Virtual Dash in 2 Days!! (and Other Updates)
This surprise mid-week update covers Virtual DashCon 2, IRL con panelling updates, merch updates, and a quick FAQ. Let’s jump right in!
It’s finally here!! Tickets are dropping this Friday at 12:00PM EST! You can find the page here on Eventbrite.
Virtual DashCon 2, or ‘VirtualDash’ as we’ve started calling it, isn’t supposed to be scraps for folks online to pick up, but its own experience. We were overwhelmed by just how many people wanted to attend DashCon 2, and this is our way of opening up the convention to anyone who couldn’t make it. As always, the goal of DashCon 2 in all its forms is to connect people and build community, digitally or in person. And yes, The Duel will be live-streamed (as well as both Strange Aeons’ and the Croaker’s panels!).
Without further ado, here’s a quick breakdown of what Virtual DashCon 2 will look like:
Once you’ve bought a ticket to Virtual DashCon 2, you can access our Eventbrite page and our private Discord server.
The Eventbrite page will host livestreams of select IRL panels and events. Scared of missing something? Virtual ticket holders will get permanent access to the panel recordings! Here is the (tentative) schedule for IRL live-streamed panels:
The Idol Showcase and Drag Show cannot be streamed for copyright reasons.
Over on Discord, online-exclusive panels will be hosted. Here are only a few:
Colonization, Class, and the Society of The CW Network's "The 100"
A mid-level dive into the current fan culture of “The 100” through a queer studies lens.
Voice Acting 101
An introductory course into the world of voice acting. Headed by Jazzy Oliver (voice of Paintbrush on Inanimate Insanity)!
Archiving Fandom: Web Archival and You
Fandom is built on an increasingly shifty foundation in the Internet, and its history is worth preserving—here’s how to get started!
Fanfiction on the Changing Landscape of the Internet
How the internet has influenced the dissemination and consumption of fanfiction, from pre-internet fanzines, the rise and fall of fanfic dot net, and the modern ubiquity of AO3.
Tumblr Memes Throughout History
Tumblr’s greatest hits and heritage posts resulted in a lot of memes. Let’s take a trip to the past and highlight some of the gems our beloved hellsite has to offer.
These have not been collected into a schedule yet, as more panels have yet to come, and hosting virtually offers a lot more flexibility.
Within the DashCon 2 Discord server, a variety of non-panel activities abound. Discussion boards, a virtual cosplay catwalk, video game/stream rooms, small-group/midsize-group VCs for friends, and a virtual Dealers Hall are all on the agenda!
We’re still working on the logistics, but we’re developing virtual accessibility for the charity raffle, so you’ll be able to donate to charity and win cool prizes, too!
Applications for virtual volunteering—both mods and panellists—will open next Friday! (May 30th). Virtual panels can be held nearly any time of the convention day, so folks from earlier time zones are encouraged to participate!
A Minor Panel Name Change
Eagle-eyed attendees may already have noticed: the panel “Trans Health Care” has been updated to be named “Cancer, Transness, Neurodivergence, & You”. (For a panel about transness, a name change is pretty fitting.)
This name reflects the contents a lot better. Our panellist discusses how gender-affirming care can intersect with cancer screenings and treatment, and what to do about it. They also touch on how neurodivergence can intersect with cancer treatment, as well as the incredible strides in cancer research that have been made over the last decade.
While the subject matter is heavy, it is both incredibly important and underdiscussed. If it wouldn’t suit the vibe on con day, we highly recommend checking out the recording when you have the time.
Trouble at the Post Office
Canadians are already well aware, but the Canadian Union of Postal Workers is gearing up to strike starting this Friday. We, along with many Canadian small businesses, hope negotiations go smoothly.
Rest assured, we are using alternate shipping methods to process Wristband Mailout, however, it looks like some of our merchandise shipments have been disrupted. Merch pre-orders will still open this Friday, but the attractive photospread we promised (specifically the t-shirts and buttons) may have to wait a few days. We will keep you updated.
How can you tell if I bought a ticket in the Discord server?
We have a custom-made ticket validator bot that automatically applies the ‘ticket holder’ role to people who enter the server. Panels and activities are gated behind this role.
I’m European. How will I participate in DashCon 2 panels?
Naturally, IRL panels can only be hosted in time slots accessible for people in EST. However, online-only panels can be hosted by non-North Americans, and can be hosted much earlier or later in the day. We’re working to expand accessibility for all who want to participate, no matter where they’re from. The recordings of all the physical panels will, of course, be available in any time zone.
I’ve applied to volunteer IRL, but haven’t heard anything back. Was I rejected?
Not at all! We’ve received an incredible number of amazing applications, but we’ve prioritized connecting with volunteer Team Leaders first. That’s just wrapped up, so you’ll be receiving more information soon!
A Note From Our Accessibility Coordinator
It has come to our attention that emails from our accessibility coordinator may be going to attendees’ spam folders. If you registered for more info on accessibility, please check your spam folder ASAP! Especially if you applied for wristband mailout, as accessibility wristbands will be mailed out with standard admissions wristbands.
jacobvanloon
tangentwithtanner
amandla
titsay
prguitarman
vaporwave
romaincrisis
