The Utah Steampunk Society Community Planning Group is producing the Utah Steampunk Society Steaming cOn in August on the 16th and 17th. Every member of the committee loves the genre, is active in Steampunk events, and has wanted to do a convention event for the community for a long time.
We need your help and commitment to the event. Producing even a small convention is expensive, perhaps more so than most people realize.
Here's a breakdown of most of the expense categories:
Building Rental - 2 days with multiple rooms and set-up and breakdown hours. Minimum $4,000
Event Insurance $300-$400
Required Security Staff $60 per hour
Website $200
Promotional Materials $700 (includes promotional merchandise)
Payment for Entertainers $1000
Food, Beverages, etc. for The Afternoon tea. $400
As you can see, we're not trying to finance the whole event through this campaign, but if we get it fully funded it is a huge part of the amount we need, plus we know we'll see a lot of people coming out to join us.
What You Get
Almost every one of our perks includes some form of ticket to the convention. In addition you'll get some fun swag that will be an indicator that you are one of our base supporters. We have done our best to keep our ticket prices reasonable, and we can do that because every single person working on this event is volunteering their time, energy, and in some cases donating goods, furnishings, decor pieces and more to make this a delightful time for all.
Perks are picked up at the event when you check in.
You'll get the chance to interact with other Steampunk enthusiasts in a friendly environment, make new friends, exchange information and ideas, play games, attend panels, and be involved in activities of your choice. You can shop with Steampunk-specific vendors, and partake of on-site food from our food vendors.
We haven't had a Steampunk-specific convention in Utah for some time. The planning committee agreed that we'd stage one this year. All the members of the committee have extensive experience in organizing and producing events, so the depth of knowledge and expertise is impressive.
It's difficult for the community to associate and grow without opportunities like this event. We're starting somewhat small, but we are hopeful that with a successful convention this year we can grow year by year.
The Risks
We can build it, but we can't make you attend. That's the gamble we are making; that there are enough interested people in our community who will attend so that we at least break even. If we were to make a profit that profit would go towards Steampunk activities, including planning for next year's convention. We chose not to do a Kickstarter because we intend to go through with this event regardless.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't attend, but would like to be supportive, we have a perks category entitled Well Wishes, where you can contribute a small amount.
Spread the word to friends, family, other Steampunk folk you encounter at other events.
Share the campaign.
