ignatz (08/05/82)
Hi there. I'm Dave Ihnat; this fellow next to me is Doug Price. How you doin,eh?
As we're sure you're all aware, CHICON IV is fast approaching.
Specifically, Sept. 2-6. It has occurred to the two of us
that the net would be a good way to accept queries, gripes, etc.;
answer questions, disseminate the latest & greatest, etc. concerning the
con. In fact, Doug is on the official publications editorial staff, and we
both know & have access to the Powers That Be for Chicon. Not necessarily
always have influence, but access.
So, perhaps some information. If you already know all this, be patient; there
are still some poor souls who don't.
CHICON IV is the World Science Fiction Convention for 1982. It will
be at the Hyatt-Regency Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 2 thru Monday,
Sept. 6, 1982--essentially the Labor day weekend. Hotel room rates are somewhat
variable, depending upon which hotel you get. Double-doubles are hard to come by
at the Hyatt, but otherwise there's still a lot of room left at the Hyatt and
others. You can't apply through the Convention bureau anymore, however--our
reserved blocks are no longer being held. Thus, contact your hotel of choice
directly. (This shouldn't be a problem; we suggest trying the Hyatt first,
since all functions of the convention are being held there, and you'll find
most parties there, as well. Of course, if you're not particularly a party
animal, then...but then, why did you come...eh? Enuf.) Room rates depend on
which hotel and what you get, but in general run *about* $70.00 for a double-
double, $50.00 for a double, and $40.00 for a single. (These are *excellent*
rates for downtown Chicago, by the way--Magnificent Mile, don't you know.
For instance, a single at the Hyatt is normally $98.00/nite.
If you've any questions--other hotels, exact rates, etc.--feel free to MAIL
either one of us a message; we'll answer pronto. Really.
As for the convention, I hope you all planned ahead. The rates just recently
took their last jump-- to $70.00 dollars for the whole thing. And, sadly, there
are *no* one-days. *sigh*. However, all is not bleak; they're pro-rating the
cost on a day-by-day basis, such that if you show up a day or two late,
you only pay for the remaining days. What? Oh...ok. Here's Doug...eh?
That's not peanuts for membership. But you're not getting peanuts, either.
For instance, over three tracks of programming will be running every
day of the convention. That's three (or more) possible topics,
discussions, interviews, etc. running at once for you to choose from!
There will be scads of professional writers and editors to sign your
first-editions and to do readings from their own works. They'll even answer
your questions. ("Gee, Mr. Ellison, do you *really* throw fans down elevator
shaf--aaaaaughh.....")("Geee, Ike--er, Mr. Asimov--where do you get all your
ideas??")
There's also an Art Show (note the capitals) in which you can bid on
pieces ranging from Foglio to Sternbach. The Huckster Room will
have 250 tables of booksellers, media material, photographs, gamer's
materials, etc. etc. The Film Rooms will have two tracks of the newest
and the oldest, the best and the worst films you have ever seen!
An additional track of video programming will be presented as well.
This doesn't even cover the Masquerade, the Hugo awards ceremony, and
on and on (and on).
And, if you're really crazy, you can help us pull this whole thing
off...as a gopher. There are certain advantages; you get to rub elbows
with the Pros, meet the Doers and Shakers (Shakers? I thought they
died out!?)(shaddup Dave!)
Anyway. Dave back. Enuf, already. If you have anything we can help with, just
mail to either one of us--electronic addresses follow. If you need detailed
stuff--from flyers to progress reports--and it's too much to send over the
net, or you like the feel of wood pulp, send a SASE (Self Addresed, Stamped
Envelope) to the Committee, and they'll get it out to you *fast*.
(Probably even if it isn't stamped, but then don't hold
your breath...)
So, in closing, come on in and let us show you our town!
Trust me!
Dave Ihnat or Doug Price
ihuxl!ignatz ihuxl!ihima!dhp
OR
CHICON IV
P.O. Box A3120
Chicago, IL 60690