Last update: Fri, 24 Sep 2004

Located at the Collinsville, IL Gateway Center (convention center)  and adjacent Holiday Inn (same location as 1993-2003 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

Featured
GoH:       Alan Dean Foster

Artist
GoH:       Vincent Di Fate

Media
GoH:       George Takei

Gaming
GoH:       PEG CEO Shane Hensley

Costuming
GoH:       Jacqueline Ward

Filk
GoH:       the great Luke Ski

Fan
GoH:       Mike Glyer

TM:         Ben Bova

Masquerade
MC:         Vic Milán

Plus, many other notable pro & fan guests

CONVENTION HOTEL: Holiday Inn: 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234-6104; 1-800-551-5133 ($94 sngl/dbl, $104 trpl/quad; includes coupon for full breakfast (max. 2 coupons per room)).
Internet access: Wireless Ethernet, all rooms, Wired Ethernet "bridges" available on request
AS OF 6 AUGUST, THE HOLIDAY INN IS COMPLETELY BOOKED.

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/28/arcparty.html

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

OVERFLOW HOTELS: We have small room blocks (25-50 rooms each) at the following seven hotels; five are on the opposite side of the Gateway Center from the Holiday Inn (the Extended Stay 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 Stay Suites ($49/$59/$69/$79 sngl/dbl/trpl/quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 345-0800 CORRECTED PHONE NUMBER)
Internet access: None A/O 1 July; they might have Wireless Ethernet by October

Super 8 ($50 sngl/dbl, $56 trpl/quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 345-8008)
Internet access: None

Fairfield Inn ($90 sngl-quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 346-0607)
Internet access: Wired Ethernet, all rooms, free, Wireless Ethernet in the lobby

Hampton Inn ($72 sngl-quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 346-4400)
Internet access: Wireless Ethernet, all rooms, free, must have compatible computer (no wireless cards available from front desk)

Comfort Inn ($70 sngl-quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 346-4900)
Internet access: None

Drury Inn (not co-located with the other hotels, above - just across the highway) ($69 sngl/dbl, $79 trpl/quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 345-7700)
Internet access: Wired Ethernet, all rooms, free

Best Western Pear Tree Inn (not co-located with the other hotels, above - 5 minutes away) ($69 sngl/dbl, $79 trpl/quad - Continental breakfast included; (618) 345-9500)
Internet access: None

Unused portions of the room blocks for all hotels, including the Holiday Inn, will be released in early September (1st thru the 13th, varying with each hotel).

The Ramada Inn is co-located with the main hotels, above, but we do not have an official room block with them this year:

Ramada Ltd. (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 Best Western) - they are reasonably close, but you probably wouldn't want to walk to or from most of them.

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

All rates are +tax (11%).

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).

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

Pirates of the Caribbean Interactive Screening: On deck, you scabrous dogs!

Itching to unleash your Rocky Horror Picture Show humor on Disney? Ever wanted to dress up as a pirate, act like a pirate, or just generally raid, pillage, and plunder one of your favorite movies to your heart's content?

Come to the Friday night showing of Pirates of the Caribbean, and bring your best one-liners to shout out. We'll provide you some good suggested lines (just in case you're not good at talkin' sea smack just yet), lots of pirates (guard your pockets!), and perhaps...even a little pre-show entertainment?

Dress like a pirate, a blacksmith, a strumpet, we don't care, as long as you're there - savvy? (But beware me 'earties, this is a PG-13 movie and the audience's language may get a little salty, so you might want to rethink bringing buccan-ears you reckon too small to hear it.)

We'll supply the instructions; you just show up with the mug o' rum.
Exact time and location TBA, keep your one good eye out for details!
NOTE: If the movie is shown in one of the Holiday Inn video rooms, you can bring your "mug o' rum"; if it is in the Gateway Center video room, you can't bring any food or drink in that was not purchased at their concession stand or vending machines.

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

Also see: ProgrammingSurvey.doc and the draft Pocket Program.

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 28, Attn: Gaming Dept., c/o the PO box, contact Jon Bancroft, (618) 346-2681, or see http://homepages.apci.net/~ipw4/archon/arcgame.htm.

Also see HERE for additional gaming guests

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.

Hanging fees are $15 for each full 4' wide x 7' tall panel or 30" x 6' table, $7.50 for a half panel/table; 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/28/a28_artist_guidelines.html

Also see Membership Rates, below.

List of Exhibiting Artists

There will be 80-85 tables - a very favorable ratio for the expected 1900-2200 attendees. Rates are $75 for the first 8' table, $85 for the second table, and $95 for the third; dealers will normally be limited to 2 tables each.
AS OF 20 SEPTEMBER, THE DEALERS ROOM IS COMPLETELY BOOKED; WE DO, HOWEVER, MAINTAIN A WAITING LIST IN CASE OF LAST-MINUTE CANCELLATIONS.

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; 2003 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).

For information, table requests, and payments, write to Dealers Room, Archon 28, PO Box 8387, ST. Louis, MO 63132-8387, contact Randy Davis via email, or see the Dealers Room Letter.

List of Attending Dealers so far

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
          Reception, Thursday, 8pm-10pm
          Friday, Noon-8pm (setup ongoing)
          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 (dinner theater at 7pm, followed by GoH speeches)

Friday Night Dance: Time TBD

Saturday Night Dance: Time TBD

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

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 28 PO Box, contact Rich Zellich, (636) FAN-3026, or see http://www.archonstl.org/28/ads.html.

MEMBERSHIP RATES:

Adult memberships were $25 in advance at Archon 27, and are now
$35 October 6, 2003 thru June 30 2004,
$40 July 1 thru August 31, 2004, and then
$45 until September 24, 2004 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 6, 2003 and August 31, 2004 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:
Roast prime rib with natural juices
Antipasto display (Italian meats, cheeses, and marinated grilled vegetables including artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, and Calamata olives)
Twice baked herb potatoes with scallions, sour cream, & parmigiano reggiano cheese
Garden salad
Coffee, tea, ice water

Banquet/Theater cost: $20.

MERCHANDISE:

	Archon 21 "Monster Movie" T-shirts
	L, XL, 2XL, 3XL: $10  (some sizes may be sold out)

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)

Archon 28 Official T-shirts
These will be available for purchase in the Dealers Room, at Ray Van Tilburg's table.

Archon 13 Posters: $5 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)

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

Archon 21 Pin: $2
(Not mailable)

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

Archon 23 Pin: $2
(Not mailable)

Archon 24 Pin
(SOLD OUT)

Archon 25 Pin: $2
(Not mailable)

Archon 26 Pin: $2

Archon 27 Pin: $2

Archon 28 Pin: (Included with Archon 28 membership)

Archon 21 Mary Hanson-Roberts Program Book Covers: $1
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)

Archon 28 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 28, or may be purchased directly at the con.

SEND ALL PAYMENTS TO
Archon 28, PO Box 8387, St. Louis, MO 63132-8387

INFORMATION: Archon 28, 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 Auction: Mike Hatley, 220 South 4th St., Dupo, IL 62239; (618) 286-3509

Children's Programming: Steve Bolhafner, 3523 Sidney St., St. Louis, MO 63104; (314) 865-1834

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

Last update: Fri, 24 Sep 2004 by Rich Zellich