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The Gothic Manifesto
Convergence 12
Tampa, FL
Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-29) 2006


Arise, Komrades!

No more will the mundane proletariat define our enjoyments!  No more will there be divisiveness between the Goths and the Rivets.  No more will there be vodka shortages during the long night, the long night within our souls.

At last we will throw off the yoke of the last year’s sobriety.  We will dance on the corpses of the imperialist scum who try to tell us that Britney and Paris Hilton are appropriate diversions.  No more!

Convergence 12 marks the beginning of our Five Year Day Plan. Join with us as we move forward in glorious darkness!


+ Seat of the Republic (Primary Event Venue)

We move into history surrounded by the glory of the past, with all our endeavors taking place at the historic Centro Asturiano (http://www.centroasturianotampa.org/). Standing watch at the corner of Tampa’s Ybor City, where our sources tell us there have been many questionable goings-on.  This bears watching.

The Centro Asturiano features a candle light bar and dining room, a cigar lounge, a thousand-seat theater, a ballroom, and a cantina, and Convergence 12 will be the occupying force for the duration of the weekend.


+ The Five Year Day Plan

Thursday

- Unofficial Party of the People – Club Czar

Before the full might of the masses gathers, we will march to Czar and taste the sweet vodka of the Motherland in all its endless variety, while the uniform electronic beats of our eurotrashian brethren fill the air.

Friday

- The Border Patrol – Papers, Please! (Event Registration)

Stand and be named, Komrade!  Obtain your papers and share drink and harmony with the other right-minded citizens.  Know your friends, know your enemies, but most importantly, know who will be throwing a good room party later, da?

- The Great Stomp Forward (Friday Night Music Event)

As into battle, the drums of our music will move us.  Come together in energy and komradeship as we move through the night, unseen by those who are unenlightened (and who do not have their papers in good order). 

Saturday

- Black Market (Vendors’ Bazaar, Day 1)

Capitalist Pigs!  Trading mere paper for personal property for the glorification of the individual is anathema to our movement!  Oh. . . it’s really cute, and on sale?  Why didn’t you say so?! [Note: This event will be held at the Hyatt.]

- Sharing the Wealth (AGF Swap)

Move the finery you have collected among our komrades, spreading our influence from one end of the land to the other!  Share tales of acquisition and provenance as you would the party’s most compelling victories.

- Fallen Komrades – Ghost Walk (Tour)*

The spirits of the strong who have gone before inspire us, while making the oppressors laugh uneasily in their fear.  Learn from them, and bring that wisdom back to the rest of your brothers and sisters! [*Note: This is not an official C:12 event, however, it may be of interest to attendees. Pricing information will be published ASAP.]

- Cake or Death? (Tea & Dessert Bar) (Tentative)

Partake of the illicit delicacies of the bourgeoisie before heading to the magnificence of the nighttime event.  Our komrades at the Centro Asturiano share their sweetest confections in the opulence of the venue’s lounge.  Decadence has its rewards.  (Yes, the Committee assures us, There Will Be Pie.)

- Opiate of the Masses (Saturday Night Music Event)

We do not worship the weak and fanciful gods of the unenlightened; we elevate the strong among us, and all of us with them!  Dance to the betterment of the movement as those from among our number inspire us to greater feats with their music!

Sunday

- Black Market (Vendors’ Bazaar, Day 2)

More contraband?  This is unacceptable!  Any items not on the approved color list will be confiscated, and their owners sent to the gulag in shame.  [Note: This event will be held at the Hyatt.]

- Brother Fidel’s Cigar Factory Tour*

We laugh at the feeble trade embargo imposed on our Cuban brethren as we see first-hand the hard work and craftsmanship that they have become famous for, bringing glory to our movement the world over.  Smuggling supplies to those on the outside is not just an honor, but a duty! [*Note: This is not an official C:12 event, however, it may be of interest to attendees. Pricing information will be published ASAP.]

- Fashionistas on the March (Fashion Show)

What is a movement without its vanguard?  Witness the genius of our creative minds as they display the form and the function that will allow us to march strikingly through the crowds and sway them to our way of thinking rightness!

- The Capitalist Pigs’ Feast (CorpGoth Dinner)

Subversion from within the ranks of the enemy has begun.  It is once again time to hold a feast, where we may share strategy and success, and plan for our next conquests!  To uplift the small, we will convene at the Tampa Bay Brew Company, well-known for defying the oppression of mass-produced corporate swill with their own handcrafted libations.  Salut!

- Viva la Revolucion!

The culmination of our glorious endeavor, the revolution is upon us!  Join together in your finest uniforms, showing the strength and pride the movement has instilled in all of us, as we move forward into the great (and very, very hungover) future!

Monday

Slip quietly back into the unsuspecting world, knowing in your heart that the movement is strong, and that it will carry you through another year.


+ Housing the Masses

We will bunk in opulent decadence at the Hyatt Regency (http://tamparegency.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml), but for the Proletariat-friendly sum of $120 per night, regardless of how many komrades bed down together.  For those with plans for expansion, suites will be available, ranging from $199 to $395 per night.  Wireless internet access will be available in all rooms for $9.95 per day, so you may disseminate propaganda at your leisure.

To facilitate our invasion, an airport shuttle (reservation required) will ferry you to and fro for $20 (taxi service is a flat rate of $20 each way).


+ The Space Race (Travel Information)

Because Tampa is a very popular travel destination, all major airlines and several regional carriers call on Tampa International Airport (TPA).  As mentioned above, airport shuttle service to the Hyatt is available for $20 round-trip with a reservation, and as is flat-rate taxi service ($20 each way).

Additionally, two other airline destinations are within a short drive – St. Petersburg (PIE) and Sarasota (SRQ).  For those of you who prefer to remain firmly on the ground, there is an Amtrak depot within a few blocks of the Centro Asturiano.  Parking at the Hyatt is $8 per day ($14/day for valet parking).


- Reporting from Distant Outposts

A quick reconnaissance of online airfare sites shows how inexpensive getting to Tampa can be.  With the wide array of travel sites available to search for good deals on airfare, you will undoubtedly be able to find better deals in the months to come than these sample fares.

Boston:                $170
Charlotte:        $225
Chicago:                        $180
Dallas:                $260
Denver:                $270
Los Angeles:        $285
New Orleans:        $145
New York City:        $170
Seattle:                        $350
Washington DC:        $175


+ We Want Answers! (Q&A)

Q:        Why Tampa?
A:        Because, despite what all the travel propaganda says, Florida is more than just Disney World, Spring Break, and alligators.  Tampa is a thriving metropolitan center, and it’s entertainment heart is historic Ybor City, which, much like New Orleans’ French Quarter, features an abundance of Spanish architecture and fun and funky shops, eateries, and club venues.  However, unlike its more famous relative, Ybor has not been crowded out and overrun by tourists, and boasts a fresh breeze off of Tampa Bay.

For those of you with art in mind, two world-class museums are here – The Henry B. Plant Museum (http://www.plantmuseum.com/), and the Salvador Dali Museum is right across Tampa Bay, nestled in St. Petersburg.

Want something more lively than art?  The Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, and Busch Gardens are all within fifteen minutes of the hotel.

You’re liable to catch a glimpse of the onion domes of the University of Tampa, one of several striking buildings that dot the Tampa landscape.  And, with St. Petersburg right across the bay, it’s almost like being in Mother Russia, without all that pesky Siberia lurking nearby.

Q:      “Florida, in May?  Are you nuts?”
A:      Actually, daytime highs are usually around 80 degrees. Everything, and we mean everything, in Florida is air-conditioned. Your time spent out in the daystar without a/c will be minimal.

Q:      "How will we get around?"
A:      Ybor City is entirely walkable.  The Hyatt Regency is near to the Teco Streetcar, which runs from near the hotel (approximately 200 yards) the short distance to Ybor (ten minutes one way). Cost is $1.50 per ride or $3.00 for a 24-hour pass. The streetcar runs until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.  A shuttle swift between the Hyatt and the Centro Asturiano is also planned (approximately five to ten minutes’ drive).

For those that choose to drive, parking can be found for $8.00 a day in city garages. Please note that a surcharge is applied if you enter the garage after 10pm or leave before 5am.  The Hyatt has parking available.

Q:      "How much will this cost me?"
A:      The exact cost for C:12 cannot be given at this time. Rest assured that we are cheap bastards (socialism may be great for the people, but it’s hell on the pocketbook) and will haggle and bargain to get you the best value for your Convergence dollar. Tampa is an inexpensive city on the whole, and drinks in the clubs rarely run over $5.00. Cover for most clubs likewise runs $6.00 or less (and we will attempt to negotiate discount or free admission for laminate-holders for those attendees who want to see the local nightlife). Ybor City has a plethora of cheap dining options, running the gamut from local Cuban restaurants to typical chains.

Q:      "Where are we going to crash?"
A:      We will bunk in opulent decadence at the Hyatt Regency (http://tamparegency.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml), but for the Proletariat-friendly sum of $120 per night, regardless of how many komrades bed down together.  For those with plans for expansion, suites will be available, ranging from $199 to $395 per night.

Q:        “Will events be open to the public?”
A:        All nighttime C:12 events will be the exclusive domain of the attendees.  No laminate, no love.  During the day, events like the Vendors’ Bazaar and the various tours will be open to the public.

Q:      "But what about the children?"
A:      Tampa is extremely friendly for those under 21. Clubs are 18 and up. Daytime events will be, for the most part, all-ages.


+ Komrades-in-Arms

- Rafe ([livejournal.com profile] etcet) – Minister of Propaganda (PR, Venue Liaison, Garish Skirts)
- AngelSil ([livejournal.com profile] angel_renewed) – Minister of Policy Direction (Bright Ideas, Token Communist)
- TheOneBob ([livejournal.com profile] theonebob) – Minister of Subliminal Messages (Band/DJ Liaison, Subterfuge)
- MPeace ([livejournal.com profile] mpeace) – Minister of Electronic Propaganda (Web Design, Vodka Dissipation)


Convergence is about you, the attendee.  If you have any questions, comments, or concerns that we haven't addressed here, please let us know at convergencetampa AT gmail.


Onward, to Victory!
Date/Time: 2005-05-07 03:37 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] angldst.livejournal.com
YAY. So glad y'all are bidding again!

*hugs*

-d
Date/Time: 2005-05-07 13:39 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] etcet.livejournal.com
We had all but shelved our plans altogether, but I spent all weekend at C11 fielding questions about our bid (both last year's, and the potential for this year's). That show of interest and support was a huge reason why we're back in the ring this time around.
Date/Time: 2005-05-07 08:23 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] lucybond.livejournal.com
Hmmm, if non-black clothing gets confiscated, I'll be in trouble...
Date/Time: 2005-05-07 13:36 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] etcet.livejournal.com
As any student of history knows, the communists are often called "Reds."

And, really, I can't do much confiscating. . . there are only two closets back at Gothopia Moon Base Alpha North, and they're already full. ;-)
Date/Time: 2005-05-07 13:31 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] tylorael.livejournal.com
Thank you, thank you, thank you. :-)
Date/Time: 2005-05-07 13:37 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] etcet.livejournal.com
Spread the word, Komrade. :-)
Date/Time: 2005-05-07 14:22 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] avariael.livejournal.com
Holy crap, it's a weekend I get off anyway. Word. That's so awesome :> Best of luck! I only get 5 days of vacation/personal/sick time a year, so I gotta use them wisely you know? :
Date/Time: 2005-05-07 14:43 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] etcet.livejournal.com
*grins*

Let it not be said that we don't try to put as many things to our advantage as we can. . . *G*
Date/Time: 2005-05-07 23:49 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] poisongirl.livejournal.com
In case I haven't said it enough, you know where my loyalties lie.
Huzzah and stuff!
Date/Time: 2005-05-09 13:32 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] etcet.livejournal.com
let the ceremonial arm-twisting begin! *laugh*
Date/Time: 2005-05-09 21:20 (UTC)Posted by: [identity profile] poisongirl.livejournal.com
What about ceremonial nipple twisting? Or would that be too personal? ;-)

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