General Information

Table of Contents

 

Hotel Information

Fair Warning: You should reserve rooms for a convention or conference well in advance. Rooms are blocked off up to one month prior to OwlCon. If you think you will need a room at OwlCon, please book them at least a month in advance. The rate we secure is as little as one-third of what you will pay if you wait until the last minute and with the nature of the medical center area, you might not be able to get a room at all at the last minute.

This year, we are recommending the following hotel:

Residence Inn
7710 Main
Houston, Texas

Phone number: 713.351.1000

Tell them you are reserving the room at the "Rice University Rate". Basically, we have secured the Rice University rate for our event. If you have trouble making a reservation, contact the Director of OwlCon.

  • $79 Studio Queen - Queen-sized bed and a sleeper sofa
  • $89 Studio Double - Two double beds
  • Occupancy - Residence Inn does not charge based on occupancy, but maximum occupancy for a room is four occupants.

Perks:

  • Hot breakfast buffet everyday
  • All rooms are full suites
  • Grocery store and 24-hour pharmacy within walking distance
  • Shuttle to Rice University
    • Fri 0630-2100*
    • Sat 1000-2000*
    • Sun 1000-2000*

* - We are working on getting the shuttle schedule expanded to accommodate our attendees.

When, Where, and How Much?

Convention Start: Friday, February 7, 2003. Registration opens at 6:00 PM. Gaming starts at 8:00 PM.
Convention End: Sunday, February 9, 2003. Gaming ends at 7:00 PM, doors close at 8:00 PM.
Location: Rice University's RMC/Ley Student Center (see also our Maps & Directions Page)

Note: Our policy is one overall fee for the convention. Individual events do not have an additional attendance fee.

Convention Admission (prices subject to change)

  • At the door
    • Weekend pass, standard - $20 ($16 students)
    • Weekend pass, special events* - $28 ($24 students)
    • One day pass, standard - $16 ($14 students)
    • One day pass, special events* - $20 ($18 students)
  • Preregistration
    • Weekend pass, standard - $16
    • Weekend pass, special events* - $24
    • One day pass, standard - $14
    • One day pass, special events* - $18

* - Special Events: You must have a Special Events pass to play in any event described as a Special Event. This will be noted in the individual event descriptions and a summary can be found here.

Note: payment at the door must be in the form of cash or check. ATMs are available in the student center as needed.

Rice Discount: We offer a 50% discount to anyone with a valid Rice University ID.

Anime & Movies

Yes, we plan to have both. A schedule will be posted here close to the convention date with more details.

Party!

We will be having our usual informal gathering to socialize and decompress Saturday night. We are taking over Willy's Pub this year, mainly because it will be a lot easier for folks to locate. Any valid convention pass will grant admittance. Affordable beverages and some free light snacks will be available. We started this in 2001 and it's slowly becoming an OwlCon tradition. Come kick back and get social with some fellow gamers!

Links

Old OwlCon Web Pages

Local Conventions

 

Mailing & Shipping Address For OwlCon

For US Mail, use:


Rice University
Fast Warp MS 526
PO Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892

ATTN OwlCon

For Fed Ex and UPS
(those that require a street address):

Rice University
c/o Fast Warp
Clubs Office - MS 526
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005-1892

ATTN OwlCon


 

Convention Hours

OwlCon will begin at 6:00 PM Friday and continue until 8:00 PM Sunday.  Aside from Live Action Role-Playing, the 24-hour open gaming room, and the party in Valhalla, OwlCon will occur in the Rice Student Center. The hours of OwlCon in the Student Center will be:

Convention Building Hours Primary Gaming Slots Dealers' Hours*
Fri 1800-0200
Sat 0900-0200
Sun 0900-2100

Fri 2000-2400
Sat 1000-1400
Sat 1500-1900
Sat 2000-2400
Sun. 1000-1400
Sun. 1500-1900

 Fri 1800-2400
Sat 0900-2400
Sun 0900-1800
* - Dealers are welcome to close their booths at any time; interested customers may wish to verify the hours of individual dealers.

Special time slots

  • Warhammer Tournament, Sat 1000-1800
  • Convention Party (Valhalla), Sat 2000-0200