Black Friday may be over but to stay in the holiday mood, from now
through December 31, 2009, you will get a $5 gift certificate for use
at the Infinitus merchandise table when you buy a regular
registration, upgrade to Merlin's Circle or add on a keynote luncheon.

So this holiday season, pick up an Infinitus registration for yourself
or a friend - or treat yourself and a friend to lunch next July!

  HPEF and Infinitus welcome scholars and fans of all origins to
explore the mysteries and questions buried in JK Rowling’s novels.
Anyone who wishes to deepen their knowledge of and appreciation for
the books, explore their influence on our culture, or simply bask in
one of the largest and most influential fan followings ever assembled
will find a home at Infinitus. By combining the elements of an
academic conference and a fan convention, Infinitus will offer an
opportunity to investigate, deconstruct, discuss, and illustrate these
future classics in the company of fellow enthusiasts.

If you are interested in submitting a panel, paper or other
presentation, please see our  Call for Proposals (CfP) at
http://www.infinitus2010.org/cfp.html - and if you sign up for our
newsletter at http://www.infinitus2010.org/index.html you'll get the
latest information on events, programming and submission details.

Will there be fanfic readings? A gallery? Wizard rock? Podcasts?
Cosplay? Meetups? Quidditch?

Yes. Details about all those things are forthcoming, so please sign up
for our newsletter and keep checking the website for more!

And yes, there will also be events and fun in Universal Studios
Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.

Infinitus takes place from July 15 - 18, and is geared for those ages
14 and up; information about the separate kids' track will be coming
soon.

Questions? Email us at info@..., and we'll see you next July!

Episode 4 of HPEF Presents "Musicals and MoMs" is here.

http://tinyurl.com/hpefpresents4

On this episode of HPEF Presents we have not one but TWO interviews jam packed
with all things Infinitus.

First, Aziza interviews Darren Criss and Nick Lang from TeamStarKid, creators of
A Very Potter Musical. TeamStarKid will be at Infinitus this July and they've
got lots of surprises in store for us.

Second, Will joins Aziza to interview Jenn Clack - Minister of Magic for
Infinitus and the "mom" of the staff. A must-hear interview for anyone looking
for some pre-Infinitus squeeage!

*NOTE* Will MEANT to say Welcome to Episode 4. Our mistake!

If you have questions or comments about this episode or any other, feel free to
email us at pr@... or leave us a voicemail comment about your
excitement for Infinitus and we just might put it on an upcoming episode! The
number is (610) 523-0475. We'd love to hear from you!

Be sure to visit our website at www.infinitus2010.org.

Tomorrow, Team Infinitus will be listening in - and then on-site - as
Universal Studios Orlando makes some exciting announcements about the
Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Follow the news on our Twitter-feed
at http://www.twitter.com/HPEF - and don't forget that we've extended
the early-bird rate for INFINITUS 2010 registrations ($165) through
11:59 PM Eastern time on September 17, in case you want to wait to
make your reservation after the announcements have been made, and
before the price goes up to $185.

Please note that your registration will include two meals and access
to our Ball as well as all Formal Programming except for the Keynote
Luncheons (which can be purchased at a later date). Information about
park tickets will be available soon.

The website and link to registrations is at
http://www.infinitus2010.org - Infinitus will take place in at
Universal Studios Orlando at the Royal Pacific Hotel from July 15 -
18, 2010, and is the seventh event put on by HP Education Fanon, the
501(c)(3) behind Nimbus - 2003, The Witching Hour, Lumos, Prophecy,
Portus and Azkatraz.

Hope to see you next summer!

The feasts are sellouts. HBP is a sellout. The Art Dungeons are pretty
much full. The tables at the Craft Faire will be fully stocked. We
have tickets still remaining for Wrock Around the Rock, which benefits
the HP Alliance and Amnesty Intl., - http://www.tinyurl.com/WrockAz -
but it's selling pretty well. We've
filled - and overfilled - the schedule with amazing programming
sessions, Wrock bands, fanfic readings, author signings and more.

But there are two aspects of Azkatraz that are surprisingly
under-booked: Quidditch and the Masters of Potter Administration.

Our Quidditch tournament takes place from about 10 AM until around 3
PM at Golden Gate Park (with a lunch break from noon til about 1:30,
and there's still space on seven of the Fog Bowl Tournament teams -
but only people who sign up before 11:59 PM on Monday, June 29 will be
able to get personalized t-shirts. So head over to the website at
https://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Register/IdentityConfirmation.aspx?e=f819871c-99c\
e-45a7-9c71-28234ff6a033
and modify your registration to join the Alcatraz Birdmen, Chinatown
Dragons, Embarcadero Earthquakes, Folsom Falcons, Lombard Street
Zig-Zags, Presidio Pelicans or Sea Cliff Serpents. You can check out
each team's logo here [http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/99#logos] or
learn more about the Fog Bowl here [http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/99].

Then, on Monday, the Masters of Potter Administration programming
track [http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/13] will be taking place over at
ZEUM a few blocks from the Parc55 Hotel. The MPA track includes
breakfast, a lunchtime Q&A with the MPA speaker of your choice, a
cocktail reception, and six hours of specialty programming focused on
business and legal issues related to the Harry Potter industry and
fandom.

The MPA - including the meals - will cost $130 without a
registration, $100 with a regular registration, and $75 for Merlin
Circle sponsors.

Among the presenters will be Time Magazine's book
critic Lev Grossman, Robin Burgener, creator of the 20Q and the 20Q
Snitch, Fred von Lohmann and Corynne McSherry of the Electronic
Freedom Foundation (eff.org), Elizabeth Bland, Exhibition Coordinator
at the National Library of Medicine, Denise Paolucci & Mark Smith,
founders of Dreamwidth, and Dr. Henry Jenkins, who starts with
U.S.C.'s Annenberg School in the fall. Check out the MPA schedule here
[http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/13#schedule]

And don't forget that you only have a few days left to register
online, or modify your registration to include tickets to Wrock Around
the Rock, Rupert Grint's new film Cherrybomb, Dessert with Chris
Rankin, or an Azkatraz t-shirt at pre-event prices.

We'll see you next month in San Francisco!

Gwen & Heidi on behalf of
Team Azkatraz
http://www.hp2009.org
http://www.hpef.net

Who wants a free registation to INFINITUS 2010?

AZKATRAZ volunteers have a chance to win a FREE registration to next
year's INFINITUS conference in Orlando, FL! For EVERY hour you work,
you get a raffle ticket that enters you to win (minimum 5 hours). The
MORE you volunteer, the more chances you get to WIN!

In addtion, volunteers get a FREE AZKATRAZ t-shirt, access to FREE
food from the volunteer room while on duty, plus a chance to make new
friends!

Winner of the free INFINITUS registration will be announced at the
LEAVING FEAST at AZKATRAZ!  Here is a list of open volunteer
positions:

     * Quidditch Tournament coordinator
     * Jail & Bail - Head Auror
     * Jail & Bail - Arresting Aurors
     * Common Room Coordinator
     * Decoration Specialists
     * Formal Programming Room Prefects
     * Formal Programming Head Boy/Girl
     * Security Patrol
     * Registration Team
     * Many more to come...

Don't miss out, email volunteerteam@... today for more
information! We've updated our Help Wanted page at
http://www.hp2009.org with more information, too

The price goes up to $165 in a few hours, so if you want to register
at the $145 rate, you need to do it soon! Visit http://www.hp2009.org
for more information, and to register.


- Heidi

We've posted about it on our website at
http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/85 but basically, we need a few days to
see if we need to re-organize anything regarding the movie showing and
Leaky Mug.

Keep your eye on http://www.hp2009.org/ and our twitter at
http://www.twitter.com/hpef for updates.


- Heidi

Spring is here, bringing us even closer to AZKATRAZ. Soon we will be posting
all the wonderful presentations that will be part of our formal programming.
We're sure that with it will come even more people wanting to register for
the full weekend of fun, beginning Friday morning and ending Tuesday.
AZKATRAZ can accomodate multitudes for the programming tracks, so there is
no need to worry about missing out on your favorite presentations even if
you or your friends can't yet register.

We have had such a tremendous response from everyone for seats at the
AZKATRAZ Welcoming Feast and Leaving Brunch that we are nearing the hotel's
capacity. These meals are included in your basic Full Registration and
Merlin's Circle levels. Our enlarging spells don't work on the banquet hall,
and thus we regret to say that we will have to cut off these levels of
registration at a combined total of 800. This leaves room for a few more
extra seats as well, for family or friends without a registration, or
additional special guests added closer to the event itself.

The kitchen elves are already getting the tables ready, and the remaining
seats won't last long, so get yours before they are claimed. To compensate
for those who still want to participate in the full weekend, we will be
adding a special 5-day pass as soon as we meet our capacity on the meals.
This 5-day pass will equal a full registration with the exception of the
meals, and thus will be available for a special reduced price of $130. Day
passes will continue to be available for $45 per day and you can still
purchase them for one, two or all three of the major programming days
(Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) with no disruption or change.

Again, thank you all for your overwhelming support and for making Azkatraz
the place to be this summer.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HPEF is excited to announce that Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley) will be
joining us at Azktraz*! Mr. Rankin will be at Azkatraz throughout the
weekend and will be presenting us with a Q&A session at *A Dessert with
Chris Rankin*.  This will take place on either Saturday or Sunday (exact
date and time to be announced in April). Tickets can be purchased by anyone
holding a full registration, a Merlin's Circle registration or a single-day
registration, and only 125 tickets are available! Enjoy a chocolate fountain
and mounds of other sweets, plus coffee, tea and lemonade, while
participating in a Q&A with Chris. After he speaks, he'll visit all the
tables as well.  Tickets are $65 through April 1, and go up to $75 through
June 30. If tickets are available at the door, they will cost $100 each.

In addition, Mr. Rankin will be participating in many more events at
Azkatraz, including autograph and photograph sessions on Saturday and
Sunday. More details will be announced in the near future; visit our website
at http://www.hp2009.org for more information about Azkatraz.

Be sure to register! Basic registration for Azkatraz is currently $145 and
will increase to $165 on April 15; we're also having a special Weasley Sale
on Masters of Potter Administration registrations, and you can visit
http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/13 for more information.


See you in San Francisco in July!


- Team Azkatraz


* All special guest appearances are subject to filming requirements; in the
unlikely event of cancellation of this guest, all monies paid for tickets to
the dessert and for photographs will be refunded within 30 days.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We've had a few requests for a short extension of the $145 rate - and when
we thought about it, we realised that we're able to extend this rate until
April 15, 2009.

So a full registration for AZKATRAZ remains at $145  - and for that price,
you have access to the Welcome Feast, the Leaving Feast,all Saturday through
Monday programming at the Parc55, pick-up Quidditch, the LeakyMug podcast,
admission to the Vendor Room and Gallery, Common Room, the Fandom Craft
Faire, the auction, in-hotel film showings, the Fun with Your Flock
meet-ups, the Podcasts, and a ticket to the Prison Break Ball. Plus,
registrants can purchase tickets to Wrock Around the
Rock<http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/48>,
the Claymation Workshop with Ryan at ZEUM, and our Keynote Lunches, and get
on the waiting list <http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/70> for HBP IMAX tickets.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We're only a few days away from a $20 increase in the price of a full
registration for Azkatraz. As of March 1, through May 31, the price goes up
to $165. So get your tickets now, and save the $20 to spend on something fun
in San Francisco.

We have decided to delay the increase in the cost of tickets to Wrock Around
the Rock <http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/48>; tickets will still cost $90 for
the soda bar and $115 for the full bar until midnight Pacific time on March
15, 2009, then rise to $100 for the soda bar and $125 for the full bar.


We are thrilled to annouce that the Creativity Is Magic Claymation
Workshops<http://community.livejournal.com/?q=node/40>at ZEUM on
Monday, July 20 will be hosted by none other than Ryan, creator
of the claymation fanfilm version of Deathly Hallows.

Groups of 4-5 will each design their own clay characters and then produce a
short animated film using multimedia tools. Groups will be set up ahead of
time and can use the HPEF Forums in late June and July to work together and
develop a story concept; on Monday, July 20, each group will spend nearly
two hours sculpting clay characters and filming a stop motion animation
movie. And each participant will leave Azkatraz with a clay figure or two,
and a claymation movie on DVD or flash drive.

We're going to have two sessions of 30 people each - one for registrants 16
years and up, from 9 til 11 in the morning, and one from 1:30 until 3:30 in
the afternoon for kids ages 8 to 16.

You can sign up when you register, or by modifying your registration
here<https://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Register/IdentityConfirmation.aspx?e=f819871\
c-99ce-45a7-9c71-28234ff6a033>at
https://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Register/IdentityConfirmation.aspx?e=f819871c-99c\
e-45a7-9c71-28234ff6a033;
the fee is $35 per person. Check Ryan's film out via
http://community.livejournal.com/kickin_azkatraz/18975.html#cutid1


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

As tickets are now sold out for the midnight showing of HBP in IMAX form, we
have a waiting list, since there may be a few more tickets available for the
film if people cancel their tickets or their overall registrations. Our
registrar, Sandy, is putting together a waiting list based on when people
email her their requests; please email her at sandy.goodson58 @
yahoo.com(without the spaces).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Late this week, we sold the last of the tickets to HBPIMAXSF, set to take
place at a minute after midnight on July 17. However, if anyone cancels
their registration, additional tickets may become available. We are putting
together a wait list, and people will be able to sign up for that later this
month, but we can't guarantee that any seats will come available that way.

The theater has not yet decided on their specific plans for a midnight
showing in a standard theater, but if they do, tickets will be available
directly from the theater, via our FANDANGO link, probably in June. They do
have a 500-seat theater where they think they will be showing the film.

Of course, anyone with a single-day or full registration for AZKATRAZ will
be able to go to the LeakyMug podcast after the film at the Parc55 Hotel,
even if they didn't go to the IMAX showing.

Tickets are still available for Friday night's WROCK AROUND THE
ROCK<http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/48>cruise around San Francisco Bay,
Monday's Claymation
Workshop <http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/40>, hosted by
Ryan<http://www.youtube.com/user/lecter63>,
the creator of the four-hour DH claymation fanfilm, video studio rental
times <http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/51>, the MPA programming tracks at
ZEUM, the bus trip <http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/43> to Comic-Con and many
more add-on activities.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Where the mist rolls across San Francisco Bay, from the Golden Gate to
Alcatraz, HP Education Fanon, Inc.'s 2009 conference - AZKATRAZ -
shakes things up with discussions, panels, insight, debates,
fan-creativity, wizard rock, and more! The programming focus of
Azkatraz explores the themes of justice and the choice between what is
right and what is easy, bringing the backdrop of Alcatraz / Azkaban to
the forefront of the real issues of social justice, gender equality,
tolerance, and due process, as they are reflected in the Harry Potter
books and the larger contexts of fandom and the world around us. We
seek proposals for papers, panels, roundtable discussions, and
workshops that relate to these themes, as well as proposals pertaining
to other areas of interest to the Harry Potter fan community.

     * GLBT issues
     * Gender roles, gaps and issues; heteronormativity and traditions in HP
     * Slash as an instrument of spreading tolerance
     * Justice and vengeance in the wizarding world
     * Marginalized cultures and people
     * Ministry for Magic's incompetence and willful blindness; The
Death Eaters' Regime
     * Parallels between Rowling's Wizarding World and historical practices
     * Shipping, character studies, fanfiction and other fandom-related topics
     * The business of HP – the films, merchandizing, and the series'
larger impact on media and culture
     * Copyright and fair use issues in fandom: fanfiction, fanart,
vidding, and publishing
     * Fanfiction to original fiction: making the jump from fandom to
published author.

We also welcome submissions outside these areas as well.

Presentation formats include, but are not limited to:

     * LECTURES - Lecture-style presentations on a chosen topic
typically involve one person lecturing and teaching in front of a
large audience, with Q & A time incorporated.
     * DISCUSSION PANELS - A discussion panel typically consists of a
few people presenting a topic and discussing and/or critically
analyzing it, preferably with a moderator to enforce structure and
order. The discussion panel should allow time for questions/comments
from the audience, or incorporate other means of audience
participation.
     * ROUNDTABLES - A roundtable chat is comprised of a group of
people having a structured discussion on a chosen topic, hosted by a
moderator.
     * WORKSHOPS - A workshop is a session that focuses on training and
teaching participants about a specific subject or skill. This format
generally consists of a small group of people instructing a large
group of participants.


Check out the Call for Papers, and submit your programming proposal,
at http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/6 or email questions to info @
hp2009.org (without the spaces).

More information about Azkatraz - set to take place in San Francisco
from July 17 - 21, 2009 at the Parc55 Hotel - is available at
http://www.hp2009.org .


- Heidi
Team Azkatraz

Given the ice storms and power failures across parts of the United
States this week, we've extended the programming submission deadline
to 11:59 PM, San Francisco time, on February 9, 2009.

And to cap off the count-down to the submission deadline, we'll be
hosting a chat on Saturday, January 31st from noon EST to 3:00 PM
(noon PST) and from 9:00 PM until midnight (EST) - follow the
instructions we'll put on our home page that morning - and again from
12 noon EST to 3:00 PM (noon PST) on Sunday, February 1st. Come in any
time and one of the chairs or programming committee chairs will answer
your questions about panels, roundtables, papers and workshops, help
you brainstorm or draft your summary, talk about content for bios, and
more.

Please let us know if you have any questions, and for more information
about AZKATRAZ, set to take place in San Francisco in tandem with the
release of HBP: The Movie from July 17 - 21, 2009, visit
http://www.hp2009.org -
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=11207479955 -
http://azkatraz.livejournal.com .

*Rylly Elf wanders into the room, Santa hat askew and butterbeer in
hand*

Umm... excuse me good misses and sirs. We is having a party and was
wondering if you would care to join us in a glass of butterbeer. We is
celebrating the holidays and understand that some of you have holidays
to celebrate, too.

List Elves appreciate all our list members, without you we would be
List Elves looking for work. In appreciation for all you do to make the
HPFGU family such a fun place, we'd like to offer a toast to all of you
and your families at this celebratory (see, I is knowing big words!)
time of year.

*passes around plates of goodies and opens the bar to get butterbeer
for all*

The List Elves wish all our members the best of the holiday season and
many blessings for the coming New Year!

Earn your "Master of Potter Administration"

This year at Azkatraz, we're adding a full day of programming we're calling the
"Master of Potter Administration" or MPA. On Monday, July 20, we'll offer
sessions on all the ways that the Harry Potter global phenomenon has affected
business, law, marketing, and the world outside literature. Following the Susan
Gunelius keynote breakfast, three morning sessions, a keynote lunch, and several
break-out sessions in the afternoon will make up the day, which will be held at
Zeum, just blocks away from the Parc 55 San Francisco Hotel. The day will
conclude with a networking reception for MPA participants. Monique Trottier,
last year's keynote speaker, is organizing this special programming day. Leslie
Cobermale of ArtInsights will be there to discuss the art of Mary Grandpre,
including her Beedle the Bard cover art. In addition, the creations of the Harry
Potter edition 20Q will talk trivia. We are also pursuing presentations from
Silicon Valley companies and
  select Potter licensees on the impact of the Harry Potter series on their
business, and related topics.

The MPA is available as a single-day registration for $130, as an add-on to the
Full Registration for $100, and as an add-on to the Merlin Circle for $75. 
Click below to register or modify your registration:

https://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Register/IdentityConfirmation.aspx?e=f819871c-99c\
e-45a7-9c71-28234ff6a033


Don't forget: the Programming Deadline is coming up at the end of January!
Programming is the centerpiece of our events, but we can't present anything that
someone doesn't propose! If you want to see a round table about Beedle the Bard
- propose it! If you want a panel examining the moral lessons of Harry Potter -
Propose It! If you feel compelled to convince everyone you know that your OTP is
the cats: Propose It! If you have meta on your LJ, or meta masquerading as fic,
or an idea that might become meta - Propose It! It's easy; it's fun; and it
makes your pet theories a central part of the action!

For more information, read and respond to the Call for Proposals here:
http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/6



Gwendolyn Grace
Minister of Magic
Azkatraz

Does your wrock band want to make a video?

Does your podcast want to try vid-casting?

Does your RPG want to move into cosplaying?

Do you and your fellow cosplayers want to do some live-action role-playing?

Do you want to turn your fanfic into a short film?

Are you ready to get creative?

Book some studio time at ZEUM on Monday, July 20, as part of
Creativity Is Magic Day (sponsored by FictionAlley) and have fun
working with a two camera setup, using the green screen, and playing
with the special effects in the editing bay.

We'll be recording everything, and you'll leave Azkatraz with a flash
drive or DVD of the magic you created in the ZEUM video studio.

The cost is $50 for 25 minutes, $100 for 55 minutes. First come, first
served in scheduling - times are available from 9:00 AM until 5:30 PM,
and the instructions for reserving time can be viewed during the
registration process. Full registrants, Merlin's Circle registrants
and those holding a registration for only Monday are able to reserve
studio time.

Today, Azkatraz reminds you to make your hotel reservations. You can reserve
your room via our website:

http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/4

If you are planning to arrive earlier than July 13 or stay later than July 21,
you may have to call the hotel to make your reservation. Rooms are available!
But to ensure you get the AZKATRAZ rate, if the online room reservation form
doesn't come up, call them at 800.595.0507 and they can assist you.

Also, if you have more than 2 people in your room, you are not supposed to be
charged an extra person rate. However, the online system has a fault and may
apply the surcharge. Again, you can either call the hotel at 800.595.0507 to
make your reservation or simply list only 2 occupants and expand your room when
you check in (although we recommend calling to make sure you get two beds in the
room).

Looking for a roommate? Go to our roomshare message board:

http://www.hpef.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28

and find someone to share your Azkatraz experience!

In conjunction with HP Alliance, and in support of Amnesty
International, HPEF is taking wizard rock into San Francisco Bay with
WROCK AROUND THE ROCK, a four-hour cruise featuring wrock, games, and
a tour of Alcatraz from the water.

There will be food, an open bar (three hour open bar with alcohol
available for a small additional fee), and music from Brian from the
Draco Malfoys, The Remus Lupins, The Whomping Willows, The House of
Black, Ministry of Magic and more!

Also, we'll have one deck on the yacht that's music-free, with space
for games, conversation and, of course, food!

NOTE: We need to sell at least 300 tickets by the beginning of March
for the cruise to happen. If we don't, we'll give full refunds and
find another way to wrock out on Friday night, but it won't be
anywhere near as fantastic as WROCK AROUND THE ROCK could be!

You can purchase up to four tickets now if you have a one-day, full or
Merlin's Circle registration; if there are still tickets available,
we'll open purchases to the general public in February, 2009.

Cost - $75 for the first 150 registrants, $90 once we hit 150
registrants, through March 1, $100 thereafter. (If you're over 21, you
can add the full-bar option for $25 any time before July 1; we'll be
adding it as a separate option in late January, and if you have a WATR
ticket, it cannot sell out.)

Check out the poster at http://www.hp2009.org/images/wrock/Poster.jpg
and learn more about the event at our FAQ at
http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/42

Hope to see you at Azkatraz next summer!

Comic-Con International, one of the largest conventions in
the world, will take place in San Diego, California, from July 23-26, right
after Azkatraz ends. Don't miss this perfect opportunity to take in two
completely different con experiences in one west-coast trip.

And what better way to travel to Comic-Con but in HP
Fantrips' own <s>night</s> tour bus? The trip will leave on
Wednesday morning very early and arrive at Comic-Con that evening, with a
stop-over at the Warner Brothers studio to take a two-hour tour of their
museum. You can get over your post-con depression by visiting artifacts from
the "Harry Potter" movies and then…going to four more days of con!

The cost of the trip is $200 per person and includes lunch
and admission to the VIP tour at Warner Brothers Studios. Seats are limited, so
sign up while you can!

(Remember, you have to register for Comic-Con separately.
But you'll arrive in time for the Preview Night.)

Learn more at http://www.hp2009.org/?q=node/33

In the days leading up to the winter holidays, Team Azkatraz has
twelve announcements to make.  Some announcements will be about new
things you can sign up for at Azkatraz, others will be about ways to
give Azkatraz-ian gifts, or volunteer, or get to San Francisco - and
there's more!

We'll be crossposting to the following pages/sites:
http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/hpef-events
http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/hpfgu-convention
http://twitter.com/HPEF
http://azkatraz.livejournal.com
http://kickin_azkatraz.livejournal.com
http://www.hpef.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=26
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=11207479955
http://www.hp2009.org/?q=rss.xml
And, of course, http://www.hp2009.org

This is the only post we'll be making this month elsewhere.

Today's announcement?

A Claymation Workshop on Monday, July 20, 2009 at ZEUM.

Fictionalley and ZEUM are partnering with AZKATRAZ for Creativity is
Magic Day at ZEUM, and one of the activities you can sign up for is
the Claymation Workshop.

Learn the basics of stop-motion animation in this project-based
workshop. Groups of 4-5 will each design their own clay characters and
produce a short animated film using multimedia tools. Groups will be
set up ahead of time and can use the HPEF Forums in late June and July
to work together and develop a story concept. On Monday, July 20,
2008, each group will spend nearly two hours sculpting clay characters
and filming a stop motion animation movie.  Each participant will
leave AZKATRAZ with a clay figure or two and a claymation movie on DVD
or flash drive.

We're going to have two sessions of 30 people each - one for
registrants 16 years and up, from 9 til 11 in the morning, and one
from 1:30 until 3:30 in the afternoon for kids ages 8 to 16.

You can sign up when you register, or by modifying your registration
at
https://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Register/IdentityConfirmation.aspx?e=f819871c-99c\
e-45a7-9c71-28234ff6a033
.

HPEF is celebrating Black Friday and CyberMonday for the first time!

You can save ten dollars on your new AZKATRAZ registration (full
registration, MPA or Merlin's Circle only), *or* on an upgrade from any
lower-level registration (single-day or full registration) to a higher-level
registration. This discount will last from a minute after midnight on
Friday, November 28, 2008 (Eastern Standard Time) until 11:59 PM on Monday,
December 1, 2008 (Eastern Standard Time).

To qualify for the savings, register or modify your registration this
weekend and use the coupon code CYBRWKND when you check out. This offer can
only be used for registrations paid by a credit card or PayPal. Payment must
be recieved by 11:59 PM on Monday, December 1, 2008 (Eastern Standard Time).

Purchase a new registration for yourself or a friend, add the Masters of
Potter Administration (MPA) session, or upgrade to a Merlin's Circle
registration, and save.

Also, anyone who registers during the CYBRWKND sale period will receive a
shiny AZKATRAZ keychain, which can also be used as an inventive Christmas
tree ornament. (Check it out here:
http://pics.livejournal.com/nqdonne/pic/000bphse )

Click here to learn more about AZKATRAZ, set to take place in San Francisco
from July 17 - 21, 2009 - http://www.hp2009.org

Click here to register:
https://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Register/IdentityConfirmation.aspx?e=f819871c-99c\
e-45a7-9c71-28234ff6a033


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The first issue of The Informant, the official Newsletter for Azkatraz
2009, is now available on the Azkatraz Website <http://www.hp2009.org/>
!!

In this Issue:

Half-Blood Prince Movie and a Special Podcast Event!
Artistic APB! Wanted: Dungeon of Art Submissions!
Calling all Costumers and Models!
How can I stay up to date with AZKATRAZ?
Do You Know San Francisco?
Help Wanted!
Volunteer Rap Sheet

Want to receive the Newsletter as soon as it's released by email? Then
be sure to sign up on our Website!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Books of the proceedings of Accio 2008, a Harry Potter literary
conference held 25-27 July 2008 at Magdalen College, Oxford, are now
available for purchase at a price of £10 plus postage. Please visit
http://www.accio.org.uk/ for ordering information.

Phyllis Morris
Co-Chair, Accio 2008

We are proud to announce Aetherica, a new fantasy convention to take
place in Chester, England on the weekend of June 19th – 21st, 2009.

Organised by some of the same people who brought you Sectus 2007, with
additional talent from Accio 2005, the Tolkien Society and the British
SF community, Aetherica will cover Harry Potter, Tolkien and
everything from traditional fairy tales to modern fantasy epics.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel in the medieval city of Chester will play host
to a weekend of diverse fantasy-themed programming, ranging from
presentations and panels to craft workshops and team building
activities. Just as fantasy ranges from fairy tales to complex epics,
So Aetherica will offer everything from in-depth literary analysis to
whimsical games.

Guests of honour include Peter Beagle, a superb author best known for
his novel, The Last Unicorn who has been described as "America's
greatest living fantasist," and Joe Abercrombie, a critically
acclaimed new talent whose books have been labelled as "edgy",
"humorous" and "compelling, with a gritty, real-life feel."

Join us at midsummer 2009, and spend a weekend celebrating all that is
magical.

Current membership rates are:
Adults: £35 (until November 16th 2008)
Juniors (5-18): £25
Infants (under 5): £5
Please see our website (www.aetherica.org/faq) for more details on the
rates and price rises.

For more information about the convention, to join or to book a hotel
room, see www.aetherica.org or drop us a line.

Elanor

Hi from Team Azkatraz.

We just posted some "job openings" for positions on Team Azkatraz on
our forum - http://www.hpef.net/forums/showthread.php?p=6221#post6221
- as well as on our livejournal (azkatraz.livejournal.com) and
Facebook ( http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=11207479955 ).

If you're interested in any of those positions, please send your
resume along with your email address and an instant messaging username
on AOL, Yahoo and/or Google, if you have one, to
volunteerteam@... - and include the position title in the
subject line. You can also email volunteerteam@... with any
questions, or ask in the forums.

See you in San Francisco next summer!

Heidi
Team Azkatraz

http://www.hp2009.org
Kickin' Azkatraz from
July 17 - 21, 2009

Check it out!

www.hpportkey.com

For Immediate Release (July 31, 2008)
HP Education Fanon, Inc. (HPEF <http://www.hpef.net/> ) proudly
announces Azkatraz! <http://www.hp2009.org/>
The event formerly known as "Level Two" has undergone an extreme
makeover and is now Azkatraz. New city; new dates; new ideas; new team:
One incredible event!
Azkatraz <http://www.hp2009.org/>  will be held July 18-21, 2009, in San
Francisco, California. Details including hotel, registration rates, and
schedule to follow.
The team of organizers brings together our twin populations of academics
and fans in perhaps our most exciting matchup yet. Formal Programming is
headed by Emma Grant, NQ Donne, and Flourish, who among them have years
of fandom experience, academic credentials, and writing credit. Our
theme, "The Choice Between What is Right and What is Easy," brings the
backdrop of Alcatraz / Azkaban to the forefront of the real issues of
social justice, gender equality, tolerance, and due process, as they are
reflected in the Harry Potter books and the larger contexts of fandom
and the world around us. There will also be programming focused on the
analysis and integration to canon of the forthcoming "Tales of Beedle
the Bard" collections from Scholastic, Bloomsbury, and Amazon.
New to the 2009 HPEF symposium will be a one-day MPA program —
"Master of Potter Administration" — which will focus on the ways in
which Harry Potter has impacted business and industry, including
marketing, online ordering, special effects, and more. The track will
run alongside our regular programming, but will feature breakfast, a
special luncheon speaker, and a brief networking reception at the end of
the day. As with all our educational programming, HPEF will endeavor to
make continuing education credit or certification available to anyone
who attends.
Our Informal Programming plans, as implemented by Lauren Johnson, Jodie
Baird, and their excellent team, promise to provide endlessly diverting
ways to understand and interpret Harry Potter's world and the world of
fandom. Proposed events include a History of Wizarding Fashion Show, a
ghost tour and Death Eaters' reception on Alcatraz (no Dark Mark
required!), a pre-event Mixer/Mingler on Friday night before our
official start, the return of the highly successful Fandom Swap Meet,
Common Room programming, and a special concert to "Wrock the Rock".
Also returning next year will be our continued Young Adult Authors'
Readings series, Quidditch, the Ball, Podcasts, the Art Gallery and
auction, cosplay, Cinema Alley, "Diagon" Alley and of course, the chance
to see and hang out with all your fan friends.
We still have many staff positions available, including everything from
Decorations to Registration to Common Room. All positions are volunteer
only, with modest perks. For more information or to volunteer, please
join our Yahoo Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/azkatraz_volunteers>
or our Live Journal <http://community.livejournal.com/kickin_azkatraz> .
You can also see our MySpace <www.myspace.com> , Facebook
<www.facebook.com> , InsaneJournal
<http://asylums.insanejournal.com/azkatraz/> , and Journalfen
<http://www.journalfen.net/community/azkatraz/>  accounts, and view the
official Azkatraz website at http://www.hp2009.org.
See our official Press Release here
<http://www.prweb.com/releases/harrypotter/conference/prweb1166034.htm>
!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We are thrilled to announce an addition to Portus 2008's Gallery programming.


THE MAGIC OF VISUAL STORYTELLING:  OFFICIAL ART OF HARRY POTTER

Leslie Combemale, owner of ArtInsights Animation and Film Art Gallery
hosts a discussion about the positive impact of art on the success of
the  arry Potter book series and franchise worldwide.  The cover art
by Mary  GrandPre, whom she has represented in an exclusive release of
the book cover limited editions, as well as other artists involved
with the  representation of the Harry Potter story line and
characters.   She will discuss the art of GrandPre, the influence of
design elements from the history of art for each cover, how Mary and
JK Rowling worked together, the creative process, and the development
of cover and image design for the Harry Potter series.  The art of
Mary GrandPre will be on display as part of these discussions.


Leslie Combemale, owner of ArtInsights Animation and Film Art Gallery,
  has been representing animation, film and illustrative art since she
was 21, (a goodly while...) and in her art gallery in Reston, Virginia
for 14 years.  She recently had a month long worldwide first release
of the new limited editions by Mary GrandPre of the covers from Harry
Potter, and represented her original illustrations exclusively, as
well as the work of John Alvin, Fred Bode, Jim Salvati and other
artists who were chosen by JK Rowling to develop the visual landscape
of the HP world.

This program will take place in the Portus Gallery from 10:30 until
11:30 AM on Friday, July 11, and Ms Combemale will also host a Q&A
about Mary GrandPre's art that afternoon. Admission to this session is
included with all full-event passes to Portus, as well as Friday-only
passes. You can purchase either type of registration via the Portus
site at http://www.portus2008.org/registration.htm or click that url
to add additional options, such as a tea or dessert gathering, to your
registration.


- Heidi for Portus 2008