BayCon

Chris Castro

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An Update to the BayCon Health Policy

June 25, 2023
From: BayCon 2023 Executive Committee

Hello BayCon members, guests, and staff,

In an effort to improve certain experiences at the convention while doing our best to maintain strict standards covered by our health policy, the executive committee has decided to allow for limited mask removal (defined as brief removal of face masks for specific activities) for the following programming items:

  • Robert Picardo autographs (Saturday): Limited mask removal during selfies. This should only occur during snapping of the photo. Masks should be promptly replaced after the picture is taken.
  • Main Stage performances (Masquerade & Variety Show, Drag, Burlesque): Limited mask removal during performances. Performers must be alone or with a member of their own household. Masks must be promptly replaced after participants exit the stage.
  • Charity Casino Karaoke (Saturday Evening): Singers may remove their masks for the duration of their song. Microphone covers and alcohol wipes will be required in between each singer. Limited mask removal is also permitted for eating and drinking but masks must be replaced when not engaged in these activities.
  • Photo Lounge (Salon 3): Limited mask removal during taking of photos. Masks must be promptly replaced after photos are taken.
  • Hospitality (Green Room and VIP Lounge Only): Limited mask removal for specific activities such as eating and drinking. Masks must be promptly replaced when not engaged in these activities.

Please be aware that private suites and hotel rooms are not subject to the BayCon 2023 Health Policy, although we recommend that every effort be made to prevent exposure to guests and partygoers. It is the responsibility of the host to inform guests of any potential health issue.

Signage

Signage will be posted in any area that is subject to limited mask removal and will also be noted in our daily newsletter. We urge anyone who is not comfortable with limited mask removal to avoid these areas when the specified activities are taking place. BayCon is committed to keeping all our members, guests, and staff healthy throughout the weekend.

Questions

For any questions, please contact chair@baycon.org. You can read our full health policy here: https://baycon.org/baycon-health-policy/

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Masquerade and Variety Show Applications Live

Have a costume you want to show off? A special talent you’d like to share with your fellow fans? Then the Masquerade and Variety Show is perfect for you!

Applications for the BayCon 2023 Masquerade and Variety Show are now live. All applications are due by June 30th. Hard copies of the applications will be available on site for anyone who needs assistance during BayCon. Just find LADY PHOENIX, our Masquerade and Variety Show director.

Masquerade Application

Variety Show Application

The Masquerade follows ICG Guidelines. And yes, there is a prize for Best in Show! See you there.

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Join the BayCon 2023 Virtual Blood Drive

Every year, BayCon hosts a blood drive to provide a way for members to help save lives. Unfortunately due to the change in venue we were not able to schedule an onsite mobile blood drive. But that doesn’t stop us from doing what we can to help you donate!

This year BayCon is hosting a virtual blood drive in partnership with Vitalant. The virtual blood drive allows you to participate at any Vitalant blood center or mobile blood drive nationwide.

Just use the following link to sign up to donate: https://northeast.vitalant.org/LP=28?drive_code=baycon&division=WEST®ion=SFO

Use this graphic to understand the steps.

As stated above, please make sure to use the same email address when you join, schedule, and donate to ensure your donation is connected to the BayCon 2023 blood drive.

Following BayCon 2023, we’ll publish the results of the virtual blood drive so you can see how your donation had an impact. And thanks again from BayCon and Vitalant for saving lives!

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BayCon 2023 Variety Show & Masquerade

Applications now open!

Applications for the Baycon 2023 Masquerade and Variety Show are now live!

This year’s theme for the Variety Show is Space Odyssey. Any space opera movie, TV show, or book that you can do on stage, BRING IT!!!

Entry

Fill out this form to enter the Variety Show “Space Odyssey.”

Fill out this form to enter the Masquerade.

ALL applications due by June 30th.

HARD COPIES will be available on site for anyone who needs assistance during BayCon. Find more information here.

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Program Schedule is Live

The programming ninjas have done it again! The schedule for BayCon 2023: A Night at the Space Opera is now live!

Go here to view the schedule and participants: https://sites.grenadine.co/sites/baycon/en/baycon-2023

You can also download the Grenadine Event Guide App for your mobile device:

After downloading the app, enter event code BayCon2023.

We will be gradually updating the schedule as we get closer to the event. Please be advised that some event times and locations may change. For any questions, please contact BayCon 2023 Programming.

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Gallowclass Workshop

Aspiring writers and professionals! BayCon isn’t just a convention for fans of science fiction and fantasy, it’s a convention for writers, too! Want to take your craft to the next level? Then sign up for the GALLOWCLASS workshop, live at con hosted by BayCon Guest and former Toastmaster M Todd Gallowglas! It’s only a $50 add-on (normally $200), and has LIMITED availability. Find out more on our programming page.

Don’t take our word for it! Another testimonial: “Mr. Gallowglas genuinely cares about the craft of writing. He has excellent insights into improving one’s craft, learning from the greats, figuring out what you personally enjoy about fiction and ways to emulate and write to your own likes and interests. This is in sharp contrast to other writing classes and instructors I’ve worked under, who largely teach to fit you into a particular “market niche”. Mr. Gallowglas is wise enough to know how much this can hinder a writer’s true creative potential and his classes are not focused on selling a story, but how to become a better writer, and why writers should care about craft to begin with. I highly recommend for anyone hoping to up their writing game.” – Alex Fox