Regarding the Marriott Atrium Level/"sailboat bar"...

[maryryanbogard.livejournal.com]

A lot of people (myself included) are already planning gatherings/photoshoots for D*C 2010, and I'll be happy to keep a compiled list like I've done since 2008. However, there is a big issue that needs to be addressed before too many gatherings get too deep in planning: the Atrium Level of the Marriott. The Atrium Level is the floor right above (i.e. one flight up from) the main lobby. This is where the skywalk connecting the Marriott to the Peachtree Center food court/the Hyatt begins/ends. This is also home to Pulse (better known as the "sailboat bar"), Sear (a restaurant and sports bar), and the Atrium Ballroom (home to many of the really big panels). It is also where far too many groups decide to hold their gatherings/photoshoots. Regardless of how big the group itself is, this adds to the already-present crowding issues.

Getting through the Atrium Level was a nightmare. One couldn't even get to the bar itself! Last year I tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to discourage gatherings there after too many decided to use that location. I say "mostly unsuccessfully" because the only group that heeded my advice was the combined Bleach/Death Note/Naruto group- more power to them, I say. There is a reason I tried to discourage so many gatherings/photoshoots from using that area, and why I don't host any gatherings/photoshoots there myself. No, the new direct (i.e. not going through the food court) walkway will not alleviate this problem- it's to begin/end "on first floor of the Marriott Marquis, above lobby level", which is the Atrium Level. Even if it didn't people will still want to get cheap food, and it doesn't solve the issue of the big panels and people actually wanting to patronize the bar(s).

( That said... )

P.S.: the Hyatt bar is not a viable location for gatherings either- that's where the new skywalk will begin/end, and the crowding there (with or without the photography restrictions imposed by the Hyatt) was always pretty bad, too. Speaking of hotel-imposed restrictions, I would not blame the Marriott in the least if they banned photography on the Atrium Level altogether.

Laurell K Hamilton! Sam! Pam! Lafayette!

[eeyore1378.livejournal.com]

Is anyone else as estatic as I am!!!!!!!!  If Eric shows up, I'm done . LOL
Are there any Laurell K Hamilton and/or True Blood fans out there?????

SGMT NEWS UPDATES

[wiccanslyr.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to let any and all interested parties know -- the SGMT 2010 Panel Application is now LIVE!

A few pointers:

1) If you've already discussed leading/helping with an SGMT panel on any forum space, you still need to complete the official application.

2) If you've already organized a potential panel group, only ONE application needs to be submitted via lead contact.

3) Please attempt to self-designate which of our "majors" you feel your panel would fit best, based on focus topic. Our majors for 2010 are: science and technology, literature and philosophy, and social sciences. It IS possible that your panel may become "cross-listed" between two majors before all is said and done, and some panels will be lumped into our "elective pool," since they may be one-shots that don't seem to fit our majors.

4) The more information we have about the panel's tentative format (expert panel, roundtable discussions, moderated Q & A, etc.) and topic, the better! Most of the time, the manner in which a panel is run is MORE important than the content delivered -- meaning that a well-organized panel that stays on track is superior to a track full of information that spans too broad a scope.

5) Panel application deadline is tentatively April 30, 2010. Selected panelists will be informed via e-mail by May 31, 2010.

Best wishes to all applicants -- we look forward to seeing a wide variety of ideas!


We've been busy beavers here at the SGMT office today, and not only is your Panel Application up and running, but the 2010 SGMT Volunteer Application is up and ready as well!

No, we won't turn anyone away. It's only an application in that it's a form you fill out for us, but "Volunteer Form" doesn't sound as friendly... it's more utilitarian, and we're not. 8)

So, even if you've volunteered with us before, PLEASE go over to the new Volunteer Application and fill it out for us!!

All information is collected strictly for our own use, will not be sold or given to any other person or business, and the mailing address is collected so we can send you nifty stuff like demo swag throughout the year. Or maybe a present now and again. Or a blackmail picture we got of you last year in the shower with the jello in the tub. ~look~

But yes, only I, the Volunteer Coordinator, and the Department Head for whatever department you want to volunteer with will see your information, so please please please fill it out completely.

Feel free to check any number of Department boxes, though if you check more than about 4, you might as well just check "General Volunteer" and be done with it.

Cannot WAIT to see you all again!!!!