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WisCon FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and other useful information that we wish people would ask us

GENERAL

What's your contact information?
WisCon
Box 1624
Madison, WI 53701-1624
608/233-8850
www.sf3.org/wiscon

Email addresses are available at Contacts for many areas of the convention

What's a Con?
It's short for convention, conference, convocation, confluence, etc. And conviviality -- don't forget that. Generally, it's a gathering of people interested in SF.

What's WisCon like?
In some ways, WisCon is exactly like all other science fiction/fantasy conventions. Your registration fee gets you a program booklet (ours being the most highly organized and extremely useful program booklet on the planet) and an envelope of interesting flyers and freebies. We all wear name badges, and unlike at mundane conventions, we can be known by our nicknames, pen names, or alternate names of our choice. The days are full of discussions in meeting rooms on the first, second, and sixth floors of the hotel -- panels, presentations of academics papers, SF/F book discussions, and authors reading their work. (WisCon is notorious for having many tracks of wickedly interesting programming that make it agony to choose.) We have a consuite on the 6th floor with free soda, coffee, bagels, chips, hot dogs and other munchies (and other real food), which makes it easier on the budget. We have a dealers' room with books, handmade jewelry and other interesting items to buy. We have an art show with works in various media, most of which are available for sale, as well as posters and convention T-shirts. Oh, and in accordance with the International Code of Hotel Equipment, we, too, have slow elevators that delay us in the lobby and force us to laugh a lot more even though our cheeks already ache.

And yet, in other ways, WisCon is very different from other science fiction and fantasy conventions. Ours is the only con that regularly explores issues of feminism. We define "feminist" broadly to include race and class issues, gay/bisexual/lesbian/transgender issues, and anything else that touches on strong women (authors, artists, readers, characters) in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. As you might expect, our focus draws an amazingly diverse and fascinating group of attendees who share, among other things, keen intellects and open minds.

WisCon has many of the trappings of a traditional science fiction/fantasy convention, but differs in the particulars. One difference we share with some other conventions is defining ourselves as a "readercon" (in other words, a convention that focuses on the literary aspect of the genre, rather than, say, role-playing games or movies and TV). Thus, we don't have a costume competition or film program.

We don't take ourselves too seriously, though, and WisCon is noted for the laughter that bursts like a tsunami out of the ballroom doors. We think our panels are more interesting than those at a typical convention, and we know that our auction is by far the wackiest. We have events that other conventions don't have, like bazaars and bake sales. Even the surroundings are cooler than usual: just a few blocks from the hotel are these amazingly great shops and restaurants, and on Saturday, there's a farmer's market within spitting distance of the hotel.

To do WisCon justice, we'd need pages and we still couldn't cover it all. To read essays about what other people have to say about us, jump to Broad Universe for the archived editorial "Coming Home to Madison" by Diane Silver. You can also find other articles on the web such as "Down Among the Rad Fems, 1998," by Cheryl Morgan, "How Is WisCon Different from Other Cons?" by Amy Axt Hanson, and "Why, and How a Wallflower Throws a Party at WisCon," by Laurie J. Marks.

I'm a guy who's a big fan of one of your guests of honor. Will I feel unwelcome at a feminist convention?
Here's Victor Raymond, chair of WisCon 28: "Speaking as a guy on the convention committee, here's my impression of WisCon: It's the nicest place to have a conversation and really get to know someone in all the conventions I've been to (which is not a small number). Some people have the idea that a 'feminist' science fiction convention will be hostile to males; nothing is further from the truth. But don't be surprised if you are gently challenged about various assumptions over the course of the weekend.

"Other people may have a different experience, but I've found that the only guys who have real difficulties at WisCon are the ones who think that feminism is some sort of communist plot -- but then they'd have trouble with a whole bunch of other things."

I don't know anyone at WisCon. Do you have any suggestions for having a good time?
Here's attendee Margaret Magle: "I have been to two WisCons. The first one was two years ago. I didn't know anyone there so I spent a great deal of the time alone or in a corner with no one to talk to. I genuinely doubted if I would go again.

"Then there was 2003. I got hooked up with Broad Universe on their website and then on the mailing list. I responded to their invitation to help. I stuffed packets and was not allowed to stay in the hotel during the reception at The Room of One's Own bookstore. (Thanks everyone for dragging me along!) At the Gathering, I blew up balloons and made lots of little books. I talked to people and had lots of people talk to me. I think that making a fantastic informal meeting place like the Gathering just put everyone in a festive, pleasant mood. It also gave people like me a chance to match faces with names I only had a chance to read on the computer.

"Am I going to come back? I wouldn't miss it for the world!! Thanks everyone for the great time. I don't feel like such a newbie anymore."

Margaret discovered a great way to meet people, which is to be a convention volunteer. (She made so many little books because she staffed the simple bookmaking booth at the Gathering.) Convention volunteers have great opening lines, like "Hi! Would you like a hot dog?" (That's in the con suite where the food lives.) Or "Hi! Welcome to WisCon! What's your name?" (at the registration table.) Or "Hi! Here's your panel folder. Can I get you some tea?" (in the Green Room.) Or "Hi! Where do you want this cable?" (at setup and tear-down.) It never fails but that someone will look at your name badge and realize they live within 10 miles of you, and half the people will love your Hawaiian shirt, and the other half will wonder if you're related to someone with the same last name. It's a lot easier to get people to talk to you when you're happily handing out registration materials than when you're hanging in the corner looking uncomfortable.

Volunteering gets you seeing faces and then you learn their names. The other way around -- learning names first -- is easy if you're on an emailing list that has a lot of WisCon folks. There are several open emailing lists that are good places to start, especially the public mailing lists moderated by Laura Quilter (Lists).

Broad Universe also has an emailing list, which you can be part of as a paid member of BU at the $15 a year level.

What kind of volunteering jobs do you have and how do I sign up?
You name it, we've got it.

We need planners and organizers all year round. Whether you live in Madison or Madagascar, we're interested in your input. If there are things about WisCon you especially love, or want to see changed, or wish the convention provided, this is the way to get that to happen.

We need hands-on volunteers from the Wednesday before the convention through the Tuesday after. Lots of this is set-up and teardown of various convention features, as well as staffing ongoing services like the con suite, the art show, and the registration tables.

The Thursday night before the convention there's a traditional packet stuffing work party on the second floor of the Concourse.

Areas that need set-up and tear down help include the Gathering (teardown is Friday night), the art show, the con suite, registration, the internet lounge, and more.

If you like to bake, don't forget to bring sweet and savory goodies for the Tiptree bake sale.

Early morning folks and night owls are very handy in the con suite to help serve breakfast and to clean up for those who are going to help serve breakfast.

In short, whatever you like to do, we can match you up with cool options and the chance to work and hang out with some really wonderful people.

Volunteering is the best known way to meet people, make friends, and integrate yourself into the fabric of the convention. If you already have a bunch of friends who come to WisCon, think about volunteering as a group, chatting while you peel carrots or hand out registration packets.

We need you! Write us at volunteers.

What's the weather like that time of year?
It seems unlikely there will be snow, but this is the upper midwest of the United States, and we can't totally rule it out. More likely, it will be between 40F (4C) and 80F (26C), and since it's spring, it will probably rain.

Operating off the magic crystal ball school of weather forecasting, you should bring an umbrella, walking shoes, a sweater to throw on if you get cold while walking outside, a pair or two each of shorts and pants/skirts, your bathing suit (for the indoor pool), your warm socks, and a few things that can be layered, to take care of the in-between temperatures. Leave the big fuzzy coats and moon boots at home, however; if it gets cold enough to need those, we'll probably end up huddling for warmth in the con suite.
Current weather can be found at Madison weather.

* * *

REGISTRATION

How do I register for the convention?
We highly recommend that you register in advance, and the deadline for pre-registration is April 30.

You can register in two ways:

1. On the web
The easiest way to pre-register is to go to http://www.sf3.org/wiscon/registration.html and fill out the registration form, paying via PayPal. PayPal is free, easy to use, and a safe way to make payments online. You can pay by credit card or bank transfer. If you don't already have a PayPal account, you'll find it simple and painless to set one up.

2. by mail
If you'd like to download a paper copy of the registration form and send in a check, you can get a pdf file at http://www.sf3.org/wiscon/registration.html (where it says "Registration Form click here"). The deadline for mailed registrations is April 30 (postmark). Paper registration forms are also available in our progress reports, which you will receive if we have your current mailing address.
For further info on rates, see http://www.sf3.org/wiscon/registration.html.

What's your privacy policy?
WisCon and SF3 will not sell or make available anyone's contact information without their express permission.

Why should I register in advance?
Because it is cheaper, and because it makes the check-in process absolutely painless. Those who are pre-registered find themselves gliding up the grand staircase as they arrive, smiling at the registration table attendant who hands them their registration packets, and sauntering off to the Gathering or panels with nary a bead of sweat on their brow. Conversely, if your register at the door, you may be stuck in a line, and there's always the chance that we'll have reached our limit.

How will I know if my registration has been processed?
We send out progress reports in November, February, and April. After your name, the mailing label shows your membership status -- A for attending, Y for Youth, C for Child Care, G for Past Guests, etc. -- and the number of Dessert tickets you ordered. We also mail out receipts for people who register too late to get the progress reports. If you paid via PayPal, you'll also get an email confirmation. And if you paid by check, your bank should have an image of the cancelled check. If you're worried, email us at reg@sf3.org.

Can I find out if I registered six months ago?
One way to tell is by looking at the mailing label on your latest progress report. It will reveal your registration status. A = Attending member, D:37 means 37 dessert tickets, etc. If you're still uncertain, email us at reg@sf3.org.

Can I register at the door?
Yes, you can register at the door on your arrival at WisCon, but if we reach our attendance limit, we reserve the right to close registration.

If you haven't sent in your registration information and payment by April 30, you'll have to register at the door. We accept cash and checks. For rates, see http://www.sf3.org/wiscon/registration.html.

How can I pay?
Up until April 30, we accept payment via PayPal, US bank check, or US travelers' check. Please do not send cash.

At the door, we accept payment via US bank check, US travelers' check, US currency, MasterCard, and Visa.

We do not accept foreign checks or currency. If you live outside the US and want to register in advance by mail, Paypal is the best option. If that's not possible, let us know and we will reserve a membership for you at the pre-con rates and trust you to pay when you arrive.

Do you accept advance registrations between May 1 and the con?
No. We use that time to match our list of registrants with program participants and to prepare registration materials for the people who met the April 30 deadline. If you send us a registration postmarked May 1 or later, we reserve the right to return it to you. We will, however, accept Dessert Ticket orders up until May 15.

If I can not attend, can I transfer my membership or get a refund
You have several options if you find you can not attend before the convention. First, you can transfer your membership to someone else. The best approach is to give that person a signed letter about the transfer, and also to let us know by e-mailing reg@sf3.org.

If you can't transfer your membership to another person, we will provide refunds or give you a membership to the following WisCon if you notify us by April 30.

If you request a refund after May 1, we will certainly consider providing a partial or full refund based on the circumstances. Please provide some documentation.

Before the convention, you may also donate your membership as a charitable contribution. WisCon is a non-profit organization and we would be happy to accept your donations.

* * *

HOTEL

What's the hotel like?
The Concourse is great. We colonize the entire hotel that weekend, including the pool, hot tub, workout room, restaurant, and bar. It's a joy to stay in, as we've consistently found the staff of the hotel to be excellent, friendly and helpful.

Is the Concourse handicapped accessible?
The Concourse is a handicapped accessible hotel. If you have specific questions about accessibility, please call the hotel at 1-800-356-8293.

Our resident expert, Kevin James Kage, says: "I'm a physically disabled man and I've attended WisCon for the past two years. I'd sum up my experience with the Concourse Hotel as excellent in every way. The staff is courteous and ready to assist disabled patrons in any way possible. I have had no experience with the Governor's Club rooms, but the standard rooms are spacious enough for a person in a large power wheelchair to move about comfortably in the room, transfer from bed to chair with ease, etc. In terms of location, I've always liked the Concourse's proximity to State Street and its many shops and restaurants.

"Possibly the only drawback to the Concourse are its elevators, which can be quite a challenge to catch during busy hours. However, all-in-all I found this to be a minor concern. The location, the quality of accommodations, and the hospitality far outweigh the hassle presented by the elevators."

One other note, a woman with problem knees mentioned that there's a noticeable hill from State Street (restaurants and shops) to the hotel, which may be a concern.

How early should I reserve my hotel room?
We recommend that you reserve a room as far in advance as possible, as the hotel does fill up. In some years, attendees had to book rooms at outlying hotels because the Concourse was filled by March. For reservations at the Concourse, call 1-800-356-8293.

You may also register online with WisCon's group reservation number, .

What should I do if the Concourse says it has no more rooms available?
If the Concourse is booked, we suggest you stay at a nearby hotel. Do keep checking with Concourse periodically, as last-minute cancellations sometimes occur.

How close are the overflow hotels to the Concourse?

* The Inn on the Park; two blocks away from the Concourse across Capitol Square. 22 S. Carroll St.; 800-279-8811 or 608-257-8811
http://www.innonthepark.net

* The Edgewater; 666 Wisconsin Ave.; 800-922-5512 or 608-256-9071
http://www.theedgewater.com

* The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace; 9 E. Wilson; 608-255-5100
http://www.hiltonmadison.com

* Doubletree Plaza Hotel; 525 W. Johnson, 608-251-5511
http://www.hjplazamadison.com

* Hotel Ruby Marie; 524 E. Wilson; 608-327-7829

* The Madison Inn; 601 Langdon St.; 800-589-6285

* The Madison Hostel (a Hostel International member); 141 South Butler St.; seven blocks from the Concourse Hotel; 608-441-0144. Email: madisonhostel@yahoo.org; http://www.madisonhostel.org

What is the Governor's Club?
At the Concourse Hotel, the top two floors (12 and 14) are an executive-class area known as the Governor's Club, which has its own express elevator. It costs more per night to stay in the Governor's Club, but it has certain features that may make it worthwhile for you. See the Governor's Club web page for details. One consideration: because the Governor's Club uses limited-access elevators, it's not feasible for open parties.

Is there a way to find a roommate or a ride?
To help people look for roommates and rides to and from WisCon, we have set up an electronic bulletin board. Use this message board to contact other WisCon attendees at your own risk. WisCon takes no responsibility for agreements made between individuals who contact one another using this message board and does not vouch for anyone who posts to it.
http://sf3.org/wwwboard/index.html

How do I get to WisCon?
Practice, practice, practice. Directions are available at Maps

* * *

PROGRAMMING

What topics do WisCon panels cover?
We define "feminist" broadly, and often, our panels deal with various issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Any given WisCon has a mix of author readings, academic papers, panels on race and class issues within the genre, panels on GLBT (gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender) issues within the genre, discussions of feminist science fiction, fantasy, and horror books, panels of interest to writers, panels on feminist issues in general, discussions of little-known feminist science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and topics of interest to artists.

Of course, we also have lots of panels and programming that deal with SF and Fantasy in general and have no specific feminist content.

The only hard-and-fast rule of our panels is they can't be boring.

Where does WisCon get all its panel ideas?
From you! Programming events -- and especially panels -- are central to WisCon. We typically have 5 tracks running throughout the convention, for about 150 panels in all. That's a lot of panels for a convention with about 700 members. But WisCon attracts a lot of enthusiastic program attendees and we have no problem acquiring lots of great ideas. If you have an idea, check the Program page.

Is it too late to suggest a panel on my favorite topic?
Here's the rough timetable for how programming runs, which will give you an idea of what's still possible:
November-January: we send out emails asking for panel ideas. We ask everyone we have a valid email address for who's ever been to WisCon. We also ask in progress reports and at registration.
February -- we start asking potential panelists which panels they want to be on. This helps us determine which panels will make the final cut.
First week of April -- we make preliminary programming assignments. A lot of things can still change, but it's unlikely that we'll add panels at this stage.
First week in May: the programming book is sent to the printers and programming is locked in.

What kind of credentials do I need to get on programming?
Show interest. WisCon does not make the distinction between professionals and non-pro. Anyone can sign up for any panel; the only qualification is that you're really interested in the topic.

How do I sign up to be on a panel?
Go to the Program page and follow the directions there. Or you can check the "programming" box on your registration form when you register for WisCon. If you're already registered, make sure that we have your most current email address, so you'll receive our emailings about panel signups.

If you do not have email access, you can request a Panel Signup Form by writing us at: WisCon, Box 1624, Madison, WI 53701-1624.

Will I get a confirmation that my panel sign-up went through?
If you sign up via the web, you will get a return email with the information you sent in.

How do I sign up to do a reading of my work?
Information on readings is available on the Program page.

To contact the readings coordinator with further questions, email readings@sf3.org.

When is the due date for academic proposals?
Everything you need to know about academic proposals is available on the Academic Program page.

Do you have a writers' workshop?
Yes. It's held on Friday morning of the convention. More information is available on the Workshop page.

Do you have Braille programs, sign-language interpreting services, or large-print programs?
To date, WisCon has not been asked to provide Braille programs or sign language interpreters, but we will certainly look into it if we have specific requests. We do publish a large-print version of the pocket program book, which is available to anyone who asks (and we would appreciate hearing from you in advance so we are sure to have enough). To request a large-print program, please email us at reg@sf3.org. We can also prepare versions for PDAs if there is interest.

Can I get reminders and find out about late-breaking news?
You can get all the latest info as soon as it's available by subscribing to the electronic WisCon newsletter. We call it eCube and it's absolutely free. Just sign up on the News page.

Why are all the good panels scheduled at the same time. How can I possibly choose?
It's torture. But we get so many good ideas that we don't know what else to do! You might try flipping a coin, consulting the I Ching, or playing "Pin The Tail On The Pocket Program." Or you could pick a certain area of interest to follow this year, and a different one next year.

* * *

EVENTS

What's "The Gathering"?
It's a bazaar kind of event with booths and a tea and coffee cart. In its first two years, it was offered as a fundraiser for Broad Universe and the Carl Brandon Society. For WisCon 29, we're still working out the details. It a terrific place to meet and greet all the WisCon friends you haven't seen in a year, and to decompress from a day's travel. More information can be found on the Events page.

What's the dessert salon?
It's Sunday night just after dinner and prior to the guest of honor speeches. If you buy a dessert function ticket, you can get in the door early to choose two desserts (and coffee/tea) from the huge buffet, then sit at a table-for-ten with the friends of your choice. You're almost guaranteed of meeting new and interesting people at your table, as there aren't reserved seats except for the guests of honor. Later, the doors are thrown open for all WisCon guests to take seats for the guest of honor speeches. So the dessert function gets you three things: a seat closer to the podium, interesting table companions, and fantastic desserts.

Note, too, that we always have dessert selections suitable for folks who are diabetics, vegans, and lactose intolerant.

For more information, see the dessert section of the Events page.

How do I contribute baked goods to the Tiptree Bake Sale?
A wide variety of cookies, breads, cakes, pies and delectables are baked and donated to be sold during WisCon to help support the Tiptree Award. If you'd like to prepare some baked goods or other treats for the bake sale, please send a message to bakesale@sf3.org and we will tell you where to bring your goodies.

For more information, please see the dessert section of the Events page.

Why do so many people keep telling me not to miss the Tiptree Auction?
Because you won't want to miss the hilarious entertainment of Ellen Klages's live auction performances. Superlatives fail us. Just take our word that you won't have this kind of auction experience anywhere else in the known universe.

How can I donate an item to the auction?
Please contact us at concom29@sf3.org and we'll get you in touch with the auction coordinators. Items must be mailed so they arrive in Madison at least one week before the convention. Items may also be brought to the convention with you, but you should let us know as soon as possible what you are bringing.

* * *

CHILDCARE

Do you have childcare?
For children ages 0-6, WisCon hires professional childcare staff, and childcare cost $1 to children in the care of any registered WisCon members during daytime programming hours (not $1/hour, $1 for the convention). (Note: this does not include the writers workshop, which begins before WisCon programming hours.) Because childcare slots have legal limitations, you must contact WisCon by April 30 to get your name on the childcare list.

More info on childcare and programs for kids 7 and up at the Childcare page.

* * *

ART SHOW

What kind of art are you looking for?
The WisCon art show focuses on feminist art, art by women, and art by Midwestern artists. Artists need to reserve space as soon as possible to guarantee a place to hang your work. Contact us at artshow@sf3.org.

Is there a fee for displaying and selling my art?
The official art show invitations, with all the rules for WisCon, are sent out to interested artists in February, which is also when we start taking reservations. More information is available on the Exhibits page.

For information on space availability, contact us at artshow@sf3.org.

* * *

DEALERS' ROOM

How can I find out about the availability of tables in the Dealer's Room?
The cost is $30 for each 8' table with a maximum of 3 tables per dealer. All dealers must be current WisCon members, and the convention registration cost is not included in the table fee. For more information, contact us at dealers@sf3.org.

What kinds of dealers are you looking for?
If the information about WisCon presented in the "What's WisCon like?" question (i.e. literary, feminist, genre) sounds like we're the kind of people who buy what you sell, then you're in a better position to judge. For a further discussion, contact us at dealers@sf3.org.

* * *

PARTIES AND FLYERS

How can I get a suite for my party?
There are a limited number of party rooms available each night on the 6th floor, which is the designated party area. The general pecking order is that "Children of WisCon" have the highest priority (groups like the Carl Brandon Society). Book launch parties also have a high priority, as do parties promoting group activities (conventions, clubs, publishers). Theme parties are welcomed but not guaranteed if space becomes limited. We want the parties to be focused on fun and relaxation, so selling is limited. (Contact us if you have questions.)
Parties get the use of one large parlor for one night (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) on the 6th floor. There is no charge for the room.

The party host is responsible for providing snacks and beverages and for cleaning up by 3 a.m. All parties in the 6th floor party floor parlors must be open to all members of the convention without charge (though you may have accept contributions to cover costs, if you wish).

To request a party suite, check the "Party" box on your registration form and let us know which night would be best for you. Our email address is parties29@sf3.org.

Are room parties okay?
If your room is on the 6th floor, you can certainly throw a party in your sleeping room. But if you are anywhere in the hotel other than the 6th (and possibly the 3rd) floors, you may run into problems with hotel security. And we've found that few people leave the 6th floor to attend parties on other floors, so you may have a hard time getting anyone to attend.

If you want a sleeping room on the 6th floor so you can have a party in your room, please contact us at parties29@sf3.org.

Who do I contact about sending freebies?
Rules of the game: Anyone can provide things to be (A) stuffed in each reg packet or (B) placed on the freebie tables. The distinction is that Type A items must be printed material in quantities of at least 850 and be no larger than 9" x 12" x 0.1" each. They may be shipped to the post office box, WisCon c/o SF3, Box 1624, Madison, WI 5370or to WisCon Freebies, c/o 20th Century Books, 1421 S. Park St., Madison WI 53715 and must be timed to arrive no later than Wed. May 26. Type B items, in any amount, can be placed on the freebie tables any time you wish.

WisCon FAQ

GENERAL

REGISTRATION

HOTEL

PROGRAMMING

EVENTS

CHILDCARE

ART SHOW

DEALERS' ROOM

PARTIES AND FLYERS

Last Updated: 12 December 2004 by Jim Hudson. Report any problems with this page by sending e-mail to web@sf3.org.

Last Updated: 12 December 2004 by Jim Hudson.
Report any problems with this page by sending e-mail to web@sf3.org.