It is time to start planning for the 2006 Browncoat Ball!
The Inaugural Browncoat Ball (BCB) was held in Chicago in 2004, bringing together Browncoats from throughout the ’verse to celebrate all things Firefly.
From the start, the Browncoat Ball Committee’s goal was for different regional fan groups to host the fan-run, nonprofit BCB each year to give Browncoats the chance to travel to and explore shiny new places.
The BCB was not held in 2005 in deference to fans who were planning Mighty Fine Shindigs to promote the premiere of Serenity in their hometowns, so the Browncoat Ball Committee is more excited than ever about BCB 2006. We are seeking proposals from fan groups that would like to host BCB 2006.
Applicants should send a proposal with the following information:
- Proposed dates for the event (a nonholiday weekend in August, September or October).
- Proposed location, including the city and, if possible, a specific hotel that would have reasonable rates and at least 20-25 rooms available for the proposed dates.
- Estimate on the total cost of a ballroom/banquet facility that has availability during the proposed dates, including room rental and catering.
- A list of 3-5 additional Firefly ‘verse-themed activities that could be done at or near the BCB site and an estimate and explanation of the costs associated with these activities (for example, transportation to and from the event, admission fees, food charges, decoration costs). Think creatively! Some of the best activities cost very little, can be tied in easily with the Firefly ’verse and don't require a ton of planning (for example, the 2004 BCB included a Chinese Welcome Dinner and Tea Ceremony, the Train Job Luncheon and an Afternoon in the Core). The sky is the limit. This can be more of a brainstorming list of possible activities rather than a final list.
- Additional transportation details such as how far the BCB site is from a major national/international airport, what transportation options exist to and from the airport and how much they cost, and how far the site is from other major cities within driving distance.
- Total estimate on the operational costs (not including lodging) and estimate of ticket cost, including possible options for different event packages.
- Coordinating Committee: A tentative list of the people willing to:
- Contact information, including name, e-mail address and evening phone number, for one member of the coordinating committee who will serve as a contact for notification purposes.
- A statement from the group about why it would like to host BCB 2006.
Applications should be e-mailed to: info@browncoatball.com (with "BCB 2006 Proposal" in the heading).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Jan. 21, 2006.
Decision process: The Browncoat Ball Committee will review the proposals and make a final selection on the site for BCB 2006 around Jan. 31, 2006.
Please send an e-mail to info@browncoatball.com if you have any questions.
Thank you to everyone who will consider hosting BCB 2006 or a BCB in the future.
Best of luck to all applicants!
The Browncoat Ball Committee [link]