FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the dates?
A: If we have the honor of hosting Convergence 13, we propose Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27, 2007. This weekend has already been proven to Convergence goers since C6 Seattle was also held over this holiday weekend. With great weather, low hotel rates and favorable airfares it is the perfect weekend to visit our city.
Q: Is this going to conflict with Whitby Gothic Weekend or any other festivals?
A: We have purposefully chosen a weekend where C13 Seattle would not conflict with any scheduled local or national events or conventions.
Q: But...what about Treffen?
A: We searched the Treffen website when putting together this proposal and didn't see proposed 2007 dates listed yet. However, Treffen traditionally falls on Pentecost weekend. It's hit or miss whether it coincides with Memorial Day Weekend here in the States, but it looks like 2007 is a 'hit'. The Leipzig city tourism site does indeed have those dates listed for WGT in 2007.
So far we have three bids, of which two are considering Memorial Day Weekend to allow for the most 'bang for the buck', save valuable paid-vacation days for many attendees, and minimize risk of weather interfering with our devious plans. We think it's a good trade-off for the majority of Convergence attendees, however if it proves to be a sticking point for enough people we are certainly open to discussion.
Q: HEY! Didn't Seattle host a Convergence before?
A: Yes, as did Chicago and New Orleans. Seattle had the honor of hosting Convergence VI in 2000.
Q: Is it too soon for Seattle to bid again?
A: Was it too soon for Chicago or New Orleans? Seven years is ages in any Goth scene. Soon after C6 our scene went through a period of growth and evolution. Today in Seattle we enjoy solid, active, yet laid-back and approachable community, with superior shopping, and gothic or industrial club nights 7 nights a week. We feel it is time again to share all that we call the Seattle Gothic Scene with Convergence attendees.
Q: What happened to those C6 Organizers? Are they helping with this Bid?
A: Co-Chairs Jillian Venters and Erica Jantos were both Co-Chairs of the C6 committee, from creating the bid to PFM commenting on Jillian's hat.
Q: So, I hear it rains A LOT in Seattle?
A: Yes, we have more then a few days of measurable rain; however at 37 inches per year, it's less than Miami (56 inches), New York (42), Atlanta (51) Boston (41), and Portland (38) to mention only a few. Not that we're defensive...
Q: What about the theme?
A: "Come one, come all", as they say. We've deliberately selected a theme that allows us to have some extra fun decorating, entertaining, and dazzling C13 attendees, while giving you the option of going all-out and dressing for the theme, or doing your own thing - when the theme involves a dark-tinged carnival and traveling sideshow, there's nothing to keep you from being whatever kinda 'freak' floats your proverbial boat. Our concept is very specific, but your interpretation of it doesn't have to be.
Q: What hotel will we be using?
A: With the possibility of hosting Convergence for a second time, the Seattle bid committee is in a comfortable position where we have a multiple hotels that are aggressively pursuing our event. For more information on these hotels that we are negotiating with please review our accommodations section.
Q: Are there other options beyond the host hotel?
A: Of course! Many, in fact. As in any major metropolitan there are accommodations to be found for any budget. From Hostels to AAA five diamond hotels you will be able to find a place to rest your head that is right for you, and the hotels we're negotiating with (to get you the best room rates, darklings...) are all within a 'hotel district' with several options to choose from within short walking distance.
Q: Where will the nighttime events be held?
A: Further proof that the music scene has grown in Seattle, for C6 we had one venue that held 800+, now we have THREE unique renovated venues we're considering for Convergence 13 if Seattle is chosen. Again, with Convergence a proven and successful event in Seattle these venues are eager to work with us again.
Q: How much will a ticket be?
A: We have prepared our budget based on selling tickets at $65US per person.
Q: I'm not 21 yet, what about me?
A: We plan to have all main evening events open to 18+ ('mixed ages') and/or 'all ages' audiences, and are carefully choosing 'main event' venues with this in mind.
Q: I require wheelchair access. Are the hotels and events you have planned wheelchair accessible?
A: You betcha! Seattle has quite a number of local speed daemons. When the Vogue moved to its new location in Capitol Hill, club owners Monny and Shawna had a new ramp built just for one of their regulars.
All hotels under consideration are equipped with access, including reserved rooms and all common areas that will be used for Convergence events, however please make sure to indicate any additional special arrangements you may need to your reservation agent when you make your hotel and travel reservations. All venues and locations are wheelchair accessible and have appropriate accommodations, with the exception of two steps at the Mercury and the odd weed at Volunteer Park. However, the staff and members of the local community are very well versed in assisting with the steps and are always eager to help. The grounds at Volunteer Park are very level and the grass is short other than the occasional patch of crabgrass. Alexia’s Godfather uses a wheelchair and experienced no difficulty navigating the grounds with a little extra push here and there was just fine.
Lift equipped vehicle service is readily available to the evening venues with a little bit of notice, so please let us know in advance of your needs, and we will make sure your chariot awaits!
Q: I have special dietary needs. Will I slowly waste away (oh how Goth!) if I'm at C13 Seattle for the whole weekend?
A: Heavens no! Seattle has a deserved reputation as a rather 'P.C.' city, and accomodating a diverse population's special dietary needs is a part of daily life here. We're fortunate to have a large variety of cuisine to choose from. Due to the diverse nature of our local goth community we have a virtual army of local experts on where to go for any and all forms of dietary needs.
Vegetarian, vegan, kosher, Krishna-devotees, halal, Atkins, meat-but-no-dairy,won't-eat-vegetables, fruitarian, low-anything, anything-free, strictly Doritos and Mountain Dew? No problem. There is a native guide who can help you find just the right place to put food in your gob for any request you have, be it for medical, spiritual, social, or 'plain old fussy' reasons. Even if your requirements are varied and eating at a traditional sit-down establishment seems unlikely, please ask us. We're notorious 'foodies' , and we're used to catering decadent Goth weddings for hundreds of people, hosting gourmet Halloween parties, throwing fancy and casual dinner events, and feeding diverse groups at our summertime SeaGoth Picnics. And yes, Detroit, we even do a mean barbecue. Seattle boasts some pretty spectacular fare for a wide range of needs. If all else fails, there is a Whole Foods 6 walking blocks from the proposed hotel slated for completion late this year.
But be forewarned, the native Doritos and Mountain Dew connoisseur may talk nonstop about his current table top, so check your saving throw vs. twink before you engage.
Q: I have children and I would like then to participate in the Convergence experience. Will there be anything for parents to bring children to?
A: All of the on-site and off-site daytime events, such as the Day in the Park, Bats in the Midway, EMP, Underground Tour, etc., will be very kid friendly, with the caveat that the Underground Tour may be the more 'adult' version that discusses prostitution and opium. Some of the smaller day events, such as the High Tea and the Photoshoot, should be treated the same way an event with mixed company would; if your child is high spirited and loves to explore, perhaps a few hours of sitting or occupying themselves quietly isn’t the best option for them, you or other guests.
For evening events we are carefully choosing our evening 'main event' venues based on their proven track records of hosting safe and enjoyable mixed-ages (18+) and all-ages (would that be zero+?) concerts and events. Smaller venues, including the Mercury, Vogue, and Noc Noc, are 24/7 nightclubs/bars and are 21+ only, however if official C13 events are held at these locations, they will be concurrent with a suitable all-ages or mixed-ages larger venue evening.
Local law doesn’t allow us to set up a day care service associated directly with the event without an incredibly cost prohibitive insurance policy. However, community members who would like to establish a childcare group may certainly do so outside of the scope of 'official' C13 activities. We will also be researching local daycare providers during the planning phases so that we can provide listings of suggested providers to parents in advance.
Q: Can I smoke? A: As in many other major cities, Seattle has recently passed an initiative barring smoking in places such as bars, restaurants, and clubs. If you smoke, plan on smoking outside where you will truly enjoy our fine May weather.
Q: Am I going to need a car to get around?
A: No, not if you are planning to stay downtown. While there are wonderful places to outside of the city, Seattle's public transportation is frequent and convenient. We still have the free ride zone in downtown, once outside of the zone your fare will only be 1.25-1.50. Public transportation to and from the Seattle Tacoma International Airport is within 3 blocks of any of the hotels under consideration and is 1.50 each way. Direct shuttle services run from $8-12US each way. A taxi runs $30US plus gratuity each way and will allow up to 4 passengers per car. For more detailed transportation information please see the transportation section.
Q: Is Seattle dangerous?
A: While Seattle is the 4th largest city on the west coast, it surely does not feel like it. Seattle is a safe city with a low crime rate. It is common to see Seattle Police Department officers on car, foot, bicycle and even horseback around town and in the downtown area. Being Seattleites, they are very freak friendly.
Q: When will you be taking DJ and band submissions?
A: Now, don't you think that it is just a bit early to ask that question?
Q: Will Peter Murphy return for C13 Seattle?
A: C6 will forever go down in history as that Convergence that had PFM. It was a truly magical night, a memory that we do not wish to ruin by trying to recreate. We will not promise him or any other performer of his caliber for our event.
Q: So? I want to vend? What do I need to do? What about sales tax?
A: Again, Isn't this a wee bit early to be asking this question? As temporary vendors in Washington state, vendors are normally responsible for collecting Washington State sales tax. However, during C6 Seattle, vendors were able to fall under the umbrella of C6’s business license, and we have panels of Seattle Gothic legal experts (literally!) looking into the best options for our vendors for C13 Seattle based on current regulations in effect at the time of the event. Our C13 Seattle planned budget also includes a 'legal' line item for just this sort of thing - rest assured that we'll be doing the proverbial leg-work for you well in advance to ensure that your vending experience at C13 Seattle is trouble-free.
http://dor.wa.gov...TaxesMain http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/...458-20-193
Q: The hotels your suggesting look pretty swank, are the vendor fees going to be astronomical?
A: Good heavens, no! We consider the Trade Show to be as much of the event as any part of Convergence! We will continue to use our persuasiveness, bargaining skills, and hospitality industry experience to get great deals on the Trade Show space. We will pass on that savings and happily provide significantly reduced-price laminates to our vendors.
Q: How do I contact the Seattle Bid Committee?
A: You may contact us directly at c13seattle@comcast.net, or join the online C13 Vote discussions on the agc_afterglow and gothconvergence LiveJournal groups, alt.gothic Usenet newsgroups, and the Afterglow mailing list. Because C13 Vote rules prohibit us from updating this FAQ during the voting 'freeze' period, we strongly encourage you to take part in the online discussions during this time:
http://community.livejournal.com/agc_afterglow/
http://community.livejournal.com/gothconvergence/
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.gothic
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.gothic.convergence
http://www.altgothic.com/faqs/voting.php#discussion
Q: How can I help support the C13 Seattle bid?
A: Please feel free to contact the C13 Seattle Committee at c13seattle@comcast.net - we'd love to talk to you.
Help spread the word by discussing the C13 Vote on apropriate message boards, LiveJournal, MySpace, you name it. Decorate your web page, LiveJournal, or MySpace page with C13 Seattle banners and icons. And don't forget to vote!
Q: Can I have a pony?
A: Yes. But you'll have to use your own allowance.
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