Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is steampunk?
     Steampunk is Victorian science fiction in a nutshell, but that is the simplistic answer.  The complete answer is much more complicated and in some debate.  A longer answer might be: it is the future as viewed through the eyes of the Victorians as written by modern authors.   Most will agree that it is airships, submersibles and mad scientists with fantastical inventions in the era of steam technology. It is the romance and excitement of a period in history when people still believed in optimism, ornamentation and manners. It is Steamcon's focus and raison d’etre.
2. What made you decide to hold Steamcon IV?
     The first three Steamcons were quite successful. Not satisfied with that, we wanted to try and do something bigger and better this year. Our theme for this year; Victorian Monsters should ensure we have a fabulous steampunk Halloween party all weekend long! We hope to see you all in October.
3. I've registered for Steamcon IV, but I never received anything in the mail.
     Steamcon IV memberships are on a "will call basis." When you arrive at the convention, go to the registration table on the second floor of the Hyatt and show them your ID to pick up your badge. You will need official ID that matches the name you registered with in order to pick up your badge, so it is important that you use your legal name to register. Also, when you register, use an email that you regularly use and remember which one it is. We will use this to find you.
4. I had a problem registering for the convention.
     You will want to send the complete details of your experience to registration@steamcon.org , and our helpful minions will assist you.
5. Why are there no one day memberships offered on the website?
     One day memberships will only be available at the door of the convention on the day they are good for as long as we have space available. We won’t know that we have available space until that day. Full weekend memberships are a bargain for less than the price of a one day pass in the first few months of online sales, and you don't have to stand in a long line, so buying early is a good idea.
6. When will the schedule of events be posted?
     Creating an event of this magnitude is a very complicated process. We will give you schedule information as soon as we possibly can, but we want it to be as accurate as possible. It should be up about a week or two before the convention.  As soon as we can reasonably do it, we will give you the "convention sketch", which is an outline of the larger events and times. 
7. Is there a separate charge for the Airship Awards Banquet, Tea Party, Saturday Night Concert, and Wayfarer's Brunch, and when can I buy my tickets?
     Yes, there is a separate charge for those events to ensure that those with tickets can be accommodated and to pay for the cattered events.  We don't want everyone to pay for something that not everyone can attend.  The tickets will be at the will call table at the convention. Due to the need to know how many people we are feeding, catered events like the awards banquet and tea party tickets will not be sold at the door.  Tickets to these events will go on sale on the website a few months prior to the convention.
8. Where can I get Steamcon merchandise to show my support?
     You may purchase Steamcon I, II, III & IV merchandise in our online Zazzle shop: http://www.zazzle.com/steamcon*  This merchandise is special pre-convention promotional material and will not be available at the convention itself. At the convention, there will be an official t-shirt, pin and other memorabilia available at our merchandise booth. Those items will only be available at the convention and nowhere else.
9. How do I apply to be a Merchant in the Grand Mercantile?
     Applications will go up April 2nd 2012.
10. How do I apply to display my art in the Art Exhibition?
    Applications will go up April 2nd 2012.
11. How do I participate in Artists’ Alley?
     Applications will go up April 2nd 2012.
12. I think I’d make a good speaker/or I have an idea for a talk or presentation at Steamcon. What do I do?
      You can contact programming at programming@steamcon.org. Please give full details as to your history and credentials. Please submit fully written out ideas for talks, panels or demonstrations.
13. My band wants to play Steamcon.
      You should write to music@steamcon.org to find out what our needs are and be considered.
14. How can I volunteer to help with Steamcon?
      Kindly email our volunteer coordinator at volunteers@steamcon.org . Alternatively, you can always let us know your desire to help out at the convention itself and we will happily put you to work.
15. Why did you move the convention to a new hotel?
      Frankly, we out grew the Marriott in our first year. We added the Hilton for the second year, but when we began planning the third year, back in 2009, we realized that we would want to consolidate into one large hotel that would give us room for growth. The Hyatt is huge and very lovely. It is also in the middle of a great area, for food, shopping and entertainment. We think that we will be very happy there for years to come.
16. How do I make reservations at the Hyatt?
      The convention rate is $119.00 (plus tax) a night for double occupancy.  You can use this link to make a reservation.
17. What is your policy on weapons?
      Being that we are all reasonable adults, the policy is that common sense should reign. No weapons that would be easily mistaken for a real and dangerous weapon. No live steel, i.e. drawn swords or blades of any kind. No brandishing a weapon, about in a threatening manner. No projectiles of any kind may be thrown or shot or you will be asked to leave.  Please be polite. If following these simple rules is an issue, we will ask you to please leave the weapons in your hotel room or vehicle. If that is an issue, you will be asked to depart the convention. We do suggest that you refrain from carrying your weaponry out of the convention space to avoid any misunderstandings.
18. Should I dress up for the convention?
      While it is entirely up to you whether you dress for the occasion, it is my belief that one should always take an opportunity to be stylish in good company. Last year's event was resplendent with folks in all manners of steampunk attire. I believe it was the highest ratio of well dressed people I have ever seen at a convention. So, you may want to join in the fun. Of course there's always our Grand Mercantile if you still need something to wear.
19. What if I don't have period Victorian clothing?
      As I always say, "steampunk needs historical accuracy like a dirigible needs a goldfish." One can get away with some amount of anachronism in steampunk, after all it is altered history. And some of us have time machines. ;) You might go read this article for inspiration: http://www.squidoo.com/dressingsteampunk
20. What is a patron level membership?
      The patron level membership is intended as a way for you to help Steamcon by providing much needed capital in the initial stages of our convention process. A portion of your contribution is tax deductible, and will set you apart from the general membership. Rank has its privileges of course, so you will receive a special exclusive gift as our thanks, as well as an opportunity to purchase special event tickets early, early seating for those events, entry to the Green Room and any other perks we can bestow throughout the Steamcon IV weekend. There will be a special reception on Friday evening for patrons with our participants in the Art Exhibition.
21. What is the physical mailing address for Steamcon?
      The mailing address for Steamcon is :
      Steamcon
      1111 East Madison St.
      #420
      Seattle, WA 98122

For further information you might want to check out our Forum or join any one of our Steamcon communities. You may also email us at info@steamcon.org.