MileHiCon in Denver, CO: Oct 24-26, 2008

[M T Fierce, h.d.]

I'm thinking of going to this. Anyone have an idea of how many people are likely to attend, what the con is like, etc.? I've checked out the site, but I'd like to get a sense of the event from someone who has gone in the past.

Honestly, the website bites. 

The con floats a little shy of a thousand people in good years.  Panels are either directed specifically to certain authors or are fairly informal and often flirt with fun rather than serious discussion, but it's notable that there are a lot of them.  Events are pretty well entrenched; Friday night has the meet the guests stuff, some fun pajama-style panels in the evening. There's a Masquerade on Saturday night and then the Klingon "hit me with a bopper" bat'leth tourney that usually goes until late. Sunday has the robotic critter crunch and art auction.  Gaming's 24 hours, although it's been pretty boardgame-focused the last few years, and real late you'll mostly get a lot of "Apples 2 Apples" and "Werewolves."  Anime and movies are scheduled well.  Con suite can generally feed you, but no promises past meal times.  I'd say the parties are generally underwhelming, but it depends on what you're looking for.  Some years they've had a dance and that's been, well, meh.  Filking's generally around, but that's an acquired taste - having had such a strong track at the recent WorldCon here it might get an infusion of strength, but again, that's conjecture.  I can say very nice things about their volunteer coordinators.

As for access to guests, that's somewhat ruled by the guests' intention, but the ones who have wanted to be friendly have never had any problem wandering through and meeting folks. 

[YMMV, exceptions always apply, near everything I've said might be refuted by someone else less cynical.]

[meg_evonne]

This is an e-mail sent out to address 'possible' times for Jim and Shannon.  Obviously this is fluid from what I've been reading...

Hi Neil,

While this is not set in stone, here is a current low-res snapshot.
Jim will be doing a reading no Friday afternoon, then will be at
opening ceremonies and autograph alley afterwards. He and Shannon
will be doing An Hour with the Butchers on Saturday, and they will
both be on a couple of panels throughout Saturday and SUnday. He'll
be at the GoH Remarks on Sunday, and closing ceremonies. I hope to
schedule him for a signing on both Saturday and Sunday, in addition
to Autograph Alley on Friday.

As Linda says, when the schedule is firmer, it will be posted on the
Yahoogroup. See you at the con!
Program Rose

[mrkleve]

Another lurker who will be at MileHiCon...Here are some additional comments regarding the convention...

I have to say, considering the number of sci-fi-type conventions that Denver gets, this one is probably my favorite one to meet authors and guests.  I have never had any problems meeting guests who were open to spending time with the fans and convention-goers.  If nothing else, you get to meet a lot of interesting people.

During the Masquerade they typically hold a Literacy Auction with the proceeds going go charities for the purchase of books as well as reading education programs.  They often have rare books, signed copies, and the occassional galley copy.

The hotel this year is a new one for the Con, but over recent years the accomodations have just gotten better.  The area where the Hyatt is located has a lot of restaurants (and other lodgings, if necessary) close by.

There was one thing I was wondering...

Since Backup isn't due to ship to retail locations until the end of October, what are the chances of Jim having some copies that an avid fan might pick up at the Con?

I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing Jim here in a couple of weeks!

[M T Fierce, h.d.]

Since Backup isn't due to ship to retail locations until the end of October, what are the chances of Jim having some copies that an avid fan might pick up at the Con?

I was contacted off the forum by "Who Else!" books who was having login issues, so they have asked me to reply:

We'll be in the dealers room at Mile Hi Con Oct 24-26 and will have a
wide assortment of Jim's books in both paperback and hardcover.  This
will include the newly released The Dresden Files: Welcome to the
Jungle (the Del Rey edition) and Backup (trade hardcover), the latter
of which is being specially shipped to us by the publisher.  We'll
also, of course, have copies of Shannon's books:  No Regrets, No
Control and No Escape.  We have a good time at Mile Hi Con, so drop
by and see us if you're there.  It's a great Con (this is its 40th
year) and you'll love meeting authors, going to panels and readings,
enjoying the costume contest, art show, literacy auction, Critter
Crunch, autographing sessions and the like.  --  Who Else! Books
@Denver Book Mall

I always like to assist in supporting local businesses, and conventions are one of the places I can do that, so I hope that helps.  I otherwise can claim no affiliation with the business, but they left me a nice note.

[Medinnus]

Same for me:

We'll be in the dealers room at Mile Hi Con Oct 24-26 and will have a wide assortment of Jim's books in both paperback and hardcover.  This will include the newly released The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle (the Del Rey edition) and Backup (trade hardcover), the latter of which is being specially shipped to us by the publisher.  We'll also, of course, have copies of Shannon's books:  No Regrets, No Control and No Escape.  We have a good time at Mile Hi Con, so drop by and see us if you're there.  It's a great Con (this is its 40th year) and you'll love meeting authors, going to panels and readings, enjoying the costume contest, art show, literacy auction, Critter Crunch, autographing sessions and the like.  --  Who Else! Books @Denver Book Mall

[mrkleve]

I was contacted off the forum by "Who Else!" books who was having login issues, so they have asked me to reply:

I always like to assist in supporting local businesses, and conventions are one of the places I can do that, so I hope that helps.  I otherwise can claim no affiliation with the business, but they left me a nice note.

Thank you for this information.  Now I can get ALL of my stuff signed!

[Priscellie]

I've just activated Who Else!'s account.  Thanks for picking up the slack, Medinnus and M T Fierce!

[mrkleve]

For all who are interested, MileHiCon has posted the schedule on their website; www.MileHiCon.org.

[Thracian]

Thanks for the info. I'm attending the conference with my sister. We're both looking forward to it!

 

[meg_evonne]

We need name tags with our signon names...  :-)

[blackwolf]

just want to make sure, we can buy tickets at the door right

[mrkleve]

just want to make sure, we can buy tickets at the door right

Yes, you can get tickets at the door.  Here are the prices:

All 3 Days $40.00
Friday Only $18.00
Saturday Only $22.00
Sunday Only $20.00

Hope you enjoy it as much as I usually do!

[Thracian]

I had a great time at MileHiCon and wouldn't hesitate to go again. I blogged about the experience--you're welcome to read it and see a few photos at http://www.alyssasbookblog.com/?p=1169.

 

[myquasilatinphrase]

Even though this falls under Events past.... The Con was AWESOME.  It was really wonderful to get to have a Q&A with Jim, I thought the hotel was very nice, and I got my books signed.

Could.Not.Be.Happier.

And a belated Happy Birthday to Jim! My only regret is that I didn't know about it until afterward!

Liz

[BookLover♥]

Any good Q&A?