Programming

A word from our programming division:

tris·kai·dek·a·pho·bi·a/ˌtriskīˌdekəˈfōbēə/
  Noun: Extreme fear of (or superstition regarding) the number thirteen.

In case you haven't heard, BayCon turns 31 in '13. That's why we're playing around with this as part of our Triskaidekaphobicon theme! We are looking at phobias, superstitions, thrills, and even some outright horror in Science Fiction and Fantasy.

There will still be a full track of panels on science (so have no fear about that) but we will be adding to the mix by looking at where our superstitions come from, what makes fantasy thrill us, and at the science in being scared. We will have many fun activities for everyone to enjoy from our Family Friendly room to our new DIY Room to special Gaming LARPs and exciting new panels. The 2013 Masquerade will be restored as a full event, not just the stage parade. And we will be having some amazing musical guests as well as enjoying our Author Guest of Honor, Lois McMaster Bujold. Keep an eye on our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/groups/23047493820/), our Twitter feed (@BayConNews), and (of course) our web page for announcements as we continue moving forward!

We also want your ideas!  If you have always thought we could add to our panel ideas, we would love to hear from you! We are open to suggestions for new guests and panel topics, and also submissions for events you want to help run! Please send your suggestions, contacts, and information to programming13@baycon.org and our Programming Team will see what we can add to make 2013 a great time for all.

DIY Room

Looking for something new to do at BayCon? Do you enjoy arts & crafts lessons? Better yet, how about actually creating things after learning about them?  If you want to have fun making things with your hands, the place for you is...

The NEW DIY Room!

At BayCon 2013, the entire Bayshore Room will be dedicated to hands-on learning and cool crafts projects.  There will be special events, quiet workspaces, and even a last-minute costume repair station!  We're also developing guided panels such as a learn-to-sew class (including "How to use the sewing machine I have"), special effect makeup classes, charm "book" necklace workshops, chainmail construction sessions, boffer weapons making classes, and some very interesting fiber/knit/crochet instruction.  Many of these classes will have supply lists available before the convention begins so you can bring your own materials. Alternatively, kits will be available to purchase upon signup. 

We will also be hosting a Clothing Swap again, this year, and have added the all-new Craft Supplies Swap.  Leftovers from the swaps, as well as specially provided materials, will be used in the IRON CRAFTER competition! (Each entrant will have access to a stack of crafting supplies and one hour to complete a creation!)

VOLUNTEER HERE!

Interested in helping out with this exciting, new con function?  The DIY Room wants you!  Please contact programming13@baycon.org IF:

  • you have crafts supplies you would like to donate
  • you would like to teach a class (please tell us your skill level),
  • there's a class you would love to see offered (and, ideally, if you know someone skilled to teach it)
  • you want to be the crafty counterpart of Alton Brown for our End of the Day "Master Crafter" competition 

Ecstatic, yet?  So are we!  We hope to make to make the DIY Room a qualified success so we can bring it back for years to come.