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2008 Convention Schedule

ByWil

Scalzi does these posts from time to time that are filled with information, mostly so he can point people to them when the information contained therein is requested at some point in the mysterious future.

This will be one of those posts. It may be updated from time to time, though it’s more likely that I’ll just write new posts that link back to this one, because that’s just how I roll.

If you’re interested in seeing me perform in person in 2008, here’s what’s on my schedule as of March 18:

April 27
2pm
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
UCLA Campus
Westwood, CA

I won’t be able to perform, but I’ll be at the festival to sign all of my books, thanks to my friends at Mysterious Galaxy. I’m super excited about this because it’s the first real writers only thing I’ve ever done.

May 3
3pm
Mysterious Galaxy Books
San Diego, CA

Mysterious Galaxy is an indie booke shoppe that specializes in Science Fiction and Fantasy. I went there with Just a Geek, and this will be my first time back since then. I think 30 or 40 people came out last time, making a great audience for the reading, while still being small enough that I could talk to everyone who was there.

May 4
3pm
Book and a Beer
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Escondido, CA

Stone Some of my favorite beers in the world are crafted by Stone, and Stone’s owner, Greg Koch, has a lot of the same beliefs about marketing and making stuff that is awesome that I do. At his brewery in Escondido (in North San Diego County) he has an incredible restaurant and gorgeous beer garden. A few times a year, he invites authors to come out for something he calls Book and a Beer, which is exactly what it sounds like. We’ll have Stone Pale Ale, Stone IPA, Arrogant Bastard, and all sorts of non-beer drinks if beer isn’t your cup of tea. I suspect this will be an intimate gathering, but it will most certainly be an awesome one. If you’ve ever wanted to have a beer with your old pal Wil, now you can do eet.

May 10-11
Emerald City ComiCon
Washington State Convention and Trade Center
Seattle, Washington.

This is an awesome show, with a focus fucos on indie
books and publishers. I think I’ll feel right at home, if I can keep
myself from totally geeking out too much. (Yeah, who am I kidding?)

The schedule hasn’t been finalized, but I’ll be doing a performance from Happiest Days and maybe Just a Geek
on Saturday, and I’ll be doing a more general Q&A about blogging,
writing manga, being a geek, the burdens of being awesome, and writing
humorous panel descriptions on Sunday.

I will have a booth to hang out in when I’m not empaneled, so I’m
bringing copies of all my books, pictures to sign, and my glasses and
my shoes, so I have them.

May 17-18
Super-Con
San Jose, CA

When I worked on NUMB3RS, I met the guys in charge of Super-Con in San Jose. In fact, they were a big part of making Alt Con 9 (the fake con in the show) look and feel as real as it did. I haven’t been to San Jose for a convention since the only way to get there was via mule train, so I’m looking forward to traveling up the coast in more modren style, perhaps by zeppelin or auto-gyro.

July 23-27
San Diego ComiCon
San Diego, CA

I’ll be doing some panels and signings with TokyoPop to support the new manga. I don’t have a schedule, yet. I’m also going to be there the entire time, getting my geek on. Maybe we can organize a WWdN meet-up if enough people are interested.

August 29-31
Penny Arcade Expo
Seattle, WA

I won’t be delivering a keynote, but I will be at PAX for the whole show. Last year, I didn’t get to do nearly as much gaming as I wanted, so that’s my number one priority this year. I’ll also be signing books and babies, and I’m going to perform a gaming-related story from Happiest Days. Probably something from Portrait of the Artist as a Young Geek. There will be a group photo, where we all show up with Wil Says . . . shirts. For the win.

Other than that . . .

I’ve been asked by several people if I’ll be going to Grand Slam in Burbank next month, or the Big Creation Star Trek con in Vegas this Summer. I’d like to go, but I’m not sure if it’ll happen. They didn’t invite me to Grand Slam last year (I have no idea why) and I always end up feeling like chump when I call them up and say, "So, uh, can I come to your con? People are wondering if I’m going to be there because you used to invite me all the time but never call any more. Did we break up and you didn’t tell me?"

I’m trying my best to schedule a bunch of cons this year, because I’m super proud of Happiest Days, I’ll have two Trek mangas to promote, and there’s something wonderful coming that will be released in the mysterious future. I feel like the time is right for me to make the effort to get off the West coast and travel a little bit to meet new people. I’ve sent e-mail to a few regional cons, expressing an interest in attending. Hopefully, I’ll hear back soon, and I’ll be mapping out the route our family truckster will take on Geektour 2008.

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91 Comments

  1. Wil, any chance you’re coming back to Vegas at some point? Having recently moved here from SoCal, I won’t be able to make it down there for any of your appearances. And I wish I could go to PAX, but it’s not in the cards this year… so to speak.
    So, er, in conclusion, I’d like to know if you’re going to rearrange your whole schedule just so I can say hi. <.<

  2. Wil,
    Can I get the address for the Book and a Beer venue? I’m right here in Escondido, and although I’m not the beer sort, I’m sure to be able to make it to this one. Will we be able to exchange shiny gold rocks for any of your works? Thanks!

  6. Sweet! Not only are you coming to my lovely employer, aka Saltmine U., you’ll be spitting distance from the studio I paint at — and better yet, with Arrogant Bastard beer! Just on Sundays, when I’m not normally at either — but I’ll make a trip out to see you and the beer. 😉
    Will you be selling copies of your books at either or both places? All I’ve got is the JaG audiobook download.

  7. I’m a moron. I forgot to embed links in this post. I’ve just updated, so all the information you could ever want is now at your fingertips.*
    * Provided all the information you could ever want is limited to websites with additional information about the few events I’ve linked in this post. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA, and is not intended to diagnose or cure any disease. Offer may expire without notice and is subject to eligibility requirements. Portions not affecting the outcome of this post have been edited.

  10. Hmmm, I recommend Western NY. Specifically, Rochester. We have plenty of colleges (http://tinyurl.com/3ax3s3 for a total of 18, including RIT — very high geek factor) and can offer you a rare delicacy called a Garbage Plate. Which, thankfully, is much tastier than it sounds.

  11. Waaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!! When are you coming to the East Coast?
    Alicia: I’ve made this same plea before, but to no avail. Going outside California probably means 2 and 3 leg flights, which Wil may have decided makes him inappropriately stabby.
    So, WWDN from the eastern half of the country: what cons should we recommend/start letter writing campaigns for? I really don’t know the scene or what events would be good. I went to Dragoncon last year; that might be too big (man tens of thousands of poeple). I know about LibertyCon, but that’s very tiny, and perhaps Wil wouldn’t feel it was worth it to haul books to that, given the low number he’d like to sell.
    Anyone know of mid-size conventions in the easter third of the States that would probably have a high concentration of fans of the WWDN media empire? If someone has a good idea, maybe we could all write letters to them and get them to beg Wil to come.
    Hopefully, I’ll hear back soon, and I’ll be mapping out the route our family truckster will take on Geektour 2008.
    On the other hand, it sounds like Wil already has plans in motion. Hmm…I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

  13. Hubby & I wanted to take Baby Grrl to ComiCon either this year or next. With you confirming this year, plus a possible WWdN meetup? Maybe I’ll push for going for sure this year. My best chance at seeing you probably, as I know you won’t venture to Oklahoma. At least not on purpose.

  14. mcsey: Bwahahaha. Yes, you did.
    Jessika: I e-mailed the Tulsa Trek Expo organizers, because I had a blast at that con a few years ago. It’s also near the exact geographic center of the continent, so it should be equally easy/hard for anyone to travel there. I really hope they respond favorably to my e-mail and invite me back.
    ColB: I just had to pass on a con in Upstate New York because it conflicts with a wedding. Maybe next year, I hope.
    Dragon*Con People: I’m seriously considering it this year. It’s going to be hell to get there, but I’m very seriously considering it.

  15. Craig said:
    “what cons should we recommend/start letter writing campaigns for?”
    That’s a good idea, Craig. Personally, I would prefer a specifically Star Trek convention, because I’m into that more than other Sci-Fi (and I’m not a gamer.) Not to mention, Wil belongs at ST conventions! But whatever we have the best chance of getting him invited to is where we should direct our letters. Wil, I promise that if you head this way (NJ, for me) you can come to my house for a yummy vegan dinner cooked by my hubby & me. 🙂
    -Alicia
    [email protected]
    http://www.thewagband.com

  18. As you know, I’d totally go for an East Coast stop. Montreal, Toronto… even some North Eastern states.
    PLUS, if you do swing by here, we can always organize your trip around a hockey game 😉
    Oh, and the Star Trek tour.

  19. God. Dammit!
    Why do I click, even when I know in my heart I’m about to get RickRolled? Worse, why do I listen to the whole song, rather than just close that tab?
    Bastard.

  20. I’ve been meaning to go to the Festival of Books for quite awhile so now I might just make it. If not, I’ll definitely see you at Comic-Con.

  22. You know, a friend of mine posted about the Book and a Beer event in her LJ, and I got all excited and I’m all, “DUDE, I CAN TOTALLY GET TO DC BY TRAIN AND THEN TAKE THE METRO OUT TO A STATION WHERE SOMEONE CAN PICK ME UP AND WE CAN ALL MEET UP THERE AND…”
    And then I remembered that we’d switched coasts and she lives in San Diego now and I’m in NYC.
    But hey! Speaking of NYC, I’m the director of publicity for a tri-state area (NY/NJ/CT) anime convention and if your speaking rates are reasonable, I could try and make a case for inviting you to the con. Do you have a special email address for con organizers to contact you at?

  23. Wil have you tried contacting Shore Leave in Baltimore? Their a fan run con and it’s one I could definitely go to. I won’t be in the LA area until April 2009, but I don’t exact dates yet. I’d love to get a chance to get my stuff signed.
    ~~TARA~~

  27. For those who might need it, the MG Booth number at the LA Times Festival of Books is #614.
    Book and a Beer sounds splendiferous.
    I must say, between the May visits and Comic-Con, San Diego is feeling lucky! 🙂

  28. Woo! I’m moving from the sadly Wil-free East Coast to Seattle this summer. I plan to go to PAX and trade you the traditional shiny gold rocks for stuff. Now, how to convince my video-game loving boyfriend to go…

  29. Yay! Con schedule! Hm, kind of always wanted to go to ComiCon. Hm, ComiCon or PAX or… both?
    Ahem. *starts swinging a watch back and forth* Teeexxxxaaaassss… Teeexxxaaaassss…. Prrreeefffeeerrabbbly Aaauussttinnn bbuutt whhatteeeverrr, yyyouu knnnoowww? 🙂
    Oooh. Something wonderful in the mysterious future? Yay!

  31. Re Dragoncon:
    I’m not a Dragoncon person per se, but I went last year for the first time; it was one of my few con-going experiences.
    Just so everyone (including Wil) is warned, DragonCon is Insanely Horribly HUGE AND CROWDED. The advantage of this is that at any given instant that you’re not in a restroom stall, there are at least 5 pretty cool costumes in view. The bad news is, there are also 2000 other people in view at the same time.
    Due to the sheer people density, the con seems to have this nasty habit of putting events in rooms that are much smaller than the number of people that want to go, and they also frequently move events at the very last minute from one room to another (and often the first is the result of the second). So Wil…if you plan on having a reading or some event or something, then it would great to arrange ahead of time a place to inform people of the actual, physical location of your reading, say, 15 minutes out. Like Twitter; something that people can see on their cell phones.
    Wil, if you go, please let people know as soon as you do. Woot!
    Craig Steffen

  32. Oh, and for anyone else planning/thinking about going to DragonCon: If you want to see an event that’s going to be popular (like someone who’s been or is on a TV show) then get in line AT LEAST 45 minutes ahead of scheduled time, and pay attention if they change the room.
    Last year, the Mythbusters build team was there and ended up being much more popular than the con expected. After standing in line for over an hour to get into the small auditorium that they were scheduled to speak in, the con changed the venue to the big ball room by shouting this across the incredibly crowded lobby where the line snaked. It was chaos for the next 10 minutes as everyone dove for the new room.
    Granted, the new room was in fact big enough to hold all but the very end stragglers, so that was good. But it’s a little nerve-wracking if there’s something you REALLY want to go to.

  33. Wil,
    I hope you got my email a while back about Geek.kon in Madison, WI. Yeah, Wisconsin’s a bit of a jump and…er…yeah, it’s not a HUGE con. BUT there will be much geekage to be had. It could be fun, what do ya say? 🙂

  34. Crap and double poo! The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books would have been kick-arse to attend but I just dropped 3 C notes on tickets for Coachella Music/Arts Fest that weekend. *shakes fist* BLAST!

  35. Putting in another vote for the Northeast. I’m in Jersey, to be specific, but I’m pretty much equidistant from NYC and Philly.

  36. Heh.
    HijiNKS ENSUE did a RickRoll comic:
    http://tinyurl.com/2noswa
    (read the blog below it, too)
    Kicking back, pretty certain the Happiest GeekTour will Roll (heh) thru Austin.
    Hmmm…must trade shiny gold rocks for geekshirt, soon. One must dress for the occasion!

  37. Wil! It’ll be great to see you both at Comic Con and PAX this year! Since I’m working the latter, hopefully I’ll be able to see you for a little bit at PAX, and definitely beers at Comic Con. What say you?!

  40. Wil, give yourself an extra day and take the Amtrak Coast Starlight up the coast to San Jose. If you can afford a sleeper and get a train with the Pacific Parlor Car, it’s really worth every penny. Even if you just ride coach, it’s still a very enjoyable (if slow) trip.

  41. Wish I could make it back home for the San Diego ComiCon. But I’ll be in the Boston Jump Con the weekend before that, so there goes my budget and time off. Too bad you won’t be in Boston, too. Unless… could we clone you? Would your clone end up an evil twin with a goatee?

  42. Is there a chance to see you in Europe resp. Germany in the foreseeable future? That would be great – there are a lot of ST Fans here, too, you know 😉 (And a lot of them LIKED Wesley, btw *g*)

  43. Hey Wil, please consider Toronto, Canada… a lot of fans are asking for you there on Eventful and there is that great con in August there: Fan Expo Canada!!! I would LOVE to FINALLY be able to meet you! Annie

  44. Bloody typical. Your April thingy is two days after I fly back to Blighty from LA.
    Grump, grumble, complain, bitch, moan, whine.

  45. Hi Wil,
    May 4th is my 34th birthday. Perhaps I’ll go to the Beer Garden here in Astoria and wistfully daydream about how nice it would be if I were on the Left Coast drinking with you for an afternoon.
    And then I’ll remember how much I don’t like sun and heat and cars, and instead I’ll knowingly smile my joy at being a New Yorker, and start in on my potato pierogies with sauerkraut.
    Enjoy your events!

  49. Wil,
    You may think the West Coast is the best coast, but I would argue the East Coast is rather nice.
    SPX 2008, Oct 4 & 5. Eez niiiice.
    Free room (maybe board?) in lovely Bethesda MD.
    Anxiously waiting for Happiest Days.
    Now that I now know what it is to be RickRoll’d, thanks to the comments, please, please, please (never) let me get RickRoll’d!

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