Boskone 37 Hucksters' Room
February 18-20, 2000
Sheraton Hotel, Framingham, MA

September 11, 1999

Dear Huckster:

Hello! This is the first Boskone 37 Hucksters' Room mailing. If you wish to remain on our mailing list, please fill out the top of the enclosed form. The location is the same, and as always, the room will be non-smoking, and all dealers, assistants and staff are required to buy a membership in the convention. Memberships are not included in the table fees, and are $36 until January 17, 2000. Children's memberships include baby-sitting and kid's programming for the $36; kids-in-tow are free. If you do not receive space, memberships will be refunded on written request.

The Boskone Hucksters' Room is "balanced" through a careful review of the merchandise you list on the enclosed table reservation forms. No space will be allocated to you unless you specify the merchandise you will be selling. You are not allowed to sub-let your space to anyone else unless you have permission from the Hucksters' Room Coordinator (no exceptions). Fire codes will be in strict force. This means that obstructions in the main aisles or the aisles between tables will not be allowed and could result in a fine from the local fire prevention authorities who will be making several spot checks this year per our request. Boskone is put on by NESFA, a literary organization, so you might wish to consider our literary science fictional bent when signing up for our Hucksters' Room. However, there is also an Art Show and a small video program, in addition to our varied programming.

The 3-tiered rate structure used in previous years has been retained. All tables (provided) are 6 feet long and 30 inches (2.5 ft.) deep:

If you have mixed merchandise (i.e., shirts and books), calculate how much space you'll be using for each type of merchandise per table. Each type should be priced separately, using the lowest priced tier first. For example, if you sell 1/3 used books, 1/3 new books, and 1/3 T-shirts, and you want 3 tables, you would buy your first table in tier 1, the second in tier 2, and the third in tier 3 ($25+75+125 = $225). If you have only a very small amount of merchandise in a particular tier, you need not include it when pricing (but do mention it on the reservation form). If you have a dizzying variety of merchandise, price it all at tier 3. If your situation is incredibly complex, write (or e-mail) with your telephone number for advice. The address is below.

Table assignments are subject to space availability and the best over-all balance of merchandise for the convention, at our discretion. Promptness is a contributing factor. We deposit all checks when they are received; this does not guarantee a table assignment. Please note that you may be asked to take a smaller space than you requested (with a refund), or that you might be placed on our waiting list.

On the back of the reservation form is a space for special requests, such as electricity (please specify what for and how much power it draws), walls, corners, islands, straight spaces, or any space you use that is not on the surface of your table (backdrops, ceiling hangings, displays, etc.) or any other special information. The best efforts will be made to fulfill these requests, with the right to restrict any display as deemed necessary.

A short wait list is kept after all the tables have been assigned. If you are willing to be waiting listed, please note this in the section just above the special requests area; otherwise we will refund your table fees (and memberships if you so request). If you would rather be refunded immediately, please also note this in the check off just above the special requests section. The deadline for registration for the Hucksters' Room is December 1^st, 1999. Confirmations will be mailed out in mid-December, but not all confirmations may be mailed at the same time. The second progress report should also be out around then as well.

Hotel reservations should be made directly with the Sheraton Framingham by calling them at (508) 879-7200. Do not call the Sheraton toll-free 800 number as you will not get convention rates through them. Table space does not guarantee hotel space! Parking is free at the Sheraton.

Scheduling should be almost the same as last year: set-up Friday from noon to opening at 5pm, open Friday evening until 8pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 10am to 3pm, with tear down until 6pm. An exact schedule will be mailed with your confirmation.

Massachusetts has a 5% sales tax on all items except clothing, dated material (new magazines) and food, which you must collect, report and pay to the state. NESFA does not issue these forms. For state tax reporting forms to be mailed to you, please write:

Please complete the enclosed reservation form carefully and be sure to read both sides. If you are not interested in this Boskone, but wish to stay on the mailing list, fill out the top part. Information given for last year has been included, but be sure to check it carefully and update it if needed. Remember to add memberships to your table fees, and we need a name and address for each membership. Look for your progress report and confirmation in December. If you wish to contact me, or sent in your form but did not receive anything back by January, please write:

Thank you for your interest in Boskone 37.