It's Time to Get Your Tickets for DragonCon 2008!

DragonCon 2008 will take place August 29-September 1st in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the 22nd year for DragonCon! And, since registration is already up over last year's jam-packed convention, this year the convention will take place in four hotels instead of three, adding the Sheraton to the Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton. At this rate, one day the convention may just take over the entire downtown area!

Among the literally hundreds of guests taking part in over 35 Fan Tracks and more than 3500 hours of programming, DragonCon covers the Science Fiction and Fantasy universe.

Here, you will be able to not only attend panels and events with many of your favorite actors and authors, but you will also be able to meet them and talk to them on the Walk of Fame and in the Autograph area.

This year, from television and movies we have Gareth David Lloyd, who plays Ianto Jones on Torchwood; both Sulu and Chekhov from Star Trek (Walter Koenig and George Takei,) Michael Rosenbaum, Smallville's Lex Luthor, and James Marsters, formerly of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel and now a recurring character on Torchwood.

The last time James Marsters was at DragonCon, I was working security and we had to discourage teenage girls from camping overnight in front of the doors to the ballroom where he was to appear the next afternoon! This year, early remarks at the DragonCon staff meetings seem to indicate that Gareth David Lloyd and Michael Rosenbaum may be rivals.

For the fans of the paranormal, DragonCon has a huge and very popular X Track, and returning guests this year include Patrick Burns of TruTV's Haunting Evidence and Jason, Grant and Steve from the Sci-Fi Channel's hugely popular Ghosthunters.

Lovers of Sci-Fi and fantasy literature will be thrilled to have the chance to meet and interact with authors such as Harry Turtledove, Anne McCaffrey (health permitting), Laurell K. Hamilton, and Sherrilyn Kenyon.

In addition to the literary and media stars, there's a parade, the Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant, live music all day and late into the night, the opportunity to buy things you never knew you wanted and can't live without in the Dealer's Room. Exhibit Hall and Art Show, and tons of other activities, plus thousands of costumed people all over the place to keep your camera snapping and your head whipping around.

Last year, there were way over 30,000 people at DragonCon and over 400 guests. This year, there will probably be even more, but we have a whole new hotel to spread the crowd around.

Yes, expect long lines and some disappointments. Yes, it's no place to be if you're claustrophobic. But for everything you miss because of the lines, there are a hundred other things to choose from.

Hurry and get your reservations now! Until May 15, all four days and all this programming costs only $65! Then the price will jump to $75 until July 15, after which it will cost you $90, still a bargain for 4 full days, but why wait??

If you would like to do what my husband and I have done for the last twelve years and get in for free (after the first year: the first year will cost you $25,) consider volunteering. There's nothing like being right in the middle of the action and knowing you're helping make it happen. As of yesterday's staff meeting (May 4, 2008) Security still needed 60-70 people and Information Services also needed people. You can find out more at the DragonCon website and apply there if interested.