The Con
Is this basically JordanCon on the west coast?
No. This is an event that celebrates Fox and Raven Media and in particular the WotSpoilers Podcast and its fan community. While we will have lots of great events, opportunities to meet and chat with awesome people, and discussions of all things Wheel of Time, there won't be traditional panels or an art show like you would see at a standard convention.
So my con fee does not cover housing?
No. People will be staying different numbers of nights and in different types of accommodations. Some folks may want to stay off site, and others live locally. There is one con fee, and then you need to book your lodging separately using the information here!
I missed registration! Can I still attend?
Unfortunately, registration is closed for our 2019 event and we are not accepting late or same-day registration.
I registered but can no longer attend. What are my options?
Your ticket is non refundable, but can be transferred to someone else if you can't come. Just contact the planning committee so we can adjust our records and make sure our new attendee gets everything they need.
What can you tell me about the Friday and Saturday night dinners?
Your con fee covers your food and basic beverages at these meals; speciality beverages and alcohol must be purchased separately. Please indicate in your con registration participant survey (or by contacting us) if you have any dietary restrictions so we can ensure they are accommodated.
Friday night dinner will be from Hot Lips pizza. There will be several varieties of pizza to choose from, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free varieties.
Saturday night we are catering in dinner, which will include sushi, a variety of salads, beef tenderloin, spinach lasagna, eggplant parmesan, mac and cheese, thai chicken skewers, and other tasty options. If you reported a food concern or allergy in your participant survey, we have done our best to accommodate that in the food options at spoilercon.
Are we doing the live recording at the hostel?
Friday night the recording will be held off-site at a local venue. We will meet at the hostel to walk over together, but information will be provided in your registration packet on arrival. Saturday we will be at a local hotel for our special morning event and DnD, about 1 mile from the hostel. We will be at the hostel for evening activities on Saturday.
Do I need to be a Discord participant to attend the Con?
Absolutely not! We realise that a majority of WoTSpoilers' listenership are not Discord users, and encourage everyone to attend, irrespective of how they engage with WoTSpoilers. Experience from SpoilerCon 2018 suggests that Con-goers will feel like one big family by the end of the weekend anyway! All information that will be posted on Discord will also be here on the website, as well as advertised through Twitter and Facebook. We will do our main communication via email (to the address you use for paypal/registration).
I've registered! How can I learn more about the Con?
We will keep this website updated and post on social media and discord any new developments, but please also check your email (the one you used to pay for your tickets via PayPal) for announcements. Please add the spoilerscon AT gmail.com address to your contacts.
What do I get when I show up at the registration desk?
All participants will receive a swag bag filled with all kinds of special items as a thank you for attending. You will also receive the schedule, contact information, and information about attractions in Portland. If you pre-ordered a t-shirt, you will receive your shirt as well. Finally, we will ask you to sign a form releasing FARM and Spoilercon from liability should an accident, incident, or anything else occur while attending Spoilercon, and to indicate whether you want to restrict photos that might include you from being shared on social media as part of the event.
Lodging
Do I have to pay any money up front for lodging?
No! You will need a credit card to hold your reservation, but you are charged upon check in. Since you can cancel up until 24 hours before your reservation, there’s no reason to hold off booking now.
What forms of payment does the hostel accept?
To reserve a room, you will need a Visa or Mastercard. When you pay your balance on arrival, they accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or cash.
What dates should I book?
Con registration begins at 2pm Friday, September 27 at 2pm, but there will be a hike starting from the hostel at 11am that will explore nearby Forest Park. The first official event is our welcome dinner, starting at 5pm. The final event of the con is our farewell breakfast on Sunday morning, although some con attendees will hang around on Sunday to enjoy Portland. Most con-goers will want to book a room for Friday and Saturday, although some may also choose to book Thursday or Sunday night as well.
When is check in and check out at the hostel?
While there is 24-hour access, check in is at 3pm and check out is at noon. They do provide luggage storage if you arrive early or leave late.
I live locally. Hostels often have restrictions on locals staying. Can I stay here if I’m from the Portland area?
Unfortunately, no. If you are from the Portland area but don’t want to stay at home, there are several Air BnBs in the area that are available, as well as numerous other hotels.
I also heard that you need a membership card to stay at hostels. Do I need one?
No. Our venue does not require any kind of hosteling membership. You must, however, show a government-issued ID that proves residency outside of the Portland area.
I’d like to share a room to save costs and/or be social, but I don’t know who to share with. Can you help?
Certainly! There are a few options. One is to book a dorm room. We will work with the hostel to try to get Con-goers booked together into the same dorm room space whenever possible. If you’d like to share a private room, our recommendation is to advertise in the #spoilercon_2019 channel on the WotSpoilers Discord—either that you have a room and are looking for a roommate, or are a potential roommate in search of a room. Still no luck? Contact the planning committee by email and we will try and connect you.
I was thinking about staying in the dorm rooms, but I’m concerned about securing my belongings. Ideas?
There are lockers available in each dorm for you to secure your things. Bring a lock with you, or purchase one at the front desk.
What does the hostel provide in terms of linens?
They provide bed linens, blankets and pillows. Towels are also available on request, but feel free to bring your own!
What about accommodations for mobility concerns?
We are working with the hotel to ensure that any mobility concerns are addressed. Please let us know when you register as well as when you book your room if any accommodations are requested.
What accommodations are there for my kids?
While the hostel accommodates guests of all ages, SpoilerCon is an adult-oriented event, and the Con is not planning any kid-oriented activities. Most of the key events (including the live recordings) will be restricted to adult attendees.
Events
Did I see something about D&D?
You did! Our very own Aginor (Loremaster for the Just Role with It Podcast) and Fayte are developing a Wheel of Time Dungeons and Dragons game designed for both experienced and newbie gamers. It is likely that we will have teams of two running each character. Only those registered by May 31st for Spoilercon are eligible to play in DnD, but you can join the wait list by emailing us. Everyone is welcome to observe the game, even if you aren't playing.
Can you tell me about the special events?
Friday night is going to be a live recording of an episode of the Wheel of Time Spoilers Podcast. Seth and Patrick will analyze the next chapter or two in the series--probably somewhere in Book 5, The Fires of Heaven. On Saturday morning Michael Kramer and Kate Reading, the narrators of all the Wheel of Time audiobooks, will be joining us via Skype for a special Q&A and reading. Saturday night we will have a catered dinner in, costume contest, and Trivia Quiz Night.
Tell me about this Friday hike?
We are turning things over to our resident geologist, Aradia, and forester, Ogier_Tendencies, to take us on a local hike to show us some of the natural beauties of Portland, focusing on Forest Park. This will be on Friday morning prior to con registration, from 11am-1pm. Please email us if you are planning to attend, although you are not required to pre-register.
What about the tour of Portland?
Patrick and Ogier_Tendencies have organized a walk around Portland designed for those not playing DnD. Some likely sights will include Pioneer Square, the local farmer's market, the Chinese tea house, and of course, the famous Powell's bookstore. You will have plenty of time to explore Powell's before the walk back to the hostel for evening activities. Again, please email us if you are planning to attend so we have a rough idea of numbers.
There's a silent auction?
Yes. Each of the ajahs on the WOTSpoilers discord are donating an item, as are many other members. It will be held Friday evening during dinner and the live recording. All proceeds will go to a local charity that provides books to incarcerated persons.
And a costume contest?
Yes! We will have a contest Saturday evening after dinner and there will be a prize for the winner. The categories will be Most Unique Costume, Best Delivery of an In-Character Line, Best Non-Attendee Costume, and Best in Show. That means all fans of FARM, even if you aren't attending spoilercon, you can submit your costume for consideration!
If you’d like to participate, bring a costume and prepare an in-character line and/or short statement.
Costume Contest Rules - Adapted from JordanCon rules
- All props and weapons must conform to the JordanCon weapons policy. All bladed weapons must be peace-bound, all projectile weapons must be non-functioning. Weapons may be brandished for photos.
- No political or religious statements, or profanity; exception if Wheel of Time related (Depose Elaida, Walk in the Light, Blood and bloody ashes, etc.)
- No offensive content (homophobic, transphobic, sexist, racist, or otherwise rude ideas, subject to Con Comittee descretion)
- No nudity or overt sexuality
- Picture taking is allowed and encouraged! We hope that all contestants, and especially all winners, be willing to spend a few minutes after the contest for photo ops. Official Spoilercon and FARM accounts will only post pictures online of those contestants who authorized us to do so.
- Be nice and HAVE FUN!!!
Great! Volunteers are very welcome to help with setting things up, leading walking groups to events, and other things. Head to our Sign Up page to volunteer. All volunteers will be entered in a raffle for some great prizes!
Food and Beverages
You said something about food...does that include breakfast or snacks?
If you are staying at the hostel, breakfast is included in your room rate. It consists of a bagel and toppings, plus coffee, tea, or juice. The Hostel Café is open from 7am-1am and serves food all day, and you do not need to be staying there to order. There is also a full kitchen in the main building and a grill in the backyard! Your con fee will cover the cost of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks that will be available to you on site during the Con.
Do I need to dress up?
There will be a costume contest during dinner on Saturday night, and all attendees are encouraged to enjoy the opportunity to dress up that evening if they like. All other events are very casual. Some con-goers may wear costumes throughout the con, but no one is required to wear costumes or dress up for any portion of the con.
What are my alcohol options?
SpoilerCon is not providing alcohol to any con-goers and your con fee does not cover any alcohol. The Hostel Café does serve beer and wine until 1 am. Con-goers of legal age can purchase alcohol for their own consumption at the Con, either at various meals or to consume in their own rooms. Please drink responsibly and according to all local laws.
I have food allergies and restrictions.
Please indicate these needs on your Participant Survey or by emailing us. We will inform our caterers of these restrictions to accommodate all dietary restrictions.
Transportation
I’m driving to the Con! Where can I park?
Street parking is available at the hostel with a permit, which you can purchase from the front desk for $5/day.
Is the hostel easily accessible from the airport?
Yes! There is light rail/MAX train access from the airport to downtown. The Providence Park stop is only 5 and a half blocks from the venue. There are also Greyhound bus and Amtrak train stations nearby. We will also try to connect those flying in to those with cars to try to arrange pick ups whenever possible.
Rules
What rules do I have to follow at Spoilercon?
Spoilercon takes the health and safety of its participants very seriously. While everyone will be asked to sign a liability waiver at registration, we want to do everything in power to create a safe and inclusive environment for celebrating FARM and its podcasts. The code of conduct for the Discord server applies to Spoilercon. This includes (but is not limited to) being respectful of others, not inciting hatred or arguments, and not engaging in racist, homophobic, sexist, trolling, or other harassing behaviors. If any participant violates these rules at any time in interactions with our community, they may be asked to not attend or leave spoilercon (without a refund). Such situations will be evaluated and acted on by the Spoilercon Planning Committee and its designees.
