NC Mermania 2017

[AniaR]

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

[Acqua Luna]

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?

[Merman Dan]

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

[Acqua Luna]

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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[Merman Dan]

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.

[AniaR]

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

[Acqua Luna]

Thanks mers! I really appreciate the effort you mers are putting.


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[AniaR]

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/

[MermaidCelesteFL]

Woot! I just booked a room for Joseph and I!

[AniaR]

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.

[MermaidCrystall]

I just booked my flight.. I'm so excited!!!!!! Feels like a dream!!!

[Mermaid_Izzy]

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/

Are we only supposed to be able to book one night?


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[Merman Dan]

The hotel issue should be fixed, now.

[AniaR]

Are we only supposed to be able to book one night?


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Nope it seemed to be an issue with the website, fixed now.

[PearlieMae]

What's on the agenda for Friday, or is it mostly arrivals and settling in?

[AniaR]

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

[PearlieMae]

Is that Friday? I'm just trying to plan my flight...FOMO, doncha know!

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Nope it seemed to be an issue with the website, fixed now.

Okay, thanks!


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[AniaR]

Is that Friday? I'm just trying to plan my flight...FOMO, doncha know!

yup, friday don't have the exact time yet.

[PearlieMae]

Thanks!