Norwescon 46 Membership Guide

Norwescon 46

The membership guide with all rules and regulations for Norwescon 46.

Cheryl Dyson

Norwescon

March 28-31, 2024

English

NORWESCON 46 MEMBERSHIP GUIDE

AS OF 03/25/2024

MEMBERSHIP

All Norwescon attendees are required to complete an online registration process before receiving a membership badge. Membership forms are digital, and are completed and signed through the Norwescon registration website/database. Signing the membership form indicates that you understand the rules of conduct as listed in this document and posted in our policies manual (available on our website) and agree to abide by them. Children 12-and-under receive a free membership when attending with their parent or guardian; their membership is linked to an adult's registration.

Membership includes:

• The right to attend the convention

• Membership badge

• The opportunity to attend a variety of community events throughout the year, including the volunteer picnic, camping trip, book club, etc.

Your membership badge with legible ID# must be visibly displayed while in any designated convention space. Anyone who cannot produce a current membership badge upon request will be asked to leave the convention space.

MEMBERSHIP OF MINORS

A minor, as defined by the State of Washington, must have a parent or legal guardian/individual designated by the parent or legal guardian who is on-site when the minor is on-site. Minors must have a permission slip on file with Registration signed by a parent or guardian.

BADGE REPLACEMENT FEE

If a membership badge is lost, you are encouraged to search everywhere before a new one is issued. Make sure you check with Lost and Found (both the hotel and the convention have lost and found departments), Registration, and Safety before purchasing a replacement badge. The fee for replacement of a lost badge is $120. If you find your badge after having us replace it, we will return

$115 of the replacement fee. The remaining $5 covers processing the new badge.

MEMBERSHIP REFUNDS

Norwescon memberships are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend the convention after purchasing your membership, you may roll that membership over to the following year. You may also transfer your membership to someone else in the current convention year. Please contact with membership questions.

A member may transfer their membership to the following year by submitting a written, signed request to Norwescon no later than 30 days following the convention for which the membership was issued. There shall be a downloadable form for requesting a rollover of membership to the next convention on the website.

If a membership goes unused the year it is issued, and a transfer is not issued during the following year, it is forfeited.

RIGHT OF REFUSAL

Norwescon reserves the right to refuse or withdraw membership at any time for any reason.

RULES AND POLICIES

CODE OF CONDUCT

Norwescon is a safe and welcoming space for persons of all backgrounds and descriptions. Everyone should have a great time in their own way at the convention---but not if it comes at the expense of others. As a community, we insist on behavior that respects the autonomy of each individual member.

To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, we expect you to abide by the following guidelines. Norwescon will take appropriate action to enforce our code of conduct at all of our meetings and events.

• Be respectful of others. This includes the members, program participants, volunteers, convention staff, and hotel staff.

• Do not display potentially offensive images or symbols in public spaces, or in your background in the case of virtual participation. This includes images that are sexually graphic, or which carry connotations that are historically or racially offensive, including bigoted iconography or symbolism.

• Do not record any convention content without prior permission from Norwescon.

• Keep all content appropriate for all ages unless you are participating in an area or activity explicitly labeled as 18+.

• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and the policies of Norwescon as described in the Membership Guide.

• Commit to behavior that uplifts marginalized voices in our community and advances a more equitable, just society.

HARASSMENT POLICY

Norwescon strives to provide a safe and welcoming space for persons of all descriptions. Everyone should be able to have a great time, in their own way, at the convention---but not at the expense of others. As a community, we insist on behavior that respects the autonomy of each individual member.

Norwescon members and convention staff have the right to be free from unwanted harassment at the convention and while performing convention-related duties throughout the year. Harassment is behavior that focuses unwelcome attention on a person and either inappropriately crosses reasonable expectations of social boundaries or continues after a clear showing of disinterest or a request to desist.

Harassment during the year may be reported to the Personnel Exec, the person's immediate supervisor, or the chair or vice chair. At the convention, reports of harassment are handled by the convention safety team or the Personnel Exec. Any staff member wearing a convention badge may

receive a report of harassment. It is each staff member's responsibility to treat a person making such a report with respect, and to offer to accompany the person to Convention Safety or the Personnel Exec. The Personnel Exec may designate a person to receive reports of harassment on their behalf.

Violations of this policy may lead to a range of consequences based on the circumstances, from a warning to more serious steps, such as revocation of convention membership or banning from future conventions.

Convention staff are required to report all incidents brought to their attention. These incidents should be reported to the safety office or the Personnel Exec as soon as possible.

ANTI-RACISM STATEMENT

Because inequality and bias pervade our culture, it is not enough to passively avoid discrimination. To uplift marginalized voices in our community and advance equity and justice, we must be anti- racist. To combat inequality, we commit to the following:

• We affirm that Black lives matter, Indigenous lives matter, and the lives of people of color matter.

• We will take actions that support and uplift marginalized voices in our community and advance a more equitable and just society and ask our members to do the same.

• We will actively recruit diverse voices to participate in the convention and other educational activities and the planning of the convention and those activities, and then empower, not tokenize, those voices.

• We will critically examine our history, traditions, and privileges and question how they impact all members of our community.

• We will consider how Norwescon's educational activities and charitable giving can be leveraged to advance the principles described in this statement.

• We welcome dialogue about these principles and being held accountable when we fall short of them.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Norwescon will follow all public health laws and emergency directives in force at the time of the convention. Unless local or national laws or guidelines change with respect to COVID-19 or large public gatherings, Norwescon 46 will not impose a mask requirement or a policy requiring proof of vaccination. Volunteer staff, members, and guests are strongly encouraged to test for COVID-19 before arriving on site, and may mask or not mask at their own discretion. Harassment of others for their choice to mask or not mask will be considered a Code of Conduct violation and may result in a forfeiture of membership/removal from the convention without refund, liability, or compensation. Although we will not be checking vaccination cards, Norwescon encourages all members to be vaccinated and to stay up-to-date with vaccinations against COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.

Please be advised that a risk of exposure to communicable diseases, including COVID-19, exists in any event or public space, including at Norwescon. Before registering for and attending Norwescon,

each member should read the latest CDC guidelines for prevention. By attending Norwescon, you acknowledge this inherent risk on behalf of yourself and any minor for whom you serve as guardian.

Please do not attend Norwescon if you feel sick or test positive for a communicable illness, including COVID-19 within the period of recommended isolation or quarantine. If this occurs, your membership(s) will be transferable to other attendees or may be rolled over to the following year, which we will be happy to help with if you contact

CHILD AND TEEN RULES

Norwescon welcomes its young and future fans. To do this, we have programs planned throughout the convention geared for different age groups. Please refer to the Pocket Program and online guide for information about programming for children, tweens, and teens.

A minor, as defined by the State of Washington, must have a parent or legal guardian/individual designated by the parent or legal guardian who is on-site when the minor is on-site. Minors must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian on file with registration. Children 12 and under must have a guardian with them while in convention space. They **cannot be dropped off and left unattended **at panels or events. Children presenting at panels also need their parent or guardian present.

Norwescon does not accept responsibility for supervision of attending minors; that responsibility remains with a minor's parent/guardian/designee.

WEAPONS POLICY

Norwescon reserves the right to inspect and reject any weapon at any time for any reason.

Violation of this policy in part or in whole may lead to being removed from the convention by convention executive staff and from the hotel by hotel security or local authorities.

This policy includes all real and replicated weapons of any type that may be construed as a projectile weapon or any extension of the human hand.

The following are not allowed at all in convention or hotel space: Tasers, stun guns, batons, real guns (including but not limited to handguns, pistols, rifles, shotguns, black-powder loaded, semi- auto or full-automatic weapons, other); pepper spray, crossbows, slingshots, pellet guns, water pistols, blowguns, catapults, or any type of functioning projectile weapon.

Peacebonding will be available next to the info table during open registration hours and in the Safety office when the peacebonding table is closed.

Peacebonding is required on all weapons worn/carried on the hotel property including parking areas and indoor spaces. The only type of peacebonding allowed is that provided by the convention.

Fashion-coordinated substitutes are not sufficient.

• No unsheathed weapons are allowed in any public space (unless approved in advance for the masquerade or a programming event in which bonding ties will be removed for such an event and replaced immediately afterward).

  • All bladed/pointed weapons must be appropriately covered in all public areas and function spaces. This includes but is not limited to daggers, swords, pikes, axes, and polearms, be they made of steel, plastic, or any other hard material.

  • Polearms, spears, staves, and other such weapons must be kept upright at all times and have weapon heads sheathed and bonded. The ends of said weapons must never project more than 12ʺ from the bearer's body.

• Special considerations for the following:

  • "Nerf-style" weapons:

    • At no time is ammo allowed on person, in weapons, or in the magazine of such weapons, except during convention-hosted/programmed Nerf game events and only within the designated space for such programmed events.

    • Empty magazines are not allowed to be carried in the weapon but are allowed on the belt or in a pouch for costume purposes (again: no ammo allowed).

  • Bows (again, crossbows are not allowed):

    • Arrows must be proven to be secured in such a manner as to be unable to be removed from their container and be secured by peacebonding the same as all other weapons.

  • Any obvious appearing toy "side arms" such as disruptors, phasers, laser tag pistols/rifles, sonic screwdrivers, laser pointers, or any other item that can project/emit light or sound shall be peacebonded; and shall remain in an appropriate holster at all times or held in an appropriate manner. Exemptions must be authorized by qualified Safety personnel.

Special consideration may be granted by the convention services executive or their designee to merchants or dealers who display or show for the purpose of sale. Any weapons removed from the dealers' room will fall under the above guidelines.

No weapons (real or replica) are allowed in the hotel's public lounges and restaurants.

This policy complies with hotel policy and local, state, and federal laws. There will be no appeal to any violation of these rules.

COSTUME POLICY

Be sensitive to others with your costume choices. Norwescon is a family-friendly convention, and genitals and nipples must be covered at all times. Skin paint or makeup that can be perceived as mimicking or mocking an ethnicity or culture that is not your own is unacceptable---this means no black face, brown face, red face, or yellow face is permitted, not even for fantasy races. Costumes that include or suggest Nazi imagery are also not permitted. And no messy or sticky costumes either---peanut butter is not a costume!

DRINKING

Norwescon members ages 21+ who choose to consume alcohol are encouraged to do so responsibly. As such, Washington state laws concerning alcohol consumption can and will be enforced by police, hotel security, and Convention Safety. Norwescon also requires all parties serving alcohol to check ID.

PARTIES

Guest rooms in Wing 5b and suites will be available for social events. A "social event" is a reception or open house-type event held in a guest room in Wing 5b or a hotel suite. Food and beverages may be served in compliance with hotel, state, and local regulations. Maximum occupancy guidelines will be enforced. Service of alcohol must be in accordance with Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board provisions. A special occasion license or banquet permit MUST be obtained and posted in the suite. Events that do not qualify for a special license or permit must not serve alcohol. Alcohol service times must be in accordance with state regulations. Complete social event guidelines are posted on the Norwescon website.

SMOKING

Washington state law states that smoking of any type is prohibited within a presumptively reasonable minimum distance of 25 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited, to ensure that any type of smoke (including tobacco) does not enter the area through entrances, exits, open windows, or other means. Smoking areas at the hotel are clearly marked.

MARIJUANA AND CANNABIS

The DoubleTree does not permit the smoking of marijuana or other cannabis products anywhere on the property. Norwescon members ages 21+ who choose to consume smokeless cannabis products are encouraged to do so responsibly. As such, Washington State laws concerning cannabis consumption can and will be enforced by police, hotel security, and convention safety.

ANIMALS

Although the DoubleTree is a pet-friendly hotel, only service animals are allowed in Norwescon convention space, not pets. Service animals may be issued a complimentary convention badge at registration. Please be considerate of other convention attendees when navigating hallways and convention space with your service animal. If you encounter a working service animal, please do not touch it without first asking permission from the owner. Contact the hotel for their specific rules about animals in guest rooms and public hotel areas.

ADA SEATING

Norwescon intends to provide all convention members with an equal opportunity to participate in all panels, programs, and activities, including members with accessible needs. Norwescon has therefore implemented a policy to increase awareness of the needs of individuals with disabilities as outlined in the text of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. ADA seating should be clearly marked with blue tape and obvious placards in most convention programming space. Please note that for larger events with early ADA seating, seating in front of the blue line will be limited to two (2) attendants per disabled person. Seating to the rear of the blue line shall be unlimited.

FLYERS

Flyers may be posted only on the paper or cloth-covered kiosks provided by Norwescon. Check at the info table for locations. Do not attach anything to walls, windows, or doors. The hotel and/or the convention staff will remove any flyers found in unauthorized places.

SLEEPING IN HALLS AND STAIRWAYS

One word on this subject:

Don't.

PUBLIC PHOTOGRAPHY

While in public areas, panels, or events, it is possible official Norwescon photographers may take your photo as part of a group. You may request that photographers not photograph you, and our photography team will do their best to comply. If you find photos in our galleries after the convention, you may contact us to request that your photo be removed.

EVENTS

OPENING CEREMONIES

Opening Ceremonies are held on Thursday night of the convention. They are an excellent way to catch a first glimpse of our guests of honor and find out about exciting events.

ART IN ACTION

Art in Action is a very special area where you can interact directly with artists and makers while they work. See the process unfold and ask questions as several artists, working in multiple media, show how they do it. Look for information about Art in Action this year in Guidebook, on the website, and at the info table.

ART SHOW

BAG CHECK: For the safety and protection of the artwork, some personal items may need to be checked at the time of entry into the art show at the bag check station. These items may include, but are not limited to: all bags, large coats or cloaks, and any large costume accessories that may cause safety concerns. Bag check is located in the Grand cloakroom directly across from the art show entrance.

BIDDING: You can use the kiosk in the art show to generate bid stickers that are tied to your Norwescon account. Attach one of the stickers to the bid tag along with the amount of your bid. Remember- a bid is a commitment to buy and you will be held to that commitment should you win. Under no circumstances may you withdraw your bid, so please consider carefully before placing any bids. It is not fair to the artist or other potential bidders if you bid on a piece and then decide you do not want it.

DIRECT SALE: If you purchase a piece at the direct sale price, it belongs to you and will be marked SOLD. For attendees with a full membership, the art must remain on display until Sunday morning. A receipt will be issued at the time of sale, and you must present this receipt when picking up your art on Sunday. Attendees with one-day memberships may take their purchases with them at the time of sale. The art show director will provide pick-up times.

PRINT SHOP: Many of our artists bring prints of their work. Watch for a sign in an artist's display area advertising if they have prints for sale. Print shop items may be purchased at any time during the convention. Additionally, many of our music performers have their CDs available for sale in the art show print shop.

CLOSING CEREMONIES

The last event of the convention each year, closing ceremonies gives us a chance to say "goodbye" and "thank you" to our guests of honor.

ONIONS AND ROSES

Onions and Roses is a panel held immediately following closing ceremonies on Sunday. At this panel, the convention membership provides feedback both positive (roses) and negative (onions) to the Norwescon chair and convention services director.

PHILIP K. DICK AWARD CEREMONY

The Philip K. Dick Award is presented annually for distinguished science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States. The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society sponsors the award, and Norwescon sponsors the award ceremony. For more information on the award, see https://www.philipkdickaward.org.

The first time the Philip K. Dick Award was presented at Norwescon was at Norwescon 7, when the award went to Tim Powers for The Anubis Gates. See your pocket program for the location and time of this year's ceremony.

CONTESTS

MASQUERADE

Each year the Norwescon masquerade showcases the works of many of the best costumers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The masquerade is held Saturday night in Grand Ballrooms 2 and 3 and is open to all Norwescon attendees. If you wish to enter, you must pre-register. Please check the pocket program or Guidebook for the days/times of required meetings you must attend to compete.

SINGLE-PATTERN CONTEST

The single-pattern contest focuses on wearable art pieces created from a preselected pattern. Each year the contest coordinator selects a pattern, which often ties into the convention's theme. The entrants then create their designs prior to the convention. There is no pre-registration needed.

Entrants will show their creations at the single pattern contest show and share event.

If you would like information on entering future single pattern contests, watch the Norwescon website in the fall or register for the Norwescon electronic newsletter.

SERVICES

NORWESCON PROVIDED

CLOAK ROOM

The cloak room is located in the Grand cloakroom in the lobby behind registration and across from

the art show, and will be open 24 hours. Refer to Guidebook for hours of operation. This is a free service provided by the convention for the use of convention members. The cloak room is for temporary storage of parcels, coats, and bags; it is not meant as a substitute hotel room, food locker, or storage of medications or medical supplies. Please make other arrangements for these types of items. We reserve the right to refuse any article.

Norwescon is not responsible for items left in the cloak room. Use of the room is at your own risk. Before you place your items in the cloak room, make certain to understand the hours of operation.

CONVENTION LOUNGE

We invite you to hang out in the convention lounge: the convention's "living room." We are happy to offer a comfortable, genial space for members to hang out, plan your next workshop, panel, or event, relax with friends, enjoy lively conversation, and partake of some light snacks. The convention lounge is located in 7106 and 7108 in Wing 7. It will be open Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m.--11 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.--4 p.m.

We know it's important to offer nourishment in a friendly atmosphere to our members and we're confident the Convention Lounge offers the right combination.

CONVENTION AND SAFETY OFFICES

The nerve centers of the convention are the convention offices. The main convention office and the convention safety office are both located in Wing 7, Olympic 3. Someone will be available all hours of the day to assist with convention issues and concerns.

The convention office hours are:

Thursday 9 a.m.--1 p.m. and 2--10 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.--1 p.m. and 2--10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.--1 p.m. and 2--10 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.--1 p.m.

BIPOC & AAPI LOUNGE

A dedicated place for BIPOC and AAPI members of the Norwescon community together, rest, and refresh. BIPOC = Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. AAPI = Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Lounge is located in Room 7101 in Wing 7 of the hotel.

The BIPOC & AAPI Lounge Hours are:

Thursday 9 a.m.--8 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.--8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.--8 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m.--3 p.m.

DAILY 'ZINE

Norwescon's official daily 'zine contains news of the day from around the con as well as last-minute schedule changes. The most up-to-date information can be found on the Guidebook app. A digital copy will also be available for viewing at the info table in the lobby.

GUIDEBOOK

Find the most complete information about Norwescon participants and activities online via Guidebook. Content is updated continuously after our paper publications go to print, including hyperlinks to our guests of honor and panelists' websites, schedule changes, convention information, interactive hotel maps, and downloadable materials from our panels. You can set up your own schedule of events and have the app send you reminders! Guidebook is user-friendly on iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and all other devices. There is a native app for iPhone and Android and a mobile web app for other devices. Access it via guidebook.com/getit.

HOSPITALITY

See CONVENTION LOUNGE

INFORMATION TABLE

Information about the convention, the hotel, and the local area can be found at the info table, located in the convention lobby, across from registration. If you have questions after the information table closes, please go to the convention office in Wing 7.

LOST AND FOUND

The lost and found is located in Olympic 3, the convention safety office. If you lose something during the convention, check both the convention's lost and found and with the hotel. If it does not turn up right away, check back on Sunday afternoon---sometimes a lost item can take a while to be discovered and filter in.

Lost and found as well as unclaimed articles left in the cloak room after 4 p.m. on Sunday will go into the hotel's lost and found. Please check with both the convention and the hotel lost and found departments during the convention for items that you may have misplaced during the convention.

PEACEBONDING

SEE RULES AND POLICIES: Weapons Policy

TEENS AND TEEN RUNNERS

Norwescon recognizes that the future of convention attendees and volunteering staff will come from the teens currently attending the convention with their parents. In an effort to give our younger members the opportunity to gain firsthand experience and a behind-the-scenes look into the world of conventions, Norwescon implemented the Teen Runner program. If you are between the ages of 13 and 17 and are looking for things to do at the convention, stop by the volunteers table and try your hand at helping out as a runner. There are jobs in many areas, such as registration, technical services, the convention office, volunteers, masquerade, and dispatch, which are suitable for teenagers and are vital to the convention.

The teen lounge is a public space where convention attendees ages 13-17 may gather and get to know one another. It is located in Concourse East, between Wing 6 and Wing 7.

VOLUNTEERING

Norwescon runs on volunteers, and without them, no convention would be possible. As such, everyone is encouraged to volunteer at the convention for a few hours. There are many things you can volunteer for that allow for attendance at certain events. As a bonus, volunteers who have helped at any time during the con will receive a special token of appreciation. Go to the volunteer table in Olympic 3 in Wing 7 and sign up for a shift (or two, or three, or four, or five).

Volunteering does not provide babysitting. Minors may volunteer with permission of their parent/guardian/designee but should not be dropped off without a specific purpose.

HOTEL PROVIDED

POOL AND HOT TUB

The pool and hot tub are open to hotel guests until 11 p.m. and can be accessed with a hotel room key. The pool and hot tub will be closed for scheduled cleaning and maintenance during part of the day. Please read the pool and hot tub rules posted in that area. The rules, including hygiene rules, must be obeyed if we want to keep this area open for the weekend.

INTERNET ACCESS

Free WiFi is available in the coffee area outside of Seaports Lounge. There may be public terminals available for limited use in the same area.

PARKING

The DoubleTree has a monitored parking system. There are three entry gates into the hotel parking lot. Tickets are dispensed at each gate, and payment is made as you leave or at one of the marked kiosks in the hotel lobby. Off-site parking is also available nearby.

HOTEL PARKING RATES

• The first car registered to each hotel room is free.

• Any additional cars registered to the same hotel room are charged $16 per day and receive in/out privileges.

• Attendees who drive to the convention but do not stay at the hotel will be charged $16 per 24-hour day with NO in/out privileges.

• Motorcycles are charged the same convention rate of $16 per 24-hour day. No special motorcycle parking spaces are available, and a standard parking space must be used.

• If you are pulling a trailer and/or use more than one parking space, the parking fee will be $16 per parking stall used. (Using two stalls will be $32 per day and so on.)

• Disabled parking stalls are charged the same convention rate of $16 per day.

Parking is always limited at Norwescon. Do not park in fire lanes. Do not park in spaces marked for those with disabilities unless you have a valid handicap permit. Please only park in marked parking spaces. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas (including those set aside for reserved parking spaces) will be towed. Please park legally and walk the distance rather than parking in unauthorized areas. Many parking lots are available in the area, and some provide transport to and from the airport and hotel.

DOUBLETREE RESTAURANTS AND LOUNGES

(Please note that hours are subject to change.)

Thunderbird Market

Open from 5 a.m.--10 p.m. Between the main hotel lobby and Norwescon registration you will find the Thunderbird Market gift shop and coffee bar.

Coffee Garden

The Coffee Garden will be open daily from 6--10 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 6--11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Seaports and Seaports Lounge

Open from noon--1 a.m., Seaports offers a lunch and dinner menu, plus a large selection of cocktails, craft beer, and wine.

Menus for these restaurants and lounges can be found on our website.

Room Service

Room service is available daily from 6 a.m.--midnight and can be accessed through your in-room telephone.

Allergy Procedures

We recommend that you speak with your server before ordering. Hotel menus clearly indicate which dishes are vegetarian, vegan, or contain allergens.

WHAT'S IN THE LOCAL AREA

RESTAURANTS

13 Coins---18000 International Blvd. (206-243-9500). Open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m.--11 p.m. Open 6 a.m.--2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Serving up hearty fare just a five-minute walk north of the hotel.

Denny's---18623 International Blvd. (206-248-1558). Across International Blvd. Road from the convention hotel. Open 24 hours.

Jack-In-The-Box---2840 South 188th (206-244-6293). Across International Blvd. from the convention hotel. Drive-through is open 24 hours. This restaurant is open for dining 6 a.m.-- midnight Monday through Sunday.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue---18613 International Blvd., Bldg. B-3 (206-432-9646). Across International Blvd. from the convention hotel. The name says it all: Hawaiian-style BBQ and other Hawaiian staples. Monday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m.--9 p.m.

Mango Thai Cuisine & Bar -18613 International Blvd (206-243-1888), across International Blvd. from the convention hotel. Casual, contemporary eatery offering a varied menu of classic Thai dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Monday through Friday 11 a.m.--9 p.m.; Saturday noon--3 p.m. and 4--9 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Masae's Teriyaki---19021 International Blvd. (206-241-6231). A few minutes' walk south on International Blvd. from the convention hotel, just past the Days Inn. Japanese food. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.--9 p.m. Saturday from 11:45 a.m.--8 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Sharps RoastHouse---18427 International Blvd. (206-241-5744). Across International Blvd. the convention hotel. Features rotisserie chicken, baby back ribs, smoked meats, daily happy hours, and a kids' menu. Restaurant and bar are open for dine-in and takeout Monday through Sunday 11 a.m.-- midnight. Happy hours are 3--6 p.m. Takeout is available 11 a.m.--midnight.

Subway---18613 International Blvd. (206-436-8570). Across International Blvd. from the convention hotel. Sandwiches and salads. Monday through Sunday 9 a.m.--1:30 a.m.

Taco Bell---18812 International Blvd. (206-243-8171). Across 188th St. from the convention hotel. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. and the drive-through is open Monday through Sunday 7 a.m.--3 a.m.

CONVENIENCE STORES

7-Eleven---20008 Pacific Hwy S. (206-824-3984). South on International Blvd. from the convention hotel, just past the Day's Inn. Open 24 hours.

7-Eleven---3120 S 176th St (206-242-4559). North on International Blvd. from the convention hotel and right on 176th St. Near the Hilton. Open 24 hours.

7-Eleven---19023 International Blvd. (206-243-8854). South on International Blvd. from the convention hotel. Open 24 hours.

GROCERY STORES

Costco -- 400 Costco Drive #150 (206-575-9191). Fifteen-minute drive east of the convention hotel. Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.--8:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m.--7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.--6 p.m. Costco Food Court is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.--8:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.--6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.--6 p.m. Costco Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.--8:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am--6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. Costco gas station 6 a.m.--8 p.m. Costco membership required.

Safeway---4011 S. 164th St. (206-244-2567). Includes a deli, bakery, pharmacy, Starbucks, video, and liquor departments. Pharmacy open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.--1:30 p.m., 2--9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.--1:30 p.m., 2--6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.--1:30 p.m. 2--6 p.m. Store hours Monday through Sunday 5 a.m.--1 a.m. Delivery available Monday through Sunday 8 a.m.--9 p.m. Full-service Wells Fargo bank on-premises. FedEx drop-off and pickup location.

Safeway -- 21401 Pacific Hwy S. (206-824-2737). Includes a deli, bakery, pharmacy, Starbucks, and liquor departments. Open 5 a.m.--midnight Monday through Sunday. Pharmacy open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.--1:30 p.m., 2--9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.--1:30 p.m., 2--6 p.m.

Safeway gas station open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.--10 p.m. ATM. FedEx drop off and pickup location.

BANKS AND ATMS

There is an ATM in the hotel lobby. There is a U.S. Bank ATM inside the airport, 17801 International Blvd., open 24 hours Monday through Sunday. The Safeway at 4011 S. 164th Street has a Wells Fargo Bank, ATM open Monday through Sunday 5 a.m.--1 a.m. The 7-11 at 3120 S. 176th Street contains a Citibank ATM open Monday through Friday 24 hours. A Key Bank with ATM is located at 275 Andover Park West near Southcenter Mall, Open Monday through Friday 24 hours.

TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR CONVENTION EXPERIENCE THE BEST

• Attach your badge to the outside of your outfit. This act saves you from having to fish it out when asked by door guards or convention safety.

• Remember to carry your identification (driver's license, state identification, etc.) with you at all times. Identification is required at the hotel lounges and room parties. Also, remember to bring money or your credit card; you never know when you will see something you want in the dealers' room or the art show.

• Note: you may be asked to provide your identification for entry into events and panels labeled "18+ or 21+ with ID." Without your ID, you may be refused entry.

• ID is also needed to borrow a board game in Cascade 12 (Dragonflight, and the Library of Alexandria)

• Download the Guidebook app and add Norwescon 46. Every year this app is expanded and contains much more than just the daily schedule. Guidebook is updated regularly during the convention to keep you up-to-date on what is happening or what has changed. Vendors, pros, and artists frequently link additional content in Guidebook, so be sure to explore the app.

• Highlight or favorite the panels you want to attend so that you do not miss them.

• Check out the Daily 'Zine every morning to learn of any changes to the daily schedule. Mass copies of the Daily 'Zine are no longer printed, but you will find one posted at the info table, in the green room, the convention lounge, and the office, as well as in Guidebook.

• Visit the convention lounge for a fannish family reunion. Catch up with old friends and share your fannish interests with new friends.

• Please remember to eat! As noted above, the hotel has several options available at a variety of price points, and there are other food options within walking distance. Due to budget constraints, Norwescon is only able to offer snacks in our convention lounge, but feel free to bring in your own food while catching up with friends.

• Practice good hygiene throughout the weekend; regular handwashing and showers are the best protection for yourself and others from any unwelcome microbial or viral friends.

• Volunteer! It's a great way to get to know people.

• The hotel's main doors in the lobby are the only hotel entrances guaranteed to be open at all times. Because of this, we recommend that hotel guests have their room key card with them whenever they leave their room. Example: Rotunda 1, for instance, can only be accessed with a room key card from the parking lot, or by navigating to Rotunda 2 and going downstairs.