:59pm.

Additional Questions & Concerns

Questions or concerns for the CONvergence 2015 board of directors can be submitted to directors@convergenceevents.org throughout the year.

You can also contact the CONvergence board of directors, as well as any other CONvergence departments, using the Contact Us form.

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Posted on by CONvergence Social Media Posted in Hotel

Connie Mark 2 Emails are starting to be sent out to those who confirmed their desire to reserve a hotel room through the CONvergence Hotel Lottery. Please make sure to check your spam folder, and your promotions tab if you use Gmail, so that you don’t miss yours!

The DoubleTree by Hilton

Email confirmations should all be sent by April 25th, 2015. If you have not received a confirmation by April 25th, please contact Hotel Room Allocations.

You must guarantee your DoubleTree by Hilton reservation with a credit card by June 15, 2015 in order to secure your room.

The Sheraton Bloomington

Email confirmations will begin to be sent this week.  If you have not received a confirmation by April 25th, please contact Hotel Room Allocations.

You must guarantee your Sheraton Bloomington reservation with a credit card within 7 days of receiving your email confirmation in order to secure your room.

Crowne Plaza

Email confirmations will begin to be sent this week.  If you have not received a confirmation by April 25th, please contact Hotel Room Allocations.

You must guarantee your Crowne Plaza reservation with a credit card within 14 days of receiving your email confirmation in order to secure your room.

If you have general questions about the CONvergence Hotel Lottery or about hotel facilities, please contact the CONvergence Hotel Department. If you have questions about your requested reservation, need to make a change to your reservation, or need to cancel your reservation, please contact Hotel Room Allocations.

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Posted on by CONvergence Social Media Posted in Events, Volunteers

This week is National Volunteer Week, so what better time to find out how you can get involved with year-round volunteering for CONvergence? Remember, CONvergence is and always has been 100% community volunteer-run.  And there is so much to do!

Volunteer Recruitment Session

Connie as Rosie the RiviterYou are invited to a special CONvergence volunteer recruitment event! Meet representatives from a variety of CONvergence departments and find out how you can help!

When: Sunday, April 19th, 2015 at 2:00pm
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington Plaza 1
Address: 7800 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN 55439

This is separate from the Convergence Events Open Meeting later in the day, and is specifically intended for anyone interested in year-round volunteering, possibly including joining the CONvergence Convention Committee (ConCom).

Stick around after the volunteer recruitment session for the Convergence Events Open Meeting.

Can’t Make it to the Recruitment Session?

Check out our volunteer positions page for a listing of different ways you can volunteer for CONvergence, then contact the Volunteers Department to tell us how you’d like to help!

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Posted on by CONvergence Social Media Posted in Harmonic CONvergence, Performers

We know everyone missed Harmonic CONvergence during CONvergence 2014, and to tell the truth, we did too.

Great news! We are pleased to announce the return of our intimate music and performance venue! Harmonic CONvergence is back for CONvergence 2015: DoublePlusGood!

Harmonic CONvergence logo

The Harmonic CONvergence you know and love will again feature a mix of musical, spoken word, and comedy performances. We are just starting the process of scheduling acts. Already confirmed to perform are The Dregs, Bad September, Tanya Brody, Double Blind Improv, and Epic Lip Sync Challenge.

Due to space constraints and our long-term goal to create a multi-campus model for our convention, Harmonic CONvergence’s new home will be at the Crowne Plaza. We are busy working on our free, 24-hour accessible shuttle to ensure that members interested in seeing the performances in our new space will have no trouble getting there.

Interested in performing at Harmonic CONvergence? Maybe you have a musical or comedy act, or another idea? We’d love to work with you! Please see our Musicians/Performers page for information on performing at CONvergence!

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Posted on by CONvergence Social Media Posted in Parties

Party to the Max Parties are a cornerstone of CONvergence culture, and, like everything else at CONvergence, are hosted and organized completely by volunteers! Every year, a veritable army of dedicated individuals and groups converge upon the poolside area and 4th floor to give their time, energy and resources in hopes of dazzling us with some of the most creative parties ever seen.

So you and your friends have a GREAT idea for a CONvergence 2015: DoublePlusGood party? Maybe you’d like to create your own little hotel room dystopia, or publicize your project, business, group, or club among the CONvergence community? Good news! There’s still time to apply to host a party in one of the cabana rooms around the garden court at CONvergence 2015!

Submit your application to host a party at CONvergence 2015 by Saturday, April 18, 2015!

Got questions or comments about throwing a party at CONvergence 2015? Click here to contact the CONvergence Parties department.

 

 

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Connie reclining