Orycon 34

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Portland Doubletree Hotel

Portland, Oregon

November 2-4, 2012

The table is already set and ready. The Oregon clan of the Mandalorian Mercs, Outer Rim Brigade and The Dark Empire will be sharing the table. The name of the table is "Star Wars".

As with all of the Oregon Mercs events, The Dark Empire is always welcomed with open arms.

This is wonderful Vod... I hope the Empire in this area can have a showing for this.

"Thank You".

I'm hoping to represent TDE at this con. I do know that Kol is all about TDE...think I created a monster. lol.

Brutal One LIKE!!! Rep us well, pal!

Looks like there's a possibility that I'll be there for part of Saturday and Sunday. Darth Saron said that he had to work the next 6 days over on the mercs boards. MEEKOtheBUZZsaw will be holding down the table since people are having to back out. I'll be providing table props as the table was a little naked today. If Kol can make it that would help MEEKO out a lot.

I'm headed over in less than an hour. I too will be bringing props. Aramys (Mercs) is headed over at around 4.

Kol wrote:I'm headed over in less than an hour. I too will be bringing props. Aramys (Mercs) is headed over at around 4.

ok good, props on the table is much better than just a couple of cards (which is basically what it was) we'll be up there a little later.

I heard about yesterday. Great job everyone. Sorry I had to miss it.

We got you covered, according to Bill the table looked the best it ever had.

Any mission reports or pics for this one? Sounds like it was a great event, and went on at the exact same time as LBCHC. Pretty cool!

Hope you had fun and thank you for sharing a table with us.

MEEKOtheBUZZsaw has written up an AAR (after action report) she just hasn't posted it over here yet.

The table covered all 6 of the costuming groups plus Oregon Fan Force. We talked up all the groups to the people that were interested and we might be seeing some new folks in the next few weeks.

I do have to preface my previous comment and say that this con wasn't "fun"; the organizers don't really treat the major costuming groups well, and mostly as an after thought. They are deliberately shooting themselves in the foot by keep this con small and only focused on writers and writing (they didn't really pull in any major authors just the local amateurs)

Simple solution to that is... bigger con and different people to deal with next time. I'm still glad to see the groups working together, nonetheless.

Orycon has always been a hit or miss event. We bring something different to the table. But the great thing is all the groups worked together and had a great table.

It was a great table, I'll have to get the pictures from MEEKO of it. I deliberately chose things that represented a little of everything, both soft and hard costumes. And we had a lot of discussion with people about the props that were on the table. I do have to say that I think that this year was a "hit" year.

Feel free to post this where it belongs... I really didn't know where to post it so I went for posting it here

Mission Location: Orycon 2012 @ the Portland Lloyd Center Double Tree, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
Date: November 2-4, 2012
Mission Objective: To promote The Dark Empire along with other Star Wars costuming clubs to a greater audience in the Portland area.
Mission Report:

Darth Seron invided TDE to assist in a Multiclub booth at Orycon. This was a interesting event prospect as Orycon has a awkward reputation of not allowing masks/helmets, as well as weapons. Regardless ORB, Mercs and TDE expressed interest and there were some ideas for table stuffs including various club cards and buckets being displayed. There was no clear time or shifts discussed and it was theorized that people would table-sit on a floating basis (people not wanting to walk around would table-sit). Not a lot of other discussion occurred. The main feeling about any presence at Orycon was to network with the con staff, other groups and get the word out about all the clubs to a untapped convention crowd!

When arriving on Friday I arrived in the late afternoon and set up a empty table with props, cards. Caraina (A Mandalorian Merc prospective member still working on her armor) stopped by in a Doctor Who costume and assisted in setting up and sitting at the table. With limited cards from only a few clubs (KB, CCG, TDE, and TJA), both of us spoke of all clubs to people and represented well. Both of us were a bit worried that people that had expressed interest were not there, and it was found out that Darth Seron had posted on Manolorian Mercs that he had to work all weekend and another member said he would be there on Sat-Sun. It was agreed upon by both Caraina and I to take it upon ourselves to supply props for the table the next day. The helmet and weapon policy was cleared up by Fan Table Coordinator Nancy (that masks and weapons were allowed in front of the fan tables and in the fan table area). Nancy also really wanted the various groups to be able to pose for pictures with con-goers. Nancy did her best to empower us to, "Do your thing!!" so we had a positive outlook on the next few days.

Upon arriving on Saturday, I had raided Aysel and Volund Starfire's house and the back of my own car to come up with props and cards for the table. I set up the table (with assistance from PDX Browncoats) with information, props and costumes from ORB, RL, 501st, TDE, Mando Mercs, and TJA. Nancy again came by and clarified the weapons and helmets/masks policy from the previous night. She also expressed her excitement that the members from the clubs were going to pull guard duty at the Costume Contest, which was news to me but I said if it were possible that we would provide what we could. Caraina arrived at noon and added more table props. TDE member Kol (wearing a dark Jedi) worked with Caraina (wearing a borrowed Juno Eclipse R.S.) until I came back with Aysel. All four represented all clubs well and got a lot of positive responses from con-goers. Bill arrived later on with his Mando kit and said how great the table looked. He was excited and said how great it was to see all the clubs represented in one place. Many of the kids and adults loved the lightsabers, the helmets, and got a kick out of the blasters. Many of the small kids were in awe of the Book of Sith Holocron (courtesy of Kol) that would present a book with lights and sound at the press of one "magical button." We saw a lot of smiles were had and good conversations. Caraina said she loved the borrowed Juno Eclipse and expressed her desire to be more active in not only Mando Mercs but in the other groups as well. We also networked with the Star Trek Group, USS Wolf 359. We talked for a few hours just chatting back and forth, more than we had at the Blood Drive (a co-club event last year)!

While working the crowd and to draw some attention, Kol took a few steps away from the booth (still within the fan table area) and started spinning his lightsaber in a safe manner and away from the crowd. He was cautioned against it by Bill and was then confronted by Orycon security that spinning his saber was against Orycon safety protocol, as well as the hotels. When Kol apologized and said he was told he had been cleared by Nancy, security said they hadn't herd that change. Soon the "incident" was brought up to the co-chair of Orycon who told the entire table that weapons in hand (toy blasters or lightsabers) were not allowed in ANY area. She apologized that we had understood incorrectly the longstanding policy of Orycon, but that was they rule. Panicked we looked at each other because the table that night as the table had been filled with blasters, lightsabers, and helmets all day with no Orycon official saying anything other than Nancy clearing weapons in the Fan Table area. The co-chair of Orycon then came over 5 minutes later and apologized again that we were correct and to carry on, but the damage had already been done. A majority of the group didn't want to move from behind the table or more than a few feet away. A few pictures were requested of the costumed members but each time a Orycon security person was intently watching the costumed member. By this time costumed members were requested to be present during the Orycon costume contest and I had changed into Mara Jade:Black Jumpsuit. As I was prepping my lightsaber to be used in the costume contest and standing next to the table a Orycon security member came up to me and said I was not to be welding my saber in a threatening manner (I had switched my weight from one leg to the other and moved the saber with and was reaching to tighten the blade screw). He further implied that I was not posing for a photo and must be put the saber away or be prepared to leave the convention. I explained that the fan table area had been cleared for their weapons by Nancy and the security member quickly retorted that he doesn't know anyone by that name. I re-stated, as clearly as I could that it was the Fan Table Organizer Nancy that had cleared all props for all the fan tables in the fan table area and that I also had been specially requested to bring it in for the part I had been requested to play in the costume contest. He rolled his eyes and said he guessed it would be ok, but he would have to talk to Nancy and be back. He never re-appeared near our fan table the rest of the convention. The Costume Contest went off without a hitch and music started for the dance that took place after. Several members started dancing with the kids, including the Gangnam style dance (much to the joy of onlookers). We then broke down the table and took off for the night.

On Sunday we set up the table with a new rotation of props. The crowds were a bit slower as it was the last day of the convention but still people stopped by to talk and ask questions. Fun conversations were had with the Battlestar Galactica Fangroup, the Star Trek USS Wolf 359, and the PDX Browncoats. When Fan Table Coordinator Nancy came by to pre-plan for next year's fan tables it was requested by Bill to have the booth officially signed up as Star Wars Clubs so not one club was listed over the other and as all clubs were represented (even Oregon Fan Force on Sunday). I requested to Nancy that a clear clarification be made on the weapons policy and that the policy be COMMUNICATED to all Orycon security so the table could 'do their thing' as Nancy had requested. Nancy said it would be done and asked if next year funds could be raised for a charity and a small photo booth be set up. It was agreed upon to be looked into and the table was dismantled at the end of the con.

Overall we had a good networking experience, got as much information as we could out there as well as maintaining our good reputations. This could be a good small convention for all our groups, but still needs some MAJOR work in communication and follow-though on rules on Orycon's part. It was great that all clubs were represented and made everyone shine in turn. There were a few problems that cropped up and were dealt with, and this con isn't for everyone. However on the whole it was a good opportunity to talk to a new audience. It is important to keep in mind that this IS NOT A BIG CONVENTION and costumes/props are not a primary focus. This provides some great conversations though and we had a lot of interest.


Final Roster:
Kol-175
MEEKOtheBUZZSAW-172
Volund Starfire-112
Asyel-091

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If anyone has anyting they would like to add, please do so!!

Sounds like something was learned all around for the groups and maybe the venue for next time.

Awesome report! It sounds to me that they have little experience with fan groups; they probably learned a lot themselves.

I'd like to read this on episode 74 (next episode) of our podcast. Any objections (there's a lot of detail, might be a bit much). You can email an edited version of it to me, if you'd like it read on DER.

Thanks!

Sure!! I would love to have this used on the next podcast! How far would you like it pruned? Is there anything you would like less detail on and I should focus on pruning?

Probably trim the part about the security guard, and the coordinator's name. Otherwise, should work out quite well! If you don't want to repost it here, you can email it to me at [Only admins are allowed to see this link] I prefer to be emailed stuff for the podcast, anyway; it helps keep me from having to comb the forums for it, LOL.

Man, why didn't someone tell me my Velcro was showing on my Mando armor?

Excellent report Meeko. I tried to do a jail and bail one year, to raise money for the Children's Cancer Association, but it wasn't all that effective. It yielded $100. Still, it was better than nothing, I suppose. Not trying to knock your efforts for fund raising, just thought I'd point out that fund raising efforts don't seem to be too terribly effective at OryCon. It seems that it just doesn't appeal to the masses, for some reason. Of course, this year was an election, and as such may not have been effective for fund raising. Next year we won't have that issue.

Again, not trying to discourage the effort. On the contrary, I welcome it! Just be advised that it may not be too effective at this event, is all.

Brutal One, thanks for offering to put this in the podcast. It has been a pipedream of mine to see the Star Wars community find a real niche at OryCon, and I think we finally achieved that this year. I've tried to bring Star Wars to OryCon for the last five years, I think it has been five years now. Thanks to Aysel and Meeko and that great table display, I think we finally achieved what I have been longing for all these years. To say that I was excited to see the table in all of its glory is an understatement. I couldn't be more proud of everyone who helped grow the Star Wars community at OryCon. TDE, Mercs, Rebel Legion, 501st, TJA and ORB represented well and I'm proud to have been there beside all these fine folks!

Darth Dybbuk wrote:Man, why didn't someone tell me my Velcro was showing on my Mando armor?

Excellent report Meeko. I tried to do a jail and bail one year, to raise money for the Children's Cancer Association, but it wasn't all that effective. It yielded $100. Still, it was better than nothing, I suppose. Not trying to knock your efforts for fund raising, just thought I'd point out that fund raising efforts don't seem to be too terribly effective at OryCon. It seems that it just doesn't appeal to the masses, for some reason. Of course, this year was an election, and as such may not have been effective for fund raising. Next year we won't have that issue.

Darth Dybbuk,

Not entirely true. Cloud City Garrison (along with Kashyyyk Base & ORB) raised over $1,000 with their pictures with your favorite SW character; at Rose City Comic Con (last September). There could have been a thousand factors, that lead to, what happened to your efforts. *Again the leadership, of OryCon, may have been a major factor.*

Matt, I was speaking of OryCon specifically. Fund raisers at OryCon seem to be discouraged for some reason. At least that was the impression they gave me that year we had the jail and bail. When everything was all said and done, they basically told me that they didn't think our fund raising efforts were a good fit for this particular convention crowd.

Rose City is a completely different animal, as are most of the other local conventions, altogether.