Oft-Asked Questions

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.

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Should I come in full steampunk dress?
Should you? That’s up to you, honestly. Do you HAVE to? The answer to that is a resounding NO! Just like 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!

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. However, we are not running any specifically younger tracks. The event is likely something older children and up will enjoy, so please keep this in mind when planning your trip to this festival! Hopefully everyone will find enjoyment in our many musical acts, performers, discussions, games, movies, and more. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to message us.

Is your event handicapped accessible? The festival will take place on the first floor of the Radisson Hotel. As such, the hotel is handicapped accessible. The only possible exception being the pool itself, which has railing access. However, entrance into the pool area is wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring my modified steampunk weapons into the hotel?
At this time, prop weapons will be allowed at the fair. Checks may need to be made; peace-binding may be necessary for certain props as well. This is event is in a hotel, not a convention space. If you are uncertain if your invention/prop/contraption is suitable for this venue, you may message steamfairdevelop@gmail.com. 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!

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, the first floor hotel rooms that our merchants will be selling out of. Room purchase and vending fee apply. You are more than welcome to contact steamfairvendors@gmail.com to receive a vending application!  [NOTE: As of November 10th, 2009, all space is reserved. If you would like to get on the mailing list for next year, do email us.]

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 2010, you are welcome to contact them to have them get in touch with us.    However, we have spent our performer budget at this time and are primarily seeking artists who would like to come in exchange for recognition, fame, and love. And though we cannot have everyone in 2010, there’s always next time!

I want to invite some friends to my hotel room. What is the policy on parties?
Considerate parties are, indeed, permissible!  Please be discrete and kind in your celebratory actions!

Will there be drinking at this event?
As an most-ages event, drinking is permitted so long as you are legally allowed to drink in the United States. The Radisson even has a bar and lounge! Some of our events also include alcoholic beverages, though not every event. You will be able to purchase drinks at The Lovecraft’s Revenge murder mystery buffet dinner in the hotel restaurant. Drink tickets are available for the open bar at the Gaslamp Cabaret. And we will be hosting absinthe tastings, as well. This is an all-ages event, so please drink responsibly and treat other guests with courtesy at all times.

Are special events included in the weekend ticket price?
All of the Steampunk World’s Fair events are included in the Weekend Ticket Price with the exception of the catered events (Cup of Brown Joy Tea Party, and Lovecraft’s Revenge murder mystery dinner). Saturday night’s Gaslamp Cabaret is free, though you will need to purchase drink tickets if you wish to partake of the bar. You may find other events or programming that are being presented by guests of SPWF that might include a small fee, but all SPWF run events with the above exceptions are included in your pass!

I have an idea for an event, discussion, debate, workshop, or reading. Who should I talk to?
You should talk to Whisper over at SteamFairProg@gmail.com! Discussions, debates, and workshops should be about 45-60 minutes long. Times for events and readings from your original published work can vary.

I have a device I would like to do a demonstration with, who do I speak with?
Again, Whisper 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. Demonstrations and discussions of the device should be about 15 minutes long, though you are welcome to keep talking with people after the official scheduled time. You are also welcome to show the device more than once during the weekend.