Announcement: Sectus 2007

Sun Sep 3 19:47:29 UTC 2006

Sectus 2007 is an unofficial Harry Potter conference being held in London
from 19-22 July 2007.

This is a unique opportunity to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Harry
Potter books in the country where it all began.  Sectus will be held in the
heart of the capital, close to Regent's Park and within easy walking
distance of Oxford Circus, Madame Tussaud's and King's Cross.

Sectus will comprise a varied mixture of academic papers, panels, informal
discussions and workshops.  We already have Steve Vander Ark, creator of the
Harry Potter Lexicon, confirmed as a guest speaker, and some exciting
proposals lined up from all areas of fandom.

Call for Papers

For the academic side of the programming, we're seeking papers on a wide
range of topics - the following are just some suggested themes:
*
- Science and technology.* Can science be said to exist in the Wizarding
World, and if so, how far does it reflect our real-world knowledge? Is magic
bound by the laws of physics

*- Mythology, alchemy and symbolism.* How myths and legends support
Rowling's storytelling, and how an examination of alchemical theory and
symbolism can help us unravel the secrets within the text

*- Education*. The portrayal of education in the Wizarding World, the
effective use of Rowling's books in real-world education and is the 'reading
revolution' a myth?

*- Social and political issues*. Explorations of class, race, gender and
sexuality in the narrative, the Wizarding World and/or derived fan works.

-  *Fandom history*. From paper to screen - how would the HP fandom have
fared without the internet, and what lies ahead for the fandom after the
publication of the seventh book?

*- Fandom issues. * Staying on the right side of international law, fan
fiction vs. fan art, gender and the fan community.

Proposals for papers on these or other topics, or for any other events,
should be sent to submissions at sectus.org.  Full guidelines for submission
can be found at http://www.sectus.org/programme.php

The deadline for submitting proposals is 31st January 2007.

Extra-curricular activities:

As well as the academic side of the conference, we will be running a unique
Wizarding Tournament.  This is open to all attendees, and will consist of
three tasks, culminating in a treasure hunt around London.

At the centre of the tournament will be Not the Yule Ball, a formal dinner
and opportunity for some well-mannered frivolity.  Entertainment will be
provided by ZHL Strings, a string quartet renowned for their energetic
performances.  Tickets are not included in the registration price, and will
be on sale soon.

Outside the conference:

For those who want to extend their trip into a full holiday, we're offering
two options.

Starting on 14th July 2007, we will be running a series of sighseeing trips
and activities designed to help you make the most out of your stay in
London.  As well as the usual sights, we're planning a themed medieval
banquet and a cruise down the Thames.  All suggestions are accepted: please
email info at sectus.org with your preferences.

Also in the works is a trip to Alnwick Castle, better known as Hogwarts from
the first two films.  This trip is to be held on Wednesday July 18th, and
will include a tour of all the filming locations in the castle, lunch in the
castle restaurant, organised games and a themed gift bag.  Tickets for this
trip will be on sale shortly: please watch the website and/or LJ community
(sectus_2007) for details.

All pre-conference events will be organised on an informal basis, and are
subject to availability and demand.  Payment for some events may be required
in advance.

If you're looking for a way to relax after a busy conference weekend in
London, you might be interested in our Residential Course.

>From Monday 23rd July until Sunday 29th, we will have exclusive use of a
bunkhouse in an isolated part of Snowdonia, North Wales.  As well as the
academic programming, which will consist of presentations and
roundtable-style discussions, there will be plenty of opportunity to relax
and explore your surroundings in one of the most unspoiled areas of Britain.

The cost of the Residential Course is £250 (payable in installments), which
includes travel to and from London, six nights' accommodation and all meals
for the duration of our stay.  Further details and a booking form are
available at http://www.sectus.org/residential.php

Please note that places on the Residential Course are extremely limited, so
book early to avoid disappointment.

Where your money goes

Sectus is completely non-profit and run entirely by volunteers.  Unlike
other conferences, everyone involved in running Sectus pays the same
registration, accommodation and travel as everyone else.

Any surplus resulting from the event, as well as any proceeds from our
Charity Auction, will go directly to Book Aid International, an organisation
who work to provide books to libraries, hospitals, refugee camps and schools
in the developing world.

We hope you will join us in supporting this worthy cause.

Registration and where to find out more

You can book for Sectus on our website, at
http://www.sectus.org/registration.php

Our special early booking rate of £45 is available only until 31st October
2006.

We have the following options for those wanting to be kept informed of
updates:

Our website: www.sectus.org
LJ announcements community: sectus_2007
LJ discussion community: sectus_chat

Additionally, all major announcements will be made to the HPfGU lists and
distributed to the major websites.  If you run a website and would like to
receive press releases, please email chair at sectus.org.

Everyone registered for the conference will receive our newsletter, The
Snake's Quill, direct to their inbox.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me directly, off-list.

I look forward to welcoming you to London next summer!

Regards

Elanor Isolda
Conference Chair
Sectus 2007

-- 
http://elanor-isolda.livejournal.com

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Harry Potter in London!  Register now for
Sectus 2007 at http://www.sectus.org

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