Date: Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26, 2024

Event Time:
10:00am – 7:00pm (Friday & Saturday)
10:00am – 5:00pm (Sunday)
Load-in takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, Load-out takes place on Sunday

Where:
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Backstory: The Dune Sea Garrison has been participating in the convention from almost the beginning. We attended when it was just a Sunday convention at a local hotel. The convention then spent a number of years at the Mesa Convention Center and finally moved to the Phoenix Convention Center. Over the course of the years, the other Star Wars groups joined us as well.

Over the last 12-ish years, our involvement has grown and evolved much like the show. What started as three groups manning and running the space, has evolved into seven groups bringing an interactive display, many panels and an enjoyable time for many. The seven groups involved are the Dune Sea Garrison, the Rebel Legion Mos Eisley Base, the Mandalorian Mercs, The Dark Empire, The Galactic Academy, the Arizona Droid Builders and, Syndicate Saber United.

Phoenix Fan Fusion comps us our space and most of our decoration requests. As such, we have an interactive space, participate in panels and bring a fun time to those who come to see us. This event gives us the chance to raise money for charity, bring smiles to fellow Star Wars fans, recruit for our groups, and spend time with our fellow group members.

Star Wars Clubs Agreement with Phoenix Fan Fusion: The six costuming groups (excluding the GA) have a signed agreement with Phoenix Fan Fusion. In this agreement, the convention agrees to give us a specific amount of space, decorations (pipe and drape, tables, chairs, stanchions, etc), and power for our neighborhood. In return, we agree to have costumers and members within our space, interactive displays, run and moderate panels, and participate in marketing events such as TV news spots.

Star Wars Neighborhood Liaison(s): The liaison position acts as a single point of contact between the convention management and the Star Wars groups. The liaison reports back to the COs/XOs of the Star Wars groups and posts information to the forums. Sarah Willwater from the Rebel Legion is the liaison for the 2024 event.

Group Space: Our space, the Star Wars Neighborhood, will be located at the back of Hall 4 on the Lower Level of the convention center.

Blast-A-Trooper (BAT): BAT is used legion-wide as a charity fundraiser. It consists of convention participants shooting Stormtroopers and other characters with NERF guns for a donation. The DSG has run BAT for the last 10-ish years at the convention. Money is then donated to Kids Need To Read. If we have the space, we will be posting a sign up sheet for members to participate. Sign ups will determine if we move forward with this activity.

Changing/Storage Area: Continuing with previous years setup, the changing area will be built into our space. Members may keep their tubs for Star Wars costumes in the back area. However, space is tight so we ask members to be considerate of those around them. Clean up after yourself, keep your stuff out of the way, and only bring your Star Wars costumes.

Reminders for Changing/Storage Area:
– Only members of the DSG, MEB, SVC, TSS, SSU, and AZDB will be using this space. This is a place for members to store their kits and personal items
– The changing space is small. Those that are not members are not allowed in the changing space. Kids should only be in the changing space when adults are not actively changing. This is not a people storage spot or hang out.
– Be mindful of yours and other peoples stuff, keep walkways clear
– Your stuff may be moved or adjusted within the space to make room for others. Tub may be stacked.
– Do not take pictures while in the changing area

Times: There will be a brief load-in on Wednesday, May 22 (3pm to 9pm) and all day on Thursday, May 23 (7am to 10pm). The convention is open Friday, May 24 (10am to 7pm), Saturday, May 25 (10am to 7pm), and Sunday, May 26 (10am to 5pm). Load-out will start after the convention closes at 5:00pm.

Load-in & Load-out: Load-in takes place primarily on Thursday, May 23. We will renting a truck, loading it up with everything for the neighborhood and bringing it to the convention center to setup. We do need to be setup and ready to go by 9:00am on Friday for inspections from the Fire Marshall. Load-out is basically the reversal as we take everything down, load up the truck and drop it where it needs to go. This starts after the convention is closed on Sunday night at 5pm.

Panels, Events & Activities: Per our agreement with the convention, we do need to participate in panels, events & activities throughout the event. These will be posted and available for sign up.

Prop Policy & Security: The policy is posted on the website. No blasters, guns or replica guns will be allowed. You can review the policy here (Scroll down the page): https://www.phoenixfanfusion.com/attend

Reminders for Props and Security:
– If you are coming to the show on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday with your tub, be prepared to have everything taken out of your tub and searched.
– If you can come for setup on Wednesday or Thursday, you can bring your tubs in and leave them in the changing space for the duration of the convention.
– Blasters are not allowed, Lightsabers and staves are. If you bring a blaster, security will make you return it to your vehicle. Do not bring it ahead of the convention.

Sign Ups and Participation: We request that members help with a many parts of the convention. This includes organization days, load-in and load-out, Table Duty to hand out flyers and talk to potential members, Blast-A-Trooper as well as costume time in the space.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS FOR EVENT PARTICIPATION
Table Duty:
– Try not to have food or eat while on table duty. Closed containers for water and beverages are fine.
– Do not block the front of the tables, we want people to see us and who we are.
– We want to recruit people, our focus should be on attendees.
– Not every person can/wants to join the club. Speak with them first before giving them a flyer. Verify if they are 18 years or older.
– Be mindful or your surroundings. This is a family friendly event.

Costuming & Puppeteering:
– Have fun! Attendees are there to see us and they are excited to take pictures and interact with us!
– Keep in character as much as possible and roam about the neighborhood. You do not need to stay in one place at all times.
– Try not to block the club tables.

Evenings:
– Once the show closes at night, we can leave the table set ups as is.
– Members may leave their kits and tubs in the changing area overnight to make it easier to access.
– Take any valuables or personal items at night. Once the hall closes, you cannot get back in until the morning.
– There is security roaming overnight.

Food & Water:
– Outside food is not permitted. Even for personal consumption.

• This topic was modified 5 months ago by TeamTEOR.