Creation's survey offers a glimmer of hope

XENA fans are getting a glimmer of hope this holiday season with a survey prompting fans to offer their opinions about whether or not to continue the conventions after 2012.

It is not surprising that Creation is doing this. After all, no sane fan would say "no" to ending the conventions, well maybe at least one sane fan but this sane fan opted for number three because I'm not selfish. While fans want option 3, it's a bit like asking people at Yankees Stadium if they're Yankees fans. obviously people are going to go with that final option of keeping the conventions going.

However, I think some fans might read too much into this survey.

It has been suspected that Creation, while ending the annual Xena Convention seems like a wise business move, might switch to a much more economic form of convention that combines several properties into one convention. Something similar to the Strong Women of Sci-Fi Conventions (which is one of the options on the survey) from about a decade ago. These conventions contained a mixture of actresses from popular conventions into a two-day convention. Option 2 offers the best economic opportunity for Creation and gives fans a bit more of a selection at a convention.

If Creation were to continue the conventions, they need to rethink the convention experience. It is hard to keep fans interested in the same actors appearing every year with the same stories to tell, or even new ones from their new roles, etc.

One of the things that some fans would like to see at a convention is a panel discussion with the creative staff behind XENA. At the 2005 convention, Rob Tapert and Chris Manheim did a panel discussion and similar panels appeared at subsequent conventions with R.J. Stewart. Liz Friedman, who's been MIA these past few years, was always a fan favorite.

Coordinated actor panels (for example, the CLEOPATRA 2525 panel at the 2010 convention) also are a fan favorite; as well as a panel of the Men of XENA would be a great sell. Get Ted and William up on stage along with David Franklin and see things turn into a riot on stage.

Actors, while they should have an option to promote their new projects, shouldn't use the stage for political, religious, or enlightenment posturing. In other words, be mindful of the audience's sensibilities. Sending "supporters" into the crowd to get them rise up and jam is one way to annoy portions of the audience who don't dig such a thing. People go to conventions to get entertained, not get converted.

The pricing of conventions is too tough to tackle because of the different payments made to the celebrity guests. Actors should be made FULLY aware of what is being charged to the people coming to the conventions. This might prompt a reduction in fees charged to the fans.

Autographs and photo-ops are fine as they stand for the most part because of fire regulations prevent anything other method than what Creation is already using to herd people through the line.

Creation is taking the time to rethink ending the Xena Conventions, and that is not something to take lightly. At least they're listening to fans. That say something about them as a company, even if they still end the conventions.

Questions from the fandom July 2011 Edition

I originally was going to post the questions from the fandom, but I opted for the Convention Questions instead. My reasons for removing the fandom questions part boils down to I want to carefully word my responses because I don't want to anger people because most of what I say is based on my personal experience after 12 years in the fandom. I've seen a lot of vileness and it really doesn't need me adding to it at this point.

So without further delay... these questions are about the conventions...

Questions July Edition

With Creation’s announcement that 2012 will be the final Xena convention, does that mean no more Xena conventions?

The short answer is yes; however, over the long term, possibly not. Since the real reason for Creation not continuing the conventions (and presumably the merchandise) after 2012 is unknown, anything that I say is pure speculation based on what I know about product licensing. If we use the reasoning that Creation’s licensing ends at the end of 2012 another company may license Xena conventions and host them. Is that likely? I’m hesitant to say yes because attendance wise, it’d be foolish for another company to put on Xena convention as the sole offering. I suspect that any future Xena convention (if it happens) would involve it being packaged with something else to draw in a bigger audience. It would be a collective convention, similar to some of the other convention promoters do around the country where stars from various TV shows and movies gather together for a weekend. Just recently Bruce Campbell was at a Wizards convention on the East Coast.

Another possibility is that Creation may end the Xena weekend convention package and instead package it with some other convention. For example, Xena-Stargate-Farscape—One day would be Xena, one day would be Farscape, one day would be Stargate. Anyone who’s been to a Xena convention over the past few years knows that unless it’s Lucy, Renee, or Hudson—the convention theatre is about half or three-quarters full. But this option remains to be seen as Creation is also ending it's Farscape and Stargate conventions as well. Most recently they canceled the Whedon convention that was to be held later this in Los Angeles. They've also added some new shows to their convention line-up including The Vampire Diaries, Eureka and Warehouse 13.

What about merchandising?

From the email that was sent out and the note (one in the same) posted to the X-Con website, it almost sounds like the licensing agreement is ending in 2012 and that Creation no longer can manufacture Xena merchandise and in which case another company can license to make T-Shirts and products based on the series and its characters. NBC Universal has already licensed out a calendar to a publisher based out of New York. It’s the first non-Creation calendar since Portal ceased producing them about four or five years ago.

And the fandom?

The only way the fandom will die is if we the fans let it die. That said, the Xena fandom will live on. The conventions may have ended, it doesn’t stop fans from gathering independently or hosting their own things on their websites, forums, etc. This blog and its companion websites, including The XOC will continue forward. I’m pretty sure MaryD isn’t giving up AUSXIP or TX either.

Is there anything fans can do to keep the conventions going?

If the reason for ending of the conventions is not based on licensing, but financial, there’s always a possibility that fans could persuade Creation to keep the conventions going. A few years back they proclaimed Farscape’s convention demise, yet it has continued on. In that same respect, Stargate is also ending its run on the convention circuit. Fans can write and tell Creation how much they enjoyed the conventions. It’s evident that Creation is having to make some hard decisions about its business. And with the United States economy heading toward another recession, Creation wants solidify itself so it’ll be open for business on the backend once the economy improves.

Questions from the Internet #1

This is part one of a couple different posts where I answer questions that have come up over the last year from different people who've emailed me. Now, I have answered these people privately, but I'm now just getting the question and responses up on the web.

How come the conventions are always held in January or February?

When Creation first started having conventions in 1998, it was customary to have them during the production hiatus which was in January because of TV syndication conventions usually held in either New Orleans or Las Vegas. It made sense, in order for the regular cast to attend, to have the conventions during this time. The only time which this was not the case was in 2001. The series was not in production anymore, so Creation moved the convention to May.

How come Creation charges so much for the Gold tickets?

I honestly don’t know. Compared to other venues (Twilight, Supernatural, or Stargate), the Xena conventions come in second only to the large Star Trek convention held in Las Vegas every year. But if you breakdown the costs of the individual autograph tickets, going Gold is cheaper.

How come Creation doesn’t have more Xena conventions?

Cost. That’s the main reason. In 2007, they had three conventions. The main in January, another in May in New York and a third in October in Chicago, and this was only done because Lucy was doing concerts at each of these cities. I don’t look for them to have additional conventions throughout the year for the foreseeable future.

What advice do you have for first-time convention goers?

Be watching for my guide that I put out every year. I’m currently working on revamping the guide and will launch an online version on the www.xwponline.net website later this year. The first thing that I can offer is respect other fans when guests are up on stage.

Are there any plans for additional sets of Xena to be released onto DVD?

I haven’t heard anything from my contacts about a possible re-release of the DVD sets. (Note: Season 1 was released in April 2010.) I’m not going to say no, but I’m not going to say yes. I honestly don’t know. The sales of the re-release were so-so, but considering the market was already cornered nine years ago with the Anchor Bay release, it would be hard for Universal to sell a product that’s been purchased by the largest potential audience. I’ll keep on it.

How come Universal didn’t have any extras?

Your guess is as good as mine. I can only say that perhaps because Universal just wanted to release the series out onto DVD that they didn’t care about extras, which have become a fixture on DVD releases nowadays. The extras that were put onto the Anchor Bay/Davis sets are owned by Davis Merchandising (aka, the official catalog, aka legendary heroes) and thus can’t be reissued.

Where can I download episodes?

I only answer with legal options. Try iTunes. You can also stream episodes from Netflix. Anything else can be found by simply searching the web. Please note, that by doing that you are infringing upon copyright and you can be prosecuted for it.

Any plans for additional soundtracks? Lucy CD?

Not to my knowledge. Sorry. As for Lucy, I haven’t heard anything about any upcoming CD.

What about the movie, got anything on the movie?

Nope. All I know is that the word from the man who would know (Rob Tapert) said earlier this year that the movie wasn’t going to happen. Contrary to comments from Lucy (which were blown out of proportion by wanna-be-entertainment-websites that use HACKS for writers), she is not hard-up for a movie. I think Lucy could care less at this point. (Meaning, if it happens with or without her is about the same as it not happening at all.)

Was there any mention of the movie at the 2010 convention?

Nothing was mentioned that I can recollect. I think fans have pretty much moved on.

Why isn’t Xena on TV anymore? LOGO would be perfect.

No network has purchased the license to air the series. Oxygen stopped airing the show because they’ve gone to a more Lifetime line-up (gag me with a spoon). While, LOGO would be a good spot (they’re airing Buffy), I think Universal wants to sell the syndication rights to the highest bidder.

Hah! Figures!

Just like 2009, I failed to post regular updates. In fact, I never got around to posting images! Whoopsie. But haste makes waste and I got them up yesterday for you folks! Enjoy my 2010 Xena Convention Photos.

Lucy and Renee headline 15th Anniversary Con

A little late on this, but Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor will be headlining the convention in February. I think it was a matter of getting the to arrange their schedules. Anyways, Lucy will do her solo on Friday, and then her and Renee will be on stage together that same day. Renee's appearance will be on Sunday.

Renee is also signing autographs (for $50) and doing photo ops ($70).

In other news of equal importance, Lucy will not have a concert this convention. This is probably because of her schedule on Spartacus. Oh well.

For more information www.creationenet.com/cal/xebur.htm.

2010 Xena Convention Update

David Franklin has been added to the guest list for the 2010 Xena Convention.

Today, I also purchased my airline ticket after working Delta's ticketing system. :D YEAH!!!

Special friends and great times

On Thursday, I started hearing a rumor about some special surprise planned for Sunday (the last day of the convention). Earlier, I had thought that wow... Joseph LoDuca and Rob Tapert appearing at the convention... there was no mention of a "Legend of the Seeker" panel (though I suspected as much). Once I got the schedule, I realized that there was indeed an "LotS" panel--so that shot down a very unlikely (yet, plausible theory) of a word on a "Xena" movie.

Sunday rolls around and Lucy is on stage. She's talking about stuff and mentions that she has an special friend she'd like to introduce...

None other than Claire Stansfield. I can't remember the last convention she's been too. I know the last time I saw her was in January 2002 at the Chicago "Strong Women of Sci-Fi" Convention in which Claire and Alex Tydings appeared.

It was truly a special treat. Claire just simple rocks on stage and I wish she'd appear more. I dont' know why she wasn't asked. (There was a mention about not knowing her phone number or something... I don't know.) Claire called up Creation and asked to appear.

Doesn't matter that she took some of Lucy's stage time... it was just AWESOME seeing Claire on stage. (Yes, she did the Alti voice.)


Claire gave us a rundown on what she has been doing since she last time she 'saw us.'

(She was originally scheduled for the 2005 convention, but had to pull out at the last moment because of a business matter relating to her company. I don't recall who exactly replaced her, I want to say Bruce Hopkins (Hoskins?) who was a good friend of Kevin Smith's and also appeared on several episodes of "Xena" and "Hercules".)

She had a company called C & C that made designer t-shirts, but she has since sold that company. The company really took off after Oprah featured the shirts as part of her "favorite things" episode a few years ago. Claire is no a consultant for Oprah's "favorite things."

Seeing Claire and Lucy on stage provided me with some of the best shots that I took at the convention. There's also a couple of really good shots of Lucy and Renee on stage as well.

(A caption to the photo on the left would be... quick, they have cameras let's get a goofy expression!)

Claire didn't mention whether or not she's working as an actor anymore. (Or if she did, I don't remember.) Anyways, it was definitely a surprise and one that tops Lucy and Renee popping out of the stage cake at the 2005 Convention.

Check out More of Sunday's Photos from the Convention

2010 Convention Tix Now on Sale and L@@K!

Gold tickets are now on sale and Creation is allowing you to PICK your seat. :D

2010 Convention News and 2009 Convention Report

Creation will start selling the 2010 Gold package tickets today (around 3 p.m. eastern time). They are $479 (up $20 from last year). So stay tuned.

The XOC is already working on it's 2010 Convention meet-up. Right now, we have a post for people looking for roommates. We'll post news and updates concerning the convention to this thread on the XOC.

We'll eventually launch the Official 2010 XOC meet-up thread.

Here's an image from our 2009 meet up (this is from Sunday, the last day of the convention). We have a nice little banner that uses the Journey Logo that Aurora Goddess (back row, on the right) created for the forum. The text on the banner is from our "Xenites" icon that we some times use in promotional material. We could start our own little United Nations with this image... really!

Check out more of my convention photos at my Flickr page.

I had a blast at the 2009 convention. I'm still working on my report, though it is available on the XOC in the Conventions Forum. (Just search for xwpweb and you'll find my postings.)

I'm also working on getting all of my images up and onto the website (in both the photo gallery and another section of the website) in the coming weeks.

The XOC Guide to Xena Conventions is also getting a retooling and will be available either later this spring or early this summer. I'm going to kick it out of MS Word and format it Adobe InDesign. I'm also gonna do a brochure to have available at the convention.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Pre-Con Blog

I've left my laptop on Eastern time to fool me! Okay, long story short... After arriving in Atlanta, they changed my gate assignment. Instead of having a decent breakfast, I was forced to have lunch for breakfast, capped off by a fruity yogurty thing and a bannana.

Oh yummy!

The flight to LA was wrought with turbelance. I'm not catholic, but I did say some hail mary's! I arrived in LA on time, believe it or not. We sat at the terminal gate for 40 minutes before finally going wheel's up in Atlanta Mr. Pilot flew into the jet stream and that made all the difference in the world. It got us "landed" on time. Also, he was kind enough to point out interesting things along the way. I can now say I saw the Grand Canyon! Anyways, when we landed at LAX, we got to the gate about 10 minutes later.

I arrived at the Marriott at 2 p.m. I took a brief nap (if one could call it that) and after haggling with the hotel, finally got my phone fixed about 15 minutes ago (around 11:45 p.m. Pacific). (And finally get internet access!)

I met up with Unwise Ocean and Moy Cullen, followed then by Elsie, Amazon Penny, Sais08 and other people. I'm horrible with names, so when I post their photos people will have to identify themselves. Aurora arrived around 5:30 p.m. ish.

Unwise, Moy and myself went to get a drink at the bar before heading down to registration. Registration is a whole other story. Gold was to start at 7 p.m., but Creation in their infinite wisdom started with Preferred---that just totally screwed things over. I waited in line for an hour and a half. HERE IS THE KICKER (and I saved the best for last). There were only two people doing registration. In years past, if you've gone to the convention they have more than two people and it's near and assembly like system.

But more on that later---back to the drink with Moy and Unwise... A bunch of Creation staffers (stands to reason why registration was scewed up) were eating dinner at Champions. We're sitting there... and in walks Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Leland! Yes, they were there in the restaurant having dinner. Back to registration. Creation always seems to come up with new and crazy ways to screw with you and this registration business is just a new one. Anyways, I's be too tired to post photos tonight. I'll do it first thing in the morning.

Here are the only two photos I took of the thursday get together.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/whosyer/collections/72157613153625146/

Tentative Schedule for Convention

Thursday, January 29, 2009

3 pm to 7 pm: Vendor Set-Up (vendors only please)

7 pm to 9:30 pm: Gold Weekend Patrons Pre-Registration (not a necessity but a convenience: get your credentials and get first crack at souvenirs)

8:30 pm to 9 pm: Preferred Weekend Patrons Pre-Registration (not a necessity but a convenience: get your credentials and get an early start at souvenirs)

9 pm to 9:30 pm: Pre-Registration for all Weekend Patrons

Friday, January 30, 2009

8:00 am to Noon: Writers Workshop with Steven L. Sears and Paul Robert Coyle. Separate ticket required, may be purchased on Thursday night for $129. seating limited.

10:00 am to 11:00 am: Gold Weekend Patrons Pre-Registration

10 am to Noon: Hudson Leick's Yoga Workshop, separate ticket required, may be purchased Thursday evening at registration for $119 (if not sold out)

10:00 am to 11:00 am: All Patrons Pre-Registration

11:00 am to 5:45 pm: Registration Open, Vendors Room Open

11:45 am to 5:45 pm: Theatre Open with guests & events including

12:10 pm Music Video Open and welcome with Sharon Delaney

12:15 pm Jennifer Sky Band

12:50 pm Tribute and Remembrance: Kevin Smith

1:20 pm Music Video Mix

1:25 pm Robert Trebor

2:00 pm Trivia Competition

2:40 pm Music Video Mix

3:05 pm Steven L. Sears

3:35 pm Jacqueline Kim

4:15 pm Autographs with Jennifer Sky Band, Robert Trebor and Jacqueline Kim, complimentary for Gold Weekend and Preferred Weekend Patrons (who we will call row by row) followed by those with separate autograph tickets (available at registration for $20 each) which we will call in number order. Those with Lucy Meet and Greet tickets at the Roxy can go first for your autograph. To all patrons who get autographs: kindly wait in your seats until you are called up to be fair to all.

4:45 pm No Minimum Bid Auction

5:15 pm Theatre closes, autographing continues

6:15 pm: Buses leave for Lucy's Concert at The Roxy Theatre. Bus tickets are sold out.

7 pm: Doors Open at The Roxy for Lucy's Concert

8 pm: Lucy Live in Concert at The Roxy

11:00 pm (time tentative) Disco & Dessert Party and Centerpiece Contest (exclusive event for Gold Patrons Only) Tentative guests include Jacqueline Kim, Steven L. Sears, Robert Trebor and Jennifer Sky Band. A $250 gift certificate to the best Xena Centerpiece!

PHOTO OPS

Note: Robert Trebor's photo ops will be done Saturday.

2:00 pm JENNIFER SKY BAND ($40)

2:30 pm JACQUELINE KIM ($40)

Saturday, January 31, 2009

8:30 am to 5:00 pm: Registration Open

8:30 am to 6:00 pm: Vendors Room Open

9:00 am to 4:00 pm: Theatre Open with guests & events

9:35 am Music Video Open

9:40 am Tony Todd

10:15 am Music Video Salute

10:20 am LIGHTSWITCH - An Uber Film

A story is more than just words on a page… and Danielle is desperately struggling for words as her final deadline draws near… It's not until she meets Shauna that her story begins to write itself. Their instant connection and attraction take them on a challenging journey of self-discovery and inevitable angst as they fight to find who they are and struggle with what they come to mean to each other. The whirlwind romance soon turns to heartbreak as secrets surface and hard choices are made. Danielle comes to see that sometimes "a story has to be lived before it can be told

10:45 am Music Video Salute

10:50 am Bitch Slap The Panel. This presentation includes material that may be deemed inappropriate for children.

11:30 am Music Video Mix

11:40 am Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Lealand

12:35 pm Music Video Mix

12:45 pm Trivia Competition

1:10 pm INTERMISSION

1:40 pm Auction

2:25 pm Music Video Salute

2:30 pm Hudson Leick

3:50 pm Autographs with Tony Todd and Hudson Leick, complimentary for Gold Weekend and Preferred Weekend Patrons (who we will call row by row) followed by those with separate autograph tickets (available at registration for $20 each for Tony and $25 for Hudson) which we will call in number order. Those with Lucy Meet and Greet tickets at the Roxy can go first for your autograph. To all patrons who get autographs: kindly wait in your seats until you are called up to be fair to all. Note Michael Hurst & Jennifer Ward-Lealand will be signing Sunday.

6:15 pm: Buses leave for Lucy's Concert at The Roxy Theatre. Bus tickets are sold out.

7 pm: Doors Open at The Roxy for Lucy's Concert

8 pm: Lucy Live in Concert at The Roxy

11:00 pm NOTE NEW TIME Creation's Xena Celebrity Cabaret (complimentary for Gold and Preferred Weekend Patrons keeping their same seats, tickets available for others, see below please) An awesome performance starring Michael Hurst & Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Robert Trebor, and Steven L. Sears. Hosted by Cat Crimins. The cabaret is included on a complimentary basis for Gold and Preferred Weekend Patrons. For others, ticket are available at registration for $25 for reserved seating, $15 for general admission.
The cabaret was moved to late night to allow for a more comfortable and entertaining daytime schedule. Thank you!

PHOTO OPS

10:30 am TONY TODD ($40)

11:30 am ROBERT TREBOR ($40)

12:40 pm HUDSON LEICK ($50)

1:25 pm MICHAEL HURST ($45)

1:50 pm MICHAEL & JENNIFER ($60)

2:10 pm JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND ($40)

Sunday, February 1, 2009

8 am to 10:15 am Creation's Famous Sunday Morning Exclusive to Gold Patrons Xena Celebrity Brunch and Charity Silent Auction. Featuring HUDSON LEICK, VICTORIA PRATT, JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND, and MICHAEL HURST. Sold Out! Our selected silent auction charity is The James Ellis Foundation of Hofstra University which helps students affected by cancer go to college. FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE RENEE'S PHOTO OP TICKETS PLEASE SIT AT THE TABLES FURTHEST FROM THE ENTRANCE INTO THE BREAKFAST ROOM, THANKS!

10 am to 6 pm: Registration and Vendors Room Open

10:30 am Photo Ops with Renee O'Connor

11:30 am to 7 pm: Theatre Open

11:30 am Music Video Open

11:35 Am Joe Lo Duca (Xena Composer)

12:15 pm Wicked Xena: A Musical Film produced by Wendy Woody and Tara Chadwick and starring Tara Chadwick and Heather McCormick

1:00 pm Music Video Salute

1:05 pm Rob Tapert "Legend of the Seeker" Panel with Nicki Paluga (staff writer) and Stephen Tolkin (Co-Executive Producer). Congratulations to Rob and his team on the recent announcement of the pick-up of a 2nd season for the show!

1:45 pm Rare US appearance The Widow Twanky interviewed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand.

2:20 pm Intermission

2:55 pm Auction

3:30 pm Music Video Salute

3:35 pm Victoria Pratt

4:15 pm Music Video Tribute

4:20 pm Renee O'Connor

5:10 pm Lucy Lawless

5:40 pm Lucy & Renee

6:20 pm Autographs with Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Michael Hurst, Victoria Pratt, complimentary for Gold Weekend and Preferred Weekend Patrons (who we will call row by row) followed by those with separate autograph tickets (available at registration for $20 for Jennifer, , $25 for Michael, and $25 for Victoria) which we will call in number order. To all patrons who get autographs: kindly wait in your seats until you are called up to be fair to all.

6:30 pm Autographs with Renee O'Connor, available at registration for $50. These autographs, which are not part of any package, will be called by number.

7:00 pm Costume Competition offering first prize of a $250 gift certificate.


PHOTO OPS SUNDAY

10:30 am RENEE O'CONNOR: $70

2:30 pm VICTORIA PRATT: $40

3:05 pm THE WIDOW TWANKY: $45

Just days away from the convention

On Tuesday, Creation will announce the schedule for the convention. I'll post it when it becomes available.

I'll be posting my convention blog in several different spots so you don't have to look around for the blogs. I havent' decided if I'm gonna do "live blogging" or not. If anything, I'll post stuff during the breaks, etc. We'll see how that all works out.

If you want the late-breaking news, visit http://xwponline.net as the convention reports will appear there first.

Xena Convention Update

In just 12 days, the 14th Annual Xena convention kicks off at the Los Angeles Marriot (Jan. 30 - Feb. 1).

Here's some new announcements.

Rob Tapert will be appearing on Sunday. Joseph LoDuca is also a special guest (not sure what he's going to be doing). Cat Crimmins (a comedian and a Xena fan) will also be appearing.

In addition to the convention, there are two special events taking place. On Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon, there will be a Writer's Workshop hosted by Steven Seas and Paul Robert Coyle. And from 10 a.m. to noon, Hudson Leick will have a Yoga class.

Get ticket information

Here's the convention schedule (subject to change):

Thursday, January 29, 20093 pm to 7 pm:

Vendor Set-Up (vendors only please)7 pm to 9:30 pm: Gold Weekend Patrons Pre-Registration (not a necessity but a convenience: get your credentials and get first crack at souvenirs)8:30 pm to 9 pm: Preferred Weekend Patrons Pre-Registration (not a necessity but a convenience: get your credentials and get first crack at souvenirs)9 pm to 9:30 pm: Pre-Registration for all Weekend Patrons

Friday, January 30, 200910:00 am to 11:00 am:

Gold Weekend Patrons Pre-Registration11:00 am to 11:30 am: All Patrons Pre-Registration11:30 am to 5:45 pm: Registration Open, Vendors Room Open12:15 pm to 5:45 pm: Theatre Open with guests & events including Jacqueline Kim, Robert Trebor, Jennifer Sky Band and Steven Sears. Tribute to Kevin Smith.5:45 pm: Buses leave for Lucy's Concert at The Roxy Theatre7 pm: Doors Open at The Roxy for Lucy's Concert8 pm: Lucy Live in Concert at The Roxy11:00 pm (time tentative) Disco & Dessert Party and Centerpiece Contest (exclusive event for Gold Patrons Only) Tentative guests include Jacqueline Kim, Steven L. Sears, Robert Trebor and Jennifer Sky Band

Saturday, January 31, 20099 am to 4:30 pm:

Registration and Vendors Room Open10 am to 4:00 pm: Theatre Open with guests & events including Tony Todd, Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Lealand, and Hudson Leick. Bitch Slap: The Panel.4:15 pm Creation's Xena Celebrity Cabaret (complimentary for Gold and Preferred Weekend Patrons keeping their same seats, tickets available for others, see below please) An awesome performance starring Michael Hurst & Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Robert Trebor, and Steven L. Sears.5:45 pm: Buses leave for Lucy's Concert at The Roxy Theatre 7 pm: Doors Open at The Roxy for Lucy's Concert8 pm: Lucy Live in Concert at The
Roxy

Sunday, February 1, 20098 am to 10:15 am

Creation's Famous Sunday Morning Exclusive to Gold Patrons Xena Celebrity Brunch and Charity Silent Auction. Featuring HUDSON LEICK, VICTORIA PRATT, JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND, and MICHAEL HURST. Sold Out! Our selected silent auction charity is The James Ellis Foundation of Hofstra University which helps students affected by cancer go to college.10 am to 6 pm: Registration and Vendors Room Open10:30 am Photo Ops with Renee O'Connor (NOTE: this is a change from previously announced)11:30 am to 7 pm: Theatre Open with guests & events including Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor, Steven L. Sears, Victoria Pratt and in a rare US appearance The Widow Twanky interviewed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand. Costume Competition.

ALSO:

The Xena Online Community (The XOC http://xena.yuku.com) will have several meet-ups throughout the weekend. Just look for the big banner.

Los Angeles Xena Convention 2009

Creation has finally seen fit to update their Xena convention website with a couple of contests. Nothing new to report. It's the standard music video and center piece contest. For more information on the convention, visit the Official Xena Convention Website.

Xena Convention: Hotel Bookings Now Available!

If you're going to the 2009 Xena Convention held in Los Angeles January 30 to February 1, you can now book your room at the convention rate at the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Marriott. You can call the hotel at 1-310-641-5700 and mention the Xena convention to receive the special rate $127+tax/night.

Or you can book online by going to the hotel website and use the group convention code of xenxena to receive the group rate.

NOTICE: The rate only applies for Thursday (check-in) to Monday (check-out).

For more information the 2009 convention, visit Creation's website.

Convention Primer -- London Convention

The guest list is set:

Lucy Lawless
Paris Jefferson
Adrienne Wilkinson
Brittney Powell
Steven L. Sears
Joe Lo Duca

So here's a few quick pointers.

One, it's not Creation's fault for the lack of convention guests. It costs them a lot of money to put a convention on--it's even more when it's abroad. That being said, unless you want to pay a higher ticket price, don't complain.

Paris Jefferson is based in the UK. The rest of the guest list has to come from LA. There's also the Creation staff to consider. So, let's not go down the route of blasting Creation for the weak guest list. Okay?


The Q & A with the stars

* Don't ask questions that have been asked over and over again. (Subtext and who's the better kissers are the frequent questions.)

* Don't ask for a kiss, hug, say hello to someone, etc. It's selfish and self-centered. (Not to mention, you'll get booed and hissed at by the audience.)

* Asking questions about participating in a charity event. This is just wrong and should not be done. The reason being, one it puts the person in a very tough position and two if they say no, they look bad and three if they say, yes they have to commit to it. All requests to participate in a charity event should be directed through the guest's representation.

* Be clear in your question.

* Don't CRITICIZE! You'll get booed.

* Questions to ask:
-- Ask about acting, directing, singing, writing.
-- Ask about current work projects.
-- Ask questions about the series--favorite episodes, what was it like, etc---it's a Xena convention!

Autograph Line Etiquette

* When in the autograph line, it's important ot have your item ready. You can only get one item signed (unless you bought tickets for more). That being said, think about what you want to get signed.

* Listen to Creation. If they tell you to move, move.

* Don't monopolize time, Creation will get really edgy with you.

* Personalization of items---Creation goes back and forth about this. Sometimes it falls upon the guest---sometimes the guest ignores Creation and does their own thing. But if you're told no and the person in front of you gets it done, don't get bitchy about.

Convention Schedule

* The days are long, so plan accordingly. Get snacks and drinks (I seriously suggest water and fiber bars---stay away from sugars and pop) to have with you if you don't want to miss anything.

* If you can pre-register, do so. It'll save you time.

* The convention schedule can change at any moment, so be aware of that. Things get delayed, something doesn't work--a guest is delayed or something else happens, so Creation has to adjust the schedule accordingly. This can happen right up to the day of the convention it self.

Xena Convention 2009 - Los Angeles Airport Marriott

Next year's convention is moving to the LAX Marriott (just two blocks away from the airport and just a few more blocks away from the ocean). The convention is being held January 23 to 25.

I'm going to be going. I'll figure out how to pay for it later. (Actually, I'll have the money.)

I'm actually looking forward to being at the LAX Marriott. Cheaper transportation costs for me!

Friday Convention Report

Friday, October 5, 2007

I arrived at the hotel around noon. Which was later than expected, but traffic was a pain coming into the O'Hare area. Luckily, I was able to get into my room right away and was able to relax for a few moments. And in air conditioning, which was a welcoming sight because of the weather.

One thing, it was unseasonably warm for Chicago. The average high is around 67 degrees and for the convention, it was going to be in the mid to upper 80s with high humidity.

I got online to check my email to see if anyone had contacted me while I in transit to Chicago. I talked briefly to LK who had just gotten up and had breakfast. I decided to eat since I hadn't eaten anything for about six hours. I walked down to IHOP to get some grub and then come back to relax until it was time for Star Wars portion of the convention.

Jeremy Bulloch (Bobba Fett) was funny, but the Star Wars program was boring.

The vendors area had a mix of everything from Xena to Star Wars to Star Trek to Battlestar Galactica to pretty much everything Sci-Fi/fantasy related. There was going to be another table available in the downstairs convention theater for the Xena convention.

Renny55 from the XOC had just gotten into the hotel and wanted to meet up. So, I left the Star Wars venue, never to return again the rest of the weekend. Which was a bummer, because I really wanted to enjoy the Galactica portion of the convention.

Renny55 and I talked for a while and saw Herb Jefferson, Jr the original Boomer from Battlestar Galactica walking around the hotel lobby. We said hi to him. Renny left to get ready for the Lucy concert that night. I went back up to my room and waited around until our meet up at 7pm.

Around five or so, LadyKate (LK from XOC) came down and we meet up for dinner. We sat in the lobby bar and had dinner and talked with some people in the bar for about an hour. LK went back to her room to attend to a few things and I stayed downstairs, talking it up with more people in the bar.

The 7pm meet up was funny---I'm sitting down on a couch, looking around for people who might look like they're looking for someone when my cell phone goes off. It's AuroraGoddess from the XOC she was walking into the lobby with Point of No Return and Lawless Warrior also from the XOC.

I started looking around for someone who was talking on their cell phone and when found each other. We introduced ourselves and eventually LK made her way downstairs to the lobby. We hung out there when two more people from the board showed up: BamaXena and Lil Amazon.

As we're sitting their in the lobby, we kept seeing Ted Raimi running back and forth. He was in search of something. We found it out later that he was looking for some cigarettes.

Meeting people from the XOC was fun.

Bama and Lil went in search of food while the rest of us waited for Eniariom to arrive.

Six of us eventually ended up at the hotel restaurant (cough, expensive) and chatted up the place for a couple of hours.

What did we talk about? Talked about the convention, the show, the board, life and entertainment and whatever else caught our fancy.

Our conversations mimiced the board because we'd be talking about something and it would vere off into something else and we'd come back on track and then forget what were talking about.

The gang ended up watching some Xena episodes, I had to return to my room to do homework. Not fun...

I have a couple of pictures from the Friday meet up. I'll get those up shortly.

Fugate to appear at Burbank Convention

Katherine Fugate has signed on to appear at the 2008 Burbank Xena convention.

New blog set up

I've set up the Chicago Convention blog. Don't worry, I'll be crossposting between here, that blog, the website, and the Xena Online Community board.

I encourage you to bookmark all the websites because they're all great! I'll be blogging from Friday, October 5 to Sunday October 7 with an update sometime in the wee morning hours of October 8.