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Posted on by Hal Bichel Posted in Publications

Cover for the CONvergence 2021 souvenir guide. All of the mascot characters are drawn as gladiators. Connie is riding Rex.The CONvergence 2021: The Stuff of Legends souvenir guide is now available for download in a handy PDF format to read on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Print copies of the guide are available at the convention during Badge Pick-Up.

The Souvenir Guide features Guest of Honor perspectives and schedules, a programming guide, maps, information about sponsors and tons of other useful information for CONvergence 2021!

If you have any questions about the 2021 Souvenir Guide, please contact CONvergence publications. (You may not get a reply until after the convention.)

Programming Schedule PDF

You can download a PDF copy of the CONvergence 2021 Programming Schedule to print out or read on your tablet or mobile device.

Be aware that the schedule.convergence-con.org or the CVG2021 mobile app always has the most up-to-date schedule information.

Restaurant and Store Guides

Check out our CONvergence 2021 Restaurant and Store Guides for dining and shopping options during CONvergence 2021!

More to Review…

As you embark upon your CONvergence 2021 journey, you may also want to review some of the following.

Additionally, the hours of operation for free services and activities at the convention can easily be found by navigating the “At The Con” section of our website! Just give it a try!

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Posted on by Hal Bichel Posted in Announcements

Photo of posters on the wall in the Hyatt at CONvergence 2019

At the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, CONvergence members may hang family-friendly signage advertising parties, panels, performances, events and more in CONvergence event spaces, and in room party hallways on floors 3, 4, and 5. CONvergence members may begin hanging posters at 8:00am on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

DO NOT Hang Posters:

  • At the Hyatt front desk, Hyatt Marketplace, Fireside Lounge, the Prairie Kitchen & Bar, or from railings overlooking any of these
  • In stairwells, escalators, elevators, or elevator doors
  • In the Skyway bridge connecting the Hyatt with the Millenium
  • On storefronts or in businesses co-located with the Hyatt, including the Fedex, Vitali’s Cafe, and Salon Blu
  • On glass surfaces
  • On doors or door frames
  • Anywhere outdoors, including The Grove, the Loring Greenway, or any parking ramp

DO Hang Posters:

  • Virtually anywhere around CONvergence function space, as indicated on the maps
  • In room party hallways on floors 3, 4, and 5
  • On the walls of your own party room

If you are unsure whether you should hang your poster in a particular location, please find a CONvergence Operations volunteer or stop by The Bridge and ask!

One True Tape Poster   Blue Tape poster in the style of Blue Sun Corporation from Firefly
Remember to use the One True Tape! Anything affixed to the wall or other surfaces at the Hyatt Regency Hotel MUST be secured with low-tack blue painter’s tape. All brands and models of true blue tape are permitted.

Any posters found to be secured using other kinds of tape will be taken down without notice. Low-tack blue painter’s tape can be found at most hardware stores. If you run out of tape during the convention, stop by The Bridge—they may have some available.

Any posters you hang must be removed no later than 8:00pm on Sunday. Members who hang posters are expected to also remove them.

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Posted on by Jeffrey Scalise Posted in Transportation

CONvergence 2021: The Stuff of Legends starts on Thursday in downtown Minneapolis, MN and those of us without a Transporter or a Warp Drive may need to rely on overland travel.

Many CONvergence members will be using Metro Transit to get to the con. If you are planning on taking a bus or a train, head over to the Bus and Train page.

Of course, some people will be driving to the convention and parking Downtown. If you want to avoid flying right through a star or bouncing too close to a supernova, here is a list of current and upcoming road construction projects in the Twin Cities Metro area that may impede, obstruct, or otherwise complicate your travel to and from CONvergence.

Please refer to the MNDOT website for additional updates or closures or use the 511 app to plan your travel.

  • 10th Avenue Bridge in both directions: Bridge closed.
    Between Exit 13: 46th Street and Exit 14: East 35th Street (near Minneapolis). Roadway reduced to one lane. Night time construction work. From 10:00PM CDT to 5:00AM CDT on weekdays and Sunday. Starting August 2 at 10:00PM CDT until August 13, 2021 at about 5:00AM CDT. Northbound I-35W will be reduced to one lane nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Fri, Aug. 13 between 46th St. and 35th St.
  • I-35W: Roadway reduced to two lanes.
    Between 43rd Street and I-94 in Minneapolis. The roadway is reduced to two lanes. Major road construction work is in progress. Until October 15, 2021 at about 11:59PM CDT. For lane and ramp closures: Click Here
  • I-35W northbound: Roadway reduced to one lane.
    Between Exit 13: 46th Street and Exit 14: East 35th Street (near Minneapolis). Roadway reduced to one lane. Night time construction work. From 10:00PM CDT to 5:00AM CDT on weekdays and Sunday. Starting August 2 at 10:00PM CDT until August 13, 2021 at about 5:00AM CDT. Northbound I-35W will be reduced to one lane nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Fri, Aug. 13 between 46th St. and 35th St.
  • I-35W southbound: Entrance ramp closed.
    At I-94 (Minneapolis). At Entrance ramp from 31st St / Lake St. The entrance ramp is closed. Look out for construction work. Until October 31, 2021 at about 11:59PM CDT.31st St. to SB I-35W ramp – CLOSED Closed June 8, 2018 through fall 2021. Detour: Nicollet Ave. to 46th St
  • I-35W northbound: Exit ramp closed
    At Exit 15 ramp to 31st St / Lake St. The exit ramp is closed. Road construction work is in progress. Until October 30, 2021 at about 11:59PM CDT.NB I-35W to 31st St. ramp – CLOSED through fall 2021. Detour: Exit at 46th St. to EB 46th St. to NB 3rd Ave. S
  • I-35W northbound: Entrance ramp closed.
    At ramp from 35th St / 36th St. The entrance ramp is closed. Look out for construction work. Until October 31, 2021 at about 11:59PM CDT.35th St. to NB I-35W ramp – CLOSED June 8, 2018 through fall of 2021. Detour: Nicollet Ave. to E. Diamond Lake Rd.
  • I-35W southbound: Entrance ramp closed.
    At Entrance ramp from 31st St / Lake St. The entrance ramp is closed. Look out for construction work. Until October 31, 2021 at about 11:59PM CDT.31st St. to SB I-35W ramp – CLOSED June 8, 2018 through fall 2021. Detour: Nicollet Ave. to 46th St.
  • I-35W northbound: Exit ramp closed.
    At Exit 15 ramp to 31st St / Lake St. The exit ramp is closed. Road construction work is in progress. Until October 30, 2021 at about 11:59PM CDT. NB I-35W to 31st St. ramp – CLOSED through fall 2021. Detour: Exit at 46th St. to EB 46th St. to NB 3rd Ave. S
  • I-35W southbound: Entrance ramp closed.
    At Entrance ramp from 12th St. The entrance ramp is closed. Road construction work is in progress. Until October 31, 2021 at about 11:59PM CDT.From Downtown: 12th St. to SB I-35W – CLOSED through fall 2021. Detour: NB 3rd Ave. to EB 10th St. to SB I-35W entrance ramp. For additional information on this project: Click Here
  • I-35W northbound: Entrance ramp closed.
    At Entrance ramp from 5th Ave. The entrance ramp is closed. Until September 3, 2021 at about 6:00PM CDT. Mon, July 12 through late summer The ramp from 5th Ave. to NB I-35W is closed. For other ramp/road closures associated with this project: Click Here
  • I-35W northbound: Roadway reduced to two lanes.
    Between Washington Avenue (Minneapolis) and Exit 18: University Avenue (near Lauderdale). Roadway reduced to two lanes. Night time construction work. From 10:00PM CDT to 5:00AM CDT on weekends, Monday and Friday. Starting August 2 at 10:00PM CDT for several days. Right 2 lanes of the Northbound 35W Bridge over the Mississippi closed from 10:00pm to 5:00am nightly. Exit to University also closed.
  • I-35W northbound: Exit ramp closed.
    At Exit 18 ramp to 4th St SE. The exit ramp is closed. Night time construction work is in progress. From 10:00PM CDT to 5:00AM CDT on weekends, Monday and Friday. For the next day. Exit Ramp to 4th Street/University closed from 10:00pm to 5:00am nightly.
  • I-35W northbound: Road reconstruction.
    Between MN 36 (Lauderdale) and Exit 31: Lake Drive (Lexington). The road is being reconstructed. Follow the signs. There is a width limit in effect because of construction work. Width limit 13’0″. NORTHBOUND LEFT LANE – Is A Through Lane Starting at County Road B2. There Are No Northbound Exits Available Until County Road 52. MIDDLE LANE – Is A Through Lane With No Northbound Exits Available Starting At County Road 10 Until Trunk Highway 10. RIGHT LANE – Is Open to All Open Northbound Ramps And Exits. ALL LANES Have a 13 Foot Lane Restriction. Please Check For Permit Requirements.
  • I-35W northbound: Exit ramp closed
    At Exit 24 ramp to Cleveland Ave / County C. The exit ramp is closed. Until September 11, 2021 at about 11:59PM CDT. No permit restrictions. Ramp/loop closed for reconstruction. Follow detour to Cty Rd D to Cleveland Ave.
  • I-35W southbound: Roadway reduced to one lane.
    Between Exit 36: Anoka County Road 23 / Lake Drive (Lino Lakes) and MN 36 (Lauderdale). Roadway reduced to one lane due to night time construction work. From 8:00PM CDT to 5:00AM CDT on weekdays and Saturday. Starting August 2 at 8:00PM CDT until August 7, 2021 at about 5:00AM CDT.
  • MN 65 northbound: Exit ramp closed.
    At ramp to I-94 W. The exit ramp is closed. Until October 31, 2021 at about 11:59PM CDT. For additional information on this project: Click Here
  • MN 65 in both directions: Bridge closed.
    Between South 1st Street and Southeast 2nd Street (near Minneapolis). The bridge is closed. Bridge construction work is in progress. Follow the detour signs. Until November 18, 2022 at about 6:00PM CDT. Mon, Jan. 4 2021 through November 2022 The Third Ave. Bridge is fully closed. Vehicle and transit detour: Hennepin Ave. and First Ave. Metro Transit 3rd Ave./Central Ave. bridge detour Pedestrian detour: Hennepin Ave. Bridge Bicycle detour: Stone Arch Bridge For additional information on this project: Click Here
  • I-94 eastbound: Exit ramp closed
    At Exit 230 ramp to 4th St. The exit ramp is closed. Bridge construction work is in progress. Follow the detour signs. Until August 31, 2021 at about 5:00PM CDT. Mon, May 24 through Tue, Aug. 31, the ramp from EB I-94 to 4th Street is closed. Detour: EB I-94 to 7th St. to 1st Ave. For additional information on this project: Click Here
  • I-94 eastbound: Roadway reduced to one lane.
    Between 3rd Avenue and MN 55; 5th Street (Minneapolis). Roadway reduced to one lane. Night time construction work. From 10:00PM CDT to 5:00AM CDT on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Starting Wednesday at 10:00PM CDT for three days. Eastbound I-94 will be reduced to one lane nightly Wed, Aug. 4 through Fri, Aug. 6 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. between Nicollet Ave. and Portland Ave.
  • I-94 in both directions: Roadway reduced to two lanes.
    Between Western Avenue and Ramsey County Road 33 (Saint Paul). The roadway is reduced to two lanes because the road is being repaved. Until November 1, 2021 at about 6:00AM CDT.
  • I-94 westbound: Entrance ramp closed.
    At Entrance ramp from Marion St. Entrance ramp closed. Construction work. Starting August 3 at 9:00PM CDT until November 1, 2021 at about 5:00AM CDT. Ramp closed for Pavement rehab.
  • I-94 eastbound: Exit ramp closed.
    At Exit 241B ramp to 5th St. The exit ramp is closed. Look out for construction work. Until November 1, 2021 at about 5:00AM CDT. Ramp closed for Pavement rehab.
  • I-94 westbound: Entrance ramp closed.
    At Entrance ramp from 5th St. The entrance ramp is closed. Look out for construction work. Until November 1, 2021 at about 5:00AM CDT. Ramp closed for Pavement rehab.
  • I-94 westbound: Entrance ramp closed.
    At Entrance ramp from 11th St. The entrance ramp is closed. Look out for construction work. Until November 1, 2021 at about 5:00AM CDT. Ramp closed for Pavement rehab.
  • I-94 westbound: Road closed.
    Between John Ireland Boulevard and Western Avenue (Saint Paul). Road closed. Follow the detour signs. Bridge construction. Starting Friday at 10:00PM CDT until August 8, 2021 at about 5:00AM CDT.
  • I-94 eastbound: Entrance ramp closed.
    At Entrance ramp from Marion St. The entrance ramp is closed. Look out for construction work. Until November 1, 2021 at about 6:00AM CDT.
  • I-94 westbound: Roadway reduced to two lanes.
    Between I-35E and Marion Street/Kellogg Boulevard (Saint Paul). Roadway reduced to two lanes. Construction work. Starting tomorrow at 9:00PM CDT until Thursday, at about 5:00AM CDT. WB 94 from Wabasha to Western. Reduced to 1 lane starting at 11PM to 5AM nightly. WB 94 will be reduced to 2 lanes till November.
  • I-394 eastbound: Exit ramp closed.
    At 3rd Avenue North; 4th Avenue North (Minneapolis). The exit ramp is closed. Bridge construction work is in progress. Follow the detour signs. Until August 31, 2021 at about 6:00PM CDT. Mon, May 24 through Tue, Aug. 31, the ramp from East 394 to 4th street is closed. Detour is 1st Avenue to Washington Avenue. For additional information on this project: Click Here

We strongly recommend that you consider all of your options to safely travel to the convention. Find more information on the Getting to the Convention page.

Save travels to CONvergence 2021: The Stuff of Legends!

Posted on by Liz Posted in Guests of Honor

With CONvergence 2021: The Stuff of Legends just around the corner, we’re planning ahead for this year’s uniquely legendary celebration—as well as looking back at some of the great memories we’ve made. Before we kick off this year’s convention, we thought we’d check in with the CONvergence 2019 Guests of Honor to see what they’ve been up to.

Brother Guy Consolmagno, Jesuit brother, planetary scientist, and director of the Vatican observatory, sat for an interview with Vox shortly after CONvergence 2019 wrapped up. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, he spoke with Hour Detroit about how growing up in his native Michigan influenced his path to the stars and may one day influence the future of astronomy. And this summer, he described the unexpected confluence of faith and science with NPR.

Peter David, award-winning author of comics, novels, video games, films, and television shows, published a number of titles since CONvergence 2019, including Marvel’s Black Widow Prelude, Symbiote Spider-Man: King in Black, Maestro: Symphony in a Gamma Key, and Maestro: War and Pax—as well as his own autobiography.

In the short time between the end of CONvergence 2019 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer and master costumer Bridget Landry attended Los Angeles’ Loscon 46 as a panelist. In May of 2021, she delivered a virtual Mission to Mars presentation to TagCon attendees.

Creator of the famed “tingler” Dr. Chuck Tingle has published more than 90 erotic novellas since CONvergence 2019, including the tantalizing titles Sentient Deep Dish Pizza Pounds Me in the Butt in Fifteen Minutes or it’s Free, Not Pounded By Anything While I Practice Responsible Social Distancing, and Breaking the Fourth Butt Volume 3. He recently released his first horror novella titled Straight.

Over the course of the pandemic, game designer, storyteller, artist, dancer, author, and DePaul University lecturer Allen Turner published his thoughts on topics of resilience, Black lives and colonizers’ influence, and the magic of dance. He also presented at the 2021 Games for Change Virtual Festival and contributed to the Black Game Makers Project.

Since we saw him in 2019, Laotian American writer Bryan Thao Worra published a hardcover poetry collection titled Before We Remember We Dream. Blending Southeast Asian history, myth, horror, and science fiction, the collection features 55 poems and original cover artwork.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bryan Thao Worra (@bthaoworra)

We’re looking forward to welcoming the 2021 CONvergence Guests of Honor this August and hope you’ll join us in welcoming them, too!

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Posted on by Hal Bichel Posted in Programming, Volunteers

The CONvergence 2021 schedule has been calibrated in the time stream, adjusted for laws of probability, and is ready and available to help you plan all quantum states applicable to your convention! You can view the schedule on your computer, mobile phone, or tablet by simply visiting schedule.convergence-con.org or navigating there from the Schedule page.

Make an account, connect with your CONvergence friends, and start planning all the cool things you are going to do at the convention before you even arrive at the hotels!

Mobile App

Screenshot of CVG2021 App on an Android phone

Keeping track of your CONvergence schedule during the convention is still easier than ever with the  Native CVG2021 app or the Sched mobile schedule app for both iOS and Android!

Download the App

The CVG2021 app downloads the schedule to your local phone storage, meaning it will no longer use your mobile data in the background. However, because of this, you will need to manually refresh the app data in order to see schedule updates. We recommend doing this at least once per day during the convention. Simply go to “My Account” and select “Refresh All Data” any time you would like to refresh the schedule.

CVG2021:

Sched:

If you are using the Sched app, search for “CONvergence 2021”. Use the “My Sched” link at the top to create or login to an account, connect with your CONvergence friends, and start planning all the cool things you are going to do at the convention before you even arrive at the hotels!

If your mobile device is something other than iOS or Android, or if you don’t want to download an app, you can still access the CONvergence 2021 schedule on your mobile device by navigating to schedule.convergence-con.org in your browser app.

If you have any questions about the Sched mobile app or the CONvergence 2021 schedule, please contact CONvergence Programming.

Cinema Rex LogoCinema Rex Schedule

Due to the license agreement bringing an amazing line-up of fine films our way at CONvergence 2021, Cinema Rex will not publish the entire movie schedule online.

The full Cinema Rex schedule will be printed in the CONvergence Programming Guide, and posted on Cinema Rex fliers around the hotel. You can also visit Superior Rooms A&B on the 5th floor of the Hyatt Regency at any time during the convention to see what’s playing for the day.

If you use the online schedule or app, you’ll notice that there are time blocks for Cinema Rex movies that do not list the movie name or description. This way, after you see the fun line up events and films slated for your viewing pleasure, you can still use the online schedule or app to add Cinema Rex to the legendary journey that is sure to become your convention weekend.

Connie volunteering

Schedule Your Volunteering

While you are planning your CONvergence 2021 and all the fun things you want do during the con, don’t forget to schedule some time to volunteer at CONvergence. The entire convention is run by volunteers just like you, and it needs your help to keep everything running! There are lots of volunteer opportunities that you can sign up for online at CONvergence Volunteers SignUp Genius.

First time using SignUp Genius? Head over to the Signing Up for Volunteer Shifts page for video and text tutorials!

If you find yourself with down time during the convention and want to volunteer without having scheduled a shift, no problem! Just head over to the Volunteers Room (Lake Harriet Room on the fourth floor) and the volunteers there will connect you with a great way to help your fellow CONvergence members.

Poster Hanging Blitz

Looking for an easy and fun way to volunteer on Wednesday evening? Come to the Lake Harriet Room on the 4th Floor and help hang up official CONvergence posters and signage!

When: Wednesday at 7:45pm
Where: Lake Harriet Room on the 4th Floor
What to bring: Yourself and any friends who want to help! Wear comfortable shoes. If you have a roll of blue tape, even better!

This is a great, fun opportunity to get some pre-con volunteer hours clocked on Wednesday! There are some slots on SignUp Genius on the Volunteer At Large page if you would like to use that to plan your volunteering, but you can also just show up to help, too!

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Posted on by Hal Bichel Posted in Announcements, Hotel

CONvergence Fill The Hotel Sweepstakes

Five lucky CONvergence community members will win:

  • 1 free registration for CONvergence 2022
  • 3 free room nights during CONvergence 2022 courtesy of the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

Everyone 18-and-older who is a registered guest through the CONvergence room block at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis during CONvergence 2021 will be automatically entered to win!

During the week of CONvergence 2021, contact the Hyatt directly to get your room:
Jackie.Overlie@Hyatt.com
(612) 596-4635
Say you would like a room in the CONvergence room block.

Hyatt Regency Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every person listed on my Hyatt Regency reservation get an entry in the sweepstakes?
Yes! You may add up to four registered guests to your room reservation with the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis and every one of them will be entered into the sweepstakes.

Will I be entered into this sweepstakes if I booked a party room?
Yes! Every registered guest for your party room will be entered into the sweepstakes.

If I booked two hotel rooms, will I get two entries?
Yes! If you are a registered guest for two hotel rooms (for example, a party room and a sleeping room) then you will get two entries.

Will I be entered into this sweepstakes if CONvergence pays for my hotel room?
No. Rooms paid for directly by Convergence Events, Inc., have no eligible entrants.

Do I have to have a membership to CONvergence 2021 to enter the sweepstakes?
No! You need only reserve and stay in a room at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis during CONvergence 2021. Those participating in CONvergence Staycation without CONvergence memberships are eligible to enter the sweepstakes.

If I have to cancel my room reservation, will I still be entered into the sweepstakes?
No. You must check into your reserved room to be entered into the sweepstakes.

If my teenage child is a registered guest for my Hyatt Regency room, will they be entered into the sweepstakes?
No. Entrants must be 18 or older as of August 1, 2021.

If I call the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis to reserve my room, am I still entered into the sweepstakes?
No. You must book your room in the CONvergence room block to be entered into the sweepstakes.

Why are you doing a sweepstakes?
CONvergence’s contract with the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis includes filling a block of rooms. At any normal CONvergence, filling this room block is no problem. However, with everything that we have had to change this year for COVID-19 safety—most notably capping membership at 3,500 members—there are fewer hotel rooms being booked than in a normal year. This sweepstakes is to help incentivize those who may be on the fence about staying in the Hyatt Regency during CONvergence 2021 to make the leap and book a room for CONvergence 2021. Of course, those who already have a room booked are already on track to be entered!

The Fine Print

This giveaway for five (5) prize packages of one (1) membership and three (3) room-nights at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis is sponsored by Convergence Events, Inc., headquartered at 2355 Fairview Ave #162, Roseville, MN, 55113. A membership to CONvergence is valued at $120 and three room-nights at the Hyatt during CONvergence are valued at $507, so the total value of each prize package is $627. The odds of receiving any of the five prizes to be awarded is based on the number of eligible winners, but will be somewhere between 1 in 105 (one eligible person in each room at 80% capacity for the hotel) and 1 in 496 (four eligible adults in each room for all non-subsidized rooms in the room block). Fulfillment of the prize will be via names given to Convergence Events, Inc. and the Hyatt Regency; winners will receive a certificate with information on how to contact each organization via email or phone to redeem their prizes in 2022.

The value of the room-nights includes taxes and fees but does not include any other expenses charged to the room, including but not limited to damage, room service, and parking.

How to Enter: YOU MUST BE AN OFFICIALLY REGISTERED GUEST IN THE HYATT REGENCY MINNEAPOLIS WHOSE ROOM WAS BOOKED THROUGH AND PAID THROUGH THE CONVERGENCE ROOM BLOCK FOR 2021 AND YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AS OF AUGUST 1, 2021.

You can win one of the five prize packages without buying anything or making any payment, and any purchase or payment will not increase the chances of winning. To enter without booking a hotel room, please send your name, address, and either phone number or email address to Convergence Events, Inc., 2355 Fairview Ave #162, Roseville, MN 55113, received by August 5, 2021.

Selection and Notification of Winner: Winners will be randomly selected via random number generator conducted by a person ineligible for the prize. Names will be announced at Closing Ceremony, held on August 8, 2021 at 5:00 P.M. CDT in the Hyatt Nicollet Ballroom. Winners not present at Closing Ceremony will be notified via the contact information given to the hotel at the time of registration, or via registration information held by Convergence Events, Inc., in the case that the winner is a past or present member of Convergence Events, Inc.

The membership and the room-nights are non-transferable. This giveaway is void where prohibited by law. Rooms paid for directly by Convergence Events, Inc., have no eligible entrants.

Posted on by Hal Bichel Posted in Announcements, CONvergence Online, Volunteers

The CONvergence Convention Committee (ConCom) and Convergence Events, Inc. Board of Directors have spent the last several weeks consulting oracles, listening to soothsayers, and heeding the prognosticators so we are able to bring you another update on this year’s events. This year will be different from any CONvergence you’ve seen before or will see again.

Due to ever-evolving circumstances, Some things we’ve already announced have had to change, while others have become much clearer. We’re not saying Loki had anything to do with these changes, but we did find a golden-horned helmet in the CONvergence offices, so we are also not ruling anything out. Here’s the latest on CONvergence 2021!

Registration and Badge Pickup

We had to change our plans about a couple of things. Here’s the scoop!

  • We will NOT be mailing badges, after all. There are reasons, but they involve elder gods, horrible space monkeys, and at least one herring, and we just don’t want to get into it.
  • As such, we will be doing normal badge pickup at the convention, with at least one pickup session on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. We are also planning to try to schedule a pre-convention badge pickup day in the weeks before the convention. Stay tuned!
  • The deadline for transferring your membership to another person is July 31, 2021 at 11:59pm. No new transfers can be accepted after that.

Connie wearing an N95 mask with her smile drawn on the front of itVaccination and Mask Requirements

As announced earlier, we will be requiring proof of vaccination to attend CONvergence in person, which you will need to present when you pick up your badge. A CDC card (or a photo of a CDC card on your phone) is best, but any official electronic or printed documentation that you have been vaccinated will be accepted. If you have questions about your individual proof of vaccination, please contact the Board of Directors.

We are also requiring masks to be worn over the nose and mouth in all convention spaces.

We will not be making any exceptions to these policies for people who wish to participate fully in the live convention. If you are unable for any reason to abide by these requirements, we strongly encourage you to take a look at our Staycation and Online options below!

CONvergence Staycation

The Staycation concept was an attempt to think creatively and provide a unique CONvergence opportunity for those who are not quite ready or able to participate in a large, in-person event. Like many things this year, we’ve had to think outside the box and try to extrapolate from incomplete information, so bear with us and please know that this will evolve. It is a journey we are all going on together and just like with the in-person convention, we are committed to making it the very best experience possible, and much more than a myth or legend.

Here are some of the details we have already worked out.

Please note that you must be staying at the Hyatt Regency to participate in CONvergence Staycation!

If you already have a membership to CONvergence 2021

If you already have a CONvergence 2021 membership, but are not comfortable participating in the live convention, we invite you to stay at the hotel but remain in the comfort and safety of your room while enjoying some CONvergence fun. If you sign up for CONvergence Staycation, you will receive a special CONvergence Staycation box. If you have more than one member staying in your room, each member can sign up for their own Package. If you have a mix of members and non-members staying in your room, see below.

If you do not have a membership to CONvergence 2021

If you never bought a membership to CONvergence 2021, or have already transferred it to someone else, you can still participate in the Staycation. The CONvergence Staycation box will be available for $40.

In your CONvergence Staycation box you will receive:
  • CONvergence swag!
  • Snacks!
  • A CONvergence Staycation activity kit from Connie’s Quantum Sandbox!
  • CONvergence Souvenir & Program Book!
  • A few other surprises yet to be revealed!  (If your fan group normally participates in CONvergence and would like to add a trinket, swag, or other fun to the Staycation box, please contact the Board of Directors!)

In addition to using your own devices to stream CONvergence content online, we are working with the Hyatt Regency to provide CONvergence content via the in-house television system!

Either way, if you’re interested, please register now!

If you are interested in the Staycation Package, fill out this registration form by July 20, 2021. We need to know how many boxes to provide!

CONvergence Online

We will be offering some CONvergence 2021 events and content streamed online. We are currently working out all the technical details, such as how many owls will need to fly back and forth, whether watching Live with Regis and Medusa will turn you to stone over the internet, and whether we need Anansi’s permission to broadcast on the Web, or was he tricking us? Some of the content you can expect is:

In addition, we are looking into the feasibility of streaming some panels, providing online gaming opportunities, and providing other additional content. However, all of this is dependent on us having volunteers to help out. (Without some additional volunteers, we will not have the staff to stream panels or host virtual gaming. CONvergence is an all-volunteer event and you are a member of the organization, so we need you to help us make the convention fun for everyone! Check out how to get involved down below.)

Streamed CONvergence 2021 content will be available via several common streaming platforms simultaneously, including Twitch and YouTube.

Volunteers are needed!

While you may not be able to join the Valkyries, you can still be a hero of legend and help your CONvergence Community make this year’s events happen. In addition to all our regular convention activities—for which we will definitely need additional volunteers—the new innovations that are coming with running a hybrid event could really use some helping hands too!

For example, If we have more volunteers, we can offer more online content! Some of what we would like to offer—such as panels that are either live streamed or provided in a hybrid format using Zoom—will require volunteers who will be at the convention willing to actually do the work!

For a complete list of activities that need volunteers, please sign up for volunteer shifts, or reach out to the department you would like to help directly! You can also send questions and general inquiries to the Volunteers Department.

Thank You CONvergence Community

This has truly been a challenging year and we greatly appreciate your patience and support as we put together the different elements, and attempt to make something worthy of CONvergence legend. Stay tuned for more updates and we will see you in just one month!

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Posted on by Hal Bichel Posted in Announcements, Guests of Honor, Hotel

CONvergence is just one month away, so now is a great time to get to know our CONvergence 2021: The Stuff of Legends Guests of Honor so that you can look for their panels and events when the schedule is released! Then, keep reading for some more CONvergence 2021 announcements.

CONvergence 2021 Guests of Honor

Elsa Sjunneson

Headshot of Elsa Sjunneson peeking from behind a tree. Her hearing aid is visible in her ear and one her iris and pupil is milky white on one eye. Her other eye is blue. She is wearing purple glasses and pearls and has short, brown hair.Elsa Sjunneson is a self-described Deafblind hurricane in a vintage dress. Her fiction and nonfiction writing has been praised as “eloquence and activism in lockstep” and has been published in dozens of venues around the world. When she isn’t writing, Sjunneson works to dismantle structural ableism and rebuild community support for disabled people everywhere. Her debut memoir, Being Seen: One Deafblind Woman’s Fight to End Ableism, releases in October of 2021 from Tiller Press.

Click here to read more about Elsa Sjunneson!

Laura Anne Gilman

Headshot of Laura Anne Gilman. She is wearing jeans and a blazer and smiling coyly at the camera. Her glasses are hanging from her collar. She has dark brown, shoulder-length hair.

Laura Anne Gilman’s work has been hailed as “a true American myth” by NPR, and praised for her “deft plotting and first-class characters” by Publishers Weekly, among others. She won the Endeavor Award for The Cold Eye and has been shortlisted for a Nebula, (another) Endeavor, and a Washington State Book Award. Her novels include the Locus-bestselling weird western Devil’s West novels, the Cosa Nostradamus urban fantasy series, the Vineart War trilogy.

Click here to read more about Laura Anne Gilman!

T. Aaron Cisco

Headshot of T. Aaron Cisco. He is a Black man in dark sunglasses with light facial hair, smiling slightly at the camera, wearing a gray hat.T. Aaron Cisco is an award-winning author/essayist, tv producer, musician, and cosplaying chess nerd. His literary works include Teleportality, Dragon Variation, Big Ass Aliens, and Black Nerd Blue Box: The Wibbly Wobbly Memoirs of a Lonely Whovian. His latest book, Rod String Nail Cloth: An Afrofuturist Mixtape, reached the top five on Amazon’s Top 100 lists for both Science Fiction Anthologies, and Black & African American Science Fiction.

Click here to read more about T. Aaron Cisco!

Book Swap & Board Game Donation Drive

Do you have books or board games that you are done enjoying, and you would like to see other people enjoy? Our annual Book Swap & Board Game Donation Drive is a great opportunity to pass on print media and board games for all ages when you’re done with them! Books will be made available during the CONvergence 2021 Book Swap, for anyone to take and enjoy. Board games will be added to CONvergence’s board game library for everyone to enjoy during the convention. (Due to logistics challenges, board game donations will be especially important this year!)

We will be accepting donations in advance of the convention so you don’t have to lug all those wonderful books and board games to the convention with you!

Connie mark 2 as an alien reading "how to serve man" bookSunday, July 11, 2021
Noon – 4:00PM
Geek Partnership Society
121 NE Jackson St UNIT 106
Minneapolis, MN 55413

We are accepting:

  • Hardcover and paperback books
  • Anime/manga books
  • Graphic novels
  • Comic books
  • Children’s books
  • Used & new board games will all the pieces
  • Used & new party games with all the pieces
  • Used & new card games with all the cards

We will not accept items such as random board game pieces, cookbooks, manuals, how-to books relating to computer programs and components prior to 2010, or pornography.

No Shuttles for CONvergence 2021

Due to CONvergences 2021’s membership cap, the budget constraints it creates, and not having any official overflow hotels in 2021, CONvergence’s free shuttle service will not be available this year. Look for the CONvergence shuttle to return in 2022!

Hotel Rooms Are Still Available

Hotel rooms are still available at the Hyatt Regency and the Millennium hotels. Head over to the Hotel Rooms page for the links to reserve your room now and be close to all the CONvergence 2021 action!

Help Make Sure Panels Are Streamed Online

Connie singing on a laptop screen

We are currently seeking volunteers who can commit to using their own computer (and CONvergence’s wi-fi) to stream select live panels and events during the convention onto Zoom for those who can’t attend in person. Without a few heroes stepping up to help with this, it may not be able to happen at all. And while not all heroes wear capes, we actually do encourage you to wear a cape if you want to. Plus if you have any experience using Zoom, you may well be a legend yourself.

Send an email to activities@convergenceevents.org if you can help!

More News is Coming!

We know you are anxious to hear more information about CONvergence 2021: The Stuff of Legends! It is coming very soon, and we really appreciate your patience while we navigate convention planning with reduced staff and reduced resources.

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Posted on by Hal Bichel Posted in Announcements

We appreciate your patience over the past months and are excited to announce that CONvergence 2021: The Stuff of legends will proceed as scheduled! But, it will have some restrictions, as well as some exciting new options for members to participate.

If you would like to read a longer and more detailed version of this communication from the Convergence Events Board of Directors, click here.

CONvergence 2021: The Stuff of Legends

August 5-8 at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis

Connie wearing an N95 mask with her smile drawn on the front of it

To accommodate the needs and well-being of our community, we will offer three ways to participate in CONvergence 2021:

  • In-Person CONvergence Convention
    The in-person convention event will include most of the fun things you have come to expect from CONvergence: Guests of Honor, panels, performances, Dealers Room, Artists Alley, Art Show, Gaming, Parties, ConSuite, and more. They may just be a little different and a little more spread out for everyone’s safety. Future communications will include more specific details about what you can expect for each area and event, so stay tuned!
  • Online CONvergence Convention
    For those who want a CONvergence experience, but do not want to gather in person, we will be offering online programming throughout the convention that will include some of the in-person events, as well as some online-only programming. More details about online programming will be forthcoming!
  • CONvergence Staycation
    Don’t want to attend the in-person convention, but still want “go” to CONvergence? Come stay at the hotel, but remain in the comfort and safety of your room. In addition to the online programming, you can enjoy special closed-circuit CONvergence programming exclusive to hotel guests, and you will get special activity kits from the Quantum Sandbox and more (to be determined) CONvergence fun and treats delivered to your room!

In-Person COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Restrictions

Here are COVID-19 safety protocols and restrictions that will be in place for CONvergence 2021.

  • Attendees must wear masks in all convention spaces.
  • All attendees must be fully vaccinated. We will require proof of vaccination. (Your CDC card is more than adequate.)
  • Rooms will be set up with social distancing protocols in mind.
  • There will be sanitizing stations throughout the convention.
  • Attendance will be capped at 3,500 members and registration will close on June 15th, 2021. No one will be able to register at the door.
  • To cut down on one of our biggest lines, we will be mailing your badges. (The registration department will still be on-site if you somehow don’t receive your badge.)
  • Because children under 12 cannot currently be vaccinated, children under 12 will not be able to attend. This was a difficult decision and we recognize it makes things harder for parents of young children.

Membership Refunds

We will not be offering refunds for most Adult or Teen memberships because doing so would financially endanger Convergence Events, CONvergence’s parent organization. Your membership, whether or not you use it to attend CONvergence 2021, ensures CONvergence can continue next year and into future years.

Because children under 12 cannot attend the convention, we are making an exception to our No Refunds policy for families who have purchased childrens’ memberships. Additionally, if you have a medical condition that prohibits you from being vaccinated, please contact the Board of Directors [link to contact page] for accommodations. No other refunds will be given.

We Really Need Volunteers

Due to the pandemic and it causing the loss of some Convention Committee (ConCom) participation, CONvergence is very short-handed this year. Without enough volunteers, we will have to cut some things. If you are interested in volunteering to help make CONvergence 2021 the best that it can be for everyone, please contact the Volunteers Department.

Donations Always Accepted

If you are not planning to participate in CONvergence 2021 and would like to convert your membership into a tax-deductible donation, simply contact the Board of Directors [link to contact page] and you will receive receipt for your taxes. If you would like to make an additional donation to Convergence Events in any amount, please use the button below.

You will receive a tax receipt and the gratitude of a community that needs your support.

Thank You For Being In Our Community

If you still have questions and would like more details about the reasoning behind any of this information, click here a longer and more detailed version of this communication from the Convergence Events Board of Directors.

As a community, we will improvise, adapt, and overcome the obstacles. Together, we will make CONvergence 2021 the best we can, and continue to build towards a better future. We look forward to seeing you at CONvergence 2021, no matter how you choose to participate!

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Posted on by Hal Bichel Posted in Fun Stuff
Connie dressed as uncle sam saying "vote" in front of a photo of a Connie "I Voted" button next to a blank ballot

With everything else going on in the world right now, CONvergence would like to remind you to vote this election season. Civic participation is an important part of treating ourselves, each other, and our diverse community with respect—one of CONvergence’s core values.

If you have already voted, check with friends and family to see whether they have voted, or whether they would like some help figuring out how to vote. This way, we can all help each other and our communities.

Here are some resources, including some fun digital swag, for you to start and have those conversations.

Voter Information and Resources

These websites will help you and your friends and family find information about voting, and how to vote!

In Minnesota:

Nationally:

Free Connie “I Voted” Temporary Profile Picture

Now you can show all of your friends and followers you have voted with CONvergence-inspired style, and hopefully encourage them to vote too!

Facebook interface for adding a new profile picture, showing the Connie "I Voted" temporary profile picture.

Download Temporary Profile Picture
(587KB JPG)

This high-resolution image is pre-formatted for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but feel free to use it on any and all websites to show off to your friends that you are both part of the CONvergence community and that you value civic participation.


Free “Connie Wants You To Vote” Mobile Wallpaper

Want an easy and convenient reminder to vote that you can whip out of your pocket and show your friends and family from six feet away? Well we have you covered!

A smartphone with the "Connie Wants You To Vote" mobile wallpaper on it. Mobile Wallpaper is Connie dressed as uncle sam, pointing at the viewer, with a talk bubble that says "VOTE".

Download Mobile Wallpaper
(960x1708PX, 468KB JPG)

This image is sized to work as a background image for your home screen or lock screen on most mobile devices.


Limited-time Donation Thank-you Gift

Available until Election Day in the United States, you can now get your very own Connie “I Voted” pinback button!

Photo of 1" pinback button showing Connie wearing an Uncle Sam hat and "I VOTED" in purple text.

The buttons are 1″ and will allow you to show off your civic participation in a uniquely CONvergence way. They are thank-you gifts for making a donation of $5 or more to CONvergence Events, Inc. between now and Election day.

Simply donate to help support CONvergence by Tuesday, November 3, 2020, and you will receive your button in the mail.

Your tax-deductible donation will help CONvergence plan for the next in-person convention and cover costs related to COVID-19 safety. We invite you to donate more than $5 if you are able and willing!

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Connie reclining