Ad Astra 2008 Progress Report
January 20, 2008
The 2008 Ad Astra convention is approaching rapidly and we have been tardy
in updating the membership. A great deal has happened over the last several
months and the Convention Committee has been working diligently to bring you
a fun event.
First, we have the nearly complete slate of Guests of Honour for 2008 -
thanks to the work of a dedicated group of members. Check the Ad Astra web
site for full details. Our artist guest of honour has withdrawn and we are
working to find a replacement of equal caliber. Christopher Golden, Kevin J.
Anderson and Rebecca Moesta, our comic artist Howard Taylor and our fan GoH
Wayne Brown, who has contributed so much to the Rochester, N.Y. fandom over
the years.
Sign up at the Ad Astra web site (http://www.ad-astra.org/) for the Guest of
Honour Dinner which will be held Saturday evening before the masquerade.
This is an opportunity for the fans to have a more intimate chat with all of
our guests.
Special guests of the convention are Glen Loates, popular wildlife artist,
Dr. Shelley Rabinovitch, cultural anthropologist and professor from the
University of Ottawa (and a long time contributor to the fan community), and
the ever-supportive Liana K and Ed the Sock.
Filking will be offered again after most of the evening programming
concludes. Ad Astra especially thanks Kevin Davies and Filk Ontario for
assisting us with reintroducing the popular and fun activity.
The programming team has been working diligently to assemble an interesting
and diverse range of panels and entertainment. Without their very hard work,
we would not be able to provide the membership with such enjoyable
activities. There will be a number of book launches, author readings and
other opportunities to meet with our guests of honour and special guests.
New for 2008 and and into the future is a juried art show. This is an
opportunity for new artists to showcase their work and receive feedback from
professionals in the field.
We look forward to seeing you all at the end of March!
Francois van Heerden, Chair 2008
