Many of you have been busy chatting with us about The Steampunk World’s Fair, and several question have arisen! You might find the answer to your inquiry below. PLEASE NOTE: The following FAQ is for SPWF 2011. Answers have not yet been changed for the 2012 season.
The Steampunk World’s Fair! What is all the hoopla about?
Welcome to a three-day journey into yesterday’s future!
The Steampunk World’s Fair is the home of the Steampunk nation! In 2010, The Steampunk World’s Fair set the bar by offering more Steampunk performances, shows, and events than any other gathering. We invite you to join us again to see what’s new in store for our community.
SPWF is an interactive and social event for people of all levels of steampunk know-how to communicate, dance, exchange, and explore. We seek to represent the art, culture, fashion, technology, history, gaming, and music of our fascinating and scintillating subculture and genre.
So whether you’re looking to talk about the post-enlightenment of the Industrial Revolution, or dabble in Victorian Era upper-class sensibilities, or simply dance about looking dapper in your top hat… there is something here at The Steampunk World’s Fair for all of us!
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1. What is this “steampunk” you speak of?
2. Where does SPWF take place?
3. Should I come in full steampunk dress?
4. Is there an age restriction?
5. Is your event handicapped accessible?
6. Can I bring my modified steampunk weapons into the hotel?
7. I want to be part of your Artist’s Alley; how can I get a table?
8. I am a big fan of [performer, artist, band]! Will you be getting them for SPWF?
9. I want to invite some friends to my hotel room. What is the policy on parties?
10. Will there be drinking at this event?
11. Are special events included in the weekend ticket price?
12. I have an idea for an event, discussion, debate, workshop, or reading. Who should I talk to?
13. I have a device I would like to do a demonstration with, who do I speak with?
14. What time do festivities begin and end each day?
15. What will the weather be like?
16. Where should I park, and how much does it cost?
17. Are there ATMs around?
18. If I can only come for one day, which day should it be?
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1. What is this “steampunk” you speak of?
With so many possible answers to this question, and with so many personal thoughts on them, we find it best to point people to a few cool pictures (as many people have said “I know steampunk when I see it”).
There are thousands of different steampunk movies and cartoons, books, comics and graphic novels, anime and manga, and images of fashion, gadgets, cosplay groups, props, costumes, toys, gear, and garb available to inspire you. And many people have different ideas on what steampunk is based on their favorite parts of it.
But the most important part about steampunk to SPWF is that steampunk comes in many shapes and forms! From the genre of speculative fiction and latest styles of modern-meets-vintage fashion, to the lifestyle choice of embracing deliberate anachronism and the growing community of artists, authors, tinkerers and people just like you!
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2. Where does SPWF take place?
The Steampunk World’s Fair 2011 will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel of Somerset, NJ! SPWF 2010 took place at The Radisson and Embassy Suites of Piscataway, NJ.
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3. Should I come in full steampunk dress?
Should you? That’s up to you, honestly. Do you HAVE to? Of course not! Just as not everyone who likes steampunk reads books with a steampunk setting, Steampunk is not just about the dress-up part (though many people enjoy it and have a great time putting together the “just right” outfit or prop!) If you’ve got it, flaunt it! If you want to come to the event in your regular daily wear, that’s awesome, too!
But if you haven’t pulled together an outfit that you feel shows off your inner steampunk, you’ll never find a better time to get creative and try it out. Don’t worry about whether you’re “steampunk enough”, either. We’ve seen people pull off a perfect and visually recognizable steampunk look with jeans and a vest over a t-shirt. If you’re just starting out and have any questions or need some advice, message us!
Mostly though, remember to dress comfortably and prepare for heat or cold. And a lot of walking- so bring comfortable shoes!
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4. Is there an age restriction?
There is not! Steampunks and steampunk enthusiasts of all ages are welcome, from the youngest aviator-in-training to the oldest time-traveling genius! While some events may have age restrictions, particularly later in the evening, we aim to have fun that the whole family can enjoy. The event is likely to be enjoyed by older children (10+), so please keep this in mind when planning your trip! Hopefully everyone will find entertainment in our many musical acts, performers, discussions, games, movies, and the camaraderie of fellow steampunks. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to message us.
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5. Is your event handicapped accessible?
2011: The festival will take place on the first floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. As such, the hotel itself is handicapped accessible. The only possible exception being the pool, which has railing access. However, entrance into the pool area is wheelchair accessible.
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6. Can I bring my modified steampunk prop weapons into the hotel?
At this time, prop weapons will be allowed at the fair. All prop of a weapons nature must conform to New Jersey State and federal firearms laws. Checks are mandatory: PLEASE bring your weapon to Registration for “peace-binding” tags so that our Security Team knows that it has been cleared as a prop. Modified firearms, etc, should NOT be brought into the event in anyway. We thank you for your understanding!
Any prop that shoots must not be shot inside the event. We will provide a Gentlemen’s Duel outdoor area for the purpose of demonstrating the firing power of your props.
This is event is in a hotel, not a convention space. We have a Weapons Check team who may, at times throughout the event, ask to see that your prop has a SPWF approved tag showing that it has been peace-bound. We appreciate your compliance and patience in this matter- they are here for your safety and want to make certain everyone is having a fun, enjoyable, safe weekend! If you are uncertain if your invention/prop/contraption is suitable for this venue, you may message us. Any prop or contraption that shoots, rockets, or so forth may need to be demonstrated in a specified area or given a demonstration time. Please contact SteamFairProg@gmail.com if you have a particularly ingenious contraption you would like to demonstrate and discuss with fellow attendees!
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7. I want to be part of your Artist’s Alley; how can I get a table? and Do you have a Dealer’s Room?
These two questions have the same answer!
SPWF does not have an Artist’s Alley or Dealer’s Room as such. Instead, we have the Merchant’s Bazaar, “shops” in the first floor hotel rooms and an event room that our merchants will be selling out of. Room purchase and vending fee may apply. You are more than welcome to contact SteamFairVendors@gmail.com to be added to our 2012 Mailing List. Thank you!
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8. I am a big fan of [performer, artist, band]! Will you be getting them for SPWF?
If your favorite steampunk artist is not on the list of performers coming to SPWF 2011, you are welcome to contact them to point them in our direction. PLEASE DO NOT tell anyone that you are a representative of SPWF, unless you actually are! You may tell your favorite performer about the event and give them the Performer Page to let them know more about us!
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9. I want to invite some friends to my hotel room. What is the policy on parties?
Considerate parties are, indeed, permissible! Please be discreet and kind in your celebratory actions as their may be people trying to get some sleep for some of the earlier events the next day. Thanks for asking!
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10. Will there be drinking at this event?
As a most-ages event, drinking is permitted so long as you are legally allowed to drink in the United States. The hotel even has a bar and lounge! This is an all-ages event, so please drink responsibly and treat other guests with courtesy at all times. Also, there may be events that require drink tickets, such as any open bar events or absinthe tastings. Please bring two forms of ID just to be on the safe side!
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11. Are special events included in the weekend ticket price?
All of The Steampunk World’s Fair general access events are included in the Weekend Ticket Price. Special catered events (ex.: absinthe tasting, “The Engine Room”, themed dinners, tea parties, etc) are a separate pay ticket. You may find other events or programming that are being presented by guests of SPWF that might include a small workshop fee, but the majority of SPWF-run events with the above exceptions are included in your weekend ticket!
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12. I have an idea for an event, discussion, debate, workshop, or reading. Who should I talk to?
You should talk to us at SteamFairProg@gmail.com! Discussions, debates, and workshops should be about 45-60 minutes long. Times for events or readings from original published work can vary. PLEASE no events longer than 60 minutes. Any event that needs to run longer, we encourage you to bring your audience out to the courtyard, lounge, or other unoccupied area of the hotel to continue! Many of our discussion hosts have done this in the past to great success.
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13. I have a device I would like to do a demonstration with, who do I speak with?
We would love to hear from you at SteamFairProg@gmail.com! We’re looking for people with interesting devices that they want to show off, either that they made or that have become historically outdated. We are always interested in folks looking to demonstrate their creations or modified devices at The Mad Science Fair.
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14. What time do festivities begin and end each day?
The events begin at 1:00 PM on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, programming will begin at 11:00 AM. Programming will go until the wee hours of the morning on Friday and Saturday nights, with closing ceremonies at 6:00-6:30 PM on Sunday evening.
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15. What will the weather be like?
In 2010 we had May weather that was cool, nice, a little cloudy, and a few showers. Prepare yourself for the worst, though, especially if you have a walk to another hotel you are staying at.
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16. Where should I park, and how much does it cost?
You should park at the hotel parking lot- it’s FREE! If you are a group coming from another nearby hotel, we request that you please carpool to the best of your ability.
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17. Are there ATMs around?
There are, but ATMs in hotels tend to run out. And often. They will be refilled, but we cannot guarantee how many times the hotel staff will be able to refill throughout the weekend. Be responsible, but bring enough money to see you through the weekend and bring you home with lots of cool new items!
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18. If I can only come for one day, which day should it be?
SPWF is such an on-going party, we couldn’t say for sure! If you can, go for the entire weekend: if you pre-register the price will be well worth it. But if you can only make it for one day, most event-goers will tell you to come out to Saturday. Events start earlier than Friday and run later than Sunday. There are several big events on Friday and Sunday that you may miss, but many too on Saturday like The Gaslamp Cabaret concert, The High Noon Gentlemen’s Duel, and more! If you plan to attend only to purchase from the vendors, you may wish to come out on Friday when the shops at the Merchant’s Bazaar are freshly opened and everything is in stock! NOTE: SPWF does not sell one-day tickets online. Such tickets must be purchased on the day of the event in person.
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We are very much looking forward to seeing all you wonderful people there!
Image (c) 2009 Christopher Hayes
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