Programming
The proposal deadline is May 7, 2010. That’s this Friday! It’s important to Sirens that attendees take a part in devising the conference program through making proposals and presentations. The perspectives of readers, of writers, of scholars, of professionals, of artists, of fans—these help everyone understand the community of fantasy, and its past, present, and future. So, as we often reiterate, please don’t be shy. You can visit the Sirens website for more information, or review our series on how you can participate in programming as a presenter on the Sirens LiveJournal.

Programming Chat
Want to brainstorm? Looking for collaborators? Need to talk out your idea? Seeking technical help? We’ve scheduled a chat tomorrow night specifically for last-minute programming help: topic discussions, possible collaborator matching, and answering all of your questions about the proposal submissions process. As always, general chatter, book chatter, and conference questions are welcome as well.

DATE: Tuesday, May 4, 2010
TIME: 9-11 p.m. Eastern/8-10 p.m. Central/7-9 p.m. Mountain/6-8 p.m. Pacific
LOCATION: www.sirensconference.org/chat/

You don’t need to download anything or have any special software to participate: the webpage will turn into a chat room when the chat begins.

Travel Tip #1: Humidity
While Vail gets an average of 200 inches of snowfall each winter, its altitude and alpine location mean that it’s still pretty dry. The Vail Cascade Resort and Spa offers humidifiers in every guest room, and we recommend that you try using yours while you’re in your room. (We noticed better sleep and more comfortable sinuses when we used ours each night.) Otherwise, extra water and some Gatorade will help combat dehydration, though beware alcohol and caffeine, which have stronger effects at Vail’s average altitude of 8150 feet above sea level.

Travel Tip #2: Dining
Some meals at Sirens are on your own, and there are several options on and immediately adjacent to the Vail Cascade. If you’d like to explore more widely, there are many restaurants with a variety of price points accessible via the Gore Creek walking path as well as via a short ride on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle. Even better, Vail Restaurant Month runs September 20–October 17, 2010, so be sure to keep an eye out for specials. (As Sirens is held during a quiet time for the area, you can often find fantastic deals and fixed price offerings at local eateries.) Check out the list we’ve compiled here that includes local restaurants and services. We’d love to hear your reviews of any of the listed establishments! (We like Blue Moose Pizza, Sushi Oka, and The Red Lion when we’re on a budget, and Sweet Basil when we’re seeking a meal fit for a faery queen.)

Quick Links
The Sirens Website and Tell a Friend
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. You can leave general questions in the comments here as well.

We hope to see you in Vail!