Category Archives: News

BiCon 2009 follow ups

Links and other follow-ups to various Workshop/sessions.

  • DMP minutes, 2009 (download PDF – link broken, but available here)
  • Diversification workshop session write-up (view Google doc – link broken)
  • Masturbation: a great terror (view slideshow – link broken)

Lost keys / lost property

Keys

We've alredy contacted everyone whose key return was not on our own records, but The University are reporting some additional missing keys and swipe cards. Please check your pockets and bags just in case you have these as BiCon will be charged for replacement keys! Let us know what you find.

Found

We found a few items while clearing up after BiCon: The remaining items listed below have not yet been claimed, so do let us know if these are yours.

Silver & colour U.S.B. memory stick
Butterfly brooch (slightly squashed)
Blue Roxy sweatshirt
Ball of pink wool & 2 needles with knitting

Lost

If you've lost anything specific, please let us know & we'll let you know if your item turns up.

Thanks:)

email deleted or fill in the form below.

It's over!

It's been a very successful, and quite chilled weekend, but to all things there must be an end. This certainly isn't it for Bicon, but just for Bicon2009 of course. We'll see you in London next year for the first International Bicon in the UK since 2000, or hopefully before that for various events around the country such as BiFests and various Prides. Look out for the team and be sure to say hi (hugs also accepted), as well as other faces from this year that you may now recognise.

I'll just add to keep looking out right here on the site, and also the LJ Bicon community for some further updates for post-event information on how it went, and some follow-ups to various sessions. If you have information/slides/files you'd like us to post here, then drop me an email and I'll make sure they are posted in the next week or so.

Lost Property

While clearing up the venue at the end of BiCon we found various items. Please contact martin@… in the next few days if you've lost anything – or if you managed to walk off with your room keys. Likewise if, when arriving home, you find that you've accidentally packed something which isn't yours, let us know & we'll do our best to reunite the items with their owners.

Workshops!

This year people like you have volunteered to run workshops to share their knowledge, skills and experience, or even simply to provide a space for people to discuss different topics. However, we still need people to volunteer to run workshops on a variety of areas. Without you volunteering, the workshops won't happen.

You can also see details of how best to submit your offers of workshops/sessions

Please get involved – don't leave it to someone else or it may not happen!

Evening Ents

Evening activities this year will be roughly separated into three areas – the bar B, quiet space Q & cinema C

B consists of the whole of the Students' Union social space: the bar, dance hall and quietish lounge area
Q consists of the area around BiCon reception, meeting rooms, the dining hall, & a quiet chill out room.
C BiCon Cinema in the plenary hall – (Raked, comfy seats & a biggish screen, but sorry, no popcorn allowed!)

As yet, exact times are subject to change.

Thursday

B Bar opens 6pm. A "catch up" event to meet old friends and new.
9pm-midnight This year we have music provided by our fabulous dj
DanceFloorLandmine.

Q Space for chatting, chilling out, or eating your takeaway (+ evening workshop session 8-9.15pm)
Newcomers' welcoming sessions will operate periodically throughout the evening.

C 9-11pm BiCon Cinema
Open film evening (TBC)

Friday

B Bar opens 6pm.
9-11pm Karaoke/disco, courtesy of the Pisces Roadshow from nearby Brum. They are very popular and come recommended. They have a gazillion songs and an impressive sound/light system. They also play the Birmingham and surrounding gay scenes extensively.
11pm-1am DJ DanceFloorLandmine (with late licence till 1am)

Q Space for chatting, chilling out, or eating your takeaway (+ evening workshop session 8-9.15pm)

C 9-11pm BiCon Cinema
An alternative event showing experimental films made by members of the Exploding Cinema collective.

Saturday

B Bar opens 6pm.
9pm-2am: The fabulous BiCon Ball! This year's theme "Crime and Punishment" Interpret that as you will: literature, films & your own imagination are just some starting points. Dress code: Themed costumes (see below), your favourite sparkly evening wear, jeans & t-shirt or your ordinary comfy clothes – whatever you feel most comfortable with. Music will be courtesy of soul & motown duo "The Mysteries" followed by our resident dj DanceFloorLandmine (with late licence till 2am)

Q Space for chatting, chilling out, or eating your takeaway (+ evening workshop session 8-9.15pm)

C 9-11pm BiCon Cinema
Film: "Hineini – Coming out in a Jewish High School" + discussion.

Want some ideas for your Ball costume?

A few pointers from Katy who's running the evening:
In case anyone would like suggestions, here are some sub-themes that would fit in with the main theme – all open to interpretation, subversion and queering up of course!

Prohibition (speakeasies, Bugsy Malone, Some Like It Hot, gangsters and molls, jazz babies, dancing girls, flappers…)
Detective (Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, film noir, femme fatales, Perry Mason, Poirot, murder mysteries. Famous Five, Secret Seven, Cluedo, Torchwood, Angel…)
Fictional law enforcers and villains (James Bond, A-Team, Miami Vice, Charlie's Angels, Austin Powers, Dr No, Goldfinger, Blofeld, Dr Evil…)
Superheroes and supervillains (Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Bananaman, X Men, Watchmen, Joker, Riddler, Poison Ivy, Judge Dredd, Austin Powers, Dr Evil, Dr Horrible…)
Wild West (Saloons, strong silent cowboys, dancing girls, rodeos, harlots with hearts of gold, horses, Blazing Saddles, Westerns…)
Pirates (Jack Sparrow, Pirates of Penzance, parrots, Long John Silver…)

Hope this helps to spark some trains of thought!

Getting to BiCon

BiCon 2009 will take place at: The University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ. UK National grid ref: SO835555
Type this info into your gadgets and gizmos and let them guide you painlessly to the spot. Alternatively, you might like to follow the more conventional directions below…

Once on campus, follow signs to main reception in the "Edward Elgar" Building.
BiCon reception opening times:
Thursday: 10.00-23.00
Friday: 09.00-21.00
Saturday: 09.00-21.00
Sunday: 09.00-17.00
Outside these times, please call the BiCon reception mobile: 07909 xxxxxx. It will be staffed around the clock during the event.

By Road

For "car share" details, see bottom of page…

From M5 Junction 7 take the A44, signed "Worcester". Keep in the left hand lane and after 1/4 mile turn left at the next roundabout. (A4440). Go straight over 2 more roundabouts following the A4440. After you cross the river, the road becomes elevated and you need to turn RIGHT at the next roundabout signed "Worcester West A449" This is Bromwich Road. Cross the old river bridge and after half a mile turn RIGHT at the small roundabout, following signs for "city centre A449". Carry on for 1 mile through the leafy outskirts of the town then, at the roundabout, turn LEFT.
Immediately get into the right hand lane and take the first RIGHT turning by the green Pawnbrokers shop. This is Henwick Road. Continue for 0.6 miles, over the level crossing, then past the turning to Oldbury Road on your left.
As soon as you see the yellow bollard at the next T-junction, the University's "Severn Gate" is on your left. It's a red brick wall with green railings. Go around the sharp bend & immediately look out for the sign to the long-stay carpark on your right.

Parking. On arrival, all visitors should park in the long-stay car park next to the "Severn Gate" entrance. Day visitors should purchase a pay & display ticket from one of the machines (£1.00 weekends, £2.00 weekdays). If you are staying for the whole of BiCon you will be able to buy a special parking permit for £6. You won't get clamped during the 15 minutes or so it takes to walk to reception, collect your permit & room keys & return to the car! Once you have a parking permit you are free to park in any of the available campus parking bays, including those close to the accommodation blocks, for the duration of your stay. "Blue Badge" holders may park in any of the designated areas free of charge.

By Rail

Please note that National Rail have just announced major engineering works on the North Cotswold line. Not content to disrupt travel arrangements to last year's Leicester BiCon, they've decided to repeat the exercise this year!
Full details here:
Nationalrail.co.uk

Worcester has two rail stations:
Worcester Foregate Street is situated in the city centre and is approximately 1 mile from the college.
Worcester Shrub Hill is just to the west of the city and approximately 1.5 miles from the college.

Guide to approximate travel times:
Birmingham to Worcester Foregate Street 50 minutes
Cardiff Central to Worcester Foregate Street 1 hr 50 minutes
London Euston to Worcester Foregate Street 3 hrs
London Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill 2hrs 20 minutes (warning: Service Disruptions)

Further info: nationalrail.co.uk

For buses which link the rail stations to the university, see "Local Buses" below.

There is a taxi rank opposite the railway station in Foregate Street next to the Odeon cinema. The taxi fare to the university is approx. £5.00.

By Coach

National Express operates a nationwide network of coaches & the best way to plan your journey is to visit their website: nationalexpress.com

Ideally, you want your coach to terminate at "Worcester Crown Gate Bus Station" in the city centre, from which you can catch a No. 31 bus to University College. See "Local Buses" above for details. Some coaches stop at Warndon Coachway, about 3 miles from the city centre and, if yours is one of these, you might then have to pay for a taxi as we can't guarantee a local bus service from here into town!

Local Buses

Crown Gate Bus Station is at the end of Angel Street, adjacent to the main shopping centre.

From Shrub Hill Railway Station to the University (BiCon)
service 31 (Henwick Park/Royal Hospital)
Shrub Hill —> Bus Station —> University (20 mins)
MON-SAT: departs shrub hill every 10-15 mins during the day.
SUN: departs shrub hill hourly

From Foregate St Railway Station to the Bus Station
Either take a short bus ride to the bus station:
service 32/303 (Kempsey/Claines)
Foregate St Railway Station —> Bus station (3 mins)
MON-SAT: departs Foregate St. every 20 mins
SUN: no service.
Or walk to the bus station (5 mins)
Turn left out of Foregate St. station (signed "city centre"), follow the road & go straight over the next junction. Then take the first right hand turning where you enter the pedestrianised area. This is Angel St. & you should continue in a straight line and into the bus station.

From the Bus Station to the University
You need to catch a No.31 bus (Henwick Park / Royal Hospital) which leaves from bay "A" at the very end of the bus station. The No.31 service stops at the Oldbury Road entrance to the University.
Mon – Sat every 10-15 minutes during the day & every 30 minutes after 6pm.
Sundays – an hourly service is in operation.
The University is a request stop & you'll have to ask the driver to tell you if you don't know where to get off!

Full local bus timetable at: worcesterbus.co.uk

Taxis

The following local taxi firms have been recommended by the University:
Associated Taxis 01905 763939
Blue Star 01905 610022
Brookside 01905 429833
City Taxis 01905 726726

Car Share

Someone came up with an idea which I like: sharing your car wth other people travelling to BiCon. We'll do this here: BiCon Livejournal because the forum already exists. It might clog things up, but that's a small price to pay for demonstrating our community spirit and (going a small way to) saving the planet in the process.

It works both ways. If you have space in your car, post "car share from x-town offered" If you'd like a lift, post "car share from x-town wanted". Just reply at the bottom of the thread. You'll have to join LiveJournal to initiate a thread, but it's innocuous enough to not worry about.

Incidentally I have to admit that I (Martin) won't be offering any lifts since the "Black Beast" will be packed to the gunnels (if it has any) with BiCon paraphernalia. Sorry.

Disclaimer

All the information on this page is given in good faith & BiCon cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions contained herein. You are advised to confirm travel details with the companies concerned before embarking on your journey.

Arriving at BiCon

BiCon reception will be open from 10.00 Thursday morning. Here you can register for a pre-booked event pass or on-site accommodation, or buy a single day pass over the counter. Room keys will be available from 10.00 for you to leave baggage in your bedrooms. However, we cannot guarantee that all flats will be fully prepared for occupation until lunchtime.

Reception opening times

Thursday: 10.00-23.00
Friday: 09.00-21.00
Saturday: 09.00-21.00
Sunday: 09.00-17.00
Outside these times, please call the BiCon reception mobile: 07909 xxxxxx. It will be staffed around the clock during the event.

BiCon reception will be in the university's main reception area

If you arrive by car
, you should park in the long-stay car park near the severn gate entrance to the campus. Day visitors should buy a ticket from the pay & display machines. (all-day parking: £2 weekdays, £1 weekends) Residential visitors can park temporarily (without being clamped!) and buy a 4-day event pass from BiCon reception for £6. This will permit parking in any of the car parks including those next to the accommodation blocks. Blue badge holders may park free of charge in any of the designated spaces.

If you arrive by Taxi Ask for "main reception" and you will be dropped off right outside our reception area.

Full directions and travel info here:

Getting to BiCon

Campus gallery

(Archive.org is missing all pictures from the original 2009 site, but does have the titles…)

Bathroom in standard accommodation
Bed in standard accommodation
Cafeteria
Chill out room
Flat corridor in standard accommodation
En-suite and disabled block of flats
Entrance hall to a block of standard flats
Example one of a workshop room
Plenary room
Student Union Ents Hall
Table in standard flat
Wardrobe and sink in standard flat
(more on a second page, also missing)

Session proposals

BiCon sessions are 75 minutes each and will generally be scheduled in a classroom / meeting room suitable for up to 30 participants. Flipchart pads & whiteboards are provided in all rooms, with more advanced A/V facilities available if required. See the timetable on the "programme" page for a rough idea of the daily schedule. Should you wish to run a session outside the allotted times, let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

If you have already planned a session which you would like to run at BiCon 2009, please submit a detailed proposal to: sessions@… or use our easy to use form here.

You should include:
1. Your name as you wish it to be shown in the booklet
2. The title of your session. Please try to keep this brief so that it will fit on the timetable!
3. An abstract, or brief description of your session including any specific requirements for attendees, etc. (max 100 words)
4. A brief Bio of yourself (max 50 words)
5. Any age, or other restriction for attendees: (16) (18) (men/women only) if appropriate.
6. Which days you will be available to run your session. If you have a preferred time of day, you can include that too, but we can't guarantee to adhere to your wishes if the schedule is tightly packed.

To discuss an idea for a session

If you have an idea for something a bit different, but you're unsure if it would work, then send an outline to: sessions@…

To suggest a session

If you have a suggestion for a session which you would like to see offered at BiCon, but you don't want to run it yourself, please enter it in the comments box below. We'll list all suggestions and people can then choose to run them if they wish.

Don't forget: New ideas always welcome at BiCon 🙂

BiCon at Birmingham Pride

A representative of the BiCon 2009 team will be at Birmingham Pride this weekend on Saturday 23rd May 2009. You will find them at the Brum Bi Group stall. Booking forms and flyers will be available as well as the opportunity to ask any questions.

BiCon 2009 Community Day

This year we will be starting BiCon with a Community Day. The aim of Community Day is to facilitate networking, discussion, support and diversity between different community groups and organisations and the bisexual community. It's a chance for you to have your say and to ask questions.

Read more and have your say…

BiCon Flyer Launch

The first wave of publicity materials for BiCon 2009 should hit stalls and events very soon. This year's theme: "Get your BiCon ticket" A simple message with a single purpose – to encourage people to book for BiCon now!

Images of the postcard-size flyers are shown below – look out for them at your local "prides" & other events over the summer.

If you're organising an event & would like some flyers to give out, do let us know!

(front of flyer scan)

(back of flyer scan)

Twittering

For those of you who Twitter the #bicon09 tag is in use. If you use this tag when you twitter, flickr, blog, or just tag in general, then you can see who else is thinking, talking or musing about Bicon 2009.

Speaking of Twitter – we've got an account there – http://twitter.com/bicon09 and you can expect more as we come closer to the event.

Movement!

It's been a little quiet around here so far, but there is action going on under the surface – and in the meantime, there is a newly created a Facebook group. Feel free to join, and invite your friends.

Rest assured that this web-site will be the primary place for new information however.

BiCon 2008 is over, but we are looking forward to BiCon 2009!

It's been a great weekend in Leicester, and congratulations to the whole 2008 team for another great time – but all things must come to a close.

Work now continues to plan for Bicon 2009 in Worcester. Look out here on the website for more details in the next weeks and months for ideas for such things as sessions/workshops – to put your own thoughts on what you would like to run – as well as lots more.

If you haven't already put your details into the pre-registration form (no commitments, and no money down!) then don't forget – and if you have an online calendar you can also add the ‘UK Bi events Calendar': or you can just view it as a webpage.

There will be plenty more chances as well to be able to help out and to put forward your ideas for how you would like Bicon 2009 to be organised – and for you to help. There are many ways you can help next year to be another great weekend – during the event, and in advance. It doesn't have to be a big scary commitment – it can be as simple as dropping off some leaflets, or just telling your friends how much fun you had this weekend, and suggesting they come along with you next year!

For now – rest, and we'll let you know very soon more ideas of how you can help to prove that a fantastic Bicon is made of fantastic people, just like you.

Pre-register a place at BiCon 2009!

Filling in the form confirms your (provisional) interest, and ensures that you will be able to register at "early-bird" prices. It also helps us to plan ahead.

(Google spreadsheet embedded in page)