Nicely, Amazon Prime’s first season of The Wheel of Time has come and gone. I would write a extra in-depth submit on my ideas on it nearer to the season 2 premiere, however general, I’d give it a B; there are some pacing points and messy writing moments, nevertheless it’s visually attractive and the solid is unimaginable, so I’m nonetheless hyped for the subsequent season. Most of my WoT-related consideration proper now, nonetheless, is targeted on JordanCon. I used to be fortunate sufficient to snag a press cross this yr, and whereas I received’t know what nifty stuff that offers me entry to till a bit nearer to the occasion, I’ll hopefully have some extra enjoyable content material to share with you quickly!
In the event you didn’t see my submit from final summer time, JordanCon is a fantasy/sci-fi conference centered across the works of Robert Jordan. Final yr’s attendance was restricted to 500 due to Covid, however this yr’s attendance has considerably elevated. Chances are high a number of of those new con-goers are of us who had been launched to the Wheel of Time collection by means of the present.
In the event you’re one in every of them, take a look at a few of my recommendation beneath to have the perfect JordanCon expertise attainable!
1. Arrive a day early and go away a day late
Whereas the con formally runs Friday-Sunday, a lot of individuals arrive on the lodge the Thursday earlier than. It’s an important alternative to settle in, recover from any jet lag, and in the event you’ve by no means attended earlier than, familiarize your self with the lodge and meet different attendees milling across the foyer. In the event you can’t make it Thursday, although, don’t fear; Ebony, the extremely candy New Member companies director, can be giving 20-40 minute excursions of the con areas on Friday at 9 AM, 10, AM, 11 AM, 12 PM and a pair of PM and Saturday at 9 AM.
There will even be a New Member Combine and Mingle occasion on Friday at 7 PM. And whereas the conference formally ends Sunday afternoon, a lot of individuals stick round till Monday, which makes the transition from “tremendous enjoyable conference mode” to “boring real-life mode” rather less jarring.
2. Deliver meals to your lodge room
Whereas there’s a pleasant restaurant within the lodge and loads of locations inside strolling distance to eat or get supply or takeout, shopping for your meals day by day can get costly. JordanCon has one thing referred to as a Con Suite, the place they supply meals all through the day, however the organizers aren’t positive what that may seem like but, so It’s a good suggestion to maintain some straightforward snacks and meal choices in your room. The lodge rooms don’t have microwaves, however they do have mini-fridges, so issues like sandwich fixings, fruit, and granola bars are all nice choices. That mentioned, undoubtedly benefit from among the eating places within the space too (the dessert case at Cafe Intermezzo is a factor of magnificence).
3. Plan which actions you wish to attend forward of time
Even with restricted attendance final yr, there have been a pair panels I actually wished to take a look at that had been full by the point I arrived. With a good larger crowd this yr, you’ll undoubtedly wish to take an in depth have a look at the schedule to determine which occasions you’ll be able to’t miss and provides your self sufficient time to reach early and snag a seat.
You possibly can take a look at the schedule right here: https://www.jordancon.org/jordancon-2022/schedule/#occasions
4. Accumulate ribbons!
One particularly enjoyable con custom, and a good way to satisfy individuals, is accumulating ribbons. There are official occasion ribbons (designating distributors, administrators, program contributors, and volunteers) and “enjoyable” ribbons, which might be created and handed out by anybody attending the con. You stick them on the underside of your con badge utilizing the adhesive on the highest of the ribbon, and every further ribbon is added to the underside of the earlier ribbon. Some individuals will give ribbons to anybody who asks, and a few would require you to finish a process or say a password or secret phrase as a way to get one. Both method, accumulating them is a good way to get to know individuals and get a free, memorable memento of the weekend!
5. Don’t be intimidated in the event you’ve solely seen the present and haven’t learn the books.
Whereas not everybody who’s learn the books cherished the present, most followers I do know, and most of the people I met at JordanCon final yr, are simply glad to have new WoT-related content material that may hopefully get extra individuals into the supply materials. You received’t be judged in the event you’re attending the conference due to the present and never the books. There are many panels this yr particularly concerning the present, from episode breakdowns and critiques to protection of the music and costumes.
And whereas the conference is known as after the collection’s creator, there’s nonetheless loads of non-WoT-related content material to get pleasure from. Between the final fantasy/sci-fi panels, authors’ alley, gaming, distributors’ corridor, cosplay contest, karaoke contest, and dance get together, you’ll be able to have loads of enjoyable with out understanding something concerning the Wheel of Time books.
Try among the pictures Laura took at JordanCon final yr:
Do you will have every other JordanCon first-timer questions? Or in the event you’ve attended earlier than, what different recommendation would you give new members? Let me know within the feedback!
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