Reeperbahn '08

[DCM]

Good, but we won't get drunk....

[3d glasses]

of course not..

[crosshair]

Some answers:

-airfare varies based on where you're flying to, and from. Chicago to Hamburg, through Newark, was $850 last year. Looks to be about the same now. I know people coming from the west coast had to pay more like $950. But keep in mind there are tons of budget airlines in Europe, so if you get a cheap flight into, say, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Amsterdam, you may be able to connect to Hamburg cheaply.
Good news is, lodging is inexpensive; LESS than at a US FS, even with the exchange rate. The fest has a hookup with the Hotel Pacific; there is an Etap hotel, and a Hotel Stella Maris nearby, all well priced. Hostel is an even cheaper option but... it's a hostel.

-Bring your stuff with you on the plane. Don't bring anything resembling a price list or anything else that suggests you are carrying merchandise for sale. Nobody had problems coming in with posters, but it's good to be low-key. Check out size/weight limits for your flight(s) and pack right up to the max. Do NOT ship your work ahead unless you want a customs/tax nightmare.

-Shirts are bulky to bring, but certainly sell. Posters and art prints both did well for me; I'd say pack lighter than the typical US FS, if you're travelling overseas (obviously you Euros bring everything possible). As with any FS, some people buy posters because of the band; some because of the art, etc. Big names are always good. Swag & little things are good too.
The Reeperbahn Fest people encourage making posters for bands at the fest; we'll communicate about this as the lineup gels.

-No language problem whatsoever. Most people speak very good English, and it is easy enough to communicate with those who don't. German phrasebook not necessary, though it may be good for laughs, as in, Germans laughing at you.

[Hero Design Studio]

I think Hero is gonna try to make it out this year.

[DCM]

Kiss me neck! Just found out that there are now flights from Leeds to Hamburg....£10 return. Lovely stuff.

[crosshair]

BTW - As with any Flatstock, this one is presented by the API and requires current API membership to participate. We are currently rejiggering the API site and paypal so you furriners can actually join, duh, and when we have done so (couple of weeks) registration will formally open. Meanwhile if you are interested pm or email me and I'll make sure you get info as it becomes available.

[willemkolvoort]

I'm also coming and already booked a room in Hotel Stern, also not very expensive and very near the reeperbahn: Hotel Stern: Preiswert übernachten auf der Reeperbahn
make sure you'll book on time!

[Pedini]

thanks Dan. you probably told me all of that last week but its good to have it written down.

I have found cheap flights to Boston from Austin so I'm trying to find something cheap to Berlin from there. I want to check out Berlin, then I'll roll over to Hamburg. I checked a lot of airline web sites last night and mostly I found super expensive rates ($2000+) Where can one look online for deals?

[jayryan]

sudyka and i are in, and i know peveto's going.

can't wait to see ralf again.

[Hero Design Studio]

So just out of curiosity what is the airport we are looking to fly into, and what are other nearby airports that would be easy to get to, if they have cheaper flights?