The August 2008 issue of the Kumoricon newsletter, KumoriContent, is now available. Not only is this a great introductory guide to Kumoricon, it features new announcements: a preview of Kumoricon merchandise available at the con, a map of the Exhibitors Hall and Artist Alley featuring vendors, artists, and booth arrangements! Also see thanks to our sponsors as well as information about an upcoming cosplay music concert, Starlight Symphony, in October.

Download it here [PDF, 2.2MB], or browse past newsletters.

Are you ready for the most exciting Kumoricon yet?

Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your weekend.

When you show up for registration, you must have photo ID (whether registering at-the-door or checking having already pre-registered). If you pre-registered and your badge was mailed to you, you must bring the badge also.

If you are under age 18, you must either bring your signed parental permission form [PDF] or have already mailed it.

Registration hours:

Friday: 6:00pm-10:00pm (pre-registration check-in only; no at-the-door registrations)
Saturday: 8:00am-7:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am-7:00pm
Monday: 8:00am-3:00pm

Convention programming runs from 8am to 2am on Saturday and Sunday, and 8am to 5pm on Monday.

All attendees need to familiarize themselves with the convention policies. It’s mostly common sense, but it’s important information to know to be sure everyone is safe and in compliant with our rules.

There’s been one important policies change: The midnight curfew for minors has been extended to 1am for only the dances on Saturday and Sunday night. The curfew remains at midnight for all other events and convention space.

For the full schedule and pocket guide download, complete list of events, room hours, and a highlight of major attractions on all three days, check out our schedule page.

Want a map of the event space? Looking for nearby food? Check out our new maps page for all the info you need on the hotel and the nearby area.

The fun starts in just 3 days!

Although our hotel has been sold out of discounted rooms for some time now, we are maintaining a waiting list of people who would still like a room at the Kumoricon attendee rate. Please email your full name, phone number, and desired dates of stay to hotel@kumoricon.org to be placed on it.

We have had several last-minute hotel room cancellations. If you need to cancel a room that you have previously reserved at the attendee rate, please email hotel@kumoricon.org first to cancel, and please send from the email address you used to pre-register and provide a phone number for verification. We will transfer these rooms to those on the waiting list.

The final general meeting prior to the con is being held on Saturday, August 16 from 1-5pm at our hotel, the Doubletree Portland-Lloyd Center:

Doubletree Portland-Lloyd Center
Adams-Jefferson Room
1000 NE Multnomah St
Portland, OR 97232

In addition to the usual department reports and opportunities for staff and volunteers to meet up, there are two other notable events:

Swag bag-stuffing. Fill 4500 bags with the program book, pocket guide, and goodies!

Changes to the bylaws have been proposed and the amendment details are being discussed in this forum thread. Changes to the bylaws require a 2/3 vote of the staff and a 2/3 vote of the board. We’ll be voting on one or more proposed bylaws amendments at this meeting if any staff member makes a motion to vote on it.