sanmiguel71

The convention got started proper. After helping move some stuff from the van to the con area, It was time to set up registration. There were as usual a few bumps but overall it worked out. I got help from volunteers to set the "bag of stuff" and to put the badges into badge holders. I made the mistake of telling people to put the lanyards on the badges as well. That caused a mess. During a lull, Sharon Sbarsky figured out that by sticking the shoelace like landyard in the back of the badge it made it managable. I really appreciate the help I got from Sharon and Pam Burr for helping out the desk during the busy time. I really admire con chair Pablo for figuring out a way for us to take credit cards despite obstacles that circumstance provided. I want thank long time friend Patty Russell for helping me close.

I did go to a Hugo chat. This was an informal talk on this year's finalists.

Then there was opeining creremonies where Pablo introuduced the guests of honor (from Left to Right) Daina Chaviano, Paula Smith, Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ, Tobias Buckell, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, and con chair Pablo Vazquez. George Perez sent a brief message. He could not come due to health reasons.

The ceremony opened up with a color guard from the local Starfleet chapter, USS San Juan. Some of the guests of honor took a pciture with them. Below is Daina Chaviano with the group.