• Justin McCoy (Secret Weapon Miniatures) will be introducing Masterclass Painting seminars at NOVA this year.  He  promises new ideas and exciting additions to his hobby seminars on airbrushing, weathering techniques and basing.  Combined, Justin's programs represent a comprehensive route for new and practiced painters to take confident new forays into turning their miniatures into works of art.

• Dan Cotrupe (Tectonic Craft Studios) is joining the NOVA seminar program to teach our first terrain building events. This class is a hands-on, take-home event.  He will demonstrate new techniques in terrain building while guiding students in creating their own TCS terrain.  Painting, and even "steam punking" accouterments, will make the seminar that much more interesting.  Upgraded terrain will be  available to class participants at a discount.   
   

• John Perkins (Basic Black) is also returning to the NOVA 2013 with new class offerings in self defense and gun safety and handling.  The class he taught last year received high marks and was well attended.  John delivers both educational and entertaining seminars.  This year, an Advanced Range class has been added:  an excursion to a local shooting range (included in the cost is the underlying course, transportation, weapons and ammunition).  If interested, sign up today; Advanced Range class is limited to 10 participants.

 Keep an eye out for bonus seminars and activities as they are finalized for the 2013 NOVA Open. 

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VOLUNTEER AS A STAFF MEMBER AT THE NOVA OPEN.

Here is a small example of some ways you can help:

  SOCIAL EVENTS

NOVA staff come together in a variety of ways outside the confines of working toward improving and creating the convention.

  TERRAIN BUILDS

The NOVA Open mission includes being self-sufficient with boards and terrain in all of our tabletop wargaming events. Terrain build days are a great learning experience, include a ton of food and camaraderie, and are generally a crater full of fun for the whole gang.  As you can see, there's some serious pride in the product, too!

  MAKING VIDEOS

The staff has a great time under the direction of Jon Pryts when it's time to make a movie.  The NOVA Short involved a few days of shooting time, nearly two dozen staff members and a lot of fun preparation, and was actually rolled out at a Staff Premiere event in Reston.

The outtakes alone (a must-see) in the NOVA Christmas Video demonstrate how even the making of a film is a great time.  With our own videographer Ethan Hansen, getting involved with making videos can be the most fun you've had in years.

Jon and Ethan have plans in the chute for a few more videos in the coming months.  In particular, expect a call out to be part of a NOVA flash mob in D.C.

MONUMENT DESIGNERS

INTERN PROGRAM

NOVA Open, LLC, is a Virginia corporation.  As such, we are qualified to provide oversight of interns willing to explore their future careers under the direction of our volunteer staff. CEO and Executive VP oversight will provide reports, as needed, to college and university coordinators.  If you'd like to ply your trade with us, in any of the following areas, please email novaopen@gmail.com:

Convention Management

Convention Administration

Marketing and Publishing

Social Media

Project Management

Web Store Management

ONSITE STAFF SUPPORT 

For those non-locals who are only going to be in a position to help out onsite at the NOVA Open, we have a job for you!  We start on Wednesday, 8/28/13 with loading the truck. Staff are needed to meet it for unloading at the Hyatt. The rest of Day 1 is spent unpacking, setting up desks and rooms and - above all - gaming tables.  The NOVA also needs 40K judges and army painting judges, as well as registration and store support. There are too many opportunities to list here, but we could use your help! 

INCENTIVES: PERK-O-RAMA

Perhaps you've picked up on the Perks NOVA is peddling to promote participating as a volunteer?

NOVA Perks are probably the most perfect payload of possibilities our personnel could ever procure! Prestigious VIP bags, seminars, passes, and plenty more, all at prearranged pricing (per hours performed).