Page 51 - Star Wars Insider #188
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SURVIVING CELEBRATION
Let’s be honest— But enthralling as the experience
T there’s no event is, the bustle of five jam-packed
quite like Star
days of panels, exhibits, and photo
Wars Celebration.
sessions—as well as squeezing in the
From the very basics like sleeping and eating—can “Celebration is
moment you get a little overwhelming, especially created by fans,
walk into the exhibition hall if you happen to be new to the
and fan-made props transport convention scene. But fear not, for fans. It’s an
you beyond the stars, to being Padawan learners! We’ve gathered authentic festival
in the same room as people together ReedPop’s Global Events
like George Lucas, Daisy Ridley, Director Mary Franklin, stage host the community
or Ashley Eckstein, the entire Amy Ratcliffe, and The Star Wars can enjoy together.”
event is a thrilling experience of Show LIVE! host (and Chicago-area
Mary Franklin
unparalleled exhilaration. Add native) Andi Gutierrez, to bring you
to that the exclusive previews, all the tips you need to make your
panels, trailers, and exciting first Celebration a success!
announcements, combined
with the inspiring way that fans Ready, are you? What Time management is another
channel their love for Star Wars know you of ready? vital element to get to grips with.
into creating detailed cosplay, Before you even leave home, “You’re going to feel like you have
interactive droid builds, and consider downloading the official to do everything possible at the
countless other exhibits and app to turn your smartphone into convention,” suggests Amy Ratcliffe,
experiences, and the overall effect a lifeline for the event. “When who has attended fi ve Celebrations
is an unforgettable escape from packing for Star Wars Celebration, since 2010, starting as a fan and this
the real world. the number one thing I make sure year reprising her role as stage host.
It truly is an event that celebrates I have is the Star Wars Celebration “Listen to your body and take care
the very best that Star Wars fandom app,” says Mary Franklin. “It puts of it. Recognize you cannot do it all
has to offer. And, with Episode IX the schedule, maps, and more right unless you’ve been to Kamino and
hitting theaters this December, new in my hand. For fans attending the cloned yourself.”
episodes of Star Wars: The Clone show, the notifications and news It’s tempting to spend hours
Wars coming in the not-too-distant can be invaluable.” The tool keeps in line to nab a spot at some of
future, and two new live-action you up-to-date on panels and other the biggest panels. And while it is
Star Wars series—Jon Favreau’s happenings while you roam the amazing to be in the room where
The Mandalorian and Diego Luna show floor, and Franklin promises it all happens, there’s so much
returning as Cassian Andor—this that this year it will be packed with more to see and do. You might opt
year’s Star Wars Celebration looks set new features to help enjoy your to catch the big panels from the
to be a particularly memorable one. time to the fullest. StarWars.com livestream or hit the
small panels in person, or you could
hang out by The Star Wars Show
LIVE! stage and catch unscheduled
special guests up close; or you might
simply decide to explore the exhibit
hall and bond with likeminded
fans—but whatever you chose to
do, you will undoubtedly have a
memorable time.
“Pick five must-dos and make
a plan to do them,” Ratcliffe also
suggests, adding that it’s unwise
to skimp on resting in between.
“Get a full night’s sleep. And, if
you can help it, don’t roll into the
convention three hours after you
Remeber to get off an overnight fl ight.”
wrap up warm at
Celebration Chicago You should also build in some
2019—it’s a lot windier extra time to explore the beautiful
than Anaheim!
city hosting the festivities—and
most importantly, pack for the
climate. “Chicago is a city of great
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