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 is a list of questions that are not often asked, but that we feel should be. Please browse the questions (and answers) listed here. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask us!
Infrequently Asked Questions
What time does the convention start?
Registration opens at 2:00 PM (14:00) on Friday May 4, 2018. The Opening Ceremonies start at 7:00 PM (19:00) on Friday, but we will have various activities starting around 2:00 PM (15:00), so show up early for maximum fun.
Note: We have not yet finalized the schedule for DemiCon 29 so there is a small chance these times could change.
What is the average attendance to DemiCon?
DemiCon enjoys an average attendance of around 600 people. Our members (attendees) are all ages from all over the United States.
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™, 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 choose to wear costumes, and they will run the range from festive party clothing to the bug-eyed monster of the week. You may see Klingons, vampires, pirates, superheroes, steampunk costumes, and whatever else our creative attendees can imagine.
Are there costume contests?
Yes! There are two costume contests at DemiCon — the Hall Costume contest on Friday night, and the Masquerade & Cosplay on Saturday night. Please review the rules for these 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 and teen segments of the population. A separate teen-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. Remember to bring your badge with you each time you return to DemiCon from that alternate dimension, as the badge is required for admission to the con.
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?
Preregistration on-line or via US Mail
Pre-registration rates are available until 11:59PM March 31, 2018.
$55.00 weekend adult (full con access)
$25.00 weekend child 5-12 years of age (full con access)
Free for children 4 and under
At-the-door registration
$65.00 weekend adult (full con access)
$25.00 weekend child 5-12 years of age (full con access)
Free for children 4 and under
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 4:00 p.m. Sunday (times subject to change). The cost of the regular membership actually works out to around $1.30 an hour for a whole bunch of fun and entertainment, and includes refreshments available in the ConSuite on the 5th floor.
Hey, I want to advertise in your program book! How much does it cost?
The program book’s advertising rates are:
Inside Front Cover (live area 5″ x 8″): $75
Full Page (live area 5″ x 8″): $60
Half Page (live area 5″ x 3 7/8″): $35
Quarter Page (live area 2 3/8″ x 3 7/8″): $20
Contact publications@demicon.org to submit an ad to us. The deadline to have an ad placed with us is March 15, 2018.