Writing Contests

The prose and poetry contests return for DemiCon 24.

Rules for the contest are:
1) Stories and poems must use the description “24 karat gold” somewhere in the text.
2) Prose is limited to no more than 7,500 words.
3) Poetry is limited to no more than 100 lines.
4) The deadline for receipt of entries is Monday, April 1, 2013.
5) A separate youth category will exist for writers under 18 years of age. The entry must include the writer’s age at the start of DemiCon 24.

All entries will be posted on-line after judging is completed and will be available for reading in print form at the convention. In addition to judges’ comments, members of the convention will be invited to give their feedback to the writers.

There will be first-, second- and third-place winners. Judging will be based on an overall ranking and on three broad categories. Winners will be selected based on total points, with any ties broken using the overall rankings. The categories are Character, Description, and Continuity based on their effective use within the story or poem. Character includes growth of characters, use of dialogue, and believability of characters. Description includes the general use of description, how technological or fantastical items specific to the story are described, and description that sets the scene. Continuity includes consistency of writing, general adherence to the theme, and if the story or poem progresses true to the story’s world.

Judges will include members of DMSFS and other well-read individuals who are not professional writers or editors. Information on where to send your entries will be posted later.

Send your entries no later than April 1, 2013, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . RTF is preferred over .doc or .docs files. You will be sent an email to confirm your entry was received. If you have not received confirmation within three days of submitting your entry, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . If you prefer to submit your entry by U.S. mail, please send it to Contests in c/o DMSFS, P.O. Box 7572 Des Moines, IA 50323

Self Run Panels

Last year we had a couple self run panels that put you in charge. Hey, let's do it again!

You choose how much time you wish to take and what you do. Just follow the panels directions and away you go. Take a look!

The DemiCon Cardio Loop

You say you want a way to start exercising? Or perhaps you are missing your regular workout because you are at the Con? We have the solution for you; the DemiCon Cardio Loop! The Cardio Loop is running from 10 am - 2pm Saturday and is an "at your own pace" activity. Simply go to the Hub to sign up, find the stairwell, and start climbing those stairs! Climb to the 5th floor, walk down the hallway, and descend on the other side. Return to your starting point and you have made one loop! Make as may loops at you want and when finished, return to the Hub to pick up your "I survived the DemiCon Cardio Loop" button. There is a place on the button to record the number of loops you complete. Remember, each journey starts with a single step, and you can start that journey or keep it going here!

The Journey of a Thousand Steps

As part of the DemiCon Cardio loop we have marked out an option for The Journey of a Thousand Steps. For this option, start walking in the lower level of the hotel, at the junction of the hallway past Registration. The starting place will be marked. Walk toward the main staircase, go up the stairs and left to the elevator bank on the first floor to where the start of the Cardio Loop is marked. Complete 2 Cardio Loops, then walk back to the 1000 steps starting position in the lower level to complete the journey. 2 of our test subjects managed this in 1000 steps. Your journey may have fewer steps or more steps based on your stride.

DemiCon 24 On-line Registration

DemiCon Policies

Convention Rules

More Helpful Suggestions from The Committee

Rule 1 -- Weapons Policy: All weapons must be peace-bonded; no projectile weapons of any type may be carried or used. If you need an item peace bonded or if you are uncertain your item would be considered a weapon or a prop, go to the Hub - it will be determined there. Exceptions may be made for certain weapons that are part of the formal masquerade costumes, provided that arrangements have been made in advance with the Masquerade Coordinator, and exceptions may be made for certain programming events, provided that the ConCom and Ranger staff is informed in advance and a notice is posted on all entrances to the room. Any violations of the weapons policy or refusal to cooperate with the requests of our staff regarding weapons matters may result in actions ranging from confiscation of weapons to being evicted from the convention.

Rule 2 -- Drinking Policy: The legal drinking age in Iowa is 21. We cannot and will not serve any alcoholic beverages to persons born after May 3, 1992. If you turn 21 during the convention, come see us at registration, so we can arrange a special badge for you. The barkeep on duty has the right to card anyone, even if I.D. has been previously presented. Persons hosting room parties are responsible for ensuring that their guests are of legal age before serving them alcohol. Any one serving alcohol has a right and legal responsibility to refuse service to anyone who may be imbibing irresponsibly.

Rule 3 -- Badge Policy: Badges are required for all convention functions. Anyone not wearing a badge will be asked to produce it or leave the function space. If you lose your badge, report in immediately to the registration table. If you find someone's badge, please return it to the registration table. Burden of proof of lost badges rests with the badge holder, not the convention staff. It's our decision whether we replace the badge with a charge or at no charge.

Rule 4 -- Kids in Tow Policy: All children under age 10 must be accompanied by a paid adult when in convention areas. Parents/Guardians are responsible for controlling the behavior of their offspring. DemiCon is not a day care facility.

Rule 5 -- Compliance Policy: If you have any problems, suggestions or complains, please contact a DemiCon staff member or go to the Hub, not a hotel staff person (unless the problem is with your personal sleeping room). There is always a radio at Registration, the Art Show, the Dealers' Room and ConSuite if you need assistance summoning a Ranger or member of ConCom.

Rule 6 -- There is no rule six.

Rule 7 -- Chocolate Policy: Yes, please and thank you. The more the merrier, the darker the better. Happy, happy, joy, joy.

Rule 8 -- Non-smoking policy: All areas of the hotel are designated as non-smoking. If you smoke outside, please dispose of cigarette butts appropriately.

Rule 9 -- Pool Policy: Pool hours are 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. with the hotel. Please cooperate if you are asked to leave by our Ranger on duty or by hotel staff. The pool is on the first floor and you need a sleeping room key to access the pool and hot tub area.

Photo Disclaimer

The weekend May 3-5, 2013, please be advised that unless you expressly prohibit our photographers from capturing you on camera, you hereby waive all rights associated with their publication and grant the Des Moines Science Fiction Society, Ltd. all publication rights. 

Photos are intended for use only as promotional materials to appear in print, television, Internet advertising and/or in the Paradox publication and publicity, including video. 

DemiCon Transfers

The cut off date for requests to transfer your DC 24 membership to next year's DC 25 convention is April 19, 2013 if you can not attend.  This is a straight transfer.  There is no pricing adjustments.  You must contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive permission.

If you are transferring your membership to another person that is attending DemiCon 24, the person that is attending in your stead must have a signed letter by you giving the person permission to use your membership.

If you have any questions please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Harassment Policy

The Des Moines Science Fiction Society, Ltd. Harassment Policy

Definition of Harassment

Harassment is any form of behavior that is unwelcome, unreciprocated and unsolicited which makes an unpleasant, humiliating or intimidating environment for the person who is the target of that behavior.

To provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all club members (convention attendees) and allow for a wide diversity of beliefs, lifestyles and morals, we will adopt and maintain the following behavior protocols:

If you mean NO — say NO.

If you hear NO — STOP!

If you witness someone having trouble saying or hearing NO - get involved.

Contact Con Staff at The Hub or flag down a designated DemiCon Ranger in your area. If circumstances warrant, intervene as good judgment dictates until a Ranger arrives.