Nebula Notes Issue 1

The official daily news sheet for Norwescon 47 — Thursday, 17 April 2025

Day 1 welcome, from the Chair

Whether this is your first time or your 47th, I’m thrilled that you are here. There’s something so special about the first day, it’s like the first day of school, but with a lot more fun and excitement! Today, there are tons of great things to do and see. Please check out the pocket program (get one at the Info Desk) or Guidebook (online).

If you’re new to Norwescon or want a quick tour of the hotel, don’t miss our “Newcomers Welcome to Norwescon” at 4 p.m. in the con lobby Photo Area. It’s the perfect way to get acquainted with the convention, the hotel and fellow con-goers, and feel right at home. Also, make sure to join us for Opening Ceremonies at 6 p.m.

Our fantastic staff has worked tirelessly to put together an incredible convention experience for you, and we can’t wait to get things officially underway. We’re so glad you’re here, and we hope you have an amazing time at Norwescon!

~ Rob Stewart, chair of Norwescon 47

Strike a pose!

Calling all Hall Costume Award ribbon holders! Meet us in the Photo Area in the convention lobby on Thursday and Friday at 2 p.m., and Saturday at 3 p.m., to capture your award-winning look.

B-b-b-booting up … systems check … n-n-now online

Ah, I made it. Greetings, beings. Don’t mind me. I snuck in by way of a storage crate. I certainly hope those humans don’t need that audio-visual equipment at this gathering.

I am the maintenance robot designated as Jovian Probe: Latches. On the craft to Jupiter, I was the 'bot that made sure the bulkhead hatches and airlock doors were secure. Basically, I was the latch-locking robot – or Jovian Probe: Latches, but you can call me J.P. Latches, or even JPL, for short.

Here at Norwescon, I’m your guide around the con. First, let me introduce you to the lobby and its surrounds. Think of the convention lobby, the atrium and the Dealers' Room like the Zócalo or Promenade.

In the con lobby you’ll find Registration and the Information Table – both invaluable resources. There’s also Writer’s Row, the photo op backdrop, and the t-shirt and memorabilia booth, where you can pick up your cosmic NWC 47 swag. That’s it for now.

… JP locking down …

Take it from the ultimate book wyrm

Hello, my name is A-Through-L. I am a wyverary, half wyvern and half library. You may know me from various adventures across and around Fairyland with my friend, September. I am happy to have been invited to Norwescon to tell you about the literary riches to be found here.

Step into the magic of the Norwescon Little Free Library, where forgotten stories find new homes and imaginations take flight! This community-driven project breathes new life into beloved genre books, as your fellow fans donate their own treasures. The free book table springs to life at Norwescon: a literary exchange where discarded tales become cherished discoveries. And it’s not only books! From games and DVDs to coloring books and puzzles, there’s something for every age and every kind of dreamer.

Come explore, swap, and let the adventure continue! Find the LFL across from Concourse East.

1st dance – Star Trek vs Star Wars

DJ Wüdi is back with the Thursday night dance: Star Trek vs. Star Wars!

Are you Team Enterprise or Team Skywalker? Do you dream of the final frontier or a galaxy far, far away? Lightsaber or phaser? The Force or the Prime Directive? Bring your best Star Whatever cosplay and dance the night away! (We won’t complain about seeing Stargate, Star Blazers, Battlestar Galactica, Dark Star, or Dancing With the Stars, either!).

The dance begins at 9 p.m. in Grand 3. And right before the dance, at 8 p.m., enjoy a special treat, “Introduction to Fandom Dancing!”

The Speculative Film Fest - Explore the possible and impossible

Norwescon’s Speculative Film Fest is a celebration of science fiction, fantasy, horror and other speculative fiction films that embraces and fosters new voices, and those of BIPOC, women and LGBTQ+ creators.

https://www.norwescon.org/con/special-events/nwc-speculative-film-fest/

Film Fest schedule, in Evergreen 1 & 2:

Protective gear is your choice

Our staff, members and guests may mask or not mask at their own discretion.Masking, as a general ruleof public health when in groups of people, is encouraged, but not required: https://www.norwescon.org/con/policies/health-and-safety/ Harassing others for their choice to mask or not maskis prohibited. Remember, it’s not just about COVID. Con crud is very real!

Overheard…

• “It would probably be more interesting if, instead of historical figures, college admission essays asked what five sci-fi characters you’d have dinner with and why.”

• “Did you cry when Spock and the Horta did the mind-meld?”
  “Not as much as I did during the Kirk and Spock warp core scene in Wrath of Khan!”

Send Overheard items to zine@norwescon.org.## Mars rovers? No, we have NWC Rovers!

You’ve probably heard of roving reporters, well, at Norwescon we have Rovers. Roving reporters for our cosmic themed convention. Become a Rover for this “Nebula Notes” 'Zine (if you’d like, you can even claim one of the cool monikers of the actual planetary rovers we’ve sent to examine Mars, such as Perseverance, Curiosity, Sojourner or Opportunity!).

Simply turn in a concise, descriptive writeup or some photos to zine@norwescon.org.

For instance, if you’re going to one of our dances or an after-hours party, you could write up a little blurb. Or if you see a gathering of some fab hallway cosplay/costuming, take some photos and send them in to the 'Zine with a little info. Your creativity is welcome!

Nebula Notes is the daily news sheet for Norwescon 47. It is published as a morning edition, released by 10 a.m. Articles and photos from you, the convention members, are welcome and encouraged. The deadline for each day’s edition is 11 p.m. the previous evening. Email your photos, ideas, and “Overheard,” “Close Encounters” and rover submissions to zine@norwescon.org.

Your hyperspace pilot is Caitlin Cormier. Your starfield mapper is Shelley George and interstellar navigator is Jon Lavinder. Special thanks to multitronic-systems engineer Michael Hanscom and parabolic lens tech Pat White. All gratitude to Launch Commander Kat Marier and Admiral Rob Stewart.

Questions, concerns or cries of outrage – contact info@norwescon.org. A-Through-L the Wyverary, Decibel Jones & the Absolute Zeros, and the Metagalactic Grand Prix copyright Catherynne M. Valente. Used with permission.