Progressive Fandom

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Dear Fans, 

There’s an important part, maybe the most important part, of a fan convention that may get overlooked in building the con. We at the Utah for 2019 bid team feel that the part that deserves more focus and appreciation is you...our supporters. Utah Fandom Organization (UFO) believes in an idea called progressive fandom, where more fans should influence the events they attend.

We want to hear your voice, ideas, topics, subjects and opinions on what happens during this building process and for Westercon 72 should we win. This is your chance to direct us to making your ideal convention. Please take a moment to fill out the form below and be a deciding factor in what happens in 2019.

Programming Ideas: We welcome panel topics! We want all the details that you can give on new ideas. We will do our best to have a well-balanced and diverse program moving forward.

Subjects of Fandom: Our goal, should we win, is to have a blanket of subjects that are of interest to fans. Some of these include Costuming, Science Fiction, Writing, Art, Poetry, Fantasy, Science, Literacy, Theater, Fanfiction, Horror, Steampunk, Anime, Film, Fanzines, etc.. We at Utah for 2019 know that no concom can guess what 100% of what interests everyone. Please suggest more subjects that interest you so that we can include and research to make this event truly Amazing!

Events: There are many traditions that create exciting events during a convention. These include concerts, workshops, socials and off-site excursions. Please tell us if an area event interests you, or you have suggestions for an event.

Guests of Honor: Fantastic potential Guests of Honor are often overlooked due to a lack of suggestions. We have outlined some basic guest positions below. Your voice matters. You can help us pay attention to the celebrities of the growing fan community. For Westercon, all guests of honor are recommended, but not required to be, from the Western region of the United States.

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Posthumous Guests: Too late, many pioneers, supporters and contributors to the fandom of Science Fiction and Fantasy pass away before we can honor them. Suggestions for Posthumous Guests (Ghosts of Honor?) can help us find ways to remember their achievements in 2019. This can include exhibits, memorial services, displays, and even donating in their honor to charities and promoting literacy for a future generation. Please send us any suggestions in this category of those who deserve this honor.

Author/Literary GOH: You can suggest authors, editors, agents and others who are:

• Published (or worked) in the Science Fiction/Fantasy field for a minimum of 5 years.
• Received a nomination or award in Science Fiction/Fantasy OR recognition on the New York Times Bestsellers list.
• Represent more than one genre or fan subject (or combination)

Note: We will also consider a published author if they have yet to win an award or are newcomers but are nationally published and represent an area of fandom, minority, or theme/topic interest, or tie into charity work focus.

Artist GOH: We welcome suggestions on artists as our Artist Guest of Honor who are:

• Recognized in science fiction/fantasy art topics or speculative fiction themes or tie-ins.
• Published in book covers, posters, statues, game cards, modeling, etc. or exhibited in a venue of more than 200 attendees.
• Nominated or won an award in their field OR participated in more than two convention art shows the chair can confirm.
• Works/interests that cover two different art mediums or focus topics.

Science GOH: We wish to emphasize the Science aspect of a science fiction/fantasy convention. We seek suggestions with the following considerations:

• Recognized and published in the scientific community OR have a degree in their field and interest applied to a speculative fiction/fan topic.
• A secondary interest/application to genre, diversity, or mechanics of standard SF/F conventions (for example neuroscience and zombies, or NASA and costuming/props etc.)
• Willing to apply their field of knowledge to any and all crazy topics fandom may throw at them.

Fan GOH: Fan honorees are very important as a way to respect fandom. They can be a vital part of integrating attendees in our convention. An ideal Fan GOH should be:

• Recognized as a long-standing contributor to the SF/F world community, likely with more than 10 years of service/participation.
• Not previously honored as a Fan Guest of Honor at a prior Westercon. In particular, we would like to honor often overlooked cornerstones of fandom.
• Willing or interested in participating in the fan lounge, fanzine, or social meeting outliers during the convention.

Music/Filk GOH: A suggestion for either filk or music guests should be:

• Known in the filk community and have at least two years of performance reference.
• A good entertainer, upbeat, engaging, and have a repertoire that includes at least two areas of fandom, music genre, performance skill or interest.
• Include individuals who wish to enhance the conference experience.

Note: A Music or Filk GOH will not be required to perform in an extra-cost event.

Special Guests: Depending on convention support and attendance, as a committee we can invite special guests to enhance the fan experience. While we will have only one GOH in a field, you can suggest special guests who may have the following achievements or credentials:

• A science field
• Costuming
• Steampunk
• Horror
• Editing
• Publishing
• Teaching
• Diversity topics and inclusion
• Photography or other underrepresented art field
• Theater and props
• Convention running
• Specific fandoms
• Writing
• Media
• Gaming
• Marketing in a covered genre

Note: We will consider other performers such as music or dancing, but not at a guest level. You can suggest we should invite to perform in the comment box.

Note: Please use discretion in nominating professionals versus friends.

Master/Mistress of Ceremonies: Not to be confused with the Toastmaster, the Master/Mistress of Ceremonies (also known as an MC or emcee) is the official host for staged events, performances, and social convention events. They introduce speakers, make announcements during events and engage us all to keep the event and the fun going from beginning to end.

The only requirements for suggesting an MC would be:

• They be engaging in person or on stage
• In good standing in fandom (or with convention topics)
• Having professional or personal interests or skills in at least two areas they are willing to share.

Toastmaster: Suggestions for toastmaster should be an individual known to the science fiction and fantasy community who is a good speaker. These people will not only toast the opening and closing of the convention, but possibly various meetings or events during the con in support of the MC. This individual should be of age to enter all areas of the convention and may interview either the MC or a Guest of Honor.

Fandom can be as diverse and inclusive as we, as fans, make it. While we as the convention committee may not be able to have a guest for every category, we welcome suggestions to bring in guests as we hit each level and support.

Thank you for taking the time to make our convention even better with your input.

Your Utah for 2019 Team

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About Supporting

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How to Support Utah for 2019

A Note from our team:

Our bid was born out of a need to see an official bid for Westercon 72. Tempe wanted to bid to continue the Westercon tradition and we are extremely grateful to them for giving us the inspiration. When we realized that we could place a bid, building off the momentum of Westercon 67, we jumped on it. To have the chance to bring this type of science fiction convention back to Utah and expose future generations to the opportunity of being a part of an amazing community, it is something we simply could not pass up.

The proposed dates of Westercon 72, should we win the bid, are July 3rd - 7th, 2019 in Layton, Utah.

We can’t do this without your support. This gives us only three months to campaign, draw support, and ask for your votes - we will do our best to gain your confidence.

Utah for 2019 has a hold on facilities and hotel accommodations. We have worked with the Tourism & Events Bureau to bring every opportunity to the table. This website has been designed to show you our plan to hold a Westercon. Our support levels are now live. Any support level given will lead to a discount on membership pricing should we be voted at Westercon 70 this July 1st - 4th, 2017.

Thank you for your consideration,

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Utah for 2019 Bid Team

Side Note: The question of bidding for a NASFiC (North American Science Fiction Convention) came down to the fact if a Worldcon is voted overseas, then there would be two possible conventions, Westercon and the NASFiC, with similar goals, competing for space and members in the same year while dodging the dates of the overseas Worldcon.

The options are sexy for Worldcon 2019. This is an opportunity to solidify membership, expand awareness of all three conventions, and teach what has made these honored conventions great for so many years.

Utah for 2019 does not push for any particular bid, Worldcon will vote what is best for their convention. We only wish to be up front, and declare if a NASFiC becomes an option due to an overseas bid, we will bid for that as well, and run/combine both for a unique experience.

FAQs

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 Are You Confused? Let's Try To Fix That...

• What is Westercon?

Westercon is the West Coast’s most prestigious science fiction and fantasy convention. It bounces around the Western Region of the United States, and approaches its 70th year in 2017. Started many years ago for fans who couldn’t afford to attend the World Science Fiction Convention, Westercon became an event where fans travel to different parts of the West, join with different communities, and experience science fiction and fantasy fandom together.

• What are the dates proposed?

We plan on having Westercon 72, should we win, on July 3rd - July 7th, 2019 in Layton, Utah at the Davis Convention Center with the attached Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.

• Why will you be Westercon 72?

Westercon is a yearly tradition. Whoever wins the vote in Tempe Arizona this year, becomes the 72nd Westercon for 2019.

• What is this whole voting thing?

Supporting and Attending memberships for Westercon 70 have the right under the bylaws to pay a small fee and vote for who gets to host Westercon 72. We need to win the vote to become a seated Westercon for 2019.

• How do I vote?

You can vote by becoming an Attending or Supporting member of Westercon 70 in Tempe Arizona, July 1st - 5th. If you are only supporting and voting, the deadlines are sooner. You can contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Why do you ask for pre-support?

The Utah for 2019 bid team spends hours, and their own money making sure this awesome event is available. By pre-supporting the bid you are boosting the morale of the poor overworked volunteers, as well as financially helping run bid parties, print campaign material, negotiate with venues, add perks to the event and spread the word to more fans. A pre-support also gives you bonuses and a discount towards attending the event should we win.

• What are these wacky Support Levels?

The team came up with funny labels to represent different levels of monetary support. Each level has a reference to Utah or fan history and other media forms. The levels also offer bonus items for supporting, including a discount towards membership if we succeed.

• Tickets vs. Memberships

Tickets are purchased often for one time events. They allow someone to attend a movie, ride a bus, or pay for getting caught by your local law agency. Memberships, by tradition show you are a part of a community. Not only does this give you access to the full experience, it gives you all the publications, rights to vote, participation in policy meetings, and a welcome place among the amazing Westercon fans.

• Who is on your committee? Who is your chair? What experience do they have?

Our team is listed in detail here: http://www.utahfor2019.com/about-the-bid/our-team. Chairs for the convention are announced should we win the bid. We are always looking for volunteers, are you interested? The committee positions might change and expand through the process.

• What are some of the main tourist attractions of your city?

Davis County, Layton City, Utah, is nestled near the mountains between the cities of Ogden, and Salt Lake City. A beautiful playground; it’s home to Antelope Island State Park, Lagoon Amusement Park with Pioneer Village in Farmington, and Layton City Mall with an interactive aquarium. The Great Salt Lake is only minutes away as well.

Layton gives easy access to over 15 trails and parks, the Heritage Museum, Layton Sego Lily Day Spa, Hill Air Force Museum, Virtual Reality Venues, and The Hive Brandy Company & Winery.

• What type of weather can we expect in Layton, Utah during the Westercon weekend (July 3rd - 7th)?

Layton Utah in July ranges from a low of 56 degrees to a high of 102. Average is 78 degrees and usual over the holiday weekend is 85-95. July only holds about 0.3” precipitation levels. Other averages are on our location stats page under Venues, Layton City. 

• What will Westercon 72 convention policies be like?

Utah Fandom Organization is in the process of outlining their code of conduct for events, as well as the Westercon bid team’s working out policies that include issues of harassment, assault, lost children, photography, and general guidelines. We’re also going to work with volunteers and staff on updated ADA guidelines and previous cons ideas on progressive hospitality.

• What are airfares/train fares like?

Salt Lake City International Airport has two terminals, five concourses (A-E) and 71 aircraft gates. Delta Air Lines, KLM and SkyWest Airlines operate from Terminal Two. All other airlines serving Salt Lake City use Terminal One. In addition to scheduled international service, the International Terminal is used by chartered flights and houses U.S. Customs.

We can inform you of average rates for 2017 for a group of cities to Salt Lake roughly three months out. However, it’s too early to inform on accurate pricing.

Amtrak has a terminal in Salt Lake City that serves as a hub for California routes and Western routes that reach destinations coast to coast. It is too early for predictable pricing. 

• Why Layton?

We wanted to give Westercon attendees a fresh look at Utah, as Westercon 67 in Salt Lake was our first. Layton has the facilities, is only 23 minutes from the airport, and is close to many more options for interests and off site excursions. We also wanted to avoid the Barbershop International Harmony Conference in Salt Lake for 2019.

• What can we expect for a Westercon?

Westercon is a regional Science Fantasy Convention. It covers programming that includes literature, speculative fiction genres, costuming, steampunk, fandom, art, gaming and other fan related activities. You can expect ‘geek’ culture at large with emphasis on a community and personable settings. Other traditional events such as cosplay, socials, masquerades, excursions and ceremonies can be found here: Westercon.org/traditions

• It’s not a media con?

What some term as media cons or ‘Comic Cons’ consist of a big market push, often high celebrity participants and huge attendance focused on pop culture aspects of the experience. Conventions that are fan based/related such as Westercon, Worldcon, and Symposiums keep their focus on the community, learning or personable experience. Yes it still costs to attend and purchase some items, however it centers around discussions, inclusion, socialization, brainstorming, and innovation while honoring those in fan related fields. All cons big or small focus on fandom likes and trends, but smaller, fan-based cons give you a better push to interact without the extra buck. 

• How are you working with other local events/groups?

Since Utah is writer ‘heavy’ we have reached out to local writing groups. Utah for 2019 has also been in touch with, or worked with people who supported the local ‘conduit’ convention in previous years and have had talks with the local steampunk community and anime group. There are plans on working with a local aerospace company, fanfiction groups, makers group, poetry slam, Hill Air Force Base, as well as literacy campaigns and businesses in Layton. This does not list regional reach-out plans.

• What is the organization behind this convention?

The Utah Fandom Organization is the nonprofit endorsing this bid/campaign. UFO’s goals include charitable works for educational purposes in promoting Science Fiction and Fantasy literature, the fostering of activities for readers and creators in that community, including fan-oriented activities, with an emphasis on points of literacy, inclusion, expanding the range of opinions and approaches in the field and expand interest in genre fiction, arts, and culture.

• How else can I get to Layton, Utah?

Flying carpets, space rockets and time machines are not listed at this time. However, you can find options for airplane, train, bus, car, and technically body flying coordinates at our transportation page under Venues/Layton Utah.

• What arrangements will be made for evening socializing and party space? Do you have a corkage waiver?

We have been clear with both the Davis Conference Center and the attached Hilton Garden Inn on our needs for evening programming, social spaces and party spaces as well. Our team plans on extended evening programming. Our social spaces will primarily be in suites, with some social events in the dcc. Utah for 2019 will have more details once the contracts are final, should we win the bid.

• How much is parking?

The Davis Conference Center and the Hilton Garden Inn have free parking. We are working with the Davis County Tourism & Events team to make sure attendees will have parking options and oversized vehicle options.

• What will room rates be?

We are working with hotels and the Davis County Tourism and Events Bureau to secure great hotel rates to this event, however we will not list pricing until we succeed with a bid first, and finalize contracts.

• East Wing, What about the West Wing of the convention center?

The east wing of the DCC is ideal for a Westercon. Our bid team would love to negotiate for the west wing which includes a huge exhibit hall, but that depends on support, votes and memberships. So, it all depends on you.

• Do you have awards/prizes/contests?

As the committee sits on a full hat of tricks and awards, Utah for 2019 needs to remind you that sneak peeks can only happen if we are supported and win the bid.

• Will you take in mailed artwork?

We would love to get the west wing with the exhibit hall to have a great art show, choice awards and accept mail-in artwork. This will depend on support, success, and who we choose as the on site Art Director. Questions like this about the convention are better addressed with more details if we win the bid.

• How is the crime rate in Layton?

Out of an average of 1,600 crimes reported per year in Layton, 1,455 were property crimes. These numbers are less than ⅓ the average of Utah crimes per city and less than 1/8th average crimes per population reported in the United States. Many Layton residents now lock their vehicles so we expect this rate to reduce drastically!

• How are accessibility options? Travel?

One of our team is experienced in checking facilities for ADA compliancy. The Utah Transit Authority has Paratransit information on their website and we have it on our transportation page. Major airlines including Southwest have ADA options and acknowledgements for people of size, wheelchair and scooter transport, and assist devices on flights. More options including allergy awareness forms and TTY etc will be posted during the bid and on the convention site should we win.

• Do you even have spirits out there?

Call it what it is, Alcohol! Can Utah throw a party? Oh yes. Not only do we have local breweries and national brands, but Layton City is home to the Hive Brandy Company & Hive Winery. Did we mention there is even a local brand of beer called Polygamy Beer? Information for those 21 and older, of course.

• How do I get some flyers/postcards  or pins to hand out at my local convention?

We might be there, or we may be sending a freebie/care package if we are yet unable to attend every convention. Our team can only expand with volunteers. Send us an email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can send a package to the conference so you can pass things out, help is always welcome.

Maps

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Maps, Transportation Routes, and Building Layouts

Davis Conference Center, 1651 N. 700 W., Layton, Utah 84041	Davis Conference Center East Wing
Free Trolley Route 628 Midtown Trolley Layton	Salt Lake International Airport Overview
Layton Hills Mall 1,225 feet from the Davis Conference Center (Accessible by the free Midtown Trolley)	Interstate Map of Utah and Surrounding States
UTA Trax Routes in Utah	UTA Bus & Trax Convergence From The Airport