Programming
Thank you to everyone who submitted a programming proposal. The vetting board has had the enjoyable but tough task of sorting through each proposal and selecting those to include for our 2009 conference. Once presenters are registered and their summaries prepared for publication, you’ll be able to see them on the accepted programming page of our website.

Online Book Discussion: Graceling
Have you read Kristin Cashore’s Graceling? If you have–or even if you haven’t and you don’t mind spoilers–join us starting Monday, July 6 at the Sirens LiveJournal for a discussion of girl warriors, boy warriors, bad kings, worse kings, a child queen, and of course, gender roles in fantasy fiction. We’ll post a new topic each Monday in July, and then follow up with discussions of Tamora Pierce’s Terrier in August and Sherwood Smith’s Crown Duel/Court Duel in September.

Want to discuss some books right now? Visit the reading list section of our message boards, and chat about realistic vs. invented fantasy worlds, favorite books, what you’re reading right now, and more.

Sirens Shuttle Between Denver International Airport and Vail–Now Available
A conference-sponsored shuttle will depart from Denver at 3:30 p.m. on October 1 and leave the Vail Cascade at 10:30 a.m. on October 4, which will accommodate flights arriving by 2:00 p.m. on October 1 or departing after 3:00 p.m. on October 4.

As of today, tickets are available to new registrants as well as to those who are already registered. (If you’re already registered, please use the Change My Registration page to purchase a ticket.) Those holding a registration may also purchase additional tickets for friends and family to ride along. A round-trip ticket costs $95, which is about half the cost of using a scheduled-service commercial shuttle–and saves you the cost of gas and parking at the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa, not to mention navigating the winding freeway and awestruck tourists gawking at the Rocky Mountains! One more nice thing: you can leave the driving to someone who’s already familiar with mountain driving in all kinds of Colorado weather, leaving your hands free to take pictures of the flora and fauna.

Vail Cascade Resort and Spa
At last–the sawdust is swept away, the paint is dry, and the renovations are finished. Keep an eye on the Sirens LiveJournal for pictures and news from our recent site visit. A preview: new pool area, multiple hot tubs (including one for sixteen people), four places to grab a bite to eat on hotel property, better in-room cooling and heating options, upgraded spa facilities, and more.

In the June 2009 edition of the Sirens newsletter, we talked about the resort library and the kiosk inside that lets you grab a quick moment on the internet or print out boarding passes. The kiosk has been moved to the back of the Cascade Village Market and Cafe, in the area between the market and the gift shop.

Meet for Dinner
Now that we’ve gathered updated information on places to eat in Vail, we’re hard at work putting together a restaurant guide for you to use during dinner breaks. Want to go out with a group? On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the conference, meet at the information desk and join a group headed to dinner in Lionshead or Vail Village by foot or hotel shuttle.

Sirens Supper
If you’ll be in Vail ahead of time, please feel free to join us for our staff dinner on Wednesday, September 30. Starting at 7:00 p.m., this western-style cookout costs $60, which includes food, non-alcoholic drinks, and gratuity. We’re waiting on a copy of the 2009 menu, but in past years, offerings on the buffet included several entrée options such as local fish and steak; soup, salad and sides; and a variety of desserts.

Quick Links
The Sirens Website and Tell a Friend Link
Registration
Travel
Become a Supporter
Read the FAQ

For More Information
Please feel free to contact us at (help at sirensconference.org). We’re happy to answer any questions you might have.

See you in Vail!