Will you be in Kansas City next Memorial Day? ConQuesT 40 boasts two of sf’s leading figures, John Scalzi and Ellen Datlow. But never mind that! Their special media/anime guest of honor is the one and only Jerry Gelb, the voice of “Master Kobari” in the hit Anime series “Witch Hunter Robin” from Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. And of no little significance to the Glyer family, twin brother of Janice Gelb, who was in my wedding in 1994.

The complete press release appears after the jump.

[Via Chronicles of the Dawn Patrol]

A VOICE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS

And lo, it was said unto him that he should go forth and find a new home for the Con. And there was much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. And it was decreed that the Tucker Hotel bricks should be counted three times and the counting should be not two, or four, but three. And alas, the bricks of Tucker were still not enough and it was decided that a more conventional home was needed and….

                              .

                              .

                              …oh, what the heck,

CONQUEST HAS A NEW HOTEL! WE ARE MOVING THE MADNESS TO MIDTOWN

Beginning with ConQuesT 40, we will be at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Midtown KCMO!

The Hyatt Regency Crown Center sets the standard for Kansas City hotels. The newly renovated hotel is adjacent to the Crown Center Exhibit Hall and just minutes from downtown, the Country Club Plaza, and nearby theaters and dining. Connected to the Crown Center office and shopping complex, The Hyatt offers: Heated All-Season Outdoor Pool, Whirlpool and Sauna in Health Club, a Fully Equipped Fitness Center, Sundeck, a Glass-Enclosed Walkway to Crown Center Shopping, Movie Theaters and Ice Skating. Also, the hotel is adjacent to Science City (at Union Station), the Liberty Memorial and the recently opened World War One Museum.

Make your reservations now at:

http://crowncenter.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/group-booking.jsp?_requestid=657

GREAT! BUT THE ROOMS COST AN ARM AND A LEG RIGHT?

Wrong!

The room rate for ConQuesT 40 will remain at the $83 rate for 1-4 occupants. And with all of the shopping and entertainment available, you will need to save your cash for a great weekend in KC!

WRITERS AND BLOGGERS AND WIZARDS, OH MY!

ConQuesT 40 has an eclectic group of guests lined up with more to be added as we go! Join us in welcoming Author John Scalzi, Toastmaster Ellen Datlow, Artist (and Wizard) Oberon Zell, Anime Master Jerry Gelb and Fan Guest Ed deGruy!

ROUND UP THE USUAL SUSPECTS

Of course, the usual gang will be there. Will you? Have you missed ConQuesT the last couple of years? Then you have REALLY missed out on a lot of fun and a different attitude. ConQuesT is expanding its programming to include many more groups like Anime, The KC Horror Club, Laser Rangers, The KC Costumers Club, and gaming groups. Among the activities we’ll have an Art Show, a Dealer’s Room, Panel Discussions, authors’ readings, an Old Time Radio Room, and much more, like Tournament Gaming with room for over 600 gamers and a Burlesque show (tastefully done, of course).

Mark your calendars for Memorial Day Weekend 2009 (May 22-24). We are going to throw a 40th birthday bash for the ages. You will not want to miss this one folks!

(And there was much rejoicing! Yeah!)

ConQuesT 40: Midtown Madness!

KC’s Premier Science Fiction Convention

www.conquestkc.org

May 22-24, 2009 – Memorial Day Weekend

Hyatt Regency Crown Center

Extra Low Early Membership Rate: $30 until Jan. 1, 2009

Send checks (along with useful information like name, address, etc.) to ConQuesT 40, P.O. Box 36212, Kansas City, MOO 64171