Frequently Asked Questions
We’ll add more as we go on, but here are a few things you might be wondering about:

Q: Why those dates?
A: We have selected Easter Weekend, March 21-23, 2008 to be the official dates for Convergence 14. These are great dates for many reasons, first and foremost because it gives many people an extra day to explore and party in Dallas because Friday, March 21st is Good Friday, and many folks have that day off. For anyone wanting to extend their stay, Thursday through Monday provides five days. Also, activities are planned for those days to ensure our guests have fun and interesting things to do.

Q: What about the weather?
A:. The weather in Texas is anyone’s guess at any time, but it is usually nice in late March, and daily average temperatures range from a low of 45-50 degrees at night to a high of around 70 degrees during the day. We recommend to be prepared for any weather.

Q: What about the theme? Do I have to dress “Cowboy Goth”?
A: No. As with other Convergences, the theme exists as a fun and playful context in which we wrap our activities. One of the beautiful things about our Dallas goth scene is the degree of diversity within it. Just be yourself and have fun!

Q: What hotel will host Convergence 14?
A: The Adam’s Mark in Dallas. There’s a big section on where it is located and why it’s the best convention hotel in all of Texas in the body of this proposal.

Q: What if I don’t want to stay at the Adam’s Mark?
A: Dallas has dozens of large and small hotels to choose from within the downtown area, many with very competitive rates. We recommend, though, that you stay at the Adam’s Mark for one key reason: proximity. This way you'll be closer to the daytime activities being held in the hotel such as classes, the art show, film viewings, the vendor fair, and for the convenience of the shuttle service to many offsite daytime activities, to the evening events, and the advantage of staying in the same hotel as other attendees. We do understand that even with these benefits, not everyone will stay at the same hotel, so we will provide a list of recommended alternate hotels that will fit a range of budgets and needs.

Q: How much will you charge for tickets?
A: Ticket prices will be $65. We will implement strategies that will help reduce costs – for example, offering some of the extracurricular activities a la carte, so you’re only paying for activities you want to attend, and by offering many activities that are included in the original ticket price. We will use our website as a polling space, too, so that when you buy your ticket, you’ll have the opportunity to select items from a list that you have an interest in. This information will help us plan and schedule our activities according to interest.

Q: What do I get for that price?
A: Your C14 laminate will provide entry to all of the activities and services we offer at the hotel and all general evening events, including the bands and DJ’s (of course!). Many available activities are free of charge. Some tours will charge a nominal fee and we are working with those places to achieve a reduced rate for badge holders, but even the regular rates are inexpensive. As noted above, some activities are offered to a limited number of attendees at an additional cost.

Q: What forms of payment will you accept?
A: Personal check, money order, cashier’s check, credit card, and PayPal are definite options for payment.

Q: I’m 18. Can I get into the evening events?
A: Yes, even the pre- and post- Convergence parties. Just like anywhere else in the country, you have to be 21 or over to drink, but you can enjoy all of the regular events and activities we’re planning, even if you’re in the 18-20 age range.

Q: What about booze?
A: You can find a wide variety of beer and wine in restaurants, brewpubs and bars near the Adam’s Mark. There are also nearby liquor stores. Texas law allows the sale of liquor Monday through Saturday until 9:00pm and the sale of wine and beer Monday through Saturday until Midnight. You may also purchase wine and beer on Sunday, but not until noon. Texas and Dallas laws allow liquor service at bars until 2:00am and after-hours dancing until 4:00am (with special permit). Of course, you can drink in your hotel room until the sun comes up if you want to!

Q: What time does the venue close?
A: Several venues are being considered for use for Convergence 14. Most are open until 4:00am. Texas and Dallas laws allow liquor service until 2:00am and after-hours dancing until 4:00am (with special permit). Most of the regular event evening venues are open until 4:00am; some of the special limited attendance event venues close at 2:00am and transportation to the regular events or the hotel will be provided. If you really desire to have the alcohol keep flowing, simply head back to the hotel for a room party at 2:00, or stay at the club and dance until 4:00 – both good choices.

Q: Can I smoke in the hotel/venue?
A: If you book a smoking room in the hotel, you can smoke in the room. There are also designated smoking areas in the public places of the hotel. Currently, you may smoke all you want inside the clubs we have chosen for the events.

Q: How will you conduct your DJ selection process?
A: We plan on following the tried-and-true “blind taste test.” We’ll accept submissions, copy them onto a CD with a number only, and then sit the committee down to give them a listen. We’ll select the best qualified DJ’s based on the quality of the set, with no worries about politics.

Q: What about bands?
A: For reasons most people understand, bands are a non-issue at this point – it’s way too early to predict the availability of any band at this time. Rest assured, the Dallas C14 committee has years of experience in bringing together live musical events, and we’ll work very hard to bring the best to C14.

Q: How do I contact the Dallas Committee?
A: You may email us directly at CXIVDallas at yahoo dot com  Please include the nature of your inquiry in the subject line so we can forward it to the appropriate committee member.

Q: I have children and would like them to participate in the Convergence experience. Will there be any activities planned that are child friendly?
A: Dallas especially wants to welcome attendees with children. The hotel we have chosen is child friendly and offers a variety of other services for people traveling with children. The concierge will help you with all your needs. So don’t think anybody needs to be left behind. We will point out some daytime activities that can also be enjoyed by children with their parents – shopping, tours, and a host of other things that will be family friendly. We shall make all this available on our website so you can plan your activities before you get here.

Q: I’m a vegetarian/vegan. Where can I eat in Dallas?
A: Dallas is well suited for your Veggie/Vegan needs. There is a vast range of restaurants and such to fulfill your every need. Best of all, a healthy meal won't leave you broke! Although there is a stereotype of Texans being big meat-eaters, Dallas is a very cosmopolitan city and Vegetarians are plentiful as ticks on a redneck. Dallas’s C14 committee will provide a special list of grocery stores and restaurants that are veggie-friendly. In addition, if there is enough of an interest, we can set up dinners or other activities that are vegetarian and vegan friendly!

Q: I have special needs. Will I be able to access the clubs and events if I use a wheelchair?
A: We want everybody to take part in this insanity, so we’ve been mindful of wheelchair accessibility needs during our planning. The hotel we’ve selected is wheelchair friendly, and so are the venues. Dallas’s transportation system is also very wheelchair friendly and has a modern rail system that can get you most places