United Kingdom Steampunk Convention?

[lady sakara]

I live in Brighton - right at the centre just minutes from the station. I believe Brighton has one key thing to offer: a very generous and relaxed atmosphere where people don't care what you look like, in fact often respect you if you are dressed differently.

too true!! every time ive been there ive come across some uniquely dressed fellow. last time it was someone in full georgian dress, no doubt to to do with the Pavillion, but he was happily walking through the center of town with no heckles or anything.

[Mich]

I live in Brighton - right at the centre just minutes from the station.

Well, hello there!* Waves*

[Doktor Avalanche]

Enchanté mademoiselle

[Engineer]

Ah yes Dave,that would indeed be wonderful.Unfortunately we would have to render Hubby unconscious first.
LOL@ BrassMonkey. Don't worry I'll lock them all up safely out the way. Mwahahahhahahah.
Sakara: Well I'll come with you for piccies.

If required I will bring a large mallet or cricket bat to render him unconcious - unless I perfect my Aetheric stun gun first. ... Mwahahahhahahah

[Mich]

If required I will bring a large mallet

Ah yes, and then we can play croquet on the lawn.

[Verity]

Hi Everyone.

I've read all your comments and thoughts and whilst Brighton seems to be a good idea for a venue I worry that it's a large town already "on the map" as it were, it is a shame that (like in a similar way to Whitby) the event won't be able to grow and put the town on the map. Brigton is already famous for many other things, pier, mardi gras, Labour Party Conference. That said, unlike Whitby the nature of a Steamcon would lend itself much better to changing venues each year, perhaps going to somewhere where there is a steam link, i.e railway, museum.

It seems that there are various factors which need to be considered in terms of importance, take for example it would be great to hold it near a Steam railway, but then if that town only has 3 bed and breakfasts, the turnout isn't going to be great.

So for me there are key questions which would need to be asked:

Does the town have adequate and near accomodation?
Are all facilities for convention events in close proximity?
Are there additional attractions, are they also relevant?
How important is ambience in relation to the event?
Is the location easy to get to?
Is the location going to be expensive?
How will the local community react?
Could the local community be brought on board?

Now obviously everyone is going to have differing opinions on how important some of these questions are, for example I wouldn't think the easiness of getting somewhere an issue, but for another person this might be the most important. I think what we need to achieve here is a sense of what people generally feel is important.

I haven't been to Brighton for a number of years, so can't comment on it as a choice. If it were down to me I would suggest somewhere to the east of the Isle of Wight, due to the proximty to the Steam railway and the quaintness of the Island. There or Southsea, which has venues in close proximty, plentiful accomodation, ideal spots for photos i.e Southsea castle and the Warrior close by. With both these choices however there are problems, the Isle of Wight is unlikey to have a large venue and Southsea is unlikey to have friendly locals and again it comes down to how important the pros and cons of venues are.

Alas, the choice is not down to me, but should it be Brighton you will find me me in the pier happily feeding the machines a few coppers.

Verity

[lady sakara]

the Isle of Wight is unlikey to have a large venue

lol The Isle of Wight ferry is the most expensive ferry of any in the Uk...hence why ive yet to visit there as everytime ive got close ive just choked at the price lol

in reponse to the questions you raised...id answer these as best i know to Brighton, being that to me its a good choice....and again although popular for other events..is plenty big enough for more...and none of these 'events' seem to clash and in fact add to the open and welcome nature of the place.

Does the town have adequate and near accomodation? - everywhere you look!
Are all facilities for convention events in close proximity? - depends where the con was held, but if in center of town then all the places to visit are within walking distance.
Are there additional attractions, are they also relevant? - see above - aquarium, pier,pavillion, the Lanes, nearby bluebell railway.
How important is ambience in relation to the event? - well its a totally laid back place
Is the location easy to get to? - by train yes, coach yes and by plane to gatwick
Is the location going to be expensive? - depends where it is held
How will the local community react? - they dont bat an eyelid
Could the local community be brought on board? - Id think if you got in touch with the sealife center...possibly have them in as the charity of choice for the convention then they love publicity with us dressed in our steamy finery having pics taken there...food for thought.

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

You are getting the right idea as to the facilities for a suitable hotel, but warning! premium hotels are just that, they charge excessively during the most popular seasons, which can render them uneconomic. The way around this is to have the event out of season, usually January/February. A most advantageous room rate may be obtained in such circumstances. It also reduces the hens and stags contretemps problem, but you have to be aware that some seaside attractions are mothballed over this period, and if side trips are considered this should be taken into account. A January/February convention would mean that we would have to forgo the pleasures of tee-shirts and shorts, which I understand some people not only own but also wear.

Conrunner 2 for example in Sheffield over January 2010 has managed to get room rates for the 4 star Mercure at rates of a budget hotel and reasonable use of Convention Space, over this period. There is currently no major Convention Scheduled for February 2010.

Once having settled on a venue consideration needs to be given as to whether to have Guests of Honour or not, and if so how many. Guests of Honour have all their Convention expenses paid for out of the membership subscription, but it is a way of getting an author or artist outside of the UK into the UK to participate at a Convention for the joy and wonderment of the membership. A small convention would only expect one overseas Guest of Honour at most, LX 2009 has of course Mr Tim Powers from the former colonies, the other guests of honour are UK based.
With these costs calculated it allows you to calculate the membership subscription you would require to cover these disbursements and you can think how much you want to spend on programme, publicity, tech etc. Established Conrunners have a lot of tech such as data projectors or radio mike sets or laminators which they use and re-use effectively eliminating these capital costs. They know cheap printers for flyers and posters. This is why it is advisable to get to know Conrunners. Conrunner 2 may run bursaries for prospective Conrunners to attend, useful to the seminars and contacts it would generate. This allows to get more bang for the buck from subscription.

The bulk of a convention programme is provided by the members themselves, think of the forum but in actual reality. I myself participate on literary, media and political programme items and anticipate giving workshops on tactile issues at LX. Guests of Honour and one off speakers will provide other elements. Members of a musical or dramatic bent can also provide programme LX will have play written and directed by Mr David Wake as a main evening event.

Any aspiring steampunk playwrights may therefore wish to establish their own thread, with the stage version of Metropolis may be taken as inspiration, or even Rossums Universal Robots. An adaption of The Prestige might work but get necessary consents first

[Sebastian Gaunt]

I think who ever is actually planning on running the convention, ie Mr Sadean in this case, should say where and when it is and just stick to it, as every Steampunk wants it in their back garden and suiting their chosen flavour of Steampunkery and budget and we will all talk back and forth without settling a thing for many years if allowed.  All input is of course going to be valued and may inform us all for later choices but the chap said he wanted to run one in Brighton, so let him, and either turn up or don't as your mood and financial abilities suit. Someone else can always organise another one somewhere else, the more the merrier, and the more varied.
(That didn't come across as rude did it? it wasn't meant to.)

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

It must be remembered that conventions can and do fail and the organizers will be personally responsible for costs accrued such as function space deposits, publicity etc. This can run to thousands of pounds. Problems with a venue can kill a Con. The original 2006 Eastercon Convoy was to be held at the Adelphi Hotel Liverpool, theoretically an almost perfect venue as it is fitted out like the Titanic. However due to security problems experienced previously at other cons people were joining the Convention but not staying at the Hotel, they were not therefore getting anywhere near the occupancy rate to get the Convention Space free, which would have meant the committee would each be liable for thousands of pounds if the Convention had gone ahead. The Adelphi is effectively dead as a venue for the forseeable future, reducing significantly the options available.

I would not like to see Mr Sadean or any other organizer end up in the debtors prison because of a poor choice of venue. This is a first event of this type in the UK but there is no need to re- invent the wheel.
Otherwise you are just looking at a one day non- residential event which significantly reduces what can be done, and which is not a Convention, and I am definitely talking about a Convention and not an event.
if you are talking about events then you maybe looking at what ZZ9 call a slouch a monthly day out to different venues with attendees making their own way there and back again. There is something to be said for such slouches, but they do have limitations. You could easily have slouches to Brighton, Kelham Island, Ironbridge, Harrogate etc, which could be done in addition to a formal Convention. It would have the benefit of allowing people to scout possible venue locations for a Convention. Hotel visits are an imporatnt part of selecting a venue,and can rule out something initially considered ideal.

[Quothcorvus]

Where ever the Convival is to be held, I will endeavour to attend.

[Matt_Splicer]

i think perhaps the most important question to ask sadien is HOW CAN WE HELP?

he has a location, some of us have skills and experience, sounds like a match made in heaven

[Valkyrie]

Yes, I agree.  We need to get this wonderful idea to fruition.  I'm sure we are all willing to do our bit to make it a success - hurrah 

[TimeTinker]

We would be interested in any Steampunk Conventions in the UK as helpers, participants and or traders.  My better half is well into period dancing (and drags me along too) and could run a workshop or similar.  We were thinking about organising a masked ball in the South Yorkshire area if anyone fancies that too.  Not as an alternative any other event I hasten to add but as something a bit further north.

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

Being based in Sheffield, a masked ball would be excellent. What venue were you thinking of? The Victoria Holiday Inn ih Sheffield is Victorian period, centrally located and has a ball room and is within walking distance of Kelham Island Heritage Museum.

[TimeTinker]

That sounds a good place to start. I'll make some enquiries.  Kelham Island is of course perfect for a visit so it would be great to have a venue close to there.  It will all depend on prices and availability at the hotel.  What sort of price do people think is reasonable to pay for a ball and steampunk weekend?

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

Don't try a hotel in Sheffield during Easter (student swimming) or during the World Snooker, as the entire city sells out its rooms. The Royal Victoria is next to the canal basin as well and there are multiple overflow hotels. It is in sight of the Sheffield Space centre, science fiction bookshop. Sheffield has good connectio through the M1 and Midland mainline/transpennine.

Otherwise in w yorkshire I suggest the Midland in Bradford, a fully restored Victorian hotel in the Victorian Little Germany area, former railway hotel 2 ballrooms, and a Bram Stoker Connections
Last Friday of each month is the Sheffield science fiction group meeting at the Old Queens Head,, allcimers welcome.

Prices are generally variable, partly seasonal and partly subject to local conditions. You can usually get a good deal jan/feb. Sheffield doesn't have a tourist season per se. For eastercon in Bradford we are looking at hotels in the £75-£85 per night range Single/twin/double.

[TimeTinker]

I understand the difficulties. I lived and worked in Sheffield for years but finally succumbed and moved out of the city about five years ago.  I'll make some enquiries.  In the past when I have organised things I have managed to get the room price down much lower than that but the big problem is always availability, especially when you are not sure how many takers you are going to get.

There is a nice country pub/hotel I have used as a TV shoot location (thats what I do mainly) out by the A1 that has a lovely period feel with wood panelled ballroom and restaurant etc and suitable furnishings and decor.  It's great as a self contained centre for things but is away from the added attractions of Sheffield.

Off to London now for a few days, I'll get on it when I get back.

Toodle Pip!

[Berty Boleyn]

in reponse to the questions you raised...id answer these as best i know to Brighton, being that to me its a good choice....and again although popular for other events..is plenty big enough for more...and none of these 'events' seem to clash and in fact add to the open and welcome nature of the place.

Does the town have adequate and near accomodation? - everywhere you look!
Are all facilities for convention events in close proximity? - depends where the con was held, but if in center of town then all the places to visit are within walking distance.
Are there additional attractions, are they also relevant? - see above - aquarium, pier,pavillion, the Lanes, nearby bluebell railway.
How important is ambience in relation to the event? - well its a totally laid back place
Is the location easy to get to? - by train yes, coach yes and by plane to gatwick
Is the location going to be expensive? - depends where it is held
How will the local community react? - they dont bat an eyelid
Could the local community be brought on board? - Id think if you got in touch with the sealife center...possibly have them in as the charity of choice for the convention then they love publicity with us dressed in our steamy finery having pics taken there...food for thought.

Brighton & Hove is basically still a Victorian town (I know it's a city, but it really is tiny!) and it's an excellent place for Steampunk events of any kind!
I've been talking to people about doing a Steampunk/burlesque cabaret here with live bands and comedy too. It's a long-term project as I don't have a lot of time to put into at the moment, but I'm hoping to get something together within a couple of years. I'll let you all know if it comes together.

Additions to your list, Lady Sakara:

If it's still open, there's the Engineerium (although it was threatening to close and sell off the collection a while back)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

http://www.britishengineerium.com/

They have function rooms there by the way.

And of course there's Volks Electric Railway, the oldest working electric railway in the world.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

http://www.volkselectricrailway.co.uk/

Meanwhile just taking a walk along the promenade or visiting the seafront terraces such as Brunswick Square is like a trip back in time. Brighton is already home to a disproportionate number of people who dress up. I've seen several people in Victorian dress just about their daily business.
Comedian Dylan Moran performed live here recently and said he loves coming to Brighton because it's like we all share the same dressing up box.

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

Timetinker, what is the venue? 

South Yorkshire Conference venue may be also able to help.

[Doctor When]

Redemption

Talking of Redemption, I appear to have been volunteered to sit on the Redemption 2009 "Steam Punk (sic) and a Victorian Vision of the Future" Panel. Not quite sure how that happened as I've never sat on a panel before (apart from a veneered MDF stool in 1987) but I'll give it my best shot. I'll (hopefully) be taking along my lovely new Whenchester 1896 Thermionic Carbine (full weight brass, wood and electronic valve Tesla Rifle, now approaching two years in construction), assuming I can scavenge the rest of the required bits in time.

If anyone from BG will be at Redemption '09, do say hello. The panel is on Saturday 21st February at 7PM.

[AE]

Well it looks to me that someone has to ring around evaluate who/where is available.
May I suggest to whoever is getting this off the ground that they ask here who is willing to commit to such an event.
And what they are willing to do and not willing to do. Good intentions and promises can easily break.
 

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

I too will be at Redemption Sir, I am on about a dozen panels (normal for me) including the "Well Dressed British Hero", a celebration of comic, television and film characters such as Dan Dare, John Steed, the Doctor, Adam Adamant, Rupert Giles, Jason King etc. You only have to worry about being the moderator, and to ensure you open out the item to the hoi polloi after about 15 minutes. It will be a useful experience as experienced programme participants will be necessary for any Steampunk Convention.

Is there anyone else who attends Science Fiction Conventions, or the Fortean Times Unconvention as a participant?

I can be otherwise found at the LX 2009 table in the Dealers Room. Such is the life of a Convention Chair, prostituting oneself to promote your convention atvother peoples convention.

[Carnival Catalyst]

Salutations good and honest folk!

I would like to propose a convention in my Little Regency period Theatre, in Brighton, opposite the Pavilion. It was built in 1794, and has been a theatre since the victorian period. it is steampunk that inspired me to run the theatre (i had previously worked the bar below for 7 years), and it would be very fitting to have some sort of convention in these grounds. the theatre itself, is antiquated and avante garde, and run by a dedicated team of volunteers. it is in the heart of the city, directly opposite the pavilion, but overshadowed by a new and ugly glass building. we still have the best view of the pavilion from a licensed venue however.

we have already had one steampunk event, attended by at least 100 people throughout the day, and have just today decided on the date of or second one. The Steampunk Hidden Cabaret will be happening on the 21st of February, and will play host to not only musicans, magicians, scientists and historians, and market stalls! And, like all well thrown together events will also have some beguiliing surprises. (Check out the Marlborough Little Theatre FB group, and link to the Steampunk Hidden Cabaret) or email me: CarnivalCatalyst@hotmail.com

I would like to host a sp convention, there was lots of talk about it at our last sp event. But ofcourse, i do not want to tread on any toes of events already planned. but a promenade to the theatre from the convention? wink wink nudge nudge....I definitely like to help spread the word of a steampunk convention (wherever the venue) at our future SP events, so please contact me as soon as details come out!

I think Brighton seems to be the obvious place to at least start a convention. it could then periodically roll around the country, and then the world beyond, perhaps visiting some of the ex colonies...(just thinking off the top of my head, please stop me if i'm wrong - has anyone checked out indian steampunk? might have made it to mumbai maybe?).... anyway with our rich 19th Century history, architecture and technology, i can't think of a more perfect place to begin!

Wonderful, signing off now,

Tarik
Carnival Catalyst/Theatre Manager

[Angel]

I too will be at Redemption Sir, I am on about a dozen panels (normal for me) including the "Well Dressed British Hero", a celebration of comic, television and film characters such as Dan Dare, John Steed, the Doctor, Adam Adamant, Rupert Giles, Jason King etc. You only have to worry about being the moderator, and to ensure you open out the item to the hoi polloi after about 15 minutes. It will be a useful experience as experienced programme participants will be necessary for any Steampunk Convention.

Is there anyone else who attends Science Fiction Conventions, or the Fortean Times Unconvention as a participant?

I can be otherwise found at the LX 2009 table in the Dealers Room. Such is the life of a Convention Chair, prostituting oneself to promote your convention atvother peoples convention.

I often attend the Memorabilia show at the NEC in Spring and Autumn, have you ever visited that show?