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Let this website be your source for Loscon related information. There are four main ways to navigate this site:
- Using the links listed on the side bars of each page;
- Using the website table of contents;
- Soon to come will be a Convention Facilities Layout with links to explore the convention's geography;
- Looking below for a related question and the internal website links or convention contacts suggested to answer your question or solve your problem.
At the convention itself there will be a kiosk where there will be helpful individuals ready and willing to assist you in navigating the convention experience. There will also be facilities and assistance available for those with special needs (access@loscon.org). If you have any further questions or concerns, please e-mail info@loscon.org. Also Check out our Local Resources page for some pertinent information.
QUESTIONS
- What is a Science Fiction Convention?
- What is Loscon?
- What is there to do at Loscon?
- Is there anything for Kids at Loscon?
- Will I be able to get Autographs?
- Where is Loscon? - Directions
- Will there be food available at the Convention?
- What is around Loscon? - Local Information
- Where should I park and where should I stay?
- What should I pack?
- When should I show up?
- How do I join/register?
- How do I know if I'm registered?
- Is there any way I can get involved, or volunteer?
- What is the Weapons Policy?
- Where can I get more info?
What is a Science Fiction Convention?
A science fiction convention is a multiple day event where like-minded people (fans) get together to enjoy each other's company and meet people who work within the science fiction and fantasy genre, whether books, art, film, TV, or audio. There are generally specific Guests of Honor or special themes around which the entire experience revolves in terms of programming and events.
What is Loscon?
Loscon is a fan-run science fiction convention held every year over Thanksgiving weekend in the Los Angeles Area. It is put on by the LASFS (Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society) as a major fundraiser to support this non-profit science fiction club. The primary area of emphasis at this convention is on the celebration of science fiction literature of all kinds (however, being in that limited way a general science fiction convention rather than one focused upon a certain theme or topic).
What is there to do at Loscon?
The primary activity at Loscon (and most science fiction conventions) is panel programming. Throughout each day of the convention there are a series of tracks of programming where you can go and listen to (or even participate in) the discussion of particular subjects. Examples of the types of panel programming that will be available at this Loscon can be viewed on the Panels page. Other tracks of programming during the day involve an anime room (showing anime all day long) and a gaming room. Also at Loscon will be a large dealer's room with all types of science fiction related merchandise and an art show with a large variety of science fiction artistic expression (both professional and fannish) available for purchase. In the evening, there can be a masquerade of science fiction costuming, an ice cream social, dances, parties and other types of events. This is just a small peek at all the things happening at any Loscon.
Is there anything for Kids at Loscon?
Yes, there is a separate track of Children's Programming. However, this is not a babysitting service and all the children must be at least toilet trained. Most programming at Loscon is at least PG-13, and where it is not it will be prominently noted. There is even planned a special track of teen programming with a "teen-only" room for them to hang out.
Will I be able to get Autographs?
Most authors and other guests of the convention are very willing to freely give autographs if asked nicely. There will be times posted at the convention during which certain guests will be available specifically for this activity at autograph tables. We only ask that you, out of courtesy, limit the number of items you wished to have autographed at any one time.
Where is Loscon? - Basic Directions
Los Angeles Airport Marriott - 5855 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Phone: 1-310-641-5700 Fax: 1-310-337-5358. From Los Angeles Airport - LAX (0 mi NE) Take East Century Blvd. Hotel is on the left.
From Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena - Burbank Airport (20 mi NE) Take 101 Freeway West to 405 South. Exit Century Blvd. West. From Long Beach - LGB (20 mi SW) Take 405 North to 105 Freeway West, exit Sepulveda, go right to Century Boulevard, East Ramp, continue 3 blocks, exit to Airport Boulevard, turn left, then right into Hotel.
Will there be food available at the Convention?
Don't come to the convention expecting to be fed. There are three hotel restaurants to pick from at our new facilities: Champion's Sports Bar (American) open for lunch, dinner.
JW's Steakhouse (Steakhouse) open for dinner.
Latitude 33 (Continental) open for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Starbucks Cafe (Coffee House) open for breakfast, lunch, dinner. See the on-line local information guide for a list of the multitude of close-by off-site resources. There will be a local restaurant guide available at the convention information desk.
What is around Loscon? - Local Information
A list is viewable on the Local Resources Page. Also, the Hotel Website has a long list of local resources.
Where should I park and where should I stay?
For those commuting - There is ample available paid parking at the hotel itself. Onsite parking is available for 12.00 USD per day with a Loscon validation reducing it down to 8.00 USD. Valet parking is available 17.00 USD Per day. For those wanting to stay - There are plenty of rooms available at the LAX Marriott at reasonable rates. The convention rate this year is $93. It is always easier to attend a convention by staying within the convention hotel, especially with the late night parties and dances. Visit the LAX Marriott Website for more information about the Hotel itself. Other hotels and motels are also available nearby, just do an on-line search or view our Local Resources page.
What should I pack?
Make sure to pack a reasonable amount of clean clothes and comfortable shoes for the length of the convention. Jeans and t-shirts are the common and acceptable fare. If you have any costuming type garb, please throw it in. There are hall costume awards given out throughout the length of the convention, with special acknowledgments given out this year for the best costumes. You might also want to throw in some specific clothes geared toward the parties and dances held every night of the convention. Oh ... be certain not to forget to leave enough room for the many purchases you will be making in both the dealer's room and the art show.
When should I show up?
The first programming item is scheduled for around 11:30 AM on Friday with programming then continuing throughout the weekend until sometime Sunday afternoon. We suggest you arrive a bit earlier than that in order to plan out your personal weekend schedule based on the program book you'll receive at the registration table. However, you could arrive any time during the weekend and something will be going on that you'd be interested in. There are activities occuring continuously throughout the weekend, with such activities as filking running all night long. Some people show up earlier on Thursday afternoon and volunteer to help with convention setup and then stay around until very late Sunday night to help tear down (contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information).
How do I join/register?
Science Fiction Conventions sell memberships and not tickets since you are joining a community for a weekend of commarderie and not trying to gain admission to an exclusive event. In order to register for Loscon click here and fill out the registration form. Send the form with a check of the required amount made out to:
Loscon 32
C/O Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society
11513 Burbank Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Credit Card Payments using PayPal are now also accepted on the Membership Page!
How do I know if I'm registered?
We have a list of registered members posted and available through the registration page (current as the date listed). Remember - if you told us that you would not like to have your name listed on the website, it will not be on this list. If your name is there and you wish to have it removed from visibility, please Loscon Membership directly. Please allow time after registering for your name to make it from the membership coordinator to the webmaster. Names are generally posted once a month. Thank you for your patience. Otherwise you will not receive a receipt or other form of membership acknowledgement except for the occasional progress report.
Is there any way I can get involved, or volunteer?
You are just the type of science fiction fan that we love. Yes! We would love to have you involved and we always need help (desperate psychological help according to some, but that's another story). Get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator and she'll be sure to find a job for you. Volunteering is the best way to get to know people, meet the guests on a personal level, and to see the true workings of a fan-run convention.
What is the Weapons Policy?
You kill it, you eat it. Seriously, no real-looking weapons are allowed at Loscon. Think about it - we're very, very close to the airport. Many people, including hotel staff, will take a dim view of real looking weapons. If you're carrying something that looks real, make sure it's been peace-bonded. The nice folks at Operations can help you with that. If you don't want to get it peace-bonded, no problem - just be prepared to surrender it to the nice folks at Operations for the duration of the convention. This includes the fun new things that you just bought in the dealer's room and want to wear around the con.
Where can I get more info?
If you have any specific questions related to the convention, please view the Contacts Page for the specific e-mail link. Any general questions can be sent to info@loscon.org. The most frequently asked questions (and their answers) will be posted on this page. Meanwhile, any new information and indications of website updates will be posted on the News page. Note: if a page doesn't have any information posted on it yet, then no information has yet been given to the webmaster.
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