Hey, What happened to VidCon?
During the pervious year, the caterpillar of Vidcon made a cocoon and remerged as the butterfly of Southern Media Con. No? Ok, it was actually a freak Teleporter accident. But the new convention is better, stronger faster. Ok, we decided it was time for a change. Videos are so last century. Essentially, it's the same folks doing the same great job. Keep Reading.
What is Vidcon Southern Media Con?
Southern Media Con is a growing group of fan fiction fans who gather each year, here in Florida, to spend a couple days discussing all aspects of fan fiction. We have discussion panels, videos, contests, trivia games, and, of course, food! We're friendly and respectful of all viewpoints (slash, gen, het, and so on) and it doesn't matter if you write, read, or are just a fan (or even a friend of a fan), there is something for everyone.
When is Southern Media Con?
For 2012, it is July 20th-22nd, starts at 3:00 p.m. Friday and ends around 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
Is Southern Media Con open to the public?
Yes. Anyone who is interested and pays for a membership is welcome.
How much does it cost and what does it get me?
The cost is $40 for Friday through Sunday. We try to keep it as affordable as possible while supplying you with the best experience. For your membership fee, you get your con ID and may attend all workshops and panels. You get access to the con suite, which is where all the food and beverages are. (It's also the place to watch videos and just hang out between events you are attending.) Fantastic dinners are available on Friday $10 and Saturday night for the low fee of $15 per dinner. A Sunday Breakfast will also be available for $10. Reservations must be made by July 15th for each dinner.
Can I go for just a day?
What? And miss out on all the fun? Well, you can if you want to. One day Friday membership is $20 and includes the welcome party. Saturday only membership is $25. Sunday only membership is $15.
How old do I have to be to attend?
There is no minimum age requirement but parental guidance is suggested for those under 16. There are some panels, readings and vids at Southern Media Con that might not be appropriate for all ages. Adult language and subjects are a part of some fan fiction topics. Writers' workshops are meant for serious writers and as such, we do discourage bringing young children who might be a distraction to those panels.
Where is it held?
Southern Media Con is held at the Hilton Bayfront in St. Petersburg. 333 1st St S. It is next to the Progress Energy Park and the Bayfront Center. There are plenty of eating places and tourists areas nearby. You can reserve a room by calling 813-894-7000 or by using the link on the main pages. 1-2 people $95 per night, 1-4 people.
What if I need a room? I'd like to go but I don't think I can afford the room on my own. Is there a way to share with someone?
No problem, it's a hotel. We have accommodations listed on the main page at http://stonehill.org/vidnews.htm , along with arranged discounts. Feel free to come with friends and share a room to further reduce your cost of stay.
Of course. You have to find the person, but if you don't already have someone to share with you can post to the Southern Media Con List at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Southern Media Con that you're looking to share. Someone always needs a roommate.
How much money do I need to bring to have a good time?
This depends on what you enjoy doing. If you like to go out to eat for breakfast and lunch rather than forage in the con suite, you'll need some cash for that. If you want to buy raffle tickets (yes, we do raffle off some very cool stuff for charity) or to visit local attractions, you'll need money for those things. Other than the cost of your membership and your hotel room, you can be as frugal or extravagant as you want. We go out to dinner on Sunday evening when the convention is over and anyone who wishes to join in that outing is welcome.
What kinds of things go on there?
There is a Welcome Party, plenty to eat and drink, Trivia contests, songvids/movie/tv show viewing, and many different types of panels and discussions.
Shows: "Caprica", "Supernatural", "CSI," and many, many more. If you like to talk about your favorite fandom it's a sure bet someone else will want to too. Talk about favorite scenes, actors, whatever you like. Who knows, you might have the answer someone was looking for or even find out something you didn't know?!?
General Discussions: Future of Fandom, Fandom Wank, Cons, basically anything that warrants interest. Sometimes it doesn't have a category but enough people want to talk about it. Great, let's do it.
Will there be food and beverages?
Of course. A key feature of this con is that your weekend con membership fee covers your snacking in the con suite and your Fri dinner. See below about the catered dinners.
What about the dinners?
Meals Friday and Saturday will be catered by the hotel's for $15 each night. We will have the complete menu for each night available sometime in May.
What are the people like who go to these things?
Weird, strange...oh, um.... I mean they are normal people just like you and me. Seriously, the majority of us are older, working adults who have families, pay bills and basically love our fandoms. It's why we came together in the first place and started Southern Media Con. We wanted a bunch of like minded people to hang out with who shared our interests. At Southern Media Con, you get that.
I've never been to a con before. Will I have to figure out things on my own or will there be people there to help me? Basically, how will I fit in?
Don't worry, there will be announcements and you won't have that feeling you get at large cons where you might be missing something. There is always someone around who will help you.
How will I know what to do and when?
There will information given to you at registration as well as posted on the site. However, once you get there you will realize that it's easy to know. The con is in a few rooms and people mill around discussing what they're doing.
If I pick something to go to and change my mind, do I still have to go?
Nope. There is no signup so you are free to come and go as you please.
It sounds like Southern Media Con is more relaxed and care free than a regular structured con. Is it just a get together then?
Yes and no. Yes, it's less formal than a regular con, but that was the concept behind forming Southern Media Con in the first place. You have time to get to know people and make friends. You don't spend a lot of time running from hall to hall trying to get your lecture in, and just feeling like your part of a crowd. It's not a free for all, however. There are schedules, specific topics and events that take place. One way to describe it is that it is like a class reunion. There are a lot of people there, but you all feel connected somehow, some you know, some you don't but as Kermit the Frog might say, you are with old friends you've just met.
You talk here about slash, gen, het, shippers, etc. What's that all about and do I need to worry about it?
These terms refer to the different kinds of viewpoints in the various fandoms. Some fans like to pair certain characters together. Slang terms are used to describe those categories. No worries! Feel free to ask around for explanations. If the person you ask doesn't know all of what you need, he or she will surely know someone else who does. Asking questions is a great way of getting into conversation with new people. Southern Media Con is a friendly, respectful con so it doesn't matter what viewpoint you subscribe to.
I want to really get into the swing of things. Can I host a panel if I want to?
Most certainly. In fact, it is encouraged. If you have a suggestion for a panel you'd like to lead, post the suggestion on the Southern Media Con list. (You have joined the list right? If you haven't, you can do so by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Southern Media Con/). We're always glad to have someone else like us who just needs to talk, talk, talk about his or her beloved fandoms!
I've heard rumors that there will be no dealers' room this year. Is that right?
This year, there will be no dealers' room. Instead, we will focus on the charity raffles and a swap meet.
Bring those fannish items you are willing to trade and see what your fellow fans have to offer you.
We hope that all your questions have been covered but if there is something you can't find here, please write to deb@stonehill.org or guestliaison.necro@gmail.com and we'll do our best to help.
Master Page
Necronomicon
Vid/Con/Games
Links
