I survived Windycon 36

[wendyzski]

My voice didn't.

Yes I have agreed to do this next year - I've been promised minions (well, at least one minion), a larger room for the Masquerade, and a bonus of more organization and communication and fewer meetings. (The sucking-up actually started Saturday afternoon - it was rather pleasant.) I'm still trying to sell them on a Costume Guest of Honor and have someone in mind that would be perfect - watch this space for details.

We had wall to wall costumes. We had a panel that went on in two different spaces at the same time. We had a panel with not only no AV but no tables. We had more than 2/3 Novice entries in the Masquerade, and the winners of the Best Prop (a beautifully-crafted backpack time machine with a flux capacitor on it) and Best Mod (a wheelchair amazingly decked out with all the parts of a ceiling fan) categories went to first-time competitors. We had a last-minute substitution for MC because our original was home with the flu. We ran out of seating 20 minutes before Masquerade showtime - the Guests of Honor almost didn't get seats and I had to beg the head of Special Events to do crowd control for me! We had at least 35 steampunkers in a single afternoon photoshoot and stopped mall traffic in the process! (The man with the modded gatling gun certainly helped) We had 70 people attend costuming panels at 10AM on a Sunday! We ran out of handouts and chairs, and spilled at least one panel into the hallways. I didn't actually kill anyone (though I did muse longingly about punching a couple of people in the face)

I'm still sorting out what exactly happened, but here are some of the fist pics I have - of the 'Parts is Parts' panel on Saturday. American Science and Surplus let my Second go skipping through their warehouse with a big bag. Click to observe the chaos. Luckily I only melted a small hole in the carpet - no one will ever notice.


UPDATE: More pics, including shots of the Awesome Wheelchair of Awesomeness can be found here. Thank you ashtalet

ANOTHER UPDATE: Some awesome pro-level pics at http://www.the-enthusiasts.com/gallery?g2_itemId=17520

Comments

[macaodghain.livejournal.com]

It was my distinct pleasure to MC—even though I didn't get to compete, I think the effect of the costume was still experienced properly.

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

I think every MC should be required to have a Big Stick - it seemed very useful!

[forfaxia.livejournal.com]

Thanks for everything Wendy- I think everybody had a great time and we'll bring the lot next year.

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

Next year's theme is "To the Lands of Fae and Back Again" - not as costume-intensive as this year but certainly costume-friendly. We can do general costume panels.

We MUST do something about "Costuming for your body type" - because there is only so many fat chicks in spandex and wings (myself included) that one should have to see in a lifetime.

[katexxxxxx.livejournal.com]

Stuffed with win!

Love the wheelchair. If the fibro gets me that way in the end, I want that one! ;)

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

it was amazing! it had a working bellows and "steam" came out of the back!

[rileybear67.livejournal.com]

I had a blast. Next year I'll even work on a costume for Saturday.
Thanks again Wendy!

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

SF conventions mean never having to say "But where would I wear that"?

[capi.livejournal.com]

*shrieks with delight*

You are so made of awesome, Wendy! Thanks for all these faboo pics! I'm so glad you had fun, and shared it with us!!

i....i might actually be SATED! *LOL*

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

i personally am exhausted

[daryljfontaine.livejournal.com]

Looks like the theme was an unqualified success, and good to hear your organizational talents are being appreciated, Wendy. ^_^ Some of the detail in those costumes is just insane. In a good way, naturally.

D