2007 Open House – February Update

[Wayne Smith]

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2007 Open House – February Update
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May 4, 5 & 6 – 2007 Palladium Open House
– 3 days of nonstop gaming & fun –
At the Palladium Offices & Warehouse – Taylor, Michigan

A three day gaming convention where you can participate in Palladium role-playing game events all weekend long. Many run by the people who created the games! Other events are run by expert Game Masters, Palladium play testers and friends.

There are also panel talks, a costume contest, special events, anime, a big dealer’s area with RPG books, back stock, out of print items, minis, toys, original art, and prints, plus 50+ Palladium creators (artists and writers) to meet, get autographs and chat with.

* 60+ Gaming Events:
- Rifts®
- Robotech®
- Palladium Fantasy RPG®
- Ninjas & Superspies™
- Heroes Unlimited™
- After the Bomb®
- Chaos Earth™
- Nightbane®
- Splicers®
- Beyond the Supernatural™
- Killfest 2007 (Carmen Bellaire)
- and more . . .

* FREE. No fees for the individual games or panel talks.

* Events from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 P.M. (possibly longer).

* Panel talks with Palladium creators.

* Artists & writers from across the country; more than 50 guests.

* Large Dealer Area: RPG books, minis, toys, art, & rare collectibles.

* Food and drinks on site; reasonable prices. Fast food restaurants within a short drive, a few in walking distance.

* Autographs, artwork, prints and more.

* Held at the Palladium warehouse and offices (20,000 sq. feet of space).

* Events run by G.M.s who are the designers, writers and artists who make the games, at the place where the magic happens.

* Open Gaming. There is also an area available for open gaming by ANYBODY who wants to start a game.

Experience the sense of fun, family and community that you’ll feel at the Palladium Open House. Gamers came from coast to coast and from as far away as Australia in 2006. And they begged us to do it again while they were still at the event!!!

We think you’ll find this to be a gaming event like none you have ever experienced and will remember for years to come. All role-playing and all Palladium role-playing games with some of the nicest people you’ll ever find.

Rub shoulders with Kevin Siembieda, Erick Wujcik, John Zeleznik, and dozens upon dozens of other guests who are there for YOU. There to chat, autograph books, game and have a good time. There is no other gaming convention on the planet where 50+ guests are available to you for an entire day. And many also run gaming events.

The whole idea behind the Open House is to revel in Palladium role-playing games and the RPG experience. Meet and game with new players, try new ideas, or play old favorites.

Join us for an experience you will never forget.

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50 Guests in 2007
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The Palladium Crew

- Kevin Siembieda – Founder, President, writer, artist, game designer.
- Wayne Smith – Editor, typesetter, Editor-in-Chief of The Rifter®.
- Julius Rosenstein – Proofreader, G.M. Supreme, Defiler.
- Alex Marciniszyn – Editor, Researcher, Online Mod, and Defiler.
- Henry Siembieda – Kevin’s Dad and warehouse guy.
- Kathy Simmons – Customer relations, online and mail order processing, Queen of Ghouls, and all-around sweetheart.
- William Bailey – Warehouse guy, artist and gamer.
- Tony Falzon – Sales, Promotions and Defiler.
- Thomas Bartold – Online Mod, Writer, Troubleshooter and Defiler.

- Joseph Bergmans – Honorary staff member/helper.
- James Brown – Game Master supreme.
- Chris Guertin – Honorary staff member/helper.
- Shawn Hall – Honorary staff member/helper.
- Lisa Hall – Honorary staff member/helper.
- Margaret Hailey – Intern and honorary staff member.
- Zachary Houghton – G.M. and founder of the Megaversal Ambassadors.
- Dennis Hughes – Honorary staff member/helper/Megaversal Ambassador.
- Doug Lamberson – Honorary staff member/helper.
- Lonnie Langston – G.M. and Megaversal Ambassador.

Palladium Creators & Guests

- Brandon Aten – writer, New Jersey.
- Carmen Bellaire – writer and G.M., Windsor, Canada.
- Kent Burles – artist, Toronto, Canada.
- Nick Bradshaw – artist, Minnesota.
- Randi Cartier – G.M. & writer, Windsor, Canada.
- Roger Cartier – G.M./play-tester & map maker, Windsor, Canada.
- Mark Dudley – artist, Michigan.
- Mark Evans – artist, New York.
- Carl Gleba – writer, New York.
- Jeffry Scott Hansen – writer & author, Michigan.
- Scott Johnson – artist, Illinois.
- Levi Johnstone – G.M. & writer to The Rifter, Michigan.
- Comfort Deborah Love – artist (DSS), Michigan.
- Alan Manning – Artist, Nevada.
- Brian Manning – Artist, Nevada.
- Jason Marker – writer, photographer and Megaversal Ambassador, Michigan.
- Mike Mumah – artist (DSS), Michigan.
- Apollo Okamura – artist, Toronto, Canada.
- Ramon Perez – artist, Toronto, Canada.
- John Philpott – writer, Virginia.
- Jason Richards – writer, Texas.
- Ben Rodriguez – artist (DSS), Michigan.
- Jeff “NMI” Ruiz – Palladium Online Administrator.
- Josh Sinsapaugh – writer, New York.
- Adam Withers – artist, Michigan.
- Taylor White – writer, student film maker, Kentucky.
- Erick Wujcik – writer, game designer, and G.M., California.
- Todd Yoho – writer, North Carolina.
- John Zeleznik – artist and painter, California.
- Other guests may be added. Most of the listed guests are confirmed.

Click here for more information on featured guests.


Notable 2007 Events

* Kevin Siembieda to run 4-6 gaming events! 10-20 people per event. Plus panel talks, and Kevin makes himself available to talk with people and sign books throughout the entire three days!

* Erick Wujcik to run 3-4 gaming events plus panel talks (if he can make it).

* Carmen Bellaire to run Killfest 2007 plus other games.

* Randi Cartier’s Castle of Doom miniature RPG event.

* 50+ other games run by the games’ creators and quality G.M.s. Note: ALL games are on a first come first served basis. Sign up sheets will be available on site.

* Open Gaming where anyone can set up to play any of Palladium’s game settings on the fly. So Game Masters, bring your books, dice and adventure notes and be ready to game!

* Panel Talk: Chat with Kevin Siembieda. Ask him anything. The title says it all.

* Panel Talk: Chat with Erick Wujcik. Ask him anything. The title says it all.

* Panel Talk: Meet Palladium’s Writers & What’s Coming Next with Brandon Aten, Carl Gleba, Jason Richards, Todd Yoho, and others.

* Panel Talk: Meet some of Palladium’s Artists & What They are Up To, with Ramon Perez, John Zeleznik, Mark Evans, Apollo Okamura, Kent Burles and others.

* Panel Talk: Tips on Game Mastering with James Brown, Lonnie Langston, and Zachary Houghton.

* Panel Talk: More Tips on Game Mastering with other notable G.M.s and writers like Carl Gleba, Todd Yoho, Jason Richards and others.

* Panel Talk: Adventures in Hollywood & Licensing Stories with Kevin Siembieda.

* Panel Talk: Mapmaking and Props in Role-Playing Games with Roger & Randi Cartier.

Note: As many panel talks as possible will be broadcast “live” on the Palladium website.

* “Palladium Character” Costume Contest. It’s official, the Open House will have a costume contest for fun and glory on Saturday (late afternoon or early evening).

All costumes should be Palladium characters. The winner, second place, third place and runner up will get something cool for their creativity (haven’t figured out prizes yet). So dress up Saturday as your favorite Palladium Character from any of Palladium’s game lines from Palladium Fantasy to Rifts®. This should be awesome. Rumor has it one person is coming as a Wolfen and another as a Coalition Dead Boy. Get those imaginations burning and fingers working to make a costume.

Points of Interest

* Expanded hours: 9:30 A.M. till at least 11:30 P.M. – may go on past midnight if reliable volunteers are on hand to close up.

* VIP Friday starts earlier. 4:00 PM till 10:30 PM (maybe longer).

* Admission accepted at the door. But to avoid a wait in line and to help us out, PLEASE order in advance online.

* Silent Auction where you can bid on rare, out of print books, art and other collectibles.

* Dealer’s area with MORE artwork, prints and rare collectibles as well as Palladium role-playing games, minis, and toys.

* Larger selection of food, snacks and soft drinks.

* More tables for creators, artists, and writers with signs identifying each person. Heck, more Palladium creators than ever, anywhere!

* Anime Corner! Big screen TV and chairs, Robotech and anime.

* Costume Contest Saturday Evening! Come dressed as your favorite Palladium character.

* Game events by Megaversal Ambassadors James Brown, Lonnie Langston, Zachary Houghton, Jason Marker and other members of the Megaversal Ambassadors.

* Excellent organization and preparedness. We know what to expect and will be prepared for a smooth, fun time. Fans willing to volunteer, please contact us by March 31, 2007.

* More fans! Anticipating 400 or more gamers from around the world.

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Big Dealer Area with 1000+ Books, Toys & Items
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Yes, there will be just about every Palladium Books product imaginable, including a few copies of rare and out of print items from Kevin’s own secret archives, but there’s more. Much more!

* Original Japanese animation artwork – dozens of pieces from Kevin Siembieda’s private collection. Robotech, Mospeada, Robotech II: the Sentinels, Disney, Warner Bros, and more.

* Original art from Palladium RPG titles and limited edition prints.

* Character sketches by select artists.

* A+Plus comics and other rare items like signed proof copies.

* Action figures and toys – most from Kevin Siembieda’s personal collection.

* Original artwork by the guest artists – Zeleznik, Okamura, Perez, Burles, Breaux, Dudley, and others.

* Signed prints and limited editions – Johnson, Zeleznik, Palladium and others.

* The novels of Jeffry Scott Hansen.

* Palladium’s latest releases.

* Palladium back stock titles and rare items.

* Back issues of The Rifter®.

* Open House & Palladium 25th Anniversary commemorative items.

* Food, snacks and soft drinks.


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How to Attend
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Advance Ticket Purchase Guarantees Your Admission – May 5 & 6, 2007

Due to space limitations and safety concerns, attendance will be limited to approximately 500 admission tickets. All tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis, so get your reservations in as soon as possible!

Also, we NEED to know in advance how many gamers are coming so we have enough events (we had 50 last time).

All reservations must be in by April 15, 2007. A name must be assigned to each ticket. No refunds for cancellations after March 15, 2007. No refunds for no-shows.

Tickets will be available at the door for a slightly higher price, provided there is still room! We had about 250 gamers attend in 2006, most of whom insist they are coming again in 2007, plus we’ve had dozens and dozens of other people who couldn’t make the first event say that they will make the 2007 event. We’re estimating 400-500, but a few fans in the know say they think more will attend, especially with guests like Wujcik, Zeleznik, and Evans. Like we said, we need to have a good idea so we have enough events to satisfy everyone, so please order early. Thanks.

A keepsake Certificate of Admission (8 ½ x 11 inches) suitable for framing will be sent to confirm your ticket reservation.

Kathy Simmons will be handling reservations and tickets to make sure everything is timely and organized.

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Price of Admission
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$30 in advance for the Two Day Weekend (Saturday & Sunday) per individual. $35 at the door, if space is available.
$15 in advance for a single day (Saturday or Sunday). $18 at the door, if space is available.
$50 additional for V.I.P. Friday, a special, one-evening event limited to 50–60 people. Dinner (no extra charge), conversation and an evening with Kevin Siembieda, the Palladium staff and two dozen or more freelancers (maybe as many as 40, as we hope to get freelancers in a day early) held in the Palladium lounge. — SOLD OUT! — (But a few exceptions may be considered for long-time fans and old friends. Call to inquire.)


Methods of Payment

Credit Cards: Visa & MasterCard are preferred. Checks and Money Orders sent via the mail are also accepted.

Note: You may place your reservation online in a similar way as placing a book order or you may use our order line (734) 946-1156.

All Credit Card orders must include the following information:
- Credit Card No. – Name on the Card – Address of the Credit Cardholder – Expiration Date – Telephone Number of the Cardholder.

- Name and address of EACH person for whom a ticket is being purchased. It is okay if their address is different from the cardholder.

Telephone Orders: 734-946-1156 (order line only) or purchase tickets online.

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Click here to go to the online ticket reservation order page. 2007 Palladium Open House, May 4-6, 12455 Universal Drive, Taylor, Michigan 48180.
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Hours
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Saturday, May 5: 9:30 A.M. till 11:30 P.M.
Sunday, May 6: 9:30 A.M. till 6:00 P.M.
Friday Night VIP Event, May 4: 4:00 P.M. till 10:30 P.M.; sold out.



Open House Location:

Palladium Books Inc.
12455 Universal Drive
Taylor, MI 48180
www.palladiumbooks.com

Held at the Palladium Warehouse & Offices. You’ll be hobnobbing with the creators right at Palladium’s 20,000 square foot building where the magic happens. To our knowledge, no other RPG company has ever held an event like this at their own facility, making this a historic first (uh . . . second)!

The Palladium offices and warehouse are only a few miles from the Detroit Metro Airport, close to I-75 (Telegraph North exit) and near I-94 (Telegraph South exit); one block west of Telegraph Road, off of Northline. That also means plenty of places to eat and shop.

Palladium’s building is located one block west of Telegraph (US-24) and one block north of Northline Road in a small industrial park.

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Important! Get your hotel rooms soon!
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You MUST reserve your Hotel Room
“by March 31, 2007” to get the best discount price

You have only till March 31 to reserve a room at the discount prices and you must state “I’m coming for the Palladium Books Open House and want the Palladium Special Rates.” Call or e-mail us if you don’t get the following discount prices:


$55 a night for a “Standard King” room (one bed).
$59 a night for the “Standard Double” room.
$65 a night for the “Deluxe King” room (one bed).
$69 a night for the “Deluxe Double” room.
$89 a night for a “Parlor Suite” (bedroom and sitting area), big!
$119 a night “Presidential Suite” (with kitchenette & sitting room).
$139 a night Deluxe Room with a Jacuzzi.

Rates apply to a “single” (King-size bed) or a “double” (two full-size or twin beds) – make sure you tell them if you need one or two beds.

FREE continental breakfast.
FREE parking.
Swimming pool and weight room/spa.


Ramada Inn Downriver – 734-283-2200 tel.
20777 Eureka Road
Taylor, MI 48180

The Ramada Inn Downriver, located five minutes from the Palladium offices and surrounded by places to eat and shop, NEEDS you to reserve rooms as soon as possible.

Hotel reservations must be in by March 31, 2007 to get discount rates.

Click here for more hotel information.



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Volunteers
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NEEDED: Game Masters for Open House

Hey! Where are all our Game Masters from last year and new guys? We need the game descriptions for your Open House RPG events as soon as possible so we can make our schedule and post it! James, Zach, Carl, Jason, Brandon, Jason M., Levi and all the rest . . . get to us as soon as possible.

If you are a high quality Game Master and would like to run one or more role-playing events, please contact us! We are looking for events for ALL our game lines, including Robotech®, Nightbane®, After the Bomb®, Palladium Fantasy®, Heroes Unlimited, Chaos Earth, Rifts®, BTS, and all the rest.

We’ll need your name, telephone number, email address, a description of each game, the number of players for each game, the day and your preferred time (no guarantee) to play, so we can do our schedule and post ‘em by March!

Help us make this the best Palladium gaming convention ever.

Write, call (734-946-1156) or email (palladium-gm@palladiumbooks.com) to volunteer. Um, of course you must be present to run, so make sure you get your tickets today! G.M.s will get a special gift for their help.

NEEDED: Volunteer Helpers for Open House

If you wanna lend a hand as a grunt volunteer directing traffic in the parking lot, throwing out trash, stocking snack foods, cleaning up, setting up chairs, watching the door and running errands, etc., please let us know. We already have a pretty solid list, but may need more.

Write, call (734-946-1156) or email (tfalzon@palladiumbooks.com) to volunteer. Please let us know if something comes up and you can’t make it.



Copyright 2007 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.
This Press Release may be used and portions reprinted with Palladium's permission for the purpose of news and promotion. Rifts®, Splicers®, Megaverse® and Palladium Books® are registered trademarks of Palladium Books Inc. and Kevin Siembieda. Rifts® Promise of Power, Heroes Unlimited, Powers Unlimited, Beyond the Supernatural, Tome Grotesque, Beyond Arcanum, MercTown, Merc Ops, Dinosaur Swamp, Chaos Earth, NEMA and all other titles and names are trademarks of Palladium Books.