will open a new browser window or tab.Q: Is everyone on programming a guest?
A: No. While our guests do stellar duty providing the core of our programming, we also include many non-guests on programming. Some are community members who are specialists in an area of interest to our attendees, such as science. Some are specialists from outside the community who are brought in for specific programming items.
Q: Does everyone on programming get in free?
A: No. Contrary to popular opinion, not everyone working on a con gets in free. In ApolloCon's case, not even the Department Heads (who spend hundreds of hours a year working on the con) get in free. Individuals who do a certain number of hours of programming may be eligible for a comp. Not all of those who are eligible choose to accept a comp, preferring to pay their own way to help support ApolloCon. The overwhelming majority of non-guests on our programming have paid for their own membership, either because they were planning to attend anyway, or because they want to support ApolloCon and help us grow. Some members feel that doing one or two panels over the course of the weekend is an enhancement to the con experience, and a great opportunity to interact with guests!
Q: Can people other than writers be on programming?
A: Heavens to Murgatroyd, Yes! We love writers, but we also like to put artists and musicians on programming. And scientists, technologists, gamers, readers, performers, editors, agents, conrunners, hobbyists, collectors, and well-spoken fans. And really, just about any kind of person who is interested, interesting, and able to contribute to items on the programming schedule.
Q: Who comes up with all the ideas for programming?
A: The programming department, the concom, the guests, the program participants, the local clubs, and the community at large all contribute ideas to programming. Some of the ideas are sent to programming individually, others are generated during public brainstorming sessions. Currently, programming has a collection of over 500 suggestions, developed over the last four years, and we are always looking for more.
Q: Who decides what gets on programming?
A: The programming head and assistant, in consultation with the conchair and guests, with input from gaming, media, art show and gaming, decide on the final program.
Q: How does the programming department decide which ideas to use?
A: A number of tests are applied to each idea: Does this sound interesting? Does this support our mandate? Do we have the resources to mount this? Do we have any guests/program participants who want to do this? Do we have any similar items already in place, and how many? Has this been done-to-death either here or anywhere nearby in recent times? Is our GoH allergic to this? Anything that can survive that has a fighting chance of being on programming.
Q: I have this great idea for a programming item. What do I do?
A: Send it to ApolloCon Programming. Remember, the more information you give us, the better the chance that your idea might be used. Be sure and tell us if it is something you would like to be part of presenting.