And we've seen plenty of substandard con suites in our day (or maybe they are just standard, but our standards are higher). Some of our con committee went to a large convention in Indianapolis where they had a big, comfortable room for their consuite ... but only served chips and soda. Another regional Ohio science fiction/fantasy convention did the Indy con several notches better by serving teas and instant hot drinks ... but the only snacks they served were different kinds of chocolate and chocolate cake. Which is heaven if you're a chocoholic ... but what if you're allergic to the stuff? Or diabetic? Or watching your diet for weight and health reasons?

We totally understand the desire of con organizers to discourage attending fans from using the consuite as their only source of food. But, let's face it, the economy isn't so good right now, and some fen will spend most of their budget just to get to the convention, register, and get a hotel room. And some attending author guests may find themselves booked in back-to-back panels and find themselves unable to slip away for a real lunch. And diabetes and heart disease are running rampant through our community.

So, in the interests of health and plain ol' courtesy to fans and participants who aren't teenagers anymore, would it kill convention organizers to provide veggie trays, water, juice, and healthy sandwich makings? We sure don't think so. And so you'll find healthy, substantial con suite offerings at Context alongside decadent chocolates and sweets. For those craving caffeine, you'll have your choice of beverages, some sugary, some not at all, and of course we'll have plenty of non-caf drinks for those who'd rather not stay up all night gaming or partying.