Tonight will be a night to remember. The long-awaited duly fated Bastard Bowl in the snow is finally here. And, after long years of work and planning I can officially share to you the beautiful people of the Realm that in 2017 we will unite under one banner, at Con of Thrones.
It will be a celebration of all George R.R. Martin has given to the world, and what HBO and we the people have created because of it. We will rally on June 30th 2017 in Nashville, TN for one truly stunning weekend. I couldn’t be more excited, and we here at Watchers couldn’t be more thrilled to spend the next year refining, hammering Con of Thrones into the celebration this ever expanding community deserves. I’ve partnered with the good folk of Mischief Management, who have given love and sweat to build this into something we can be proud of, and who have always put fans first. This convention is led by die-hard fans of the series, no detail will go unnoticed. The time is right to celebrate this phenomenon with people and new friends who love it most.
If you’d like to join in on the celebrations next Summer, visit conofthrones.net and enter your email. The con’s website will launch in July, along with a long list of details and information that will better prepare you for the wars to come. That’s it for now. I wanted to share this exciting news and get back on the hype train for tonight’s episode, thank you!
Update:
The convention is now “Con of Thrones”. Many of you told me we should have Thrones in the title, and you were right. Thank you.
Hodor
Nashville!!!!!!
Yeah, this thread will do well at this moment. 😛
I live in Tullahoma so thats awesome for me I’m only a hour & 15 minutes away.
Cool! Any chance there will be a contest to win plane tickets and a hotel? ‘Cause that’s the only way I’d be going unless I learn to fly! 😀
Me: [signs up to the website and hopes for a massive lotto win]
It’s the same for me. I am, however, registered and confirmed.
This is so true!
Yes, yes, yes.
Just signed up, confirmed and announced to my husband that I already know what I want to get for my birthday next year (June 21st, so I haven’t even had this year’s, lol)
We’re in New Orleans, so I think it’s doable.
Nice!
I want to go. All I need is money and time off of work. I will start saving up. I am in Tallahasse, FL so it is possible.
This. So much this.
Don’t have to ask me twice! I’ll be there!
Victoria of the Vale,
How are you registered and confirmed? The site has not opened for registration
Due to my physical/financial inability to leave the New York City area, I will be unable to attend. I regret that, you guys are cool.
Zack… wouldn’t it be better to hold this event when HBO’s Game of Thrones finally finishes?? (2018)
From what I’m hearing we still have 2 years of split seasons?
As a New Zealander, I would consider this but not until the end of it all.
All signed up! Nashville is a mere 14-hour drive (950 miles) from my home in the Hudson Valley. Guess I could stop and visit some friends in the DC area en route and make it a two-day drive.
Wouldn’t it be a hoot if some of the people on this site who always fight and insult one another were to meet in person and discover that they get along famously? : )
Eek! This is awesome. I’d have to sprout wings to attend, but still cool. 🙂
Easily driveable for me!
Oh how nice 😀 About time the rest of the country got some love!
I will try to be there to argue with people in person 😀
Registered & confirmed. Getting emails about the Con will help during the dry season yet to come after next week’s finale. I hope that some of our overseas Watchers will be able to attend. I can’t wait to meet the faces behind the [user] names.
Okay this director Miguel Sapochnik needs to direct every episode of Game of thrones from now on, this episode was fucking epic from start to finish props to the whole team who worked on this episode. It will definitely win the emmy for Best direction!
I live in Nashville so I will definitely be there!!!
Hey! Another NZer! *waves*. I will be going, and I understand that these things can be expensive. However, this Con would have been in the pipeline for ages. Speaking as someone who is *trying* (and failing) to plan a wedding, I can only imagine the amount of work required to organise one of these events is HUGE. If they’re announcing it, the deal is done and they can’t change dates now. But maybe if it’s super successful, we can beg Zack and co. to organise another? 🙂
Isn’t this going to be easily confused with the Ice and Fire Con that has been going on for years?
Holy hell…30 minutes south of nashville all my 34 years of life hasn’t given me anything (country music isn’t my thing)…but this makes it all worth it.I thank the old gods,the new gods,all the foookin gods
I live 40 minutes away!!! So excited for this.
I could be into this. I have a cousin who recently moved to Nashville, and it’s about time I made the trip down from Seattle… One of the last remaining parts of this realm (USandA) I haven’t been to. Would love to meet some of the cats around here I share in this obsession with.
Sounds cool.
Woohoo! 🙂
Unless work travel comes up and conflicts with this weekend I AM SO THERE.
ETA: We should wear name tags with our screen names on them so we know who everyone is!
So is this instead of Ice and Fire Con in Virginia?
Are. You. Kidding. Me.
The first GOT-related event in my state and it is this? Um….YEAH.
Just finished watching episode 9 10 minutes ago and then this?
I seriously love everybody and everything right now.
Except Ramsey. Screw Ramsey.
This now makes 3 SOIAF themed cons. VA, NC and now TN.
Found out about this this morning from a coworker’s email. Did not realize until reading this post how exclusive/one-time this con will be. Just figured it was one date out of many dates for a travelling conference or something.
I live less than five mins from downtown Nashville. I can’t believe this is happening. In utter shock and pure joy right now.
I grew up on a farm in Southeast Missouri. The middle of the country is generally ignored by conventions/events/premieres, but I’m happy to bring this to Nashville. It’s a city worth visiting, one that many of us haven’t visited. Excited!
Kent Charles,
This is a separate convention, we aren’t affiliated with the event in Virginia.
iridium,
It will be awesome to have you all the way from New Zealand! There should be a prize/seat of honor for furthest traveling bannerperson.
KG,
Bringing the North Mafia, KG!
Can’t wait for more details. I am already assembling a caravan from Minneapolis. Nashville will be great for non ASoIaF activities as well… bars, bbq and music.
Yes! Nashville is only a few hours drive away from me. I love when big Cons come to the southeast. Tons more fan interest in this kind of thing than many give the area credit for,
Any guesses on how much tickets will be?
z luye,
Been waiting for the email confirmation since yesterday… is that pretty normal wait time right now.
Jeff Lightfoot,
Hope the SS department is treating you well. Have you checked your spam folder? If it’s still not there, let me know and I’ll take care of it!
Eh, I’ll just use my jetpack.
Lemme know if you want anything from NZ. I mean, within reason. Because no, I can’t bring you a hobbit hole, sorry. Hobbiton is only 40 mins drive away from me, so it’s not lack of opportunity that’s the problem; it’s customs and biosecurity. Those bastards are really picky about that sort of shit.
I just signed up for the email alerts. I had to check my junk mail folder to find the email to confirm the address. Yay!
Ray F,
NC themed CON???
Will the website have a forum?
This would be so cool to attend! Ive always wanted to visit Nashville, I’m not working in June, and I can probably scrap together some dough. I’ll definitely sign up for more info.
sumitra,
I’m not sure about directing every episode, but for Battle of the Bastards, definitely the Emmy for Best Director of a single episode and definitely some of the best film and sound editing this side of Alien (and that was Oscar worthy editing). Love every flippin’ scene. And a shout out to HBO programming. I had to see the NBA Final and I was so itching for 9:00 p.m. for the West Coast feed and then I see an 8:35 p.m (11:35 p.m.) East Coast feed for the b-ball crew. You do love us, you do, you do.
*cries from her lonely spot Ontario, Canada*
I live in NC!
This easily doable! Sign me up & I’ll bring the beers.
JB,
NC= North Carolina.
Ice & Fire Con is entering it’s 5th year (Now in Virginia, started in OH) two of the original founders for that have branched off and started WesterosCon in North Carolina and now this one.
I have cold chills this is so exciting! As a Nashville resident I can assure all that Nashville is one of the coolest cities in the real world and I know this event is going to be one to remember! Nashville is a major party town. It is all over the news here. Book your rooms early and prepare for the time of your life. Thank you WOTW for planning this!
David H,
The first American Convention of Ice and Fire was created when I hosted a GoT wine tasting at Dragoncon years ago and said we have enough interest now that there is a show to do one. I had two other people end up committing to the idea, then I sign papers after negotiating a deal with Ravenwood, Castle in Ohio to hold it. The is one of those two left on the current board that now changed sites. I started losing interest in my own idea after it became more of a “drinking-con” as termed by another organizer.
This current convention was more on track with the ideals I set out (though it’s good there was a name change for lack of confused) with so if there is any help needed from a former organizer of the first/original Ice and Fire Convention, I offer any assistance.
Dr. Hampton
Ray F,
Which original of the three? Was my idea for a month before, then supported by and agreed mainly by Tara and brainstormed with a few other of our friends in my hotel room, then by Matt who was basically there for a drop in said he might be in then committed after and is apparently doing the Westeros con, then Tara who actually did work from the start and supported the I&F Con into whatever it’s become after. We had those three the founding year. So just wondering which of the other two then? Because if not Tara or Matt, then by no means original three during the first convention.
This is great news. My wife and I live here in Nashville. Safe to assume it’ll be held at Music City Center in downtown? Get in contact with Hatch Show Print for custom posters for the con! Seriously, those will sell. (I work there part-time, but don’t actually print. Guitar player by trade). People, brace yourselves for a great weekend, but like someone else warned, get hotels or AirBnBs early.
I’ve checked my SPAM and Important and Unimportant. Nothing. Of course, I’ve only been waiting 5 minutes, but these things generally fly.
ETA: It took 7 minutes, but it’s here! Or you worked your magic.
Yes! Finally a con that is close to home! Can not wait!
z luye,
Will there be a call for proposals? I would love to do a talk or a debate or a panel! Obviously I’m not famous or anything, but I have presented half a dozen or so times at national and international academic conferences.
My husband and I, along with our 2 dogs will be driving down from Buffalo, NY. Can anyone recommend a hotel that allows you to have dogs (Alaskan Malamutes)? Also, can anyone recommend any great doggie daycare places near the con? I’m starting saving for this…. NOW!
Jennifer,there are five dogs here for every person so Dog Daycares are everywhere. Camp Bow Wow is in the city and they have dog cams so you can check on your dogs. As for hotels, I would ask as some do have size limits. Be sure you book early. Also lots of dog parks here, the best is in Centennial park by the Parthenon which BTW is amazing. Bear in mind Nashville is HOT in June, it will be upper 90’s.
Jennifer Clark,
I’d say most hotels are dog friendly (with size limits and usually an extra fee). Keep in mind, there have been some weeks this year where Nashville hotels were more expensive than in Manhattan! By this time next year there will be a couple more in the downtown area. That could actually help equal out room prices. If you don’t mind Uber or Lyft, Airbnb may be a more cost-friendly option (and again, most probably allow for dogs). I’ve had friends use that to stay in East Nashville, which is a 5-10 drive from across the river to downtown.
Summer will be hot, most likely humid, and it’ll be bachelorette party season.
Jennifer Clark,
Jennifer, I live near Nashville! Will definitely be attending so if you or anyone else needs help getting any information ii can give you my contact information. 🙂
Snowblind,
Thank you so much…. we are super excited and I am researching hotels already; so many are sold out!
Yes Jennifer, they sell out well in advance here. It is the price we pay for Nashville being such a great place to visit. If you just want a clean bed to lie down in and a TV with HBO and not much more, check out motels near the fairgrounds like Red Roof and LaQuinta. They are cheap, take dogs and have land to walk the dogs on. The fairgrounds are mere minutes from downtown.
Snowblind,
Yay for Camp Bow Wow! We have them here too. Air bnb may be the answer as the size requirements are crazy! Our dogs are larger. We have one dog now, with our 2nd arriving 7/9 (the mom is pregnant; we are waiting for a boy!). Our girl is 75-80, by next June, our boy will be likely 85-100 pounds.
High Valyrian,
Thank you! And yes, any contacts you can recommend are appreciated! We are looking to book for 2 adults and 2 pups. Have they said where the con will be? I assume the Convention Center downtown? We are driving from Buffalo, since we have the dogs, and we will need to drop them at daycare when we are at the con, so we don’t mind a drive each day.
Snowblind,
This sounds like a good match. Thanks for the tip!
Snowblind,
Thanks so much for this tip… we just booked at the Red Roof and got special approval for 2 dogs (they typically only allow 1). I am so excited for this Con. And now… my watch begins. lol
Jennifer Clark,
That is fabulous..this gathering is going to be a blast!
Can we know where the event will be held? Would help in booking reservations now…
Ginevra,
Absolutely! There will be a call for submissions/proposals in the not-so-distant future.
I can say this now, regarding the con’s location: It will not be hosted in downtown Nashville. We are negotiating rates for your benefit at seriously cool location, and rooms will be available. More information will post in July.
I appreciate your patience with this!
Nice! I was looking at some hotels, but they are all pretty expensive for anything 3 stars and above. It is 4th of July weekend, so prices are more expensive.
This story went viral… I heard my local radio station talking about the meet up this morning, and WoTW.. then I saw it in the local newspaper. WTF? So bizarre.
Joe Weaver,
Haha!! Hey me too!!!
If you’re looking for performers, The League of Extraordinary Bellydancers does a Game of Thrones themed show, complete with an act featuring Joffrey dancing to “Pony.” It’s pretty swell.
Cool, cool, cool! Awesomeness! Thank you.
The sentence about not being in “downtown Nashville” hopefully doesn’t rule out the greater Nashville area, which is the biggest point of excitement for me, an hour from Nashville. Downtown is chic and East Nashville is the new black, but I’m thrilled for anywhere within two to three hours of me. I will patiently await more news.
Snowblind,
I am already having wants for this con… I hope they have paid tix for the super big panels, so we can just pay and show up, rather than wait in line for 8 hours and waste a whole con day that could have been spent having fun! I would totally pay for any panels I really wanted to see and with tickets/assigned seating it would be so freeing. Is there a suggestion box? lol
Zack Luye, what’s the likelihood that there will be a filking circle at the Con? I wrote a GoT-themed song parody that I’d love to teach people and hear them sing along, as well as to learn other filkers’ efforts.
I’m flying from California for this. My friend just moved out there with her husband so they’re gonna let me crash there! So fucking excited for this!
Ray F,
Ray F,
Ray or anyone else, what is the event in NC? I live there
Also HOW are people registering? The site has not opened yet. Are some folks getting VIP advanced tix?
Ginevra,
Awesome! Hotels will be a lot cheaper then
I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to this. Seriously. I already told work that I need that week off. I have a countdown calendar. We are bringing our dogs with us, though I am guessing we will have to have the hounds in doggie daycare during the con. Looking forward to details on the venue so I can plan more. Being a Type A personality… well, I see so many opportunities with this Con. If there is anything I can do to help from up here in the North (Buffalo, NY), please let me know. Thank you for putting this event together!
Nashville?! I guess.
Guinevere,
All I know at this point is it’s called WesterosCon. It’s being organized by some people that had previously helped organize Ice & Fire Con/ A Convention of Ice & Fire (The first SoIaF Con in the US) which is going into it’s 5th year, I believe and second in VA. Con of Thrones seems to be focusing more on the show while I&FC is primarily for book readers. More a destination event. I’t been described as Summer Camp for SoIaF Geeks (Including Archery Tournament and Melee). 🙂 I’ll be keeping my eye on CoT as well to see how it develops.
Ray F,
That’s not actually true. Con of Thrones is inclusive of both Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire.
Victoria of the Vale,
How do you register? I have spoken with the event organizers and the resort but can’t find any reference as to how to purchase tickets.
Thanks.
Rodent,
How did you sign up? I made hotel reservations at the site but can’t get tickets to the event. Going a little crazy. ; )
Mary,
Tix go onsale Aug 22
Thank you.