Official International Wrong Planet Conference / Festival

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Ok. Thank you very much.

I vote for Hollywood. Not that my unemployed parent self could swing it. I'm in MN
Though I'm talented in AV and resource/presenter coordination. Maybe I can assist from afar. The only way I could come would be if I could get paid. Yeah I know, right?

Very supportive of the idea, though.

This is a fabulous idea!

Perhaps we could branch this conference out into different domains...there would be a gallery for the visual artists, a musical, dramatic & comedy showcase, as well as educational sessions for speakers and presenters on the spectrum. All of this would be planned and presented by people on the spectrum. It would be great in terms of awareness and a great way to demonstrate our strength and capabilities as people in the autistic community.

I would definitely attend and do a session provided that some of the costs involved are paid for. Its all about the connections we make with each other...but unfortunately, money will be a factor in terms of whether people attend or not.

Hmm, I'd totally missed this thread until just now, but it sounds like a great idea. LV or LA are long drives from Seattle, but definitely doable, so I'll see if I can drum up some interest from my AS meetup group. We've got about 300 members of which 50 or so are in active rotation at any given time; I'll be seeing them in the next couple of weeks and see what they think.

My co-organizers and I have quite a bit of experience between us at doing live events for crowds of Aspies, so I'll also try to put our heads together for some ideas about how to handle a much larger scale event.

Hi, Alex: Why would you want to hold your conference in Hollywood or Las Vegas! How NT! Those aren't exactly aspie-friendly places. How about the Jersey Shore in September? Lots of motels with off-season rates and the sand and the sea.Even Atlantic City would be preferable to Las Vegas, and I'll bet there are more Wrong Planeteers living onthe East Coast than on the West.

I think this conference is a great idea.
Vegas in the summer or Hollywood otherwise seems best - I would go to either location.
The types of events mentioned seem very good.
I am interested in hearing more as details develop and would plan to go.

I absolutely disdain Las Vegas. I can't think of many more places that are as sensorily overwhelming. And anywhere near L.A. is going to be a challenge for a lot of people, either driving or trying to get there by bus. Most places west of the Mississippi have inadequate public transportation to work for a population where a significant number don't drive.

I think the arts angle: musicians, etc. is good. But I wonder just how much thought has been put thus far into making this relevant to everyone. I perform publicly, and have helped in planning some festivals, so I know I don't have as difficult a time as many on here as far as being around people, but I know I would be near or over the verge of a meltdown in any Las Vegas venue, so it doesn't sound like a nice environment for meeting new people. Having green space, trees, nature around a venue will go a long way to make it more sensorily friendly for many.

Thanks for doing this, Alex! My life is too messed up now to volunteer, but I think it is a wonderful idea and hope I can come.

Two suggestions: I think it would be better to have it in a less fast-paced environment. Do you know about the Asilomar Conference center in Monteray CA (I think that is the town it is in, or close.) I went to a small farm conference there once and it is a fantastic site. Lots of trees and quiet, close to the ocean. Dormatory facilities along with small and large conference rooms, kitchen and dining facilities. Plus lots of small motels nearby that cater to people attending events there. I believe it is owned and opperated by the University of California.

Also, I love the idea of a singles meeting event, but, could it please not be geared completely toward heterosexual meeting? There are a lot of us out here who are not looking for members of the opposite sex.

I just Googled Asilomar Conference Center. It is in Pacific Grove, CA . Here is the link:
http://www.visitasilomar.com/


Please check this place out. I think Aspies and Auties would be very comfortable there. I know I would be.

I just had a stop in Denver on a flight to another place and think that it would be a great place to consider for a convention, it's closer to the middle of the country to at the least people from the US would have an easier time visiting.

Wouldn't really make much difference for international members...

Anyway just thought I would throw it out there.

Not only would I be happy to go, but I would love to help if there is a way to do so (IM me if you are still looking for volunteers) I am guessing by now that people have contacted sponsors and companies that would like to set up booths or that sort of thing?

As for Vegas: definite sensory overload, but convention center space is about as cheap as it gets.

This. Idea. Is. one of THE GREATEST IDEA FOR A CONVENTION EVER!! ! Just one problem. How the hell is everybody on this website supposed to get to hollywood or vegas? I think it should be somewhere that's not so extreme, because many of us live all over the place, in other countries and states....IDK. Just a thought. Also speaking of that how is it expected that such a diverse gathering of people across such a disparate geographical and background distribution(LOL) supposed to even think of getting to someplace far where they will be for a little bit only? I am not saying, but I am saying!

Why not do it in Europe? There's a higher population density over a large area. More people should end up coming.

There are already autescape and autretreat, why do an other?

I'm all for the concept. My only question is about the choice of venue. I'd vote for Pacific Grove, as has been mentioned. But Alex states the location is not up for discussion. I'm curious as to why, but I also recognize that this is Alex's site. So... if Alex is going to be doing the major share of the organizing, I guess it's only fair that he chooses the location.