Are you new to conventions? This one's for you!
The JODIWORLD Convention is a gathering of fans of Jodi Taylor and her books, not just the St Mary's series, but also Frogmorton Farm, Elizabeth Cage, and the Time Police series's, as well as her regency romances. This is the first such event, and we hope that, if this one is a success, we will be having these regularly (possibly annually, or every two years, depending upon what the fans want). This is an event organised by fans, for fans. Any profit the event makes will be donated to our nominated charities.
The Convention is run entirely by volunteers. The Convention Committee (Oops) set everything up, got the contracts together, invited guests and shaped the Programme (this one needs a lot of help from our members and guests). When the Convention starts, the Committee can be easily spotted by a Sash or T Shirt entitled "Oops". At the convention, we're additionally helped every day by our wonderful Volunteers and Gophers (go-fers.... get it?!). Gophering can be a really good way of discovering how the Convention works, and it's a fun way of getting to know people too. If you would like to be a gopher at the Convention, speak to someone from Oops. If you'd like to volunteer beforehand (we can always use the help), please email us at info@jodiworld.co.uk.
We have a few rules and regulations to help people "Be Excellent" to each other. You can find them on the policies page, and please make sure you read them before you come! Our motto is very much...in a world where you can be anything...Be Kind! (to yourselves, to each other, and also, to us - we're only human, we may make mistakes (Oops).
What to expect
Whether you are new to conventions or an old hand who hasn’t attended for a while, whether you’re coming on your own or with family or friends, we are planning lots of wonderful events, and there will be something for everyone to participate in.
For those who are new to Conventions, your first act on arrival (as long as that arrival is happening on Friday) should be to find where Registration is happening, and go there to collect your badge and welcome pack. This will have something called the Readme in it - and we heartily recommend you abide by its instruction (Read Me). The information in there should equip you nicely for the madcap mayhem that is to come!
The Convention officially starts with the Grand Opening Ceremony on Friday evening, after registration. Following this, we plan to have a Quiz (or torture, as I like to think of it), and will follow that up with Bedtime Stories (Pyjama's and Teddy-bears recommended), at which we hope to hear something that Jodi is working on. After Bedtime Stories, for those that don't want to go to bed yet, there may be other events happening, such as our Thirsk University Challenge Trials, or you're welcome to sit in the bar, either with a game of Mayhem or to just mingle and meet other kindred spirits. You don't need to go and get changed, Pyjama's will be fine (and comfy).
Throughout Saturday, there will be a wide range of events to participate in or watch, including our "pod crash mission" contest. On arrival to the convention, you will find you are in a designated "Pod Team". Each Pod Team will have two leaders, and you will be briefed on your mission during the opening ceremony.
There will also be lots of lovely opportunities to hear from Jodi and Hazel, and perhaps even get an early edition of Jodi's new book (possibly even get it signed!). We are further delighted to welcome Jasper Fforde to our Convention, and he will be joining in with Panel Discussions and spending time with people who would like the opportunity for tea, biscuits and a natter!
There will be other contests, panel talks, and general mayhem throughout the day. You may even be a lucky winner of the highly prized "Golden Dodo Award". Finally. there will be a party on the Saturday evening, as well as a Live Band. The Theme of Saturday's event is "The Great Rushford Village Fete".
On Sunday morning, your Pod Teams will present the findings of your Mission to everyone, followed by a costume contest and various other events. The closing ceremony late on Sunday afternoon will wrap up the official events. You may choose to go home after the closing ceremony, but we have arranged the discounted rate for rooms for the Sunday night as well, so you may wish to stay until Monday morning to make the most of chatting to your new found friends and fans. For those planning to stay, there may be an "Extinct Dodo Party" in the bar...ahem..
Sandwiched between the big events, we have various supporting acts. We strive to have a varied programme (lectures, panels, games, workshops, quizzes, etc), with events throughout the day (or at least starting as early as we can find people to run things). The programme items typically cover a wide range of interests, and the majority are suitable for (though not necessarily aimed at) families and children.
A big part of the Convention for some people can be creating, wearing and admiring costumes. Some people work very hard to create amazing outfits. There will be hall tokens in your membership pack to give to people who's work has particularly impressed you. However if you're not the costume sort, that's also fine - there will be many people in jeans, t-shirts or "civvies".
And, as we've said before - if none of those appeal, there's always the time honoured classic of sitting in the bar with friends old and new, partaking of a refreshing beverage. (Margaritas anyone?)
Security has also asked us to mention one last thing. We don't know why, but they say they will not be held responsible if the message is not obeyed. And the message is - Beware the Patagonian attack chickens, the swans, and the dodo's...(grockle)