Registration for Infinitus 2010, the next major HPEF, Inc. Harry Potter conference, is now open!
I’m telling you all about this one way in advance, so that you have plenty of time to plan and save. Infinitus will take place July 15-18, 2010. Right now, you can get the early bird special: until September 7, registration for Infinitus is only $165.
Oh, and did I mention it’s in Orlando, Florida, at the site of the new Harry Potter theme park?
You can’t miss this. Register!

Presentation and panel summaries: How Half-Bloods Became Purebloods; The Postmodern Potions Master; The Life of Severus Snape; Not So Happily Ever After
I’m working on arranging a Hog’s Head Meet-up at Azkatraz. I’ll keep you posted on details; stay tuned to this blog and the Twitter feed.
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Azkatraz is fast approaching, and I’m thrilled about it. One of the more challenging roles I’ll be playing there is moderator for the panel, “The Life of Severus Snape.” How do you cover Snape in a panel discussion in just 50 minutes? Well, you don’t. But you do cover as many interesting aspects of his character as you can. Below are two excerpts that will give you a taste of what’s to come for The Life of Severus Snape panel.
First, the summary, which is not yet on the Azkatraz website. Participants are Sophia Marquez, Amber Vitale, Elizabeth Wu, and Greg Gershman (from HP Progs!). The summary:
Even now that we know the end of the story, Severus Snape remains as fascinating a character as he was while we were waiting for the release of Deathly Hallows. What did Snape believe about himself? Did he believe he could find redemption? Did he live in guilt, and what effect did this have on him? Was he redeemed in the end? Was his love for Lily genuine devotion or creepy infatuation? What did Rowling think of her character, and how does that compare and contrast with fan response? Did fans have the emotional closure needed in Deathly Hallows? These and other questions will be addressed in this panel discussion as we focus on Snape’s double-agent role, his literary status as Gothic hero-villain and shapeshifter, and his own choices throughout the story. [click to continue…]
Azkatraz had planned on closing its online registration today, but they’ve decided to extend it a few more days. If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time! Here’s what’s still available:
- Weekend Pass (including the Ball) – $130
- Single-day Pass for Sat/Sun/Mon – $45 per day
- Master of Potter Administration including breakfast, lunch and cocktail reception on Monday – $130 without a registration, $100 with a regular registration, and $75 for Merlin Circle sponsors
- Dessert with Chris Rankin – $75
- Sunday Keynote Luncheon with Eddie Newquist of the HP Museum Exhibit – $65
- Sunday or Monday breakfast – $35
- Fog Bowl/Quidditch competition – $35 (includes pizza and a team shirt)
- Azkatraz Film Festival featuring Cherrybomb – $15
- Photos with Chris Rankin – $30
If you’re a regular around here who’s considering just a day pass, and you can’t decide which day to purchase, here is my speaking schedule. I’d love to meet you!