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WBC 2007 is almost upon us. You'll soon be hip deep in more gaming than
most of us do in a year, so before your senses become dulled by sleep
deprivation, listen up. If you're new to WBC, I suggest you read our
greeting to newcomers.
We had a record Pre-Registration this year and will be directly
following another sold out convention at the Host so those arriving for
Sunday Pre-Cons should be prepared for delays in getting into their rooms. Your patience in getting started on Sunday is appreciated. The
good news is that last year's renovations are complete and the Host is
in the best shape its been in for some time.
TEAM TOURNAMENT: The odds are now posted for the 17th running for the
slivers. Although there is no event pre-registration (except for the
Pre-Cons), pre-registration IS required for the Team Tournament and
time is FAST running out. Check out the field this year and your team's
status. Remember to
post your own score on our self-scoring Team Tournament display in the
Ballroom Foyer. Wear your Team Shirt on Friday!
STILL NOT REGISTERED?: We will process all registrations received up
till Thurs., July 26, but be prepared to pay at the door
should your payment not have arrived by then. Checks arriving after the
26th will NOT be deposited. Pre-registration is officially over but
procrastinators rejoice ... our busy CD will accept email
pre-registrations for those with Paypal accounts until Thursday.
Thereafter, walk-on rates apply. Paypal payments are subject to a 10%
surcharge but that is still less than walk-on rates. Inquire at
doncon99@toad.net for details.
REGISTRATION DESK: Convention registration is on the lower level in the
New Holland room. The desk will be open from 8 AM to 9 PM Tuesday thru
Saturday; 12 PM to 6 PM Sunday, and 8 AM to 6 PM Monday. Be sure to
stop by before departing to pick up any prizes won. Whether
pre-registered or not—report to New Holland to pick up your badge and
program and a few surprise gifts before reporting to your event
locations.
JUNIORS and TEENS: Before you unleash the kids, be advised that those 12 and
under who wish to play in the Juniors events or game in the Juniors
room must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign a consent form
before being allowed to use the room. New this year is a special program for Teens, ages 12-16. No parental consent form is required but participants must be WBC badgeholders for the days they attend. Remember to make time on your schedule Saturday afternoon for a parent/child team event—Crokinole, which is a form of shuffleboard for finger flickers. In the evenings, the Host offers children's movies at poolside.
We have upgraded our youth
program thanks in large part to generous donations by sponsors
Brian Sutton and David des Jardins. We have full-time monitors for the Juniors Room, more events
and space, and a games library for Open Gaming ... so bring the kids. Special thanks to Rio Grande Games, Days of Wonder, Out of the Box, and Fantasy Flight for their generous donations to the library.
EXHIBITS: Exhibits—not to be confused with Vendors and Sales—are
tables reserved for publishers to demonstrate their products, both old
and new, and distribute their literature. They may playtest upcoming
games or just invite you to Open Game with their products. These tables
will be marked as reserved for the various companies and cannot be used
for Open Gaming or events without the permission of that exhibitor.
Exhibit tables occupy all of the Ballroom Foyer and the first row of
Lampeter Hall.
WBC AUCTION: The Auction begins at 10 AM Tuesday and will conclude
prior to the regular tournament fare at 6 PM, thus allowing us to keep
our competitive focus. Check out the updated list of cool stuff being
auctioned. This year,
although items will not be offered in numerical order, the Auction
Staff will announce Lot Numbers so those of you who like to follow
along and make notes can do so. You might find it advantageous to print
out the list to
follow along with the bidding. The Auction is sold out, no new items
will be accepted.
To take part in the bidding, you'll need to purchase a bid number for $1
as you enter. The $1 is refundable when you return the number. Please
return them. WARNING: If we keep losing bid numbers, next year the
deposit will be $5 to help you remember.
AUCTION STORE: Although the Auction is sold out, our Auction Store has
doubled in size for 2007 and opens a half hour before the Auction gets
underway. You may bring items for the Store with three timed set sales
prices up to $30. Be sure to download Auction Store forms so you can
have them completed when you arrive with your items.
Auction and Auction Store sales are strictly cash-only affairs so bring
your wallet. While there is an ATM on the premises outside the
Wheatland room, it may be empty following back-to-back sold out
conventions so we suggest bringing the cash you'll need.
Turn your lots in for the Auction and Auction Store at the Lancaster
Showroom either Monday between 8 and 10 PM or Tuesday between 8 AM and
noon.
BADGEHOLDERS: WBC uses a deluxe badge holder which comfortably loops
around your neck and has pockets for extras like keys, cash or pen. They ain't cheap tho and we can't afford to give them away every year,
so please either bring your badge holder back from previous years AND
HAVE IT WITH YOU at Registration, or be prepared to cough up a token $2
fee for a replacement. So remember when leaving to tuck that badge
holder inside your favorite game to ensure a return trip to WBC next
year and save $2. You must wear your badge in order to play. There will be a $5 fee for
replacement badges.
NEW VENDORS: We are pleased to have back many of your favorite dealers
while welcoming Harmony House Hobbies, TailTen Games, and Lock N' Load
to their first WBC. Remember to save time for a visit to their displays
in Ballroom A Friday thru Sunday between 10 AM and 6 PM. Thank these
folks for taking the time to support WBC by checking out their products.
PROGRAM: The 2007 program was mailed to all current members residing in
the USA on June 1. All others get theirs upon arrival. If you
received one in the mail, please bring it as we don't have enough to
give everyone two copies! Late arrivals often go without because of the
number of people who take multiple copies. If you do have a program,
note the following corrections:
- Pg 86-87: All seminars take place in the Hopewell Room—not Heritage.
- Dana Lombardy will be unable to attend. Therefore, his three seminars
and the Fantasy Flight exhibit have been cancelled.
SAMPLER SHOWCASE: This ten-game Demonstration Pre-Con running from 10
AM Monday to 5 PM Tuesday is back. It starts with a two-player San Juan
tournament and then continues with ten demos of new games in Open
Gaming format. A two-round Die Macher tournament starts at 6 PM to
conclude the tournament action. See the Sampler page for details on all ten games
offered in the Samper Showcase which were not available at the time our
program was printed.
LANCASTER ROOM: Past attendees will note the use of several new meeting
rooms this year. Kinderhook is down the hall from
Paradise-Cornwall-Hopewell and is being used with 6' round tables in an
attempt to give the big multi-player games a quieter venue from their
usual duty in the ballrooms. Similarly, Lancaster—not to be confused
with the Lancaster Showroom—is being staffed with 5' rounds for
similar reasons. The Lancaster room used to be the hotel gift shop and
is located above and behind the Lobby's front desk near Heritage.
EVENT PREVIEWS: A number of event previews have posted minor changes
since their initial appearance in May. You may want to revisit them.
PRE-CONS: Note that Tribune level members may attend any and all
Pre-Cons free of charge. All others must pay a separate pre-con
admission. While walk-ons are allowed at the six various pre-cons being
held July 29-31, doing so will cost an extra $10 since BPA
membership discounts do not apply at the door. If you've decided to
come early for a pre-con, save yourself some money by using Paypal by
Thursday to get the pre-reg rate. Email doncon99@toad.net for details.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS: The Lancaster Host is soldout. Fortunately, there
are many nearby hotels. If you have not booked a room, call the
Lancaster reservation center toll free at 1-866-729-5132.
FOREIGN CURRENCY: Exchange of foreign currency is not available locally. Be sure to visit the Foreign Exchange Office at your airport.
While the hotel accepts major credit cards, BPA does not, so convention
registration and auction purchases must be paid for in American
currency. There is a $25 charge for any returned check.
Lancaster is hot and humid in the summer. Dress accordingly and don't
forget your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the Host's outstanding
pool or jacuzzi. But also remember to pack a sweater should the air
conditioning be too cool.
REGISTERED? NEED A RIDE/ROOMMATE? BABY SITTING? OPEN GAMING PARTNER?
SPOUSAL DIVERSIONS: Check out the pre-reg list. Car pooling to/from airports
is an easy way to save money. Non-gaming spouses can check out the Sit and
Knit Seminars for alternatives.
TRANSPORTATION: Amtrak is the best option for those unable to drive.
See the details on our Transportation page.
MEETINGS: The BPA's Annual Meeting will be held before the Collectibles
auction on Tues., July 31, at 3 PM in the Lancaster Showroom of
Lancaster Host in Lancaster, PA where we will present the Hobby Service
Award and new Board of Directors for your questions. At 8 AM on Sun., Aug. 5, the same location will be the site of our Annual
Armistice Meeting with the presentation of Awards and Door Prizes. All
BPA members are encouraged to attend.
SHOW YOUR COLORS: Fri., Aug. 3, is the official Game Club T-Shirt
Day. Promote your local gaming group and camaraderie by showing
everyone which gaming group you are with. You just might gain a few
members. Help grow the hobby by wearing your colors.
POSTERS NA: Attendees are reminded that absolutely NO flyers, posters,
or charts of any kind are to be taped, glued, stapled, or adhered in
any fashion to any surface at Lancaster Host. Any such materials will
be immediately removed. You are welcome to hand out flyers for gaming
activities but absolutely no signage of any kind is to be adhered to a
wall, furniture or other surface. Those who ignore this rule will be
liable for damage claims.
FLEA MARKETS NA: Attendees are reminded that all tables at WBC are
reserved for the PLAY of games by those with a current WBC badge. No
unauthorized selling, trading, or solicitation is allowed on the
premises. Items stacked on tables and games left unattended will be
removed.
SMOKING NA: There is no smoking in public areas throughout WBC. If you
need to smoke, please step outside. Do NOT open windows ... it only
aggravates the air conditioning situation. Attendees are reminded NOT
to bring outside food and drink onto the premises. Lancaster Host does
not allow it.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY: Every year we wrestle with the problem of alcohol
consumption at WBC. While we do not wish to restrict any one's civil
liberties, we must protect the majority (especially the children
present) from the irresponsible behavior of a few who imbibe too much.
Please restrict your social drinking to acceptable levels, and if you
have had problems of this sort in the past, we urge you to abstain
altogether. Please report any unacceptable behavior to the front desk.
Those responsible for unruly behavior will be removed from the premises
and banned from future attendance.
PRIZES: Players are reminded to check the event kiosks in Paradise
Terrace to see advancement priority for later rounds. It is not
uncommon in multi-player games for non-winners to advance, so if you
want to play, always check to see if there are openings in the later
rounds. It is not the GM's responsibility to find you. You must check
the kiosk to determine your standing or show up at the next round to
check for vacancies. If you do win a prize, remember to get it before
leaving. Although we hold prizes for pickup next year, we must charge a
shipping and handling fee if you want them delivered in the interim.
Also, remember to check the back of any Plaques you win in GMT events
for merchandise credits offered by GMT.
KIOSKS: When you first arrive, check the Kiosks display in Paradise
Terrace. Each is adorned with a pictorial history of the event that
furthers the traditions of WBC. Do NOT sign the entrant lists on the
Kiosks - those are strictly for the use of the GMs. There is no event
registration at WBC (except for the Team Tournament). Later, when you
want to see if you've done well enough to advance to a subsequent round
after a preliminary heat, check out the Alternate & Qualifying lists on
these kiosks which should be returned to Paradise Terrace when not in
use. Do NOT write on these kiosks! By vandalizing them with your
messages you make it that much harder for us to keep prices low and
appearances up. If you MUST write on them, use the paper that is taped
to them, not the boards themselves.
EXPERIENCE LEVELS: You are reminded to honor the experience
requirements of all events. Class A (red) events are for experienced
players only. Class B (yellow) events allow beginners only if you have
read the rules or attended the mandatory demonstration in Paradise
Assembly. Do NOT expect to be taught the game during the event. Class C
(green) events have GMs who have agreed to coach players during play.
Please respect these requirements for everyone's enjoyment.
PLAYING TIMES: Be considerate of others and play promptly, keeping
within the duration of the event's listed playing time. Failure to do
so not only causes problems when the space you occupy is needed for a
later scheduled event, it can distress those you play with by making
them miss the opportunity to play in another scheduled event. And, of
course, it can slow down the entire tournament while others wait for
you to finish before they can start another round. Failure to adhere to
the scheduled playing times force GMs to make adjudications which
neither they nor you will enjoy—especially since we advise heavy bias
against those who play too slow. Most event playing times are already
on the long side but if you cannot keep up with even that pace, you
should probably restrict your activities to Open Gaming.
OPEN GAMING: Open Gaming is restricted to Ballroom A on Tuesday until 5
PM when Wheatland becomes the designated Open Gaming area. Ballroom A
will be closed at 5 PM on Thursday for vendor setup. Do not attempt
Open Gaming elsewhere. You will be moved. Should Wheatland become full,
check the signs there for allowable overflow Open Gaming sites. Games
may be left setup overnight for continuation the next morning at the
owner's risk. However, any game abandoned for more than an hour during
prime game time will be removed to Lost & Found. "Saving" of tables is
not allowed. Sales soliicitations are likewise limited to authorized
vendors. A white Board will be available in Wheatland for those listing
Open Gaming desires. Before the con, use our Pre-Reg page to make Open Gaming
appointments.
Using the preliminary round of scheduled events as a form of scheduled
Open Gaming is a common practice. However, if you win your game and
have no desire to continue in the event, please so inform the GM. Above
all, do not abandon a game in progress if you are playing in a
tournament.
BEHAVIOR: We expect everyone to treat others with the same respect they
would like to receive in return. Most at WBC are exceedingly well
behaved. Unfortunately, we can count on a few bad apples in every crop
and those are the ones that get all the ink afterwards. We'd like your
help in weeding out problem players. If you encounter someone who is
having a bad day or just being an overall jerk, don't suffer in
silence. Report it to your GM so that the GM can take steps to correct
the problem. And if you are one of those people who demands absolute
silence while you take your turn, don't bother coming. Gaming is about
having fun and those around you are going to have theirs whether you
are in a Final or not, so lighten up and go with the flow.
And if you are a late night Were Wolf - pleeease return the rooms to
the same state you found them. Every year we consider banning late
night play because of the mess they leave behind. If you like your all
night gaming, don't abuse it. You'll have only yourselves to blame if
meeting rooms are locked at midnight in the future.
GAMES: Lastly, remember to bring the games you want to play! Especially those of the two-player variety. If you're driving, toss
every game you might want to play in the trunk. Every year people get
turned away for lack of games.
......... whew! That's done - ok ... now you're ready to have fun at
WBC. See ya soon. Drive safely.
======================
Don Greenwood
WBC Convention Director
========================================================
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