September 1, 2015:  Year 5; Edition 17
NOVA TIME IS HERE!
Try Something New in 2015

2 DAYS UNTIL NOVA Open!
Online Registration closes at 11:59PM Today!

WE HAVE SO MUCH NEWS TO SHARE WITH YOU
 . . . 
this newsletter is HUGE and may be clipped in your browser; if so, select "view entire message" at bottom of newsletter.

Quickest way to find what you're looking for is to click on the Table of Contents!

This year's NOVA is the most diverse event yet, with the most diverse distribution of attendees across gaming events and genres. We also have more to do for "just the cost of the badge" than ever before. Try something new while you're there in 2015!
In This Issue:
NEW in 2015: 
REGISTRATION HOURS UPDATED

Registration desk will be open at 6:00am:
  • THURSDAY, 9/3
  • FRIDAY, 9/4
  • SATURDAY, 9/5
Registration desk will be open at 8:00am:
  • SUNDAY, 9/6
NEW in 2015:
Individual World-Class Miniature Raffles

All raffles will end at 2:00pm EST on Sunday, September 6, 2015. Search internet for live podcasting throughout the NOVA Open.

Support Doctors without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres, Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Fisher House Foundation!
NEW in 2015:
Critical Mass Events
 
CME Sign Ups in Hall outside NOVA Open Store
Self Sign-Up -- Return 15 Minutes before Hour to determine launch potential
  • Highlander (Thu-Sun/10,11,12)
  • Blood Bowl (Sunday Only 9:30/10:30/11:30)
Hobbit CMEs will launch in LotR throughout weekend. Check in at Lead desks to determine launch schedule
NEW in 2015:
What's in your Badge?
Nova Open registration runs smoothly because we work hard to ensure everything you need is ready when you arrive.

Please check your badges early. You SHOULD have
  • Badge with your name, city/state and Convention ID
    Your Convention ID will be used throughout the NOVA
  • Fan Favorite Voter Card - Please Participate in choosing this year's Capital Palette "Fan Favorite" podium award
  • Army Appearance Judging Card - Important for any player wishing to have his army painting judged during the convention

There COULD be other things in  your badge, too.  Sneak a peak the moment you receive yours! 
NEW in 2015:
Expanded SuperNOVA Program

Expanded SuperNOVA program now includes 100 VIPs. These special guests have a separate check-in location, recognition in our NOVA Open Guidebooks, a KR-Multicase transport "swag bag," a KR bogo program, and can participate in our unique Bag Check program.  Don't want to carry your personal belongings to dinner?  Drop them at the bag check!

If SuperNOVA desk is unstaffed, please reach out to Registration and Store for backup.
NEW in 2015:
Daily Lounge Activities & Expanded Schedule

Daily Lounge schedules available at registration desk and store. Visit to support BCRF and NOCF.

Lounge hours have been extended to include Sunday night for an After-Con gathering of the weary souls remaining!

Lounge opens Thursday-Sunday:  7:30am for coffee and donuts

Lounge Last Call Thursday - Monday: 1:00am

Check out schedule for Shots of the Day, Lounge Chats, Happy Hours, Live Music, and more.
NEW in 2015:
Daily Convention Schedules

Daily Convention Schedules will be available at registration.  Don't find yourself twiddling your thumbs when we've got so much for you to do! Go to registration/store and see what's up!
NEW in 2015:
45 Amazing Hobby & Interest Seminars

45 Seminars with guests from across the country and across the pond!  Spaces still available. Tickets on sale all weekend; famous instructors only here once a year ... maybe not again (from Germany) for a while. Don't miss out!
NEW in 2015:
Juried Live Speed Painting Exhibition!
 
Take the painting part of the hobby to a new level!  Airbrush Competitions throughout the weekend. GREX airbrushes for winners - then there's always bragging rights!

Come on, all you artsy guys ... time for some exhibition fun!  Whatever it takes!  Here are the dates/times:
  • Thursday 9/3:  
    3:00pm - 5:30pm
  • Friday 9/4:  
    10:00am - 12:30pm
    2:00pm - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9/5:
    2:00pm - 4:30pm
    6:00pm - 8:30pm
  • Sunday 9/6:
    7:30am - 10:00 am
NEW in 2015:
Magic The Gathering

If you have a NOVA Open Pass (SAP, CAP or Day) you can play MTG at the NOVA Open

If you want to play MTG only, you can purchase 3-Day passes for $10 or a Day pass for $5 (limited/restricted)

NOVA Open MTG Play Mat On Sale!  Original artwork by 2014 NOVA Open Intern Andres Jimenez
NEW in 2015:
Board Game Room!

Board Game Room hosted by NOVA Open vendor, Atlantis Games & Comics.

Hours:  9am - 11:30pm (subject to change)
ID required in exchange for game 
NEW in 2015:
Type caption text here.
X-Wing Gaming Mats - Limited Edition!
 
NOVA Open X-Wing Gaming Mats, by Ebenezer's Emporium ~
Stop by the NOVA Open store and bring yours home with you!

Don't forget to visit the X-Wing hall and enjoy a walk around our 11-foot Star Destroyer, the NOVA Open Astrabellum!
NEW in 2015:
Mini Medic Stations!
 
Tough travel for your minis?  Broken models?  Don't despair!

Mini Medic Stations will be set up outside the 40K Hall on the Independence Level and at the bottom of the escalator on Regency Level. 

Provided by Atlantis Games and Comics
NEW in 2015:
40K Cinematic Games!
 
Head to Head 40K Games on 2014's "Battle of Macragge" Game Board. Sign up at the 40K Judge's Desk for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Board and prize vouchers provided by Atlantis Games and Comics
NEW in 2015:
Food Trucks Galore!

A full complement of Food Trucks ~ 8 unique trucks / 8 unique menus!  Staff and attendees alike asked for fast, accessible, low cost meals ... and we've got it for you! Visit our food trucks and show your support!

Thursday through Sunday; Two Shifts Each Day:
  • 11am - 2pm
  • 3pm to 6pm
Ada's Kitchen, Chix n' Stix, Healthy Fool, Quick Wraps, ThaiMachine, California Sliders, Over the Rice, and Fava Pot!
NEW in 2015:
Table Top Olympics
 
TTO scoring system has changed/been simplified. Check out last year's winner plaques on trophy in the Capital Palette area. Make certain you're signed up and have a team - become immortal! 
Corvus Belli Attending NOVA - Seminars and Good Times!   
Corvus Belli advertising Gutier's return to NOVA Open for the biggest Infinity event yet!  
NEW in 2015:
Donated 40K Table by Tactical Terrain Eric
 
Eric Cacace's donated table for 40K tables will be available for play in the hall -- outstanding to have such amazing supporters!
NEW in 2015:
By John Stiening
Limited Edition Show Miniature

The Virtue Model will be on sale at our store. This is a culmination of the NOVA Open Narrative, begun 3 years ago ... limited edition, exclusive.  This photo submitted by John Stiening.










By Steve Carey
New Game Systems!

Dropzone Commander, Cool Mini Or Not's Dark Age and Wrath of Kings, Age of Sigmar, Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Strategy Battle Game