Dec 30 2008
Convention Profile: Arisia 2009
Note: The holiday season is almost over, which means convention season is ramping up! You can expect a LOT more convention profiles in the coming weeks, as there are multiple cons happening every weekend between now and next Thanksgiving.
Arisia is “New England’s largest and most diverse Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention” according to its organizers, and is being held January 16 - 19 at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge in Massachusetts.
Unlike a lot of conventions in this genre, Arisia isn’t really focused on celebrity guests. It does have some “Guests of Honor” every year, but this list is considerably small when compared to other cons. Instead, Arisia is rich in programming and events. For example, there is a Wizard Bash, Cosplay Costume Prom, Masquerade, Club Dance, Steampunk Historical Dance, a Goth Twilight Party, and a concert by Twelfth of Never.
In addition to those incredibly cool sounding social events, there is also a 35mm motion picture film series (and as the website says, “Arisia is possibly the last convention left on the face of the earth that continues” to offer this). They already have a line up posted on their site, with more films to be added as the convention gets closer, such as “Fritz Lang’s silent classic Metropolis, presented with live organ accompaniment by […] Gary McGath” and the original Battlestar Galactica movie (you know, the one where Starbuck is a dude).
That’s not all this con has to offer! There is also a wide variety of gaming, LARPing, art, and even some children’s activities.
Lest you think this convention is all fun and games, I’d like to point out that Arisia also sponsors a blood drive. The convention has been doing this since 2005, and collected more than 60 pints of blood last year.
Weekend tickets for this convention will run you $50 until December 31, with the price rising to $60 from January 1 onward. There are day rates available at the door, ranging from $10 - $40, depending upon which day you attend. There is a student rate of $25 available to those age 13-25 with a student ID.
If you’ll be needing a hotel room, there are still rooms available at the convention rate at the nearby Marriott. The Hyatt Regency, however, has sold out. A room for the night will cost you $109 per night plus 12.45% tax. A shuttle bus will run between the two hotels.
You can read more about Arisia at the official website. This convention sounds like it’s one hell of a good time!
