Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions for MISTI-Con! We recommend reading our FAQs so you can learn more about the specific magic of MISTI-Con, and the wonder of Harry Potter fans and our fandom.
Topics:
MISTI-Con General Questions:
- What is MISTI-Con?
- What does MISTI-Con stand for?
- What makes MISTI-Con different from other cons?
- Do I have to wear a costume at MISTI-Con or to attend the Ball?
- Since this is the "Ministry" con, will I not be allowed to wear student robes, cosplay as Hogwarts staff, or talk about my favorite characters?
- What is the costume weapon policy?
- When is it?
- Where is it?
- Who can go?
- Will I be sorted into a House at MISTI-Con?
- Are any events open to the public (without a registration)?
- Can I bring my pet?
- Is the Margate wheelchair accessible?
- What is MISTI-Con’s policy on harassment?
- Who’s on the Con Team?
- This is my first ever conference! What do I need to know?
- I’ve read the entire FAQ and I still have questions. What should I do?
What is MISTI-Con?
MISTI-Con is a Harry Potter fan convention sponsored by The Group That Shall Not Be Named (HP-NYC), in cooperation with Ray "The Dark Lord Bartender" Smith and the Margate Hotel, Laconia, New Hampshire, to be held in May of 2013. Designed to fill the need for smaller, more intimate HP conventions, MISTI-Con will transform the Margate into an immersive magical experience. [top | section top]
MISTI-Con stands for Ministry Interdepartmental Service Training Institute which represents our con's overall "in-character" theme. The overall theme, and structure of the programming, is based on the idea that the Ministry is holding this event as a training session for new employees following the Second Wizarding War. Many of the programs include additional elements that allow the con participants to be an active part of this storyline, and the programs and decorations are "ministry themed." While all con-goers are invited to participate, it is not necessary to do so, and all con-programing will be accesible to everyone. [top | section top]
MISTI-Con is a more intimate fan convention. Registration will be limited to 500 people to ensure that each fan feels like an especially intregal part of the convention. MISTI-Con is also dedicated to sharing the art and creativity of the Harry Potter community in great depth, allowing artists and their fans an exceptional level of access to each other, and their created works. [top | section top]
Not at all! You are free to wear whatever you would like to MISTI-Con and at any MISTI-Con event. There are no requirements other than international wizarding law and your own creativity![top | section top]
Please feel free to wear any costume and discuss any topic at MISTI-Con! The "Ministry" theme will be used in some, though by no means all, of our programming, but it should not be a limitation to anyone![top | section top]
Real guns are strictly prohibited, even if unloaded. Toy, prop, or replica guns must be clearly identifiable by non-standard bright colors or colored caps on their tips. Please keep any such firearms holstered except when posing for photographs.
Real swords, daggers, knives, etc. must be peace bonded in all public areas except “The Enthusiasts” photo booth and only for the purpose of being photographed. Peace bonds can be obtained at the MISTI-Con info booth which will be located in the 24 hour break room/common room.
If a staff member or volunteer see’s an non-peace bound weapon, the guest will be asked to immediately go to the info desk to get it bound. If a guest violates this rule after a second notice, they will lose the privilege of carrying weapon costume pieces for the duration of the con.
Bows are permitted, but arrows must remain in quivers or otherwise sheathed.
As this is a Harry Potter convention wands are of course permitted. But we ask that you be careful and abstain from any foolish wand-waving or silly incantations. Do not run with wands out and try to keep them at your side except during photographs. [top | section top]
MISTI-Con will take place from Thursday, May 9th through Monday, May 13, 2013. [top | section top]
MISTI-Con will be held at the Margate Resort in Laconia, New Hampshire. [top | section top]
Who can go?
MISTI-Con 2013 can be attended by anyone who is age 14 or older on May 9, 2013. All attendees under age 18 must have a chaperone who is 21 or older and a signed and notarized permission slip from their parent or guardian. For more information on this please email info@misti-con.org. Also, please note, that The Margate Resort requires that at least one guest in every room be age 21 or older. If you are under 21 and would like to attend, feel free to look for a roommate on our forums.
Please note that programming for MISTI-Con is geared towards an adult audience, and parents should be advised that some programming may contain mature themes and language. [top | section top]
No, although our registration system asks what House you choose – just for fun! Though there will likely be informal Meet-Ups for the four Houses, please check back for more information. [top | section top]
No, all events at MISTI-Con are limited to those registered for the convention. [top | section top]
No. The Margate Resort does not allow pets. If you have a service animal that you plan to bring, you will need to make arrangements with the Margate, you should also indicate it on your registration. [top | section top]
MISTI-Con will have Code of Conduct based on our past events and our volunteers’ and attendees’ expectations for MISTI-Con. We will post it here shortly, please review it once it is posted; harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances. [top | section top]
This is my first ever conference! Do you have any tips?
Yes! The convention organizers’ biggest tip is the 5-2-1 rule: in every 24-hour period, you should get 5 hours of sleep, eat 2 substantial meals, and take 1 shower. It’s easy to get excited and overwhelmed and forget these basic requirements for life. Recently, some con attendees for other conventions put together a “Con-goer’s Guide.” It’s available publicly on Google Docs. While this isn’t an official document, lots of people agree that it offers good advice. [top | section top]
Contact us at info@misti-con.org! [top | section top]
Programming
- What is the difference between formal and informal programming at MISTI-Con?
- What kind of formal programming will be at MISTI-Con?
- How can I present at MISTI-Con?
- Do presenters get a special rate?
- I am an artist. Can I show or sell my art at MISTI-Con?
- Will there be fanfic readings?
- Will there be authors in attendance?
- Will there be a Ball?
- Will there be wizard rock?
- Will there be podcasts?
- Will there be cosplay?
- Will there be meet-ups?
- Will there be Quidditch?
- Will there be a gallery?
- Will there be a vendor room?
- Will there be a vidshow?
- Will the proceedings be published?
What is the difference between formal and informal programming at MISTI-Con?
MISTI-Con’s formal programming will be organized between 9am and 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in our conference rooms. This will include classes, panels, and presentations based on various tracks and will require formal proposals to be added to the schedule. MISTI-Con's informal programming will be held at various times throughout the convention and will include meetups, fan-fiction readings, and other programs. [top | section top]
What kind of formal programming will be at MISTI-Con?
MISTI-Con’s formal programming is about the Harry Potter books, as well as the phenomenon of Harry Potter fandom. All programing will be categorized into tracks based upon Ministry departments. Generally, formal programming is structured in one of four ways: a lecture with questions from the audience at the end; a panel with questions from the audience at the end; a roundtable discussion; or a workshop session where one person leads the rest in completing a project (for instance, wand-making or editing each other’s stories). We will begin accepting formal proposals on September 1st, 2012 and the link will be added here. [top | section top]
How can I present at MISTI-Con?
Information about how to present at MISTI-Con will be sent out and added to this website in our Call for Proposals, which will include detailed information on our theme, types of programming, deadlines and more. [top | section top]
Do presenters get a special rate?
Nope, but you do get to share your awesome work! [top | section top]
Yes, and more information about how to do this will be in the Call for Art, when it is released. [top | section top]
Yes! There will be fanfic readings. More information about fanfic readings will appear on this site as time goes on. [top | section top]
MISTI-Con has relationships in place with several authors. Please check back later to see the authors who will be attending. [top | section top]
Yes! There will be a Wrock concert in the Blackstones Lounge on Friday evening. Bands currently confirmed include: The Blibbering Humdingers, Diagon Alley, and Lily & James. Also, we will be hosting various "sideshow" performances and various times and locations throughout the convention. We welcome any wrockers to contact us about scheduling acoustic gigs. [top | section top]
Yes, MuggleNet will be recording at least one podcast at the convention. If you run a podcast and would like to record at MISTI-Con, please email info@misti-con.org to discuss how we can make that happen. [top | section top]
Definitely! MISTI-Con will offer countless opportunities to cosplay, and attendees are welcome to set up particular shoots and cosplay ideas in our forums. [top | section top]
Yes. Check back for more information on how to set up a meetup, or on meetups you would like to join. [top | section top]
Yes. We aren’t sure of the details yet, but we’re discussing things with the International Quidditch Association, to create an incredible Quidditch experience! [top | section top]
Yes! And you can check out the Call for Art, once it’s posted, if you’d like to be part of it. [top | section top]
Yes, we will. We will update the site to let you know what vendors are attending once we know. If you’re a vendor, take a look at the Press, Business & Sponsors section of the FAQ or click here to visit the Vendor Information Page. [top | section top]
Yes. We plan to show off many of the fandom's best vids! Email info@misti-con.org if you have a vid you would like to share! [top | section top]
No, we do not have the resources necessary to publish the presentations from MISTI-Con at this time. [top | section top]
Volunteering
What types of volunteers do you need?
Over the next few months, we will need a lot of different types of volunteers. Generally speaking, volunteers before the event have a higher level of responsibility, whereas volunteers on-site work on a more task-based (although still extremely important!) basis. Here are our most immediate volunteering needs: we're looking for people who are active in their fandoms, or who are attending other conventions to act as Ambassadors for MISTI-Con and spread the word with our flyers, postcards and information. If you would
like to volunteer please contact us at volunteer@misti-con.org.
[top | section top]
How can I volunteer to help out before MISTI-Con begins?
Most of the work that needs to happen before the convention is related to publicity for the convention. We are looking for Ambassadors to spread the word about MISTI-Con online, and in other fangroups and conventions. If you would like to help out, please send an email to volunteer@misti-con.org.
The other pre-convention volunteering needs are: (1)helping to transport decorations and materials from New York City to Laconia, NH. (2) Arriving early in Laconia to stuff registration packets, decorate the hotel, etc).
Send an email to volunteer@misti-con.org to get on the list of volunteers! Soon we will also have an online form for you to fill out. Some jobs are:
- Making sure that formal programming is running smoothly and on time. This job involves sitting in the back of programming rooms and warning presenters when their time is almost up, then helping them pass mics around and making sure questions run smoothly. These volunteers are also responsible for making sure each presenter has the proper Audio/Visual setup before the presentation begins. It is probably best done by somebody who is not intimidated by speaking in front of groups of people!
- Security volunteers check badges, take tickets, and make sure that people queue neatly for any queue-able events. They are primarily there to ensure that our convention space is safe for the attendees, and they communicate with hotel security for any issues that might arise. This is a highly mobile job.
- Registration volunteers help check people into the conference and get them safely on their way. This job can more or less be done from behind a desk, and requires a lot of one-on-one interaction with individual attendees.
- Meet-and-greet volunteers answer questions – all kinds of questions! If you’re interested in learning more about how small conferences work behind the scenes.
- There will be lots of other volunteer opportunities as well!
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There will not be a discount for volunteers, but you will receive a special pin that is exclusive to our staff, donors,and volunteers. [top | section top]
For those assisting before the con, we will communicate on a one-on-one basis. For those who are helping with registration, there will be a required orientation on Thursday morning. For those volunteering in other positions at the con, there will be a required volunteer orientation on Thursday, immediately following our Opening Ceremonies, and two additional sessions of orientation on Friday. [top | section top]
Hotel & Accomodations
- What is the official hotel of MISTI-Con?
- I have heard of the Margate, have other cons been held there?
- Do I have to stay at the official hotel?
- The Margate website says the hotel is sold out- is this true?
- What is the INN, is that the overflow hotel?
- What is the Margate's policy for reservations?
- What is the Margate's cancelation policy?
- How many people can stay in a room at the official hotel?
- Can you help me find a roommate or two?
- I am under 21. Can I still stay at the official hotel?
- Is the official hotel accessible to people with disabilities?
- Is there an ATM at the Margate?
- Is there WiFi at the Margate?
- Do the rooms have; fridges, irons and ironing boards, blow dryers and the all important coffee machines?
- I doubt I will have down time at the con, but if I do what else is there to do at the hotel?
- Are there quiet times set, so people can sleep?
- I can't sleep, where can I hang with fellow insomniacs?
- I’m coming in for a few extra days. Can I stay in the official hotel for additional nights?
The Margate Resort in Laconia, New Hampshire is the official hotel of MISTI-Con. [top | section top]
Yes. The Margate Resort was the home of Aeternitas 2011. [top | section top]
The Margate is now sold out and they have made a special arragement with the Landmark Inn downtown to allow MISTI-Con guests to stay at the Landmark as well.[top | section top]
Yes, the Margate is now sold out. We are now booking rooms at the overflow hotel, the Landmark, please call the landmark and mention MISTI con to book your room (603) 524-8000 . Or find a roommate who already had a room at the Margate. Also, some rooms are being cancelled. If you send an email to info@misti-con.org we will email you when a room at the Margate opens up, but all arrangements are between you the Landmark and the Margate, MISTI is just providing the information that a room might be available. [top | section top]
No, the overflow hotel is the Landmark Inn. Which is about 4 miles away and to which MISTI will be running shuttles twice a day to the Margate for MISTI guests. The Margate INN is part of the Margate, a building directly accross the small street from the main hotel complex and closer to the action than you would be at most other resorts.. [top | section top]
To guarantee a reservation, a deposit equal to one night's lodging is required. Deposit must be received when the reservation is placed. All advance deposits and credit card guarantees are credited to the last night of the reservation. Balance is due in full upon arrival. All major credit cards are accepted. [top | section top]
If cancelling less than 7 days prior to arrival, your entire deposit will be non-refundable. If 7 or more days advance notice is given prior to arrival, a minimum $25 cancellation fee will be deducted from your deposit and the remainder of the deposit will be refunded. Cancellation policy for special event dates may vary. [top | section top]
Four in standard rooms, five in some of the suites. [top | section top]
MISTI-Con staff will not be arranging room-shares. However, there is a place in our forums for attendees to look for roommates. [top | section top]
Yes, but you will need to make sure that there is at least one person over 21 staying in the same room with you. You will not be able to check into the hotel until your roommate that is “of age” (21 or older) is there with you. Please, please, please plan for this! [top | section top]
Yes, the Margate Resort is ADA compliant. If you need an accessible room, please make sure you ask for one when you make your reservation with the hotel. Also, please remember that if you plan to bring a service animal, you will need to request a pet-friendly room. For more information about the accessibility of the conference in general, please make sure you check out our accessibility FAQs! [top | section top]
Unfortunately there is not an ATM on the hotel premises. However there are several within walking distance. There is a TD Bank North as well as ATMs at the CVS and Shaws Grocery Store. [top | section top]
Do the rooms have; fridges, irons and ironing boards, blow dryers and the all important coffee machines?
Each room comes equipped with an ironing board, a blow dryer and a Keurig (please note, the hotel provides 4 K Cups per room per day. They also only offer one variety of coffee. You are welcome to bring your own.) Soap, shampoo, and conditioner is also provided but in limited quantities. In addition the Lake-View and West Building rooms have free mini-fridges. A limited number of mini-fridges will be available upon request in the Inn Building but cannot be guaranteed. [top | section top]
The hotel provides a fitness center for those who wish to utilize it. In addition, there is a pool, hot tub and sauna available to all guests of the hotel free of charge. Please note that no life guards will be at the hotel/pool so any con guests using those will be doing so at their own risk. As such, we request that all under-aged witches and wizards be accompanied by their chaperones when using these facilities. [top | section top]
At 10pm the hotel will have "quiet time" to ensure that the guests who choose to do can be able to sleep.[top | section top]
There will be plenty options for insomniacs! Particularly our 24 hour lounge, with food, games, and friends all night long![top | section top]
I’m coming in for a few extra days. Can I stay in the official hotel for additional nights?
Yes. Our room rate is good on any night between May 7 and May 15, 2013. [top | section top]
How can I get to the convention?
You may fly into the Manchester/Boston regional airport in Manchester, New Hampshire. You can also take a Greyhound Bus to Manchester, NH. Again, the bus station is a little over an hour’s drive to Laconia. You may also choose to drive. [top | section top]
Will there a be a shuttle bus from the airport/bus station?
Yes, we will be providing a shuttle bus for an additional fee. Shuttle Buses will run between the hotel and the airport/bus station on Wednesday, May 8th, Thursday, May 9th, and Monday, May 13th. The cost of the shuttle is $25.00 each way. The shuttle will run at regularly scheduled intervals and you will be transported at the most appropriate time. [top | section top]
Do you have driving directions to the hotel?
For driving directions to the Margate please click here.[top | section top]
If I drive, where can I park?
There is free parking for hotel guests at the Margate
.[top | section top]
To look for carpools and communicate with other convention attendees, please check our forums. [top | section top]
There are many museums, antique shops and state parks in and around Laconia and Lake Winnipesaukee. Laconia is also famous for Motorcycle Week, in it's 90th year in 2013. [top | section top]
Is there food at the Margate?
The Margate provides continental breakfast each morning and MISTI-Con will have some munchies available in the lounge. The hotel restaurant will not be open, so please plan accordingly. [top | section top]
Are there places to buy food outside of the hotel?
Yes! There are many restaurants, fast food establishments, and a grocery store within a few blocks of the hotel.. [top | section top]
How do I get to these places to buy food?
Many local restaurants are within walking distance of the Margate. For others you will want to make friends and carpool.. [top | section top]
HP fans are cool, do we get discounts for eating at local restaurants?
Yes, MISTI-Con has partnered with many local restaurants to provide discounts, full details will be available in your con-packets.. [top | section top]
Registration
- How much is registration, and what does it include?
- Can I register my friends and family when I register myself?
- I am (or my child is) under the age of 13. Can I attend MISTI-Con?
- I am (or my child is) between the ages of 14 and 17. What do I need to do to attend MISTI-COn?
- My partner/friend/significant other/therapist/minister/whoever is going to accompany me to Laconia for MISTI-Con, but they don’t want to attend the whole conference. Can I buy them a ticket to any of the food events?
- May I register at one level and upgrade later?
- Can I register now and add more items later?
- Can I pay for registration in installments?
- Must I register for the Keynote Luncheon ahead of time?
- Do presenters get a special rate?
- Will there be a discount for volunteers?
- I have a large group that wants to attend together. Can we get a group rate?
- Can I transfer my registration to my friend?
- What if I register, but can’t attend?
- What is your privacy policy with regard to registration?
- I need to keep a strong division between my online and “real life” identity. Can I still attend MISTI-Con?
- Is it safe to give you my credit card information?
- How do I cancel my MISTI-Con registration?
How much is registration, and what does it include?
Currently all registrations are being processed through Kickstarter donations. Please go to our Kickstarter page and choose a reward that includes a registration!
There are several levels of registration:
- Full Registration is available through the Kickstarter at a donation level of $150 through the end of the kickstarter. After the kickstarter, Early Bird registration will begin at a $110 per pass. In September the early bird period will end and the price goes up to $150. It is the “regular” registration rate. It includes the closing brunch on Monday – as well as access to all convention space, and admission to all regular non-ticketed programming events from Thursday through Sunday. Full Registration is available for Wizards ages 13 and up. For information on tickets for wizards under 13, please see "guided passes" below.
- Minister's VIP registration costs $300. It includes every event at MISTI-Con from the Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, through the Closing Brunch on Monday, including the Keynote Luncheon, the Mother's Day brunch, and all special events and performances. This rate also includes the con t-shirt, priority seating at events, and several other special amenities.
- Chief Mugwump registration costs $1250 and includes all the amenities of Minister's pass plus personal transportation to and from the airport, a spa package, and a full page "yearbook ad" in our con manual.
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Yes, one person can register and pay for groups. In both Kickstarter and the Brown Paper Tickets systems you can simply specify how many registrations you are ordering. Please be sure that you send us a unique email address for each person being registered. The person who registers all members of a group will be the “primary” registrant and will pay for all the items in one transaction. Once you’ve registered, you can also invite your friends via Facebook, Twitter, or email. [top | section top]
I am (or my child is) under the age of 13. Can I attend MISTI-Con?
People under the age of 13 may not register for a regular MISTI-Con pass. The programming of the event is focused on adults, even though the Harry Potter books appeal to all ages. Parents may bring children to the Margate, but no childcare will be provided.
Children under 13 will be allowed to attend the convention with a "guided pass." Anyone with the "guided pass" is allowed at any program, but needs to be with her/his "guide" (a guide MUST be a legal guardian) at all other times. MISTI-Con attendees under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has purchased a Full Registration.
(If you do not intend for your child to attend programming, you do not need to purchase a pass for her/him, but she/he must remain with a parent or guardian at all times and will not be allowed into any programs.)
There are three reasons for this: 1. The focus of most our programming is geared towards adults, we are limited in scope and resources and are unable to provide alternative programs for children. 2. We are dedicated to making sure all of the programs are uninterrupted and unlimited in subject matter. The “guides” are expected to ensure proper decorum during panels and programming. 3. We cannot be responsible for the material that your child may encounter that would be considered inappropriate.
Full descriptions of all programming will be provided in multiple locations, including online, in our con program and in some cases on the doors of the conference rooms. If you have any questions about a particular program, you can contact us and we will answer as best as we are able. [top | section top]
People between the ages of 14 and 17 (also known as Underage Wizards) may attend MISTI-Con with a parent or chaperone. This chaperone must be registered for MISTI-Con as well. Chaperones who are not the parent or legal guardian of the child in question will be required to sign a Chaperone Form, which will be available on the MISTI-Con website in the fall of 2012. [top | section top]
Yes. You can buy them a ticket to the Keynote Luncheon, Mother's Day Brunch, and/or the Closing Brunch ahead of time. [top | section top]
Yes. Before you upgrade, please email our treasurer at treasurer@misti-con.org for instructions. If you change your registration without contacting the treasurer you will be charged for the full amount of the new level or any other items you are purchasing. Similarly, if you cancel without contacting the registrar, your cancellation will be subject to fees and if you subsequently re-register, you will be charged the full rate again. [top | section top]
Yes. You must fully pay for any registration you are booking, but once you have booked, you can come back later and log in with your email address and password to add to or change your registration. Any items you add will be subject to availability and current pricing at the time of purchase. [top | section top]
No, unfortunately, we can only accept full payment at the time you register. However, if you are purchasing more than one item, such as a Full Registration and the Keynote Luncheon, you can pay for your registration first and come back to add the other items later (subject to availability). [top | section top]
Yes. The event is of a very limited size, and you need to register ahead of time in order to ensure your seat. [top | section top]
Do presenters get a special rate?
Presenters will not get a special rate to MISTI-Con. [top | section top]
No, but Volunteers are invited to attend our Pre-MISTI-Con Set-Up Event on Wednesday, May 8th. [top | section top]
No. Our registrations are priced to cover our costs. [top | section top]
Yes. Pass transfers are allowed but MISTI-Con is not responsible for finding a transfer. Once you have found a person to transfer your pass to, you must email all relevant information to our treasurer at treasurer@misti-con.org. Any attempt to take advantage of the system will result in both parties removal from the con, with no refunds. [top | section top]
Please email treasurer@misti-con.org. Pass transfers are allowed but MISTI-Con is not responsible for finding a transfer. For all cancellations and transfers there will be additional fees to cover procesing costs, Brown Paper Tickets processing fees are not refundable.. Cancelations and transfers are not allowed after April 1, 2013. [top | section top]
We do not share personal information with any other organization. [top | section top]
MISTI-Con will not share information about you, and we will not publish your "real life" name in any materials without your expressed consent. All other attempts to keep your idenity seperate are up to you. If you wish not to have your photograph published online after MISTI-Con, or used in our promotional materials, please send an email to info@misti-con.org indicating that you wish to do so, and include a photograph so we will be able to identify you! We are a small and informal staff and despite these precautions, we cannot guarantee that someone might not see or recognize you. If this is a concern it may be in your best interest not to attend MISTI-COn. [top | section top]
Is it safe to give you my credit card information?
Yes. (Did you really think we would say anything else?) Seriously, though, your credit card information is processed through a secure server. Once the payment goes through, we do not have access to this information – we cannot look it up. The registrations are fully processed by our established online processors: Kickstarter and Brown Paper Tickets. [top | section top]
How do I cancel my MISTI-Con registration?
We hope you attend MISTI-Con, but we understand things come up and you may have to cancel your registration. For all valid cancellations the full registration fee minus credit card processing and Brown Paper Ticket processing fee’s will be refunded. Cancelations and transfers are not allowed after April 1, 2013. You can cancel your registration through the Brown paper tickets system, or by sending an email to treasurer@misti-con.org and our treasurer will walk you through the cancelation process. [top | section top]
Press, Businesses & Sponsors:
- I’m a member of the press and would like to cover MISTI-Con. What is your press policy?
- I run a Harry Potter website / newsgroup / podcast / etc. Does that mean I can come on a press pass?
- I have a business, and I would like to sell my products at MISTI-Con. Is this possible?
- What kind of sponsorships does MISTI-Con need?
- Can I feature an MISTI-Con banner or icon on my website?
- I (or my group or business) would like to put flyers or gifts in the bags MISTI-Con gives out at registration. How can I arrange it?
I’m a member of the press and would like to cover MISTI-Con What is your press policy?
Credentialed media are welcome to attend MISTI-Con and cover its events. Please contact Jon Rosenthal at logistics@misti-con.org to request information on press passes. [top | section top]
Our convention is very intimate, so space is at a premium, we welcome partnerships with web media outlets, but press passes will be given on a case by case basis. Please contact Jon Rosenthal at logistics@misti-con.org for more information. [top | section top]
Yes. In order to do so, you will need to purchase a vendor table. Please visit our Vendor Information Page or contact Vendor Coordinator Lis Donovan at vendors@misti-con.org to demonstrate your interest. [top | section top]
MISTI-Con needs individuals, groups and businesses to sponsor particular events and amenities. For example, we would love it if a company sponsored our Masquerade Ball, and we are looking for sponsors to supply tote bags for registrants, sponsor badgeholders, or underwrite workshops. If you would like to sponsor MISTI-Con personally, you can do this easily from within the registration system; there is a “donations” line which allows you to do so. You can also sponsor one of our performers, a reception for attendees, or one that’s open to the general public. If your group or business would like to sponsor an aspect of MISTI-Con contact us at sponsors@misti-con.org. [top | section top]
Yes, of course! You can take this one created by Jenn Drucker.
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Email us at sponsors@misti-con.org. [top | section top]
Accessibility Questions:
- What is MISTI-Con’s policy on accessibility?
- I have an assistant, translator, or interpreter that I would like to accompany me to MISTI-Con. Can they attend for free or for a discounted rate?
- I will not be using steps at MISTI-Con, but rather using ramps, elevators, etc. What do I need to know?
- How accessible is the MISTI-Con program?
- How accessible are formal programming events?
- May I bring my service animal to MISTI-Con?
- What allergens might I encounter at MISTI-Con?
- I have dietary restrictions. Will there be anything that I can eat at MISTI-Con?
- What are some of the potential barriers to accessibility at MISTI-Con?
What is MISTI-Con’s policy on accessibility?
We would like to make MISTI-Con accessible to everybody. While our host hotel is ADA compliant, we would like to provide any information that we can to make everyone’s con experience a positive one. Some potential barriers will remain, and we would like to be honest about these barriers, so that people can make their decisions in a fully informed way.The registration form for MISTI-Con asks you to disclose if you have special needs – particularly if you have a visual, auditory or mobility impairment, or some combination thereof. This field isn’t mandatory, but it does help us understand who’s going to be at the convention and what we might need. The best way to make sure that your questions are answered and your needs met, however, is to additionally email us at info@misti-con.org with any specific concerns you might have. We can’t always help, but we’ll certainly try. [top | section top]
I have an assistant, translator, or interpreter that I would like to accompany me to MISTI-Con. Can they attend for free or for a discounted rate?
No. Unfortunately, the small scale of MISTI-Con means that we do not have sufficient resources to cover companion passes.[top | section top]
The Margate resort has ramps and elevators to most areas. [top | section top]
The program is available, printed, on-site. It typically features very small print and many complex illustrations. The conference website hosts PDF and HTML versions as soon as they become available, at least a week before the event. (These files are available at the event on USB jump drives.) Unfortunately, we cannot offer braille or large-print programs at this time. [top | section top]
Formal programming events will have two-three seats in the front reserved for people with disabilities, whether those disabilities are visible or not. Microphones amplify each formal programming event, although raising or lowering the volume may be difficult. Some presenters may include PowerPoint presentations or other visual aids, and some presentations may take the form of workshops that require fine motor skills to participate. [top | section top]
You will need to call the Margate and discuss the accessibility of having a service animal at the hotel. We will do everything we can to make sure you (and your assistant!) can attend the convention. [top | section top]
Unfortunately, there are many allergens you may encounter. In previous years, attendees have brought service animals to the conference. Nuts, strawberries, seafood, and other common allergens are frequently present in buffet-style meals at our conferences. Some attendees smoke, and while there are designated smoking areas, the scents do tend to linger. Finally, some formal programming sessions that involve crafting, the vendor room, and art gallery may include materials that some of us are allergic to, such as feathers, wool, and latex. [top | section top]
We can provide you with a kosher, celiac-friendly or allergen-free meal at any food event, but you must tell us about your needs ahead of time. The registration form includes a space to indicate your dietary restrictions, and these will be taken into account. At buffet meals, at least one dish will be vegan; if you have other dietary restrictions, please inform us when you register. [top | section top]
What are some of the potential barriers to accessibility at MISTI-Con?
- While the Margate Resort is beautiful and entirely ADA-compliant, its layout may prove a challenge to some. All of the events are in relatively close proximity, but the travel during a con can be physically taxing.
- We cannot provide translators or captioning – the expense is simply too great. (If you are able to translate, especially if you are able to translate ASL, and would like to volunteer to help translate some of the major events, please let us know at volunteers@misti-con.org!)
- Latex balloons may form part of the decorations. In general, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free con.
- Unfortunately, we have no control over the hotel’s lighting. Much of the lighting is fluorescent, that which is cannot be altered, and those of us with severe light sensitivity must take this into account.
- MISTI-Con is not a scent-free con. Those of us with scent sensitivity may particularly wish to avoid the vendor room and craft fair, which often include vendors and crafters selling scented bath materials and incense. Smoking is not allowed within the official conference hotel, but some attendees do smoke.
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If you have any questions, please e-mail us at info@misti-con.org.