Infrequently Asked Questions
There is an often-seen phenomena on the internet that consists of a list of frequently asked questions. These usually consist of questions that new people tend to ask established communities. There is a less often-seen phenomena on the internet that consists of a list of infrequently asked questions. These are often humorous, and sometimes misleading. Well, we here at the Des Moines Science Fiction Society have decided to combine the two. What follows in this section is a list of questions that are not often asked, but that we feel should be. So, feel free to browse the questions (and answers) listed here. If you have any further questions, please to not hesitate to ask us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Infrequently Asked Questions
What time does the convention start?
Registration opens at 2:00 PM (14:00) on Friday May 3, 2013. The Opening ceremonies start at 7:00 PM (19:00), but we will have various activities starting around 3:00 PM (15:00), so show up early for maximum fun.
What is "Opening Ceremonies" ?
Opening Ceremonies is the official kick-off for the convention. The Guests of Honor will be introduced, along with other attending guests and the convention steering committee (ConCom). This is followed by a performance by the Trans-Iowa Canal Company West (tm), an amateur theater troupe specializing in science fiction oriented comedy.
Do I have to wear a costume? Can I wear one anyway?
You do not have to wear a costume to enjoy DemiCon. Just show up as yourself and join the fun. Some people will choose to wear costumes, and they will run the range from fun festive party clothing, to the bug-eyed monster of the week. You may even see Klingons, vampires, pirates, superheroes, steam punk costumes and whatever else our creative attendees can imagine.
Are there costume contests?
Yes! There are 2 costume contests at DemiCon; the Hall Costume contest on Friday night, and the Formal Masquerade on Saturday night. Please review the rules for these events. You cannot wear the same costume for
both events.
Are there activities for all ages?
Most of the activities and events at DemiCon are suitable for all ages. Some special activities will be scheduled for children and also for the "youth" segment of the population- those who haven't quite reached legal voting age. A separate "youth" oriented area will be set aside for both organized and self directed activities. Activities for specific age groups will be labeled on the event schedule.
What about "adult" themed events?
DemiCon offers a wide range of programming choices. If content of a program or event is intended for "mature audiences only", it will be clearly labeled.
Does DemiCon provide daycare?
No, DemiCon does not provide any daycare.
What about parking at the Holiday Inn Northwest Hotel?
There is plenty of free parking in the hotel’s parking lot.
Do I have to stay at the Holiday Inn Northwest to attend DemiCon?
Of course not! You may come and go as you please from the convention. You are free to stay or not stay anywhere you choose including but not limited to your home, your car, a castle, a dragon's lair, an alternate dimension, or a hobbit hole.
What happens at DemiCon?
DemiCon has many activities both planned and unplanned. The planned activities tend to involve entertainment, discussions, and workshops. The entertainment ranges from video to live theater to live musical performance. The discussions range from old and new issues in literature to what to expect from the new television seasons. Workshop topics vary year to year and can cover projects involving: writing, costuming, gaming, theater, music, programming, and art. The unplanned activities vary year to year, but generally seem to involve a lot of talking to old friends, making new friends, playing games, and exploring new places to eat lunch, supper, dinner, late dinner, later dinner, latest dinner, and desert. For specific information on planned events, please refer to our programming page. For more information on how to be actively involved at DemiCon, see our Get Involved page.
What is the cost to attend DemiCon?
Early Registration:
$50.00 Weekend adult rate until April 1st 2013
$20.00 Child (5-12 years of age)
Free for Children 4 and under
At the Door:
$60.00 Weekend adult rate
$25.00 Child (5-12 years of age)
Free for Children 4 and under
$10 Explorer Pass, good for 3 hours (can be applied to upgrade to weekend)
$30 Friday only
$40 Saturday only
$10 Sunday only
Gee, that seems like a lot of money. Can you explain?
The convention begins on Friday at 2:00 p.m. and runs straight through, 24 hours a day, till 3:00 p.m. Sunday. The cost actually works out to around $1.50 an hour for a whole bunch of fun and entertainment and includes refreshments available in the ConSuite.