FanPort 2019 | OPEN

[heliophilic]

WHO: All imPort Con-goers and Guests
WHERE: Heropa Convention Center
WHEN: June 14-16, 9 AM - 2 AM
WHAT: Fifth Annual FanPort, the nation's largest, wildly popular imPort convention
WARNINGS: None anticipated; PM me if this needs to be updated

Heropa has always been a pretty imPort-friendly city, but the energy in the air surrounding the Heropa Convention Center seems to be taking it to the next level, with lines of enthusiastic people snaking around multiple blocks surrounding the gigantic building. One glance at the enormous banner draped over the side of said building makes it clear what all the fuss is about:

WELCOME TO THE ONE AND ONLY
FANPORT
Darin Altway's Masterworks, Medieval Festival, The Maurtia Falls Wrestling League, SELF, & Project Walkway -- Official Sponsors
ImPorts don't have to worry about dealing with that line though. As an imPortantVIP, volunteers will quickly usher them to the building while the crowds they're cutting cheer (after all, these are the very same people they're here to celebrate). Anyone who wishes to wait a while and mingle with their waiting fans are certainly welcome to do so, and for the imPorts who would rather not deal with all the attention, there's a secret side entrance they'll be shown to instead.

Once inside, they'll be given their imPortantVIP badge on a special golden lanyard, a schedule, and given free reign of the convention center. That is, if throngs of fans ever let them leave the lobby.

ARTISTS ALLEY

The crown jewel of FanPort is back and bigger than ever, located in the second-largest part of the convention center. What would normally be a large, open space is positively packed to the gills with creative fans new and old looking to show off their latest imPort-themed creations. The talents of these artists run the gamut from traditional and digital artists to screen printers to jewelry makers to prop makers to sculptors and beyond.

Almost anything imaginable can be found among these tables. A minuscule sampling of which include: Erotic fan-art of Rupert von Hentzau and Lucifer Morningstar, multi-book comics featuring the adventures of Futaba and Fuu, coffee mugs with Walter Strickler's face on them, Jonathan Walsh-themed t-shirts, multiple fanworks featuring Darin and Allura, keychains of Sora's Keyblade, Anthy Himemiya dress up paper dolls, Apollo frisbees, body pillows of Poe Dameron, sculptures of Pidge's Green Lion, replica Wolverine claws, Fern Chia pets, papier-mâché opera masks based on reclusive nighttime hero The Phantom, inflatable Luke Skywalker lightsabers, Detective Pikachu plushies, Cecelia phone charms, Woden voodoo dolls, and balloons of Kylo Ren with the inflatable part located in an... unfortunate part of its anatomy.

In general imPort merchandise, there are pokeballs, Guess Who-style games featuring multiple prominent imPorts, and a line of imPort-themed "thirst shirts" with logos like "ImpILF" and "imPure" emblazoned proudly on them. Also for some reason, yaoi paddles have decided to make a comeback, only instead of wood they are made out of NERF-like foam material (so only marginally better, yay?).

Even some of the imPorts seem to be getting in on the action, as Catra has secured herself a table selling her personally created creations to interested customers.

Artists will happily give their subjects a discount on their merchandise... if they ever stop squeeing or dying from embarrassment that senpai noticed them.

IMPORT HALL

For the imPorts looking to get away from the sheer myriad of fan-based imPort merchandise can head to imPort hall, where "official" is the name of the game. The hall is divided into three distinct areas:

Area 1

Home to a variety of vendors looking to sell more "official" imPort merchandise. Dozens of vendors are selling wigs, costumes, and other accessories allowing for quick and easy cosplay options. A charity for survivors of imPort incidents are looking to spread awareness of their cause, and collecting donations for survivor's medical bills, both through straight-up donations and by the sale of sixteen month calendars (August 2019 - December 2020) featuring photos of Aegis Force. Book vendors and publishers are selling imPort-written books, authorized and unauthorized biographies, and miscellaneous other fiction works with just enough facts changed to avoid being sued. The publishers in particular are always looking for new imPort talent to sign under them, no writing talent required... and a few of them are very pushy on this point.

Area 2

Looking to bank on the extreme popularity and success of FanPort, large corporations have set up shop in imPort hall. Most of these places are smart, and know that the con goers don't give a damn about them or their business, so instead they offer "fun experiences" in the hopes of increasing brand recognition. Things like mini Escape Rooms, imPort-themed photo ops, VR demonstrations, and swag (so, so much swag) can all be found here.

Area 3

The largest area of them all--the imPortant area (their bad pun very much intended). Here, imPort-run businesses and organizations (as well as enterprising individuals) are given prime real estate to show off whatever it is they care about. Import-run booths have been divided into four categories, and are promoted both on the the FanPort app and in their con guide as follows:

BUSINESSES

► Darin Altway's Masterworks (Official FanPort Sponsor) (Booth #742) Your one-stop shop for expertly crafted, personalized gear, equipment, and tools! Do you want to give your props an extra, authentic oomph? Darin Altway's Masterworks has a wide variety of non-lethal replicas and props of existing imPort weapons. Do you want your gear crafted by a true expert? Forgemaster Altway and Allura will be showcasing gear crafted by a true expert.	► Medieval Festival (Official FanPort Sponsor) (Booth #1317) For anyone looking to take a break from the trials and tribulations of modern life and slow things down, medieval-style, the Medieval Festival welcomes you. The festival's resident imPort Mollymauk Tealeaf is on hand to give FanPort attendees just the tiniest taste of what a trip to the 'Fest is like. Molly will also be available for tarot card readings for the FanPort exclusive price of $2 per reading.
► De Chima Citizen (Booth #1273) The De Chima Citizen is proud to welcome imPort Iris West as its newest Editor-in-Chief. For 90 years, The De Chima Citizen has striven for journalistic excellence and for a better balance of imPort and local perspective on the crises and stories going on in this world, and there was no one better to guide the paper in an even bolder direction. Additionally, Ms. West will be signing copies of her book Florida Man Strikes Again throughout the weekend. Use special convention code 'FANPORT2K19' for 25% off a year's subscription.	► After the End Times (Booth #1340) Come learn about After the End Times, a blog filled with of news, action, and more that remains proudly independent from governmental or organizational interference. Anyone looking for a site that promotes and believes in true, independent reporting need to make sure they see ImPorts Georgia and Shaun Mason, for more information, or to purchase a membership to the site. For any interested FanPort attendees--they are hiring. Exclusive FanPort t-shirts featuring the blog's logo and Shaun Mason's face will be available for sale.
► Project Walkway (Official FanPort Sponsor) (Booth #1203) Looking to be a part of the glamorous life? Official FanPort Sponsor Project Walkway will be holding auditions throughout the weekend to locate the next great talent since imPort Allison Hargreeves (surprise last-minute feature for their Summer Limited Edition Magazine). Anyone interested is encouraged to bring bring a portfolio with resume, headshots, and examples previous work. For anyone not sure if modelling is for them, Project Walkway will also be selling back issues of their publications, and well as subscriptions at a discounted convention special price!	► Ar-éadbair (Booth #1109) A one-stop shop for any FanPort attendee with truly sophisticated tastes looking to snag a special, one-of-a-kind creation. Created from imPorts Ronan Lynch's dreams and nightmares, these objects of supernatural origin are frightening and beautiful to behold. DISCLAIMER: None of the creations sold by Ar-éadbair at FanPort contain any properties or abilities. These creations are purely for display purposes only.

ORGANIZATIONS

► The Maurtia Falls Wrestling League (Official FanPort Sponsor) (Booth #934) Are you ready to rumble? Because the merry wrestlers of Maurtia Falls sure are. Come on down to booth 934 to see larger than life fights, dazzling lights, and, of course, very tight tights! In addition to promoting their regular televised show featuring the sweeping stories you've come to expect of them, the Maurtia Falls Wrestling League is here to let you get a little more hands-on with the art of wrestling, with wrestling training and demonstrations open to tykes and adults alike, as guided by our very own imPort Magnus Burnsides as I'Morko the Bear. And if none of that appeals to you, then surely the open wardrobe will; this is your chance to truly awaken to your wrestlesonas.

► SELF (Official FanPort Sponsor) (Booth #1286) The Sentient Life Fund (SELF), the Heropa-based non-profit, has returned to continue bringing awareness to FanPort attendees that not all imPorts can automatically adapt to our incredible world. For those that can't, SELF assists with things like food, health care, housing, education, and training for their spectacular abilities. ImPort Kang and a variety of volunteers will be manning the booth and handing out free pens, coasters, cards, and other kinds of swag. You can also spin the wheel for a chance to win a t-shirt, hat, water bottle, or shot glass, all emblazoned with their new logo. And while you're here, consider donating to their cause. ImPorts bring us so much joy - it's time to return the favor.

SELF-PROMOTION

► Proinsias Cassidy (Booth #1145) Meet imPort Proinisas Cassidy, available at select times over the weekend (visit booth #1145 or the FanPort app for times). Prices for Cassidy are as follows: $20 for a photo or autograph, or $30 for both. 25% of the proceeds will go to helping fund blood donation drives.

► Klaus Hargreeves (Booth #1055) Meet imPort Klaus Hargreeves, available at select times over the weekend (visit booth #1055 or the FanPort app for times). Prices for Klaus are as follows: $10 for a kiss, $15 for an autograph, $20 for a photo, and $25 for a photo involving a kiss.

► Abigail Hobbs (Booth #922) Meet imPort and Musician Abigail Hobbs at select times over the weekend (visit booth #922 or the FanPort app for times). CDs and digital codes of her music, as well as t-shirts, posters, and more will be available for purchase. Abigail will autograph any purchase.

► Kylo Ren (Booth #1011) Meet imPort and Poet Kylo Ren at select times over the weekend. Copies of a FanPop-exclusive version of his collected works will be available in a "darker than vantablack" cover. These exclusive books are an Ar-éadbair creation. Kylo will autograph and otherwise personalize purchases on request. Limited photo opportunities will be available (visit booth #1011 or the FanPort app for times).

FOOD

► Tina's Burgers (Booth #765) Our very own beloved imPort youth, Tina Belcher, will be bringing her love of burgers straight to our hall! She'll be offering up a variety of delicious burgers to the hungry FanPort community - including vegetarian and vegan patty options for those who need them. Tina is known for her inventive cuisine, but if that's not enough to sway you, her way with words will! It's worth a gander if only to see what punny names she'll come up with next.

For anyone not in the mood for hamburgers, ImPort Hall is also home to your standard, overpriced con food (that does it's best to be imPort-themed, though some might say that it's being a little generous), with little booths scattered throughout each area.

SPEED DATING

New to FanPort this year is Speed Dating. Inspired by that creepy house that took some people hostage a few months back (but with none of the trauma and all of the fun, organizers hope!), one of the largest panel rooms has been set up with two rows long tables for people to make their love connection. 5 minutes are all they get to try to get to know the lucky person and make that spark. Succeed, and they're free to hand out their number. Fail and... well, there's always the next person.

Unlike the aforementioned creepy house, daters are free to leave at any time. Additionally, con staff are on hand to ensure that everyone is comfortable, and won't hesitate to kick out any creeps or troublemakers.

Who will be the first FanPort couple?

COSPLAY

Though not necessarily a specific event, cosplay is a staple at any convention and FanPort is no different. Enterprising fans from all over have shown up to show off their stuff, ranging from the "closet cosplay", to the "cardboard box armor", to the "so-detailed-you'd-swear-they-stole-it-from-the-imPorts-closet" pro, to the "AU", to the increasingly popular "random noun + imPort". Cosplayers will excitedly take pictures with the imPorts and/or their friends, and might even go out of their way to seek them out.

ImPorts are also encouraged to get in on the action and dress up as their friends, worst enemies, or even total strangers. They can even sign up for the costume contest--barring that they don't enter as themselves, and don't use magic to change their appearance.

PANELS

Littered throughout the extremities of the convention center, rooms of various sizes have been set aside for a variety of guest speakers to show off their imPort knowledge to eager guests. Detailed information about each panel can be found on large boards beside each room, or download the official FanPort app.

► Heroing and You A must-see panel for anyone looking to make a difference in their community, regardless of whether or not you have a costume in your closet. The panel will explain how the average person can help around the community, and that not all heroes wear capes. Audience participation is encouraged. Starring imPort guest: Nightfall.	► Public Safety in the Porter Cities with Aegis Force Learn tips on how to stay safe and help others during a crisis from members of Aegis Force! Hear thrilling stories of their adventures and find out more about how the team works to serve people during the Q&A. Starring imPort guests: Jacob Taylor, Lester Papadopoulos, and Darin Altway.
► Fun with Field Safety: Know Your Exits and Don't Get Dead Advice about field situations, recognizing danger signs, knowing the terrain, paying attention, keeping your head, and learning to recognize calculated risks and just plain bad choices. An interactive experience. Starring imPort guests: Shaun Mason and Georgia Mason.	► How to Stay Alive While Hunting The Unknown and Finding Things Come learn more about imPort Harry Dresden's work as a private investigator and wizard hunting that which hunts others... Both humans hunting monsters and monsters hunting humans. Attendees will receive valuable advice about dealing with alien cultures, and what to do when sometimes you just get outclassed. Starring imPort guest: Harry Dresden.
► Journalistic Integrity: How to Report Responsibility A lecture on the importance of truthful an independent reporting, even in world's that haven't been effected by a zombie apocalypse. Topics will include: protecting your sources and ethical dilemmas about whether or not it's appropriate to take to print, and finding the line between maintaining privacy and withholding the truth. It will also feature a special press-themed history lesson into Georgia and Shaun's world and how the mainstream news' hiding of incidents related to "the Rising" led to massive casualties, and how indie blogs spreading the truth kept their world from complete annihilation. Starring imPort guests: Georgia Mason and Shaun Mason.	► Monster or Man? What's the real difference between heroes and villains, and who gets to decide? Using imPort Adam, son of Frankenstein (those who refer to him as a monster will be removed from the panel room) as an example, the current officers of Adam's fan club invite the audience to join them as they discuss what matters more, an imPort's deeds in their own world or the future they make for themselves here; the role of a parent in shaping one's destiny; and the ethics of creating artificial life. The roundtable will be followed by a PowersPoint presentation of the best Adam fanart and a step-by-step guide to drawing attractively placed stitch marks. Starring imPort guest: Adam, the Modern Prometheus.
► Personal Space 101: How Not To Get Scratched or Otherwise Injured by Simply Minding Your Own Business A lecture on the importance of respecting personal boundaries, why suddenly walking up to someone and petting them is inappropriate (regardless of how cute they may appear), and other helpful life lessons that should have already been learned. Visual aids will be provided. Starring imPort guest: Catra.	► Kids Today: A Gathering for imPort Teens & Tweens Growing up is hard. Growing up in a different world as a celebrity with superpowers is harder. ImPort Youths are invited to join this low-key talk and group Q&A session about concerns many of them have at this age, whether it involves going on a first date with someone who could be ported out without warning, the rights and expectations they have back home from that differ from those of kids and teens on Earth, and, you know. Puberty questions. Sponsored by the Heropa Community Center.
► Abigail Hobbs Live! Abigail Hobbs will be performing selections from her albums on harpsichord, to take listeners on an emotional musical journey. Starring imPort guest: Abigail Hobbs.	► Poetry/Emotion - The Verse Hearse Presents: Kylo Ren imPort poet Kylo Ren will be reading a selection of works previously featured in the Verse Hearse, offering unique insight into his personal experience of the creative process, inspiration and intention through a Q&A session. Kylo Ren will not be signing autographs at this time. Starring imPort guest: Kylo Ren.
► Welcome to Earth — Tales and Trials of Intergalactic Culture Shock "Why would a fish need an education?" SpacePorts are invited to share their experiences adjusting to life on Earth, whether it's their funniest misunderstandings, their rants about how much the weather cycles bother them, or confessions of what they love most about this weird little planet. Starring imPort guest: Allura.	► Cybertronian Q&A Ask everything you've always wanted to know about Cybertronian life and culture. Note: The panel will be held outside (due to KO's size). Starring imPort guest: Knock Out.
► More Than Laser Swords - A Lightsaber Demonstration A discussion of Jedi Lightsaber philosophy, techniques, and maneuvers. Includes live demonstrations from several lightsaber combat experts! Learn about these beautiful and dangerous weapons and the history behind them. Sign ups for classes at the Rattlin’ Sabers Fencing Academy will also be available. Starring imPort guests: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker, Kanan Jarrus.

MEMORIAL

Inspired by the Ted Kord Memorial Centre run by Jaime Reyes, organizers have set aside a large room situated in the far end of the convention center, with a large sign above it reading "In Remembrance" above its entrance. Before being allowed to enter the space, con goers are given a speech explaining the purpose of the space is for anyone to remember the port outs, and are told to respect the space accordingly.

Inside, the space is set up with walls upon walls of photographs and miscellaneous articles left behind by various imPorts. Notable events featuring ported heroes also adorn these walls, with benches evenly spaced throughout for quiet reflection. ImPorts are encouraged to learn about the imPorts that came before them, or remember a friend gone back home. Between the exhibits, blank canvases have been spread so visitors can leave memories or messages to those ported out.

The speech given to everyone before they are allowed to enter is not one to be taken lightly--con staff are around to ensure the solemnity of the space is kept, and will be throwing out anyone who causes a scene or otherwise disrespects the space.

RAVE

As is the case with any good convention, FanPort hosts several different raves on both Friday and Sunday nights (there is no rave on Saturday) in several of the larger panel rooms. Enjoy packed crowds, loud music, and (if you're over 21) alcoholic beverages from the bar.

Oh, and glow sticks. So many glow sticks. Anyone who didn't arrive with a glow stick will soon find themselves with one before they know it, whether they want it or not. It just happens.

VOLLEYBALL

Apollo (the taller one) and Poe Dameron (you know who he is) have decided that the imPorts should come together in the name of a volleyball tournament, Top Gun style. Or maybe not Top Gun style. They haven't really decided. Anyway, run into them at any point during the weekend, or sign up at the booth located in the imPort Hall that may or may not be manned. Sunday will be Volleyball time. Don't miss it.

BALLPIT

In honor(?) of the 5th anniversary, the organizers of FanPort have inexplicably brought back a staple(?) from the first two FanPorts: the ballpit. Seemingly dumped in a random back corner of the imPort hall, no one running the convention seems to know why its there. Like in previous cons, the budget seems to have run out before anything involving the ballpit was concerned. Most con goers seem to be actively avoiding it. The whole thing just kind of gives off a sad, pathetic aura, and standing too close to the ballpit may make anyone feel worse about themselves or their life choices.

But hey, at least it's a quiet spot in a sea of craziness?

[OOC: If you have any questions, or if I somehow missed anything, please let me know here! Happy FanPort everyone!]

Comments

[the_horror]

Hall of Justice? [He paused, then...] Ah, I suppose that's no stranger than the Umbrella Academy for a name. [He said with a grin, then a snort.] Protesting though, that's strange. I take it your Hall of Justice wasn't so welcome?

[He could have hidden himself a bit easier with a hoodie or something, though it was a bit hot for that wasn't it? A costume? Actually... he was going to say it.]

If you just put on a costume of someone else, you'd get pictures taken but no one would know who you were?

[desmodusdraculae]

Trust me, we didn't name it. President Waller's idea to give us a cuddlier image or something. [Not that it worked.] We... pushed a lot of boundaries. It made people nervous.

[Look, he's a scientist but that doesn't mean he's smart, okay?]

But if someone does figure it out, then I'm the schmoe in the whoever costume.