I hope I can find time with school to go to this!! It looks like so much fun!!!
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I hope I can find time with school to go to this!! It looks like so much fun!!!
Start saving now! Last year had a few UK/Euro mers, there's no reason you can't make it!
What are the dates, I though it said 1/20/17 - 1/22/17 but when I looked on the GAC site, it's listed as 1/2/17 - 1/3/17, maybe they have the date listed wrong?
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I am pretty sure the 2nd through the 3rd was last year's...Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Tami
I brought it to their attention I dont know why they have the dates wrong. It's the 20th- 22ndQuote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Tami
Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by AniaR
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For anyone who didn't see, event organizer/co founder Venessa is in a bad spot right now:
Hey fish fans, you're all so amazing whenever someone needs help and my friend Venessa, The Louisiana Mermaid needs help! Her family was evacuated from their home as you can see in these images why. Her husband was a hero and risked his own life to save a stranded police officer. She, her husband, and two young children have been displaced. While they thankfully have insurance, it will take a while and they are currently staying at a shelter with neither parent being able to work. Immediate expenses really need to be taken care of. Please show some support to a mermaid who has made so many others happy. You may know her as one of the main organizers of the mermaid convention: Mermania
You can donate by going to the gofundmelink here: https://www.gofundme.com/2jx83tw
I'm so glad yall asked this bc I too was confused by the dates and the current website didn't have info on hotels and events during MerMania. Hopefully events will be posted soon. I'm so excited to hug old friends and make connections with new ones. Floods are awful. I remember when our house in Bokeelia was flooded and the insurance maybe covered 30%. The mold that grows by the second and the cost of labor that can be inflated due to high demand plus the looters.....I pray things go better for Venessa. This is for sure a tragedy. I'm moved by yall pitching in and I plan on doing so also. What a great community we are all a part of!!! ❤️����
Want to go!
Updates coming this week! :D
MAJOR UPDATES:
Mermania 2017 updates:
Thank you so much to everyone for being so patient with us while we have all been dealing with personal things, and playing phone/email tag with our contacts while we try to nail down details for everyone.
You may recall, that part of why we’ve taken so long to finalize details is that we were working with the Tourism board to try and get better… everything! This has been a giant back and forth process. After Dan toured all of the potential hotels, weighed all the pros and cons, compared pools, breakfast, room rates, and services… we feel that we’re better off sticking with the same hotel as last year… The Sheraton!
While other hotels offered some of the things people wanted (such as breakfast) for an only *slightly* lower room rate, they also had high fees for parking, were further away from our venues, smaller pools with no late night access, and expensive internet fees. We know you reallllly wanted a breakfast included, but made the judgment call that you all wouldn’t be willing to sacrifice all these other things for it!
So what is the big difference this year with the Sheraton than last year? This year we will have access to multiple rooms for some of our workshops/panels, AND the Ball. That’s right, the ball will be ON SIGHT meaning far less commuting, a for-plate price for food (making sure we don’t run out like last time and giving more menu options for those with dietary restrictions), and having everything located at either the hotel or the GAC. This should give everyone a lot more time (no more rushing between places, less commute time, a chance to rest in between things). Of course, we will have access to the pool into the wee hours of the morning, and for those who had a “fun” experience in the hot-tub on Sunday night last year… don’t worry, we brought that up haha.
Please read the following information before sending in your questions:
The Ball! We decided to go with a more general theme as to not limit people, or add to the pressure of cost! Our theme this year is…. *drum roll please* The” Fathoms Below Ball”! What do you think of when you imagine the deep ocean? Bioluminescence! So bring your glow sticks, accessories that light up, and glitter! We encourage any form of semi-formal/formal attire and you can be as creative as you like. Chanel the Abyss! The ball will take place at the hotel for added convenience!
Events:
We are still nailing down the schedule so we can be sure to make things as easy to get to without choosing. We will have our mixer/craft swap, our workshops, a group photo, panels, the ball, and this year we’re trying to have an official goodbye ceremony to get together one last time before everyone heads out.
Kid’s events will consist of the kids swim like last year sponsored by Mermaid Linden, and we’ll be having a mermaid story time for each group before they head into the pool. We’re looking for volunteers for the swim and story time and encourage people to start getting their background checks in.
Workshops are still being juggled but will likely consist of: Safety, Merwrangling, and underwater posing. We may add a few more but for the time being we don’t want to overload people with too many choices for scheduling.
Photography will be offered through J Berendt photography (Part of the posing workshop), Shelli Craig Photography (Dan’s wife who did some of the amazing work last year), and of course, Sean will be chasing you all. People are invited to take their own photos, provided they do not interfere with the photos of the professionals.
Vendors will once again be welcome, and have the chance to vend at the mixer and goodbye events as well, as opposed to just at the pool. More info on Vendors coming soon.
We have a number of special guests we’re moving to confirm now that we have these details, and we’ll let you know soon.
I know you’re all going to want to talk money and what things will cost. Please be patient with us as we’re just finishing up those details so we can map out the budget of what we’re working on.
Finally, we’d like to welcome Daphne Clem aboard officially. As you’ve seen, Venessa has had to step down due to the devastation of her home after the Louisiana floods. We are so thankful for all of her hard work thus far, and know that Daphne will be awesome at picking up the torch and keeping things moving.
You’ll see events being created through our official NC mermania 2017 page soon, and ticketing information as well. HOTEL LINK will be posted soon so you can get the room rate. Hotel staff have been on vacation. ;) The room link is to follow
We’re looking forward to another awesome event. Thanks everyone!
(Psst! 2017!)
omg can you tell Im sleep deprived? LOL
GET READY FOR THE Fathom's Below Ball! Take inspiration from the Deep-water creatures, black light, and bioluminescent creatures! The ball will be held on sight at the Sheraton Hotel and will feature a plated dinner with room for customization due to food restrictions. Ticket prices and ticketing will be announced soon.
Digital mermaid drawing by Rika of Charlotte, NC. (credit link:http://www.digitalwebbing.com/forums...d.php?t=162332 )
Attachment 38900
Ooooh I like the ball idea! Awe my merbaby's gonna love those lights!!!!!
Tips for travel to Mermania!
If you are international, get your Passport and have a backup photo ID asap. It can sometimes take a while to have these, so make sure you do.
For international, when going through customs, you’ll want the full address of the hotel where you’ll be staying. Don’t do anything that might suggest you’re working at the event or that it’s a work event. You’re attending a convention, and you can tell them the website if need be. Having printed copies of receipts for con tickets can help as well.
For international, give yourself LOTS of time to go through security and customs. Make sure you have nothing in your bag that goes against the rules of what can come on the carry on (liquids, weapons, etc). You may need a dr. note to carry your medication on the plane, OR it must be in a bottle with all the script information clearly printed (no faded bottles). If you have ANY food on you (even simple things) you MUST declare it when you’re going through customs. (even an apple, tell them you have it!)
For international, travelling with your tail can be extra trickier than those in the US. If you can, pack your tail in your bag but be prepared you may have to pay extra luggage fees. If you absolutely have to check your tail as a secondary luggage or in oversize, make sure all of your information is printed on the container along with FRAGILE. Give yourself time between flights. Tails can often be delayed if they’re in oversize, and if you barely make your connecting flight, chances are your tail will not.
You may wish to purchase a phone roaming package for the trip so you aren’t stuck with huge fees
For everyone:
Tips on travelling with tails can be found in multiple threads on Mernetwork:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...ghlight=travel
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...onofin-or-tail
Make sure you’re aware of what you can take through TSA and what you can’t.
Give yourself extra time to go through security
If you want a really good detailed look at how to prepare for a convention and what to pack and what to expect etc, check out my latest book (you can get a ecopy) at www.makemeamermaid.com otherwise this is the stuff you want to think of:
-anything you need to be a mer including tail, tops (nice to have backups) swim trunks/bottoms/suits, ear/nose plugs, tail care material, towels etc
-business cards or marketing materials so you can network and exchange info
-phone charger/camera charger/chargers!
-Check your roaming phone/data plan
-Any medications you require
-Typical travelling items such as enough changes of clothes, hygiene/sanitary products, and whatever you need to sleep
-it helps to have some items packed in your carry on in case your luggage is lost
-A valid photo ID
Have any tips for travelling? Leave comments and questions below!
Looking for a cost effective costume for the ball? Check out this Canadian company that makes custom LED costume pieces at great prices!
http://ledmontreal.com/en/el-wire-and-el-wire-accessories/el-wire-electro-luminescent-wire.html
Quick question: Does the hotel block sell out? If so how quickly? I'm deciding how soon I need to book a room.
we havent posted the hotel block yet. We hope to Monday. the hotel has been taking a long time getting their stuff in order. If we sell out they typically add more.
I know, I just want to be prepared since you said it would be posted soon! I'm really excited for this! [emoji1]Quote:
Originally Posted by AniaR
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https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e0&oe=58728431
VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE NOW LIVE. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:You can apply to be a vendor by clicking on this link and filling out the appropriate form along with sending in your payment:http://ncmermania.com/vendors/There are TWO Vendor options this year that include:The Basic Vendor Package (same as last year)
$200.00
Regular
For vending at the POOL ONLY. Includes One 6 foot by 2.5 foot table (6’x2.5’), Two vendor passes, and included access as swimming attendee.
Setup Time: 9amto 11am
Tear Down Time: 5pmto 6pm
The Deluxe Vendor Package (New this year)
$350.00
Regular
For vending at the FRIDAY MIXER, POOL, FATHOMS BELOW BALL and CLOSING CEREMONY. Includes One 6 foot by 2.5 foot table (6’x2.5’), Two vendor passes, and included access as swimming attendee.
Setup Time: 90 Minutes Prior to Start of Respective Event
Tear Down Time: 5-10 Minutes After EventDaphne Clem will be your vendor contact
Hi Raina!
I know it's like poking a bear here but with the HB2 in place is there any progress on what we are doing to help our LGBT mers? I realize the event will unlikely be relocated but maybe we could set up a petition area for mers to sign?
Some news on the HB2 front:
How NCAA Cancellation Could Cost Greensboro $17 Million
ACC Relocating Championships Out of NC Over HB2 Law
You can read how the City of Greensboro and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex (Home to the Greensboro Aquatic Center) oppose HB2 here:
How Greensboro Tried to Convince NCAA We Don't Discriminate
Thanks for the articles Dan!
My question is what are we doing as a community to help our fellow mers? As I said I don't expect to move the convention, however I'm sure there are still concerns for LGBT mers and family attending the event. Legally LGBT members have no recourse should something happen. I understand we don't have to attend the event, but I don't think we should be singled out either, this is one of the largest Mergatherings and we do want to go. Could there be plans to change venues next year? Will there be any acknowledgment of the discrimination? Something?
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I have spoken personally with the GAC and the Sheraton about this very issue. They assure me that they disagree with HB2 and that they do not discriminate against those in the LGBT community. Finding the right venues with the right viewpoint was important to me. That being said, elections are in November, NC is losing money hand over fist because of HB2, and I fully expect this to be resolved by the time of elections. But know this. NC Mer-Mania is in my backyard. You are all my friends. And I will fight to keep my city accommodating to all.
We've also invited a well known trans-activist to speak who is also a fan of mers! But not looking like it's going to line up with their schedule which is a big bummer :( you never know though!
Believe me this is a very upsetting thing and we're doing all we can to make things as safe as possible. We have hired security, have agreements with all our venues, and as far as participants in the convention there will be signed forms in place that cover everything under the sun- including this. It has been aknowledged multiple times and addressed directly with our venues.
We are all VERY hopeful that the elections will take care of this matter.
Last year, the trans community was welcomed with full arms, several members being featured in a positive light on local news as well. We stayed with the same venues specifically because they were so supportive last year, and promised to be so this year. I don't see a reason to change venues next year if they continue to be cooperative. Changing states is not something that can be easily done with an established convention- espcially when it comes to certain legalities and taxes and insurance, Dan is the owner of the convention and lives in NC. Especially after established connections and support.
The mer community actually has a very good history of addressing this stuff. One of the earliest mer-conventions was going to be at the mirage hotel, until it came out that the hotel manager was a huge bigot. and it was moved last minute despite the inconvience. I've been going for 4 years now, and all of the conventions I've attended have been in NC. Previous conventions actually had parts open to the public (such as a fashion show in a mall) unlike ours which is all pretty inclusive, and have yet to have an issue.
I'm not sure if you've attended these in the past or not but it might be cool to hook up with someone like Justin or Ed or Julz and ask them about their experiences at the previous conventions :)
Thanks mers! I really appreciate the effort you mers are putting.
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HOTEL LINK IS LIVE. All the info you need to reserve your room is here, please know you must reserve by Dec 20th to get the discount http://ncmermania.com/accomodations/
Woot! I just booked a room for Joseph and I!
LATEST UPDATES as of October 1st 2016
Tickets: Will be on sale late Monday October 3rd on the website www.ncmermania.com
Hotel: Hotel code is live on the website, to get the discount you must reserve before Dec 20th. We'll have access to the hotel pool after hours like before.
Shuttle: There will be a shuttle like last year from hotel to airport/air port to hotel, but it only runs at certain times. As we get closer to the event we'll start a thread for carpooling
Ball: Our theme is "Fathom's Below". The idea is to replicate themes from the Abyss of the ocean. We'll be making use of black light and glowing. Ticketing for the ball will go up soon, and included a plated meal. Please let us know if you have celiac, a serious food allergy where cross contamination is a concern, or need a meatless option. Thanks
Vendors: Vending is now live on the website. Reserve your table soon before they sell out.
Events: In addition to what's listed here we will have a ticketed mixer with a craft swap, a group birthday during the ball, and a closing ceremonies (included in main ticket price). Events will start around supper time Friday night and wrap up supper time Sunday.
Workshops: We are still nailing down all the workshops but so far you can expect underwater posing with mermaid Hyli and underwater photos as part of the workshop with her husband Joe. There will be a safety workshop, and a merwrangling workshop.
Panels: We will have an expert panel consisting of Finfolk, Marla the retired Weeki mermaid, and Chris O Brocki. WE HAVE MORE PANELISTS but we are keeping them a surprise for the time being. We are still working out the Merfolk of Colour Panel.
Special guests: We have some secret special guests in the work, and we can't wait to share them with you. Keep an eye out.
Photography: Will be provided exclusively through J Berendt photography (Hyli's workshop), Canadian Mermaids Inc (Sean) and the ever fabulous Shelli Craig. Everyone is welcome to take their own candid photos, we ask that you do not compromise the photography of the staff photographers (such as getting in their way/shot, taking photos over their shoulder etc)
Kid's event: Charlotte will be our head volunteer for the kid's events, and she will help me (Raina) in organizing the kid's swim (sponsored by Mermaid Linden) and kid's literacy program (Story time with mermaids). We will be starting a sub group for all people who wish to volunteer for kid's events and other aspects of the con. We need people to take shifts swimming, and reading stories. We will keep shifts short in order to be sure you don't miss anything. But all kid's volunteers must provide a criminal background check
Other Volunteers: We will absolutely need other volunteers. We need people to help mind the registration tables, people to help set up workshops/panels, and people to check tickets/wristbands at doors. Volunteers will be comped with different aspects of the convention for free based on their level of involvement.
Convention rules and Venue rules: Will be posted once all other details are organized.
Event Schedule: Will be posted closer to the event
If you have any other questions, please post them in the comments.
PS we know the preview image on Facebook says January 2-3-2016, that's last year's date. it's just cached on FB and we're having trouble getting it to change. ;)
I just booked my flight.. I'm so excited!!!!!! Feels like a dream!!! :yay::yay:
Are we only supposed to be able to book one night?Quote:
Originally Posted by AniaR
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The hotel issue should be fixed, now.
Nope it seemed to be an issue with the website, fixed now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid_Izzy
What's on the agenda for Friday, or is it mostly arrivals and settling in?
Mixer/craft swap which was free last year but was a huge budget sink for us haha so it'll be a modestly ticketed event this time. Includes light food, music, and for vendors they get in to vend if they have the bigger vending package. There will also be a photobooth set up. cash bar too.
It was a lot of fun last year
Is that Friday? I'm just trying to plan my flight...FOMO, doncha know!
Okay, thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by AniaR
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yup, friday :) don't have the exact time yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by PearlieMae
Thanks!