1. General
    1. What's this email I've received?
    2. Who are the guests?
    3. Can I get their autographs?
    4. Who else is coming?
    5. What's your policy on...?
    6. Can I help?
  2. First-timers
    1. I'm new to conventions. What can I expect?
    2. I'm new to Eastercons. What are they?
  3. Membership
    1. How do I join?
    2. How do I join as a day member on-line?
    3. Can I pay by cheque (or check)?
    4. When does advance membership close?
    5. How do I change my booking details?
    6. I've lost my email with the link. Can I get another?
    7. How much does it cost?
    8. What are the different types of membership?
    9. I can't make it. Can I get a refund?
    10. Can I upgrade my membership?
    11. I don't have an email address. How do I make changes?
    12. Where are the daily rates?
    13. How much will it cost on the door?
  4. Hotel rooms
    1. How do I book a hotel room?
    2. I want to change the room booking. What do I do?
    3. Is there an overflow hotel?
    4. Why is the Convention rate in the overflow hotel more expensive?
  5. Hotel (general)
    1. How do I get to the hotel?
    2. What's this I hear about a strike on the airlines?
    3. Is there parking at the hotel?
    4. Are those rates for all members?
    5. Can I unload my van, or drop off stuff?
    6. Can I use the hotel's gym, etc?
    7. Who do I talk to about accessibility issues?
    8. I have a hearing aid. Is there an induction loop in the programme rooms?
    9. Can I put posters up on the hotel walls?
    10. Where's the nearest cash point?
    11. What restaurants are nearby?
    12. Does the hotel have WiFi or internet access?
    13. Can I get Sky One in the hotel?
    14. The hotel's got a confusing layout. Got maps?
    15. Does the hotel have a swimming pool?
    16. Is there a left-luggage facility at the hotel?
    17. Can the hotel cater for my dietary restrictions?
  6. Programme (general)
    1. What's the programme going to be like?
    2. What are the panels like?
    3. Will there be a masquerade?
    4. Can I video or photograph guests or attendees during programme items?
    5. Are food and drink permitted in the programme rooms?
    6. Can I reserve seats during the more popular programme items?
    7. I have a hearing aid. Is there an induction loop in the programme rooms?
    8. I have some material/equipment I'd like to donate/lend out for a programme item. To whom do I talk?
    9. I'd like to take part in some of the quizzes/games/panels. Do I need to register?
    10. Are you programming to allow for Doctor Who being on?
    11. What about The Colour of Magic?
  7. Programme (participating)
    1. I'm on a programme item - anything I should know?
    2. Do I need to do any advance preparation?
    3. I've never been on a panel before. What do I do?
    4. I've been on lots of panels before. Why am I reading this?
    5. I have this idea for a programme item..?
    6. I'm a Professional, and I'm coming. Interested?
  8. Children
    1. I'm bringing my children. Will all the programme items be suitable for them?
    2. Will there be any programming specifically for children?
    3. Will there be a creche?
    4. Will there be any babysitting facilities?

General

What's this email I've received?

When your details are entered into the Orbital membership system, you are automatically sent a confirmation email message listing your booking details. You'll also receive one if your booking changes. Keep the email, because it has a link in it which allows you to edit your details, should you need to do so.

Who are the guests?

See here. Or, indeed, the front page. In big letters.

Can I get their autographs?

We will be doing autograph sessions, although this isn't the focus of an Eastercon.

Who else is coming?

Membership Services allows you to see the current on-line membership list (excluding people who have opted out of this listing).

If you're coming, and you're a professional in the industry (author, publisher, etc.), then we'd like to hear from you, if you're interested in being on the programme, or arranging for promotional events such as launch parties. Contact us and let us know; we'll see what we can work out.

What's your policy on...?

We have a number of general policies to which we require our members to adhere. Although we trust you to follow common sense and to respect other members' sensibilities, we've put these together because sometimes, it's not obvious that you'll be causing distress. Plus, requirements can change from hotel to hotel, or from con to con.

"A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend." -- Willow Rosenburg, Buffy

Can I help?

By all means! See our page on volunteering - we'll find you something to do.

First-timers

I'm new to conventions. What can I expect?

We have some hints and tips.

I'm new to Eastercons. What are they?

See our introduction to Eastercons.

Membership

How do I join?

Advance memberships are now closed. Please join at Registration upon your arrival.

How do I join as a day member on-line?

Advance membership is now closed. Please join at Registration upon your arrival.

Can I pay by cheque (or check)?

Not any more. We have closed the postal and pay-by-check methods, as of 7th March 2008.

When does advance membership close?

It closed on 18th March 2008.

How do I change my booking details?

Now that we are transferring details to the hotel, you can no longer change your details. If you have urgent issues, please contact our membership secretary, but bear in mind that the concom is leaving for the hotel in a matter of hours...

I've lost my email with the link. Can I get another?

Yes. Membership Services allows you to ask the system for a new email with the view-your-details-online link in it.

How much does it cost?

Membership type On the door
Weekend Fri Sat Sun Mon
Attending £65.00 £20.00 £25.00 £25.00 £20.00
Unwaged £55.00 £15.00 £20.00 £20.00 £15.00
Supporting N/A
Junior £25.00 £10.00 £15.00 £15.00 £10.00
Child £8.00 N/A
Infant £1.00 N/A
Apocryphal, Soft toy N/A
Beeblebear N/A

What are the different types of membership?

The different types are explained here.

I can't make it. Can I get a refund?

Not any more. We offered refunds up to the 31st January 2008.

Can I upgrade my membership?

Please talk to Registration upon arrival.

I don't have an email address. How do I make changes?

If you need to make any changes, then please contact our Membership secretary, and we'll do our best to help.

Where are the daily rates?

These rates are listed in the membership rates table.

How much will it cost on the door?

On-the-door registration will be available. See the membership rates table.

Hotel Rooms

How do I book a hotel room?

We are no longer accepting bookings for the main hotel.

For the overflow hotels, please book your rooms directly with the hotel.

I want to change the room booking. What do I do?

We are no longer accepting changes to room bookings. If you have urgent issues, please contact the membership secretary.

Is there an overflow hotel?

Yes. We have arranged for overflow hotels at the London Heathrow Marriott, about 250 meters from the main convention hotel, and at the Renaissance London Heathrow, just over the road.

Why is the Convention rate in the overflow hotel more expensive?

It's not. The booking system for the overflow hotels does not include tax when quoting rates. Also, some of the rates quoted do not include breakfast (unlike the Convention rate, which does). More details here. You should use the Convention rate to get the best price.

Hotel (general)

How do I get to the hotel?

Please follow our handy guide to getting there (on the side-bar of this page).

What's this I hear about a strike on the airlines?

There was a threat that the British Air Line Pilots Association (BALPA) would be striking over Easter, but we are pleased to say that this is now not going to happen.

Is there parking at the hotel?

Yes. All hotels have parking facilities, charged per twenty-four hour period.

Are those rates for all members?

Yes. They don't just apply to those members resident in the hotel.

Can I unload my van, or drop off stuff?

If you're a dealer, member of the Tech crew, an art show exhibitor with masses of art to unload, etc. then contact us and we shall make arrangements for large-scale unloading/reloading.

(And we'd recommend that you use either the north car park entrance off Mondial Way rather than coming in from the front of the hotel, as the turn at the end of the left side of the hotel is very tight.)

Can I use the hotel's gym, etc?

The Radisson has a spa and gym, but no pool. This is free to for all residents.

Who do I talk to about accessibility issues?

(since removed, now that the con's finished)

Plans are underway to make Orbital as disabled friendly as possible. There are a few areas that are going to be tricky for the mobility impaired. Please be aware that the corridors of the hotel are very narrow, and there are some areas that are only accessible by steps. We are taking steps to compensate for these issues wherever possible.

In order to accomplish this effectively, we need to know who has special needs, and what these needs are as soon as possible. Mobility aids will only be available by prior arrangement. Please contact us so that we can do this as smoothly as possible. We especially need to know early if you have any special room requirements, mobility assistance or printing requirements. These things can't be done at the last minute. We are here to help you enjoy the con.

See also parking.

Can I put posters up on the hotel walls?

See our policy on posters.

Where's the nearest cash point?

There is a cash point in the hotel; it charges about £1.70, in our experience (your mileage may vary).

The nearest non-charging cash point is likely to be at the airport.

What restaurants are nearby?

See our handy Restaurant Guide, which you will also find printed for you in your conpack when you register on arrival.

Does the hotel have WiFi or internet access?

It does. There is free WiFi access through-out the weekend. We also expect this finite resource to be fairly full of people updating LiveJournals, changing their status on Facebook, IMing their friends who can't make it, uploading pictures to Flickr etc. So please refrain from running p2p downloads during the convention. If you really need a copy of a torrent, we're sure that someone will be able to do it on their own home machine and burn you a copy if you ask them nicely. No, we don't know who that might be. No, it's not worth asking us, because we really don't know.

Can I get Sky One in the hotel?

Unfortunately - and contrary to rumours - Sky One is not available in the Radisson's hotel rooms.

The hotel's got a confusing layout. Got maps?

Why, yes, we have. In addition to the ones that'll be included in your printed version of the Programme Grid, we've also got separate image files of each floor. Enjoy.

Does the hotel have a swimming pool?

Unfortunately not. It used to, but this is no longer the case.

Is there a left-luggage facility at the hotel?

We gather it will be okay to leave luggage with the concierge.

Can the hotel cater for my dietary restrictions?

The following was posted on LiveJournal this week:

"I just spoke to Joanna in the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow business and banquetting department. Apparently, any vegetarians - including vegans - should make their needs known to the waitress, as special items are always available (not clear to me if they will be listed on the menu). This should also apply to any other non-omnivores, I hope!"

Thanks to purpletigron.

Programme (general)

What's the programme going to be like?

See Our programme..

What are the panels like?

Panels are discussions, as opposed to straight-forward talks, lectures, games, etc. Think Newsnight or Question Time, only with a better sense of humour, and more references to sf.

A traditional Eastercon panel works like this: between two and five panellist sit at the front, introduce themselves, and then talk about the topic of the panel for about forty-five minutes or so, possibly with one of them acting as a panel chair or moderator. Towards the end, they might invite questions or comments from the audience.

We're hoping to modify this a bit at Orbital. We'd like panels to be more closely modelled on the Redemption format, which involves the audience far sooner. We're hoping that the panel will be there to keep the discussion interesting and animated, and to provide some reasonably educated points of view, but we want the audience to provide input too, and not just at the end. Ideally, the moderator will invite questions and comments from the audience, and will respond to them too. If you're in the audience, we'd ask that you be considerate, though - it's supposed to be a discussion, not an argument or a barroom brawl.

Will there be a masquerade?

Yes indeedy. A masquerade and a cabaret.

Can I video or photograph guests or attendees during programme items?

See our camera policy.

Are food and drink permitted in the programme items?

Drinks are okay. Snacks are okay, too. For general food, use your common sense.

Can I reserve seats during the more popular programme items?

No. There is some reserved seating for people with disabilities, but in general, seating is not reservable at Eastercons.

I have a hearing aid. Is there an induction loop available in the programme rooms?

We have arranged for an induction loop to be available, but alas this will only cover an area of the main hall - about twenty to forty chairs' worth. Unfortunately, there will not be an induction loop available in other programme rooms.

I have some material/equipment I'd like to donate/lend out for a programme item. To whom do I talk?

(Since removed, now that the con's finished)

I'd like to take part in some of the quizzes/games/panels. Do I need to register?

It depends on the programme item in question. Contact us for clarification.

Are you programming to allow for Doctor Who being on?

It's not on over Easter this time, alas.

What about The Colour of Magic?

No. Aside from any licensing issues (of which there could be many), it would take up too much time and have too big an impact on what is already going to be one of the most packed Eastercon programmes ever. We suggest you record it and watch it when you get home. For those of you staying in the Radisson, please note that contrary to previous reports and rumours, Sky One is not available in your hotel room. And see also the notes on WiFi.

Programme (taking part)

I'm on a programme item - anything I should know?

We'll be running the usual Eastercon green room. The idea here is that all the programme item participants turn up at the green room about quarter of an hour before the programme item starts. This means:

  • You get a chance to meet your fellow participants, and discuss how you want to approach the item;
  • You get a final chance to verify where the item is taking place (there could have been final programme changes. Plus, the Radisson Edwardian is not the most easily navigated of venues).
  • The Green Room staff can take your order for a free beverage (yes, you get bribed for showing up on time). They'll bring the beverages to you in the programme item, so you don't have to get it there yourself.
  • Programme Operations are reassured that everyone listed on the programme has remembered that they're listed on the programme, so the item can go ahead. (Or, alternatively, that they have to send out the search party...)

Do I need to do any advance preparation?

Well, certainly, thinking about what you're going to do would be wise. If you happen to know your fellow participants, you might want to contact them in advance, see what their thoughts are. Sometimes, though, there can be last-minute changes in line-up. You should make sure you have a number of things to talk about - just in case you need to fill up your slot.

I've never been on a panel before. What do I do?

We'll be running a programme item on 'How to be a panellist', early on in the convention, so turn up for that. See above on 'What are the panels like?', which should give you an idea. And remember to turn up to the Green Room before the programme item starts, to claim your free beverage!

I've been on lots of panels - why am I reading this?

You might be an experienced Eastercon panellist, but we'd like you to remember that Orbital aims to increase the interaction somewhat. Please remember to involve the audience throughout your panel, and not just for the five minutes at the end. You might also be interested in our 'How to be a panellist' item at the start of the con...

I have this idea for a programme item..?

Excellent. We're always looking for volunteers, and you can tell us about your ideas by contacting us or filling in our form.

I'm a Professional, and I'm coming. Interested?

Absolutely. If you're a professional in sf and its surrounding fields, let us know that you're coming along:

  • We could mention that you're attending, in our publicity; let us know;
  • We could cajole you onto programme items;
  • If you've got a product (book, movie, etc.) coming out, then we can see whether launch parties or other promotional events could work.
And if you have other ideas, please let us know by contacting us or filling in our form.

Children

I am bringing my children. Will all the programme items be suitable for them?

No. Some panels will be marked as adult-only, and only members with an adult badge will be allowed in.

Will there be any programming specifically for children?

We hope so, but at the moment, it's not clear. We don't currently have anyone who has volunteered to coordinate a child-specific programme stream. If you can help, please let us know.

Will there be a creche?

Professional child care will be provided by Rainbow in the Ascot room.

Availability is currently scheduled as:

  • Friday 2pm-6pm
  • Sat 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm
  • Sun 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm
  • Mon 10am-2

Priority will be given to parents who booked in advance, and who have let us know (via info@orbital2008.org) in advance:

  • The ages of their children;
  • The sessions they are most likely to attend.

Childcare is being paid for by pass-along funds from Contemplation and will be free to parents.

Will there be any babysitting facilities?

Rainbow, who are providing our creche facilities, have said that this could be arranged directly with the members in question (i.e. not through Orbital), They do have some experienced staff for young babies. If you are interested in this facilities, we advise you to make contact with Rainbow directly, on 0208 568 1195, and discuss your individual needs.