Portus 2008 Harry Potter Symposium
An Interview with a Staff Member of a Major Fandom Conference
Jun 25, 2008
Portus 2008 will be held in Dallas, TX, July 10-13.
What is the theme of Portus? Why is it happening in the first place?
The theme for Portus is as follows (taken from our website):
"Set to the theme of the Department of Mysteries, Portus focuses on what's behind the rotating doors as eager fans and scholars examine what has been hinted at and foreshadowed through symbolism and other means in the Harry Potter novels."
Our Portus logo is a key and a door. We chose those as our logo to represent what happens at Portus - unlocking the secrets behind Harry Potter. That's what Portus is - it's a place to delve deep into all the mysteries surrounding the series we all know and love so much.
"Why is Portus happening?" LOL! Because we're all obsessed of course! Haha. That's really the most honest answer I can give you. We all need a haven where we can be engrossed in something that has, for many of us, changed our lives in some way or other.
It's a chance to be surrounded by our peers, meet with old friends and make new ones, explore the various philosophies of Potter and have a grand old time! Where else can you go from a Quidditch match to a lecture on religious symbology and from a Wizard Rock jam session in the common room to JIM DALE?! Nowhere.
If you were going to convince people to come to Portus, what aspects of the conference would you point to?
- Jim Dale - This is truly a first for HPEF events - to have an individual who is so involved in the creative aspects of this series. It is just astounding.
- Podcast Palooza - I'm not being biased or anything (since I'm running this event) but I really have to pick this one because AGAIN, this is a first for HPEF. This event was created after an open call for Podcasts. We wanted to give everyone a good variety of podcasts to experience - some of your old-time favorites and some new ones you are just starting to love.
- The formal programming - I've been reading and RE-reading our list of programming this year and am having some serious trouble picking and choosing what presentations, roundtables, poster sessions, etc. to go to. I am in sore need of a Time Turner!
- The Mystery Masquerade ball! - I can't wait to see everyone in their costumes and masks. I love masquerade balls!
- The Art Gallery - I've gotten the chance to sneak a peek at some of the pieces being shown and I've GOT to stop by.
- Keynote Luncheons - I got the chance to interview Monique Trottier for an episode of the Portus Previews and immediately became a fangirl. I can't wait for her luncheon! The menu for those just keep getting better and better every year.
On top of that, who can forget Quidditch, the Spellcast play, our awesome Vendor Room, the HUGE common room, and everything else!
How do you respond to people who think that a Harry Potter conference is taking the series way too seriously?
Actually, I get that response from a lot of folks! Generally, I start talking about our academic programming and referencing all the stuff that goes on in the series that an average reader might not pick up on. After that, they may still think it's a bit too much but at the very least, they've gained a respect for it. Of course, I always mention Quidditch and that gets a great reaction.
How can people find out more about or register for Portus 2008?
The best source for information is of course, our website. There you can find out anything you need to know about Portus as well as how to Register. We've got some great packages as well as day registrations that you can check out by visiting our website. Of course, if you can't find the answer you're looking for, you can email us at info@portus2008.org.
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