Con*tourage

It’s that time of year for many of us to ask ourselves…”Where the hell am I going to be when 2012 rolls in?” Everyone treats the last evening of the year differently…some stay home…some have to work (doh!)….some hit the hay early….some pay over-inflated door covers to countdown the clock with lots of already drunk & rude people and a free cardboard noise maker. Some lay low and visit a friend’s house for a small party or have friends over themselves. Lots of variety and options out there, that’s for sure.

Yes...hot chicks are video gaming freaks, too!

But for those of you who still haven’t made up your mind where you want to be and you live in the metro Atlanta, GA area…CON*tourage encourages you to come spend that last evening at BATTLE & BREW for their NEW YEARS EVE PARTY. “Battle and what?” you may ask yourself. For those of you who don’t already know, BATTLE & BREW is a really cool bar/restaurant in Marietta, GA that is a “gamer” type establishment…that has tons of gaming options for those of you who are into video, video, video games. Long gone are the days of Atari 2600 as B&B caters to those who enjoy a competitive game on systems including PC, Xbox, PS3, Wii and NES. According to http://battleandbrew.com/, “We go the extra mile to provide a relaxed comfortable atmosphere where it is just as much fun to chill out and have a beer in as it is to duke it out in an intense CounterStrike deathmatch with your buddies.”

And as far as what the comfort level is at B&B, you can kick back on one of their plush couches and enjoy the latest Xbox 360 titles over system link where up to 16 players can battle it out on their 50+ inch LCD TVs. “It’s an awesome experience that you have to try to appreciate. Of course if Xbox Live is your thing we have that too offered over our superfast T1 connection.”

Video, video, video games...and beer!!!

As far as food and booze, B&B has both and they offer a wide variety to please almost anyone. If you love a good beer, you’ll be hard pressed to not find a good beer waiting for you. They offer a full menu with appetizers, entrees, wraps, burgers and pizzas. We’ve tried many of their menu items and we can tell you from first-hand experience that it’s TASTY FOOD…not what one might “think” they’d get at a gamer’s bar. And if you aren’t into gaming, that’s cool also. There are always friendly folks to chat with and since several of the CON*tourage CRUE members and regular attendees of Dragon*Con drop by B&B regularly, it must be pretty cool.

For those of you who have a CON*tourage t-shirt….wear it to the party and CON*tourage will happily buy you a beer/drink to help ring in 2012. Sorry…no swapping of shirts with your friends after we’ve bought you a drink. That’d just be…weird. The party starts at 8 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m.

Event info. on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/219357011477113/

Atlanta's SantaCon attendees stop for a photo in 2008.

Have you gotten all of your shopping done for the holidays yet? Have you gotten to a point where you want to just treat YOURSELF instead of purchasing gifts for friends & family? Have you ever wondered how Santa blows off steam before his “around-the-world-in-one-night” road trip? Do you long for dressing in red & green stockings and having your over-fill of egg nog? Are you bubbling over with such a merry & crazy feeling that you want to scream “HO HO HO” as loud as you can (without attracting a near-by hooker)? If you answered yes…or maybe….or you aren’t sure what the hell we are talking about..then CON*tourage has THE holiday-themed party just for you!

On Saturday evening, December 17th, 2011 in Atlanta’s Little 5 Points (starting at the infamous VORTEX BAR & GRILL), the 7th Annual SantaCon (hosted by the Dirty Southern Burners) will take place, starting at 7:00 p.m. and going to about 3:00 a.m. True…it’s called a “Con” (short for Convention) and many of us immediately think of weekend-long Sci-Fi Cons (i.e. Dragon*Con) that often require a badge to attend. However, this isn’t a weekend event….and it doesn’t cost anything (unless you buy booze/food). It’s just ONE EVENING…and basically an opportunity for attendees to throw on Christmas-related costumes and come party it up as hundreds and hundreds of fellow cheerful revealers move from bar to bar, spreading holiday cheer along the way.

Looks like Santa found some Ho Ho Ho's!

Although many people will be dressed as Kris Kringle, himself….attendees are encouraged to dress in ANY holiday-related attire….so CON*sider unleasing your inner elf, reindeer, wrapped gift, Grinch….you get the point.

This will be the first year (of hopefully many) that CON*tourage will be attending SantaCon. We mean who isn’t up for a night of partying while wearing red/green/white and downing pint after pint of holiday beer….opps…we mean holiday cheer!

Santa Do’s and Do Not’s (taken from the FB SantaCon event):
* DO address every Santa as Santa, in the first, second, and third person, singular and plural.
* DO have something ready to hand out, even if it’s just candy canes.
* DO many thorough soaks of your cleaning product containers before storing liquor in them. (If you haven’t already done so, it may be too late to start now.) Santa’s that want should bring flasks cleverly disguised as Pine-Sol or Windex bottles.
* DO be ready for new adventure at a moment’s notice. Santa is like a shark, and must keep moving in order to thrive.
* DO uphold the hallowed tradition of Never Washing the Suit.

NOTE: There will be a “Toys for Tots” drop on the route this year and organizers are asking any Santa’s able to contribute to bring a new unwrapped toy with them to help out the local community as well as enjoy a night of mayhem!

The PhotoGnome might also be seen at the 7th Annual SantaCon

SantaCon’s GENERAL RULES are listed below. Be ready to answer them if asked!! Santa is safe in numbers and educated. If Santa plans on bringing new people with him, have them join this event to get info!!!!
1. AGAIN! Santa does not make children cry. Really – If you see kids, give them nice toys, candy, or something pleasant. Parents and Tourists are a different matter altogether — adjust based on their
attitude.
2. Santa dresses for all occasions. It’s December. Smart Santa’s wear multiple costume layers. Dress to maximize merriment whether singing Christmas carols in the snow, or swinging from a stripper pole.
3. Santa doesn’t whine! We will be outside alot and commuting mainly on foot — bring enough “snacks” to keep your pie-hole filled until we get indoors.
4. Bring gifts — NAUGHTY gifts to give grown ups; NICE stuff to give kids. Throwing coal at people is discouraged no matter who they are. YES THAT INCLUDES POLITICIANS. But giving out coal is always ok.
5. Watching Santa get drunk and obnoxious is fun. Babysitting Santa while they vomit in an alley is not. Don’t be that Santa.
6. Pay for your beer and tip the bar staff, we want to be able to this again. Bribery gets you everywhere! Also pay for your beer or drink as soon as you get it. Other Santa’s get tired of waiting on Santa’s to clear their tab before being able to move on. This entire adventure should be CASH ONLY. Credit Cards only take longer and it takes long enough to serve all of yall when we rush the bar.
7. No Santa’s left behind. Don’t go leaving one or two Santa’s in the process. Santa dont like that. Pick a few people you know and keep an eye out for them when it’s time to move to the next location. If you don’t see them, speak up so everyone waits. Every Santa should have at least 2-3 other Santa’s they look out for and that look out for them. We don’t want to leave someone in the shitter and have them wandering around looking for us. Santa is safer in numbers. What one Santa couldn’t get away with without getting questioned, 50 can. Stick together Santas!
8. Memorize these answers to important QUESTIONS that may arise:
* Who’s in charge? “Santa”
* What organization are you with? “Santa”
* What are you protesting? “Nothing, Santa’s having a party” (note: WE ARE NOT PROTESTERS!! We’d need a permit for that – and something serious to complain about…)
* How did you get here? “A sleigh and eight tiny reindeer”
* Where are you going next? “I’m only allowed to tell you if you wear this hat and buy me a beer.”
9. Dress the hell up! You don’t have to dress as Santa proper. That’s BORING! Variations of Santa-ness are deeply appreciated, both by those we bring joy to – as well as the other Santarchists! Variants of elves or reindeer or what-have-you are fine as well!
10. “No blows below the belt. Keep it clean.”
11. Please realize that this indeed is an event to have a hell of a lot of fun, and of course, with the assistance of liquor. It’s not, however, an event to get shit-faced to the point that Santa’s end up insulting, fighting, degrading, or being assholes to people that run the places that we visit – or to the regular patrons that are there. Remember, we’re LUCKY that they let THIS many jackasses into their places of business — and we’d like to keep coming back. Also, there is no “bail fund” for incarcerated Santii — so you’ll be on your own with that, suckahs.

Keep an eye out for Dr. Rockzo, who just made bail (charges pending).

12. Santa’s that drink should make sure that they are also Santa’s that can drive home, or make arrangements so that they don’t need to. This is a no-brainer, but alas, I feel it needs to be said. I don’t want any casualties. We need as many soldiers for “return tours”, so to speak. With mass transit being what it is in Atlanta, we suggest bringing a designated driver and of course carpooling as much as possible or just get a hotel room. The more Santii in each vehicle, the fewer individuals need to remain dry.

CON*tourage looks forward to seeing lots of you out on Saturday, Dec. 17th! Make sure to keep an eye out for Dr. Rockzo, (the rock n’ roll clown) as he just made bail and word is…he’s hoping for a snow-covered evening! Below are links to Facebook events that have been created to help promote this kick-ass X-mas themed event…so spread the word!

Official ATL SantaCon FB Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/events/157662574327310
CON*tourage Invades SantaCon FB Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/296161617075619
 ATL SantaCon Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/santacon

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For those interested in walking in the Little 5 Points 11th Annual Halloween Parade on Oct. 22nd with CON*tourage, here is the basic info. (direct from parade organizers). We do ask that if you walk in the parade with us, that you have some sort of costume on. If you have an ’80s themed costume, perfect…if not, don’t worry….ALL costumes are welcomed. After all…CON*tourage is FOR the people…and BY the people! (Remember…the Halloween festival itself, with vendors & live bands is from noon until midnight with the parade at 4 p.m.)

FROM PARADE ORGANIZERS:

* Please arrive by 3 p.m. (parade starts at 4 p.m.) on Saturday, October 22nd at the Community Center (1083 Austin Avenue). There will be volunteers to direct you. You will know Parade volunteers by their bright orange shirts that say STAFF. Look for the DeLorean Time Machine, which will be the CON*tourage parade vehicle. As far as costumes, look for Dr. Rockzo (the rock n’ roll clown) and a sexy female version of Gene Simmons (of KISS).

* The parade must keep moving at all times. Please keep the momentum.  No stopping. (NOTE: CON*tourage will be walking with a DeLorean time machine in front of and behind, with ample room for safety.)

Parade Route

* You may pass candy or other treats HAND TO HAND. Absolutely NO THROWING!! We do not want people running into the street.  This may require you to have someone walking next to the float or vehicle.

* ATLANTA POLICE will be on hand enforcing all state and local ordinances. These statutes include public decency, alcohol & controlled substances, and public safety. No animals allowed. Failure to comply will result in removal from the parade and festival.

* SECURITY is provided for the festival; however, the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and it’s partners will not be held responsible for losses, damages, or injury to parade participants.  Please be smart, be safe, and have FUN!

 * BACK TO THE FUTURE: Look for a DeLorean Time Machine and you’ll find CON*tourage. It shouldn’t be too hard to find…it may still be steaming after making the trek back from the 1980s…or was it the 2080′s? Buddy Smith will be driving his kick-a$$ time machine in the parade and CON*tourage truly appreciates him for that!

* PARKING: Allow time to find a parking place. It may be a better move to park near where the parade ends and walk down to the Community Center (1083 Austin Avenue) – this event is HUGE so just be aware. If you do park at a business, make sure you are allowed, etc. (watch for signs that may specific that the parking is for partons only, etc.)

* MEET-UP / MINGLE: If you’d like to meet up with us earlier in the day, drop by the STAR BAR at 1:30 p.m. After the parade, which starts at 4 p.m., you can come mingle with CON*tourage again back at the STAR BAR (437 Moreland Avenue) in Little 5 Points.We’ll hang out here for a while before venturing back out.

* WEATHER: It’s looking to be beautiful and slightly cool for most of the day. For Saturday night, it’s looking like temps will drop into the 50s so make sure to dress properly if possible. Find out the latest weather forcast HERE.

* LITTLE 5 POINTS HALLOWEEN WEBSITE: http://www.l5phalloween.com/

* SCHEDULE OF FESTIVAL/PARADE EVENTS: http://www.l5phalloween.com/?page_id=15

* DIRECTIONS/PARKING/MARTA: http://www.l5phalloween.com/?page_id=20

* CON*tourage on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CON-touragecom/222461113229?ref=ts

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CON*tourage is opening up it’s 3-balcony exclusive suite in the HYATT REGENCY, looking for a few people to partake in what is set to be a weekend of most EPIC proportions. If you are still looking for a place to stay for Dragon*Con (or are staying too far away and want to be in the middle of it all) and can afford $245, this just might be for you! However, if you are just looking for a place to crash and aren’t a people person, then this isn’t what you are looking for.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO…
…are 21+.
…won’t have childen in tow.
…are DRAMA FREE!!
…LOVE a good party atmosphere.
…are trustworthy and out-going.
…can pay $245 cash TOTAL per person (for Thursday-Monday).
…are not douchebags as CON*tourage events/parties are deemed douchebag free zones.
…won’t expect to be able to sleep till at least 4 a.m. each night.
…like being around creative, friendly, chatty folk.
…are OK with lending a helping hand with party set-up, if the need arises.
…aren’t just looking for a place to crash but a unique, fun atmosphere to experience.
…are either male or female (it’s a mixed suite).
…either 1…2 or 3 people (group/couple).
…are OK with crashing on the floor (everyone provides their own air mattress or bedding, etc.)
….won’t have alot of equipment/boxes/suitcases. Although we are all costumers, we can’t take on people who have lots and lots of “baggage”.

BY STAYING IN THE CON*TOURAGE SUITE YOU’LL…
…have access to a kick-a$$, 3-balcony suite, complete with kitchenette, in the HYATT REGENCY.
…have your own room key.
…not have to worry about sleeping next to someone’s smelly feet. The suite is very large and we aren’t going to pack it to it’s limits.
…have VIP access to CON*tourage’s two late-night parties and Sunday’s late-morning PANCAKE CHOWDOWN.
…have access to food in the suite that can save you $$$ from having to eat out all weekend.
…meet some wickedly friendly and creative CON*tourage folk and experience first-hand what it takes to host such aweseome, fun parties (did we say don’t expect to get to sleep before 4 a.m.?)
…be able to pay $245 cash TOTAL per person (for Thursday-Monday)
…be able to catch up on your sleep during the day if need be. Although this is a “party suite” during the day it’s pretty laid back with others catching power naps and just hanging out (in other words, there won’t be parties going on in the C*T suite 24/7)
…have your personal items placed in our safe and secure adjourning bedroom during the parties.

HOW TO ENTER (deadline for entering is Aug. 25th)
Send us a paragraph or two telling us why YOU (or your small group) want to stay in the CON*tourage Suite. It’s that simple. But be creative and also tell us a little about yourself while you are at it. Email your entry to contourage@gmail.com with the subject heading “CON*tourage Suite Entry” along with contact info. Deadline for entering is 11:59 p.m., Aug. 25th)

INFO. ON CON*TOURAGE AT DRAGON*CON 2011:
http://www.con-tourage.com/dcon2011/

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Anyone who has attended DRAGON*CON will quickly tell you that the one item you need with you is a camera (and an extra memory card). Thousands of die-hard costumers spend hours, weeks and sometimes months creating outfits that they’ll wear during the annual Labor Day weekend pop culture phenom, held in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. During the weekend, many costumers from the same shows/movies/genres will plan a time to get together for “group photo shoots” which provides both photographers and onlookers a prime opportunity to see first-hand how awesome these costumers are.

Below is a list of most of those organized PHOTO SHOOTS (via FACEBOOK EVENTS) and if you know of one that is not listed, you can post it HERE: (NOTE: You’ll need to be logged into FB to view many of the URLs beow)

FRIDAY

GAME OF THRONES (Meet-up – 2 times)
WHEN/WHERE: Friday TBD
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday @ 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. (10th Floor Marriott)
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=164424293622210

MOULIN ROUGE (Gathering)
WHEN: Friday, September 2 @ 9 p.m.
WHERE: Marriott Marquis :Main carpeted area of the Atrium level of the Marriott Marquis (the area at the top of the escalators where they herd everyone over to for photo taking)
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200764629968622

GOTHAM CITY (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2 @ 6 p.m.
WHERE: HILTON PATIO STEPS
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=188306301181632

LEGEND OF THE SEEKER (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2 @ 11 p.m.
WHERE: Marriott, 10th floor

BIRDS OF PREY: DC COMICS (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2 @ 9 a.m.
WHERE: Hilton Patio & Steps
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=229334493774853

ROCK STAR (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2 @ 9 p.m.
WHERE: Marriott Pulse Bar area
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=240502265977526

DEADPOOL CORPS (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2 @ 9 p.m.
WHERE: Marriott Pulse Loft
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115673261860951

RESIDENT EVIL (Photo Shoot & Meet-up)
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2 @ 9 p.m.
WHERE: TBD, probably Marriott lobby
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131124880309309

TRON: LEGACY (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2 @ 11 p.m.
WHERE: Hilton steps
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167209856684867

SUCKER PUNCH (Photo Shoot & Meet-up)
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2 @ 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Marriott Marquis (10th Floor)
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=225722374122412

SUPERNATURAL (Meet-up)
WHEN: Friday night (technically Saturday) at 12:30 a.m.
WHERE: Hyatt lobby
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143843962339785

SATURDAY

DRAGON AGE  (Photo Shoot & Meet-up)
WHEN/WHERE: Peachtree Street (9 a.m. parade)
WHEN/WHERE: Marriott Tower 1 stairs (11:00 meetup)
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=251133038234992

VENTURE BROS (Photo Shoot & Party)
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3 @ 6 p.m.
WHERE: Marriott Marquis – Pulse Bar & Lounge
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204154309642560

SITH CHEERLEADER (Rally/Meet-up)
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3 @ 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Atrium lobby of the Marriott
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=232214343465026

DC UNIVERSE (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3 @ 4 p.m.
WHERE: Hilton Patio Steps
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178320072225339

LANTERN CORPS (Photo Shoot — All Colors)
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3 @ 11 a.m.
WHERE: Hilton (Patio Steps)
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179513265445410

MARVEL SWIMSUIT (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3 @ 2 p.m.
WHERE: SunTrust Plaza
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121091664629486

CAPTAIN AMERICA & USO GIRLS (Costuming Group)
WHEN: Saturday night @ 7 p.m. Captain America related costumes welcome.
WHERE: TBA – Possibly indoors at the Hilton (LEVEL ONE near the executive foyer ballroom stairs) but final location is TBA. Will update once we have the meeting location or photo location decided firmly
https://www.facebook.com/CaptainAmericaUSO

SUNDAY

GI JOE/COBRA (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 4 @ 11 a.m.
WHERE: Marriott Pulse Bar Area
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=155805337822091

HARLEY PALOOZA (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 4 @ 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: TBD
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106881082731057

MARVEL UNIVERSE (Photo Shoot)
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 4 @ 4 p.m.
WHERE: Hilton Patio Steps
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179176278806359

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With Dragon*Con 2011 just weeks away, CON*tourage is putting their finishing touches on what is shaping up to be a most triumphant and memorable Labor Day weekend.

Anyone who has attended a CON*tourage party knows that the music is just as important as the theme, costumes, atmosphere and partiers in attendance. CON*tourage 2011 at Dragon*Con will see DJ NEMESIS return to shake partiers all night long late-Friday night for the Annual HEAVY METAL PARTY; while DJ B-NAUT will tame the loco dragon during CON*tourage’s Saturday late-night FIESTA CON LOCO.

Click thumbnail for larger poster

Nemesis: DJ for CON*tourage's HEAVY METAL PARTY

For anyone who has met DJ Nemesis, it can’t be denied how much energy and enthusiasm he has, not only for his art of DJ’ing but also for life in general.  2011 will be the 3rd year that he’ll take the helm of CON*tourage’s Friday night party so he must be doing something right. Nemesis, who mastered the beat in his early teens, was a drummer-turned-DJ who honed his craft for the next decade in Industrial, Heavy Metal, and Glam Rock bands including Planet Psycho, FUSEBOX and The Glitterdome Allstar Band. Ever since 2001, he has continued to inspire the evolution of his coveted underground subculture scene and leads the charge at album and movie release parties, fetish events, club nights and conventions. Nemesis is also the resident DJ for www.SecretRoom.net events in Atlanta and Tampa. Although Nemesis excels at Industrial/EBM/Synthpop /Goth and more, partiers during CON*tourage’s Annual HEAVY METAL PARTY on September 2nd can expect him to crank out well-known Metal anthems that will keep everyone pumping their fists in Con madness. Find out more about DJ Nemesis at www.Facebook.com/DJN3M3S1S

DJ Nemesis will also be spinning the DRAGON DANCE Saturday night during Dragon*Con 2011, from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. in the Marriott MARQUIS Atrium Ballroom. This will be his 4th year in a row Nemesis takes charge of moving hundreds of bodies so obviously this melodic luntaic knows what he’s doing.. Dragon*Con badge required for entry. To find out more info. on this DO NOT MISS event, check out the DRAGON DANCE Facebook Event here: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133298580078691

Click thumbnail for larger poster

B-Naut: DJ for CON*tourage's Fiesta Con Loco

DJ B-Naut, a seasoned remix artist from Atlanta, has over 17 years of experience behind the decks. He was reviewed on film director Kevin Smith’s website QuickStop.com as, “the Dr. Moreau of DJs who will commit sonic crimes against nature and society” because of he is known for playing unusual but infectious Electro House mashups of everything ranging from Top40 to Retro Classics to Hip Hop and Hard Rock…all in the same show. DJ B-Naut has toured the East Coast at hundreds of nightclubs, live radio sets, DJ competitions, and remix contests. He even let his geek flag fly at several sci-fi festivals including appearances at Dragon*Con, Outworld, AnachroCon, and Frolicon while surrounded by Stormtroopers and Trekkies booty shaking in full uniform. B-Naut spent a year performing with the acclaimed indie Rock Fusion band Detroit Mutant Radio as their resident turntablist. Through the years, he has shared stages with legends like RUN DMC, Biz Markie, Chuck D of Public Enemy, DJ Red Alert, Richard “Humpty” Vission, Dynamixx II, DJ Magic Mike, Dangermouse and many others. Party Pass Holders for CON*tourage’s Saturday night mexican-themed FIESTA CON LOCO Party should wear their favorite dance shoes as DJ B-Naut promises to move lots of bodies with a mixture of salsa/meringue, ’80s Pop/Dance and other genres. Find out more about DJ B-Naut at www.DJB-Naut.com.

Want to attend these CON*tourage parties (21+) but don’t have a required PARTY PASS? Unfortunately all ‘reserved’ VIP and Regular Party Passes have been spoken for but we’ll be handing out Regular Party Passes, via LOTTERY-STYLE during our MEET & GREET on Thursday night. We’ll also have a handful of pases to give away from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the Marriott PULSE BAR on Friday (look for the group of CON*tourage rockers).

Read all of the DETAILS on how to snag or pick-up your PARTY PASS (required, 21+ only) and complete Party details by visiting www.CON-tourage.com/Dcon2011.

It’s hard to remember to eat while at Dragon*Con but don’t forget about our Annual PANCAKE CHOWDOWN, being held Sunday late-morning (10 a.m.-noon)….all-you-can-eat flapjacks! Find out all the tasty details by clicking HERE.

CON*tourage Party Sponsors for Dragon*Con 2011

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Christmas is coming early in 2011 for thousands of Dragon*Con fans who have had to wait in the infamous “line of gloom” in order to pick up their Con badges over the past several years.

The majority of die-hard Sci-Fi and Pop Culture fans who have attended Dragon*Con have a personal “war story” of how they had to wait in line for hours and hours, just to pick up their coveted Con badge. Many wear it as a badge of honor (pun intended) but rumors have been swirling since last year that Dragon*Con might finally make a switch to a system, much like the San Diego Comic Con, which will greatly increase the speed of badge pickup…in turn, allowing or more geek time and less stand-in-damn-hot-line time.

By using the new BARCODE SYSTEM to acquire badges, Dragon*Con is hoping to alleviate the looks on many of these attendee's faces.

Here’s the official word (via Dragon*Con’s LiveJournal):
“Dragon*Con will be using barcodes to speed up the registration process for 2011. Those of you who have purchased your memberships in advance will receive (or have received already) a postcard with a barcode on the mailing label. Please bring that postcard (with the mailing label intact and legible) AND a valid government-issued photo ID with you to the registration area at the convention. That will greatly speed up your (and everyone else’s) registration experience at Dragon*Con 2011. Forgetting to bring the postcard or the valid government-issued ID will slow down your registration process. We will also use scanners in on-site registration (you are not pre-registered, you are a walk up)

For those of you who are paying on-site, you can shorten your time in line as well. Click http://www.dragoncon.org/dc_pde_barcode.php and fill out the form, submit it, and it will generate a .pdf file with a QR code that you print and bring to the on-site registration area at the convention. This form is not connected to any database, it is merely a utility for printing your own QR code.  The QR code will contain all your demographic information, mildly encrypted and base64 encoded. As always you will need to have a valid government-issued photo ID with you as well to complete the on-site registration process.  We will scan this QR code and save the on-site registration folks data entry time.”

So, with that the big question will be…what are you going to do with all of that new-found time at Dragon*Con this year? Hip, hip…HORRAY!

Stay up-to-date on what CON*tourage has planned for Dragon*Con 2011, via their Facebook Fan Page, or by clicking HERE for their FB event page. You can also follow CON*tourage on their twitter. Questions? Check out the CON*tourage online forum.

Also…be sure to follow daily the visual CON*tourage 100 DAY COUNTDOWN to Dragon*Con.

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For anyone who has attended Dragon*Con in Atlanta, during Labor Day weekend, they know that the bar area in the Hyatt Regency, a host hotel,  is one of the main “people watching” spots, along with a great place to meet up with friends. Since Dragon*Con 2010 ended, the entire lobby area of the Hyatt underwent a multi-million dollar facelift including the well-known bar. These photos were just forwarded to us of the NEW Hyatt Bar area and boy…is it different than what we all were used to! Gone are the hi-boy bar tables, replaced with dark wood furniture. The carpet is also gone (hard to see in the photos) which a wood/marble floor has replaced. At first glance, it has an “airport concourse bar” type of feel – it’ll be interesting to see how the Dragon*Con community reacts to the drastic changes.

Remember to stay informed of CON*tourage’s late-night parties & events for DRAGON*CON 2011 via FACEBOOK, by clicking HERE.

'New' Hyatt bar (windows on left)

Hyatt Porch (sky bridge to Marriott in background)

Bar tables with Hyatt porch doors

New Hyatt bar name - "Twenty-Two Storys"

Concept for Hyatt restaurant in lobby, close to Twenty Four Storys

Concept for Hyatt restaurant in lobby, close to Twenty Four Storys

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