Leap of Faith

[Bigfoot]

<p><u>Greetings Forum Travelers</u></p><p> After almost 3 years of Everquest II membership I am considering attendance at the SOE Fan Faire in beautiful Las Vegas, NV.  While I can only imagine the logistics of pulling off an event of this magnitude I have some hesitation in commiting to hotel and flight reservations now especially since so much of the event still seems "up in the air".</p><p>As convoluted as you might think it is, here is my thought process:</p><p>As a virgin Fan Faire attendee I have no idea how Fan Faire is scheduled, do I arrive on the 2nd in the AM or PM?  Should I arrive the day before? When do I leave, the night of the 5th or do I stay until the 6th?</p><p>Is there a schedule of events, lunches, dinners, etc....?  If so, when will it be posted?</p><p>I see a registration link.  When will it become active?</p><p>How much does this whole thing cost?  Do I have to purchase tickets ahead of time?  Are there "extras" I can purchase tickets too?</p><p>As stated above, I realize that putting together an event like this is no easy task.  But as my post subject alludes, I would like to see more "official" information from SOE before I commit travel and accommodation dollars and lock in hotel/flight dates/times.</p><p>August is quickly approaching, Fan Faire is 4 months away, and I would like to see some more Official Fan Faire information before it becomes too late to commit.</p><p>Thanks,</p><p>Eric Hanke</p>

[Ellyra]

<p>While I can't really give you anything "official", I can speak as a veteran Fan Faire attendee!  2007 will be my forth Fan Faire over the past 6 years.  Every single time they have had "dinners" on Friday and Saturday night.  Though mostly on Friday, it has been more of fancy appetizers (but still enough to keep you full!)  </p><p>Saturday night was the more hearty dinner, along with the costume contest.  Also, the two times I have been to Vegas they had a special SOE party at the Beach, where they rented out the entire club and everyone got to drink for free!  (I don't believe they do this at every Fan Faire, so it's a possibility they won't be doing this again.)</p><p>I missed a Thursday night once, and I probably won't miss it again.  You can count on seeing the producers and maybe some "suits" singing karaoke and mingling with the players like they're old buddies!  Plus, coming earlier is better.  It sure beats waiting in line to get your pass!  (And if you search, I'm sure you can find photos of the lines that sometimes stretch outside the hotel!)</p><p>The Live Quest was held in two parts last time I attended, beginning on Friday and continuing on Saturday (awesome prizes for that too!)  In addition to that, during the nightly "dinners" they continuously gave away prizes, and had an entertaining MC.  (Although I believe you had to buy your own alcohol during these events.)</p><p>Panels were held during the day, and were often filled with many lively discussions.  Pretty much every topic was covered, spanning a variety of games.  Very interesting stuff, and it's a great chance to share ideas and hear new ones.</p><p>In the past, Fan Faire passes have been around $100, and there were options during registration to add guests.  I know at one point they offered different price plans (like if you weren't interested in attending the Beach party, etc.)  I know every time I have gone to a Fan Faire they've had an exclusive and cute T-Shirt, and a "goody" bag to hand out.  Plus, there are tons of vendors who are usually displaying products I was actually interested in, and they usually had freebies too.</p><p>While I'm clueless as to when registration will open, I can assure you there will be plenty of announcements when it does happen.  I hope this at least helps give you an idea about what usually goes on at Fan Faires.  My advice to you would be stay as long as you can afford.  There will be a TON of people at Fan Faire, and it's always amazing to me how you can meet a complete stranger, and within minutes feel as though you're old buddies, just because the community is that strong.  While a lot generally doesn't go on Sunday morning (they have had some pen and paper games played this day) it's a great time to recover yourself and say your sober goodbyes until next time! <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p> *EDIT*  And just as a side note:  The Fan Faire dates and hotel location are set in stone.  They will not be changing <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  </p>

[Bigfoot]

<p>Thanks for the information, it's greatly appreciated.  I think I am going to hold off on the air fare and hotel until more "official" information is posted.  Like the registration page and any vendors who may be attending.</p><p>Thanks again,</p><p> Eric Hanke</p>