Last update: Fri, 24 Sep 2004

[animated Archon 27 logotype]
October 2-5, 2003

Yes - a FOUR day con!

Collinsville, Illinois (St. Louis, Missouri area)


Located at the Collinsville, IL Gateway Center (convention center)  and adjacent Holiday Inn (same location as 1993-2002 Archons), just off exit 11 (11 miles east of St. Louis/Mississippi river) on I-55/I-70.
SEE ARCHON MAP OR GATEWAY CENTER MAP

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GUESTS:

Featured
GoH:
       Michael Stackpole

Artist
GoH:
       Butch Honeck

Media
GoHs:
       Actor Andreas Katsulas
                    and Actress Julie Caitlin Brown

Gaming
GoH:
       Majestic Twelve Games

Costuming
GoH:
       Kenneth Hall

Filk
GoH:
       Michael "Moonwulf" Longcor

Fan
GoHs:
       Jim Murray, Paula Helm Murray,
                    and Margene Bahm

TM:         Dana Eilers

Masquerade
MC:
         Author Vic Milán



Plus, many other notable pro & fan guests

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HOTELS:

CONVENTION HOTEL: Holiday Inn: 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234-6103; 1-800-551-5133 ($93 sngl/dbl, $103 trpl/quad; includes coupon for full breakfast).

We have all of the Holiday Inn's function space (in addition to the entire convention center), and the con suite will be on the ground floor, with access to the patio for smokers.

The ground-floor wing leading to the indoor pool will be blocked as the dedicated party wing (partiers should let both the hotel and the Archon committee know if they plan to host a party, so we can guarantee a room in that section. NO parties will be allowed on other floors.
For more information, or to register your party online, see
http://www.archonstl.org/27/arcparty.html

Except for the PATIO, the public areas of the hotel's first floor will be designated NON-SMOKING.


OVERFLOW HOTELS: We also have room blocks (30-96 rooms each) at the following six hotels; five are on the opposite side of the Gateway Center from the Holiday Inn (the Extended Suites, Super 8, and Fairfield Inn are on the street leading to the Gateway Center, and the others are on a separate street behind them).

Extended Suites ($75 sngl/quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 346-0800)

Super 8 ($52 sngl/quad - almost all have 1 queen bed - Continental breakfast included; (618) 345-8008)

Fairfield Inn ($90 single/quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 346-0607)

Hampton Inn ($69 sngl/quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 346-4400)

Comfort Inn ($70 sngl/quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 346-4900)

Best Western Pear Tree Inn (not co-located with the other hotels, above - 5 minutes away) ($79 sngl/quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 345-9500)

Unused portions of the room blocks for all six hotels will be released approximately September 1st.


We do not have a room block at the following hotel; it is located near those listed above.

Ramada Ltd. (1 king or 2 queen beds); (618) 345-2000 or make reservations via their web page.


The following hotels are on the other side of the highway from most of the above (as is the Pear Tree Inn) - they are reasonably close, but you probably wouldn't want to walk to or from most of them; the Drury Inn is the closest.

Drury Inn Continental breakfast included; (618) 345-7700

Quality Inn (314) 241-7117

Days Inn (314) 241-2915

Best Value Atrium Inn & Suites (618) 344-7171 or (888) 315-2378
475 N. Bluff Rd; Indoor pool, bar & grill; Ask for special Archon $45 rate


All rates listed are +tax (11%).

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PROGRAMING:

The convention will have 6-10 tracks of programming starting at 5pm on Thursday, plus children's and Grand masquerades, around-the-clock gaming, 3 video rooms (2 of them 24-hour), Thursday night Artist Reception, Friday night dinner theater & GoH speeches and Awards ceremonies, Friday night Masquerade dance and meet-the-pro's function, Saturday night dance, Friday (and probably Saturday) night pool party, all-night filking Friday and Saturday nights, and a dedicated track of children's programming (NOT a baby-sitting service).

With a Filk Guest of Honor this year, look for more filk programming than usual.

If we can find a suitable wall, and the weather cooperates, we are going to attempt a Thursday-evening outdoor "drive-in" movie in the parking lot outside either the convention center or the Holiday Inn.

We have one of the best art shows in the midwest, and one of the best masquerades anywhere in the country.

Voices From Archon's Subculture - A poetry/prose open mic: Anyone is free to sign up. If you want to perform, show up before start time to put your name on the list. Bring your own material. The only restriction on poetic expression is the time limitation of five minutes maximum per reader.

For more information, and especially to volunteer for program/panel/etc. participation, contact Darrell Flynn, (314) 469-3641.


VOLUNTEERS: Sign up now to help out at the con! Let us know if you have experience, or a particular interest, in any specific area(s). Volunteers who work more than 6 hours qualify for special benefits, and more for the Volunteer who works the most hours. Volunteers who work 20 or more hours will receive a special-edition Archon Volunteers T-shirt.
For more information, or to volunteer, contact Beth Bancroft, (618) 346-2681.


MASQUERADE: Archon has become one of the major costuming/masquerade conventions in the country, and features author Vic Milán as MC. For information, contact Sheila Lenkman & Scott Corwin, 9119 Madge, St. Louis, MO 63144; (314) 961-8972.
For more information, or to register online, see http://www.archonstl.org/masquerade.html


GAMING: Gaming runs its own, extensive, programming; events this year will include Collectible Card Game tournaments, sanctioned RPGA, Call of Cthulhu, AD&D, and other miniature-based games. There will also be scheduled game demonstrations and introductory game scenarios. Write Archon 27, Attn: Gaming Dept., c/o the PO box, contact Jon Bancroft, (618) 346-2681, or see http://homepages.apci.net/~ipw4/archon/arcgame.htm.

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CONTESTS:

MINIATURES CONTEST: The Masters Division has two sections, so there are more chances of winning in that Division. For more detailed information, write Tai Mayford, 2833 Ralph, Granite City, IL  62040, or contact Tai Mayford, (618) 876-5382.


PLASTIC MODELING CONTEST: This is a contest/display for SF/Fantasy-related plastic models. Plastic, resin, etc., scratch-built models, kits, and modified kits are welcome, but NOT models that were purchased already built and decorated. For more information, contact Tony Parker, 5051A Pernod, St. Louis, MO 63139; (314) 351-4722.


ROBOWARS: Build your custom fighting machine and pit it against worthy opponents. You don't need a degree in advanced mechanical design to enter. Just pick up a radio-controlled car or truck, and start from there. Don't worry about having your expensive creation destroyed; to win, you don't have to destroy your opponent - just push him off the combat surface or render him immobile. For more information, contact Jeff Finazzo, or see http://www.stormlight.net/robowars/robowars.htm.


VIDEO FESTIVAL: "Lights! Camcorder! Action!" You don't have to be a Spielberg, Lucas, or Corman (but we wouldn't mind an Ed Wood). All you need is vision and videotape. We're looking for fantasy, SF, and/or horror entries for a special presentation in the Video Room Friday night. Movies, animation, hand puppets, stop-motion action figures? If you can get it on a VHS tape, we want it! For more information, contact Jeff Finazzo, or see http://www.stormlight.net/robowars/video.htm.

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ART SHOW:

Hanging fees are $15 for the first full 4' wide x 7' tall panel or 30" x 6' table, $7.50 for a half panel/table - additional full tables/panels are $12 each; limit 3 per artist or agent. Mail-in art is accepted if accompanied by reusable packing and payment for return shipping. No store-bought pieces are allowed. Print shop fee is $7 with no limit on the number of different pieces or the quantity of each piece entered.

Junior (age 13-17) and Juvenile (under 13) space is FREE, but is limited to one half panel or table (artists 17 & under may enter art in the main show, but must pay full price for space and the art must be of adult quality).

A 10% commission will be charged on all art show (including Junior/Juvenile), print shop, and resale shop sales (resale shop fees and rules are the same as for the regular art show). For more information, or to reserve panel/3D-table space, write c/o Susan Bolhafner, 3523 Sidney, St. Louis, MO 63104; (314) 865-1834.

For detailed information, see http://www.archonstl.org/27/a27_artist_guidelines.html

Also see Membership Rates, below.

List of Exhibiting Artists

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DEALERS:

There will be 80-85 tables - a very favorable ratio for the expected 1900-2200 attendees. Rates are $70 for the first 8' table, $80 for the second table, and $90 for the third; dealers will normally be limited to 2 tables each.

NO memberships are included in table prices, and all workers must have a valid convention badge. For special dealer rate information see Membership Rates, below.

When requesting tables, please specify the number of tables desired, what type of merchandise you plan to sell, and if you require electricity (electricity will be billed separately at the convention center's quoted rates; 2002 rates were $20 for up to 150 watt service or $30 for 150-500 watt service if ordered in advance, or $40 and $60 if ordered at the convention). Advance payment or deposit is required, to be considered for table allocations (we "jury" table requests, to achieve a good mix).

For information, table requests, and payments, write to DEALERS ROOM, ARCHON 27, PO BOX 8387, ST. LOUIS, MO 63132-8387, contact Randy Davis via email, or see the Dealers Room Letter and the Dealers Room Followup Letter.


List of Attending Dealers

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HOURS OF OPERATION:

Registration: Opens 5pm Thursday, in the Gateway Center
              Friday, Saturday, Sunday hours TBD

Programming: Thursday - Gateway Center hours 5pm-Midnight; Holiday Inn hours 5pm-????
            Friday - Gateway Center 10am-Midnight; Holiday Inn 10am-????
            Saturday - Gateway Center 10am-Midnight; Holiday Inn 10am-????
            Sunday - Gateway Center 10am-5pm; Holiday Inn 10am-5pm

Open Filking: Thursday night, time TBD; Friday night, time TBD; Saturday night, time TBD

Video 1: TBD
Video 2: TBD
Video 3: TBD

Gaming Registration (Gateway Center): Thursday - 5:30pm-9pm
                                         Friday - 9am-8pm
                                         Saturday - 9am-8pm
                                         Sunday - 9am-Noon
Gaming (Holiday Inn): 6pm Thursday continuously thru 5pm Sunday
Gaming (Gateway Center): Thursday - 6pm-Midnight
                        Friday - 9:30am-Midnight
                        Saturday - 9:30am-Midnight
                        Sunday - 9:30am-5pm

Miniatures Contest (Holiday Inn): Thursday - TBD
                        Friday - 10am-5pm; Contestant's Reception 5pm-6:30pm
                        Saturday - 10am-4pm; Judges setup 4pm-5pm; Judging 5pm-6:30pm
                        Sunday - 10am-2pm - MUST PICK UP ALL PIECES BY 2PM!

Art Show: Thursday setup, Noon-11pm    Show opens to the public at 5pm
          Friday, Noon-8pm (setup ongoing)  Reception 8pm-10pm
          Saturday, 10am-4:30pm
          Auction, Saturday, 5pm-end of auction (open 1 hour after the auction for sales)
          Sunday, 10am-Noon
          Artist Check-Out, Sunday, Noon-3pm    No early birds, please!

Dealers: Closed Thursday
         Dealer setup 9am-2pm Friday
         Normal open hours 2pm-8pm Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday, and 10am-2pm Sunday
         Dealer teardown starts at 2pm Sunday, and must be completed by 5pm

Opening Ceremonies: Thursday night, 7pm

Artist's Reception: Thursday night, 8pm-9pm

Friday Evening Dinner Theater Banquet: Friday night, 7-10pm

Friday Night Dance: Time TBD

Saturday Night Dance: Time TBD

GoH speeches, related ceremonies, gifts, and awards: Noon-1pm Sunday

Closing Ceremonies: Sunday, time TBD

Children's Masquerade: Saturday afternoon, time TBD

Grand Masquerade: Saturday night, time TBD

Charity Auction: Sunday, 1pm-3pm

Hospitality: TBD

VIP: TBD

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RATES:

PROGRAM BOOK ADVERTISING:
Rates are $500 for a four-color back cover,

Professional $300 or Fan $200 for a B&W back cover,

Pro $225/Fan $125 for the inside back cover,

$200/$100 for a full inside page,

$100/$50 1/2 page horizontal or $110/$55 1/2 page vertical,

$60/$30 1/4 page horizontal;

Fan-only noncommercial business-card size ads are $10.

The Program Book will be 8.5" x 11", tentatively with a four-color cover by our Artist Guest of Honor. For more information, write the Archon 27 PO Box, contact Rich Zellich, (636) FAN-3026, or see http://www.archonstl.org/27/ads.html.


MEMBERSHIP RATES:

Adult memberships were $20 in advance at Archon 26, and are now
$35 October 7, 2002 thru June 30 2003,
$40 July 1 thru August 31, 2003, and then
$45 until September 26, 2003 and at the door.

Kids 6-10 are $8 at any time,
Young adults 11-16 are $20 at any time
(children thru age 12 must be accompanied by an adult member).

Dealers and artists get the $35 membership rate between October 7, 2002 and August 31, 2003 if sent in with their table/panel space payments. If paid separately, the rate in effect at the time of membership payment will apply.

One-day adult memberships are $25 Thursday-Friday combined, $30 Saturday, and $20 Sunday (second-dayers can upgrade for the difference between one-day and full membership).

For post-registration information, contact Maureen Davis.


BANQUET:

The Dinner Theater Banquet will be held on Friday evening, starting at 7pm. Missouri Smith will be producing the interactive play, which is expected to last between one and two hours. Guest of Honor speeches and Awards presentations (Archon Hall of Fame, etc.) will immediately follow. ALL CONVENTION MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FOLLOWING GOH SPEECHES AND AWARDS CEREMONIES; estimated start time is around 9pm.

Dinner menu is roast prime rib with natural juices, porcini mushroom ravioli in a delicate garlic cream sauce with parmigiano reggiano shavings, New Caesar salad (sourdough croutons, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, & crumbled goat cheese), French style green beans & gingered gourmet baby carrots, twice baked herb potatoes with scallions, sour cream, & parmigiano reggiano cheese, fresh-baked crusty herbed dinner rolls with whipped butter, coffee, tea. Beer, wine, and soda will also be available from the open bar included in the dinner price.

Banquet/theater/bar cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 10 and under.


MERCHANDISE:

[image of It Came From Collinsville T-shirt art] Archon 21 "Monster Movie" T-shirts
S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL: $15  (some sizes may be sold out)
                           5XTall: $22
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION
(these were not the official Archon 21 con shirts, but the special shirts made for the 50's monster movie recreation spectacular with the Korean War reenactors and the 50' long monster built by our creature shop)

[blank image placeholder for Archon 27 T-shirt art]Archon 27 Official T-shirts
These will be available for purchase in the Dealers Room, at Ray Van Tilburg's table.

[image of Kelly Freas Archon 13 poster art]Archon 13 Posters: $6 ONLY 5 LEFT
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION
(limited-edition Frank Kelly-Freas screen print of the artwork used for the Archon 13 T-shirts; 7.5" x 9" image on heavy 11" x 14" stock)

[image of Archon 20 pin]Archon 20th Anniversary Pin (first pin of the series): $2
(Not mailable, since postage and padded envelope would cost more than the pin!)

[image of Archon 21 pin]Archon 21 Pin: $2
(Not mailable)

[image of Archon 22 pin]Archon 22 Pin: $2
(Not mailable; you get one free at Archon 23 or subsequent Archons if you were an Archon 22 member)

[image of Archon 23 pin]Archon 23 Pin: $2
(Not mailable)

[image of Archon 24 pin]Archon 24 Pin
(SOLD OUT)

[image of Archon 25 pin]Archon 25 Pin: $2
(Not mailable)

[image of Archon 26 pin]Archon 26 Pin: $2

[blank image placeholder for upcoming pin design]Archon 27 Pin: (Included with Archon 27 membership)

[image of Mary Hanson-Roberts program book back cover][image of Mary Hanson-Roberts program book front cover] Archon 21 Mary Hanson-Roberts Program Book Covers: $2
CLICK ON EITHER IMAGE TO SEE LARGER VERSIONS
(special flat, uncreased, covers printed for autographing by the AGoH; not printed on reverse; 17"Wx11"H)
(Not mailable, due to 17" width)

[empty image for future Archon 27 Artist Guest of Honor program book back cover][empty image for future Archon 27 Artist Guest of Honor program book front cover]Archon 27 Artist Guest of Honor Book Covers
(special flat, uncreased, covers printed for autographing by the AGoH; not printed on reverse; 17"Wx11"H)
These will be available FREE at the convention, at the Artist Guest of Honor's autograph session(s).

All prices include postage, except the pins and program book covers.
Pins and program book covers may be pre-ordered and picked up at Archon 27, or may be purchased directly at the con.


SEND ALL PAYMENTS TO
ARCHON 27, PO BOX 8387, ST. LOUIS, MO 63132-8387

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

INFORMATION: Archon 27, P.O. Box 8387, St. Louis, MO  63132-8387

HOTLINE:Rich or Michelle Zellich, (636) FAN-3026 (636-326-3026).



OTHER POINTS OF CONTACT:

charity@archonstl.org> Mike Hatley, 220 South 4th St., Dupo, IL 62239; (618) 286-3509

Fan/Club Liaison: David Phelps, 7511 Teasdale, St. Louis, MO 63130; (314) 725-1868

Filking: Gary Hanak, 3185 Moss Bend Ct., St. Charles, MO 63303; (636) 685-6469

First Fandom Liaison: Joan Knappenberger, 1474 Summerhaven Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146; (314) 997-3782

Hotel & Party Room Liaison: Rich Zellich, 1738 San Martin Dr., Fenton, MO 63026-2304; (636) FAN-3026

Press Liaison: Lucinda Gille-Rowley, 1220 Forest Trail Court, Fenton, MO 63026; (636) 677-8370

Pro Liaison: Les Haven, 1923 McDowling Dr., Huntsville, AL 35803; (256) 880-7863

Security: Steve Norris, 1079 Camargo, Dr., Ballwin, MO 63011; (314) 230-9481

Video Rooms: David Schuey, 9015 North Ave., St. Louis, MO 63114; (314) 429-0540

VIP/Pro Guest Liaison (Local Transportation): John Novak, 5705 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63111; (314) 351-3906

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Last update: Fri, 24 Sep 2004 by Rich Zellich