Convergence 2002: The 41st Australian National Science Fiction Convention

June 7 - 10, 2002

About

Dealers and Hucksters

The Dealer's Room (or Huckster's room) is an integral part of any convention.

It is anticipated that the Dealers Room will be well frequented at Convergence. With its excellent access and large open space it will be a comfortable area to purchase and sell wares. Similar to a Trade Exhibition, it is where both professional and fannish (amateur) dealers display and sell to fans their SF&F related literature, clothing, merchandise, jewellery, armour, artworks - pretty much anything that may have a science fiction, fantasy or horror theme! If you are a club or fan group wishing free table space at the convention, please contact ConVergence. Space for clubs is available at no cost, but is subject to availability.

• Table dimensions: 2100mm x 750mm.
• Each table is provided with two chairs, skirt/draping and a back board.
• Every table is entitled to a Dealer Staff membership. Access is limited to Dealers' Room only.
• A booking fee of $25.00 applies for each table [non clubs].
• Total fee of $75.00 to be paid by 30th April 2002 (subject to change) [non clubs].
• A dealer must be a member of Convergence.

Dealer's Room Details

All dealers must have a Full membership for ConVergence 2002 before an application for a dealer's table will be considered. ConVergence 2002 reserves the right to reject any dealers' room application it deems inappropriate to the purposes of the Australian National Science Fiction Convention (Natcon). ConVergence will make every effort to ensure that the area is secure at all times but accepts no responsibility for loss through theft or malicious damage. It is the responsibility of the dealer to ensure his or her goods are secure. Valuables (such as PDAs, laptops etc) and money should not be left in the Dealer's Room unattended.

Where

ConVergence 2002 Dealers' Room will be situated in Function Rooms 3 and 4 on the upper level of the Cato Convention Centre. The eventual choice of room/s depends on the number of bookings for the Dealers' Room.

Tables

1. The size of each table is 2100mm x 750mm.

2. Each table will be supplied with two chairs, skirting/draping and a back board.

3. If bookings outweigh the available space, dealers who book more than one table, may have the number of their tables reduced. ConVergence 2002 will endeavour to make space available for all reservations so that the diversity of offerings to members is as large as possible. A waiting list will be put in place only if absolutely necessary.

Cost

1. A $25.00 per table deposit is due upon booking. The anticipated final price is $75.00 per table. The dealer must also be a Full member of ConVergence.

2. There is no distinction between fannish and professional concerns, other than for fan clubs or groups (see below).

3. Additional equipment such as power points and cabling, signage, TV and video monitors and telephone and/or data lines, will be charged at cost and is payable in advance. You should note your additional requirements on your application form. ConVergence will send you an estimate of the costs for these items.

4. Payment may be made by cheque or credit card.

5. Final payment is due by 30th April 2002.

Exhibits

There will be no charge for displaying SF related standing exhibits. However, the onus is on the owner to arrange insurance and freight, including set up and tear down costs, and return of the item.

Fan Clubs or Groups

1. SF, Fantasy or Horror fan clubs or groups will be provided space at no cost on application. ConVergence reserves the right to allocate space. Allocations depend on availability.

2. However, the persons manning the table must be either a Full or Day member of ConVergence. Memberships are transferable to other members of the club or group, under the same conditions as Extra Staff Badges in the Dealers' Room are provided.

3. ConVergence reserves the right to determine eligibility of whether a group is a bona fide fan club or group.

Extra Staff

1. Each table will entitle the dealer to one Dealer Staff membership to assist the dealer man the table.

2. The name of the membership shall be in the name of the Dealer.

3. This membership entitles the holder access to only the dealers' room. Provisions will be made for access to meal and toilet areas.

4. Each of these memberships is transferable to other members of the dealer's organisation, however, only one person (or body) will be allowed into the convention at any one time.

Access to Room

Proposed Open Times

• 10.00 - 18.00 Saturday 8th June 2002

• 10.00 - 18.00 Sunday 9th June 2002

• 10.00 - 15.00 Monday 10th June 2002

• The Dealers' Room will be locked outside these times.

Proposed Set Up Times

• from 18:00 Friday 7th June 2002

• 07.00 - 09.00 Saturday 8th June 2002

Proposed Tear Down Times

• 15.00 - 17.00 Monday 10th June 2002

• Dealers must vacate premises by 18.00, else a surcharge will be payable.

Access to the Dealer's room will be denied outside of these hours. The Dealer's Room manager will be the only person permitted to enter the area before or after lockdown and it is this person who should be contacted in an emergency.

Dealers must vacate the function centre by 18.00 Monday 10th June, 2002, else a surcharge will be payable.

Freight

This is the responsibility of the dealer.

The the Cato Convention Centre will accept consignment of goods for the convention. These should be clearly labelled with the Dealer's name and address and that the shipment is for the Dealer's Room. Dealer's retrieve their consignment upon arrival and booking into the Dealer's.

Insurance

The Dealer shall be responsible for all insurance premiums in regard to loss of stock either during the convention or in transit. ConVergence will make every effort to ensure that the area is secure at all times but accepts no responsibility for loss through theft or malicious damage. ConVergence will be responsible for public liability and the Cato Convention Centre for safety of the building, eg, fire, water or smoke damage etc.

Reserving a Table

Click here to download an application form for a dealer's/huckster's table.

The filled in form then needs to be posted to :

Dealer's Room Manager
ConVergence 2002
GPO Box 1212k
Melbourne VIC 3001
Australia