Host JemCon: It's Your Turn to Shine

How It Works: The Bidding Process

Every year, fans submit bids to host JemCon in their city. It's run entirely by volunteers—no corporate overlords, no full-time employees. Just fans, for fans, keeping the magic alive.

While there are numerous people (including past hosts) willing to help, someone must submit a bid and step up to host for JemCon to continue each year. That someone could be you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hosting cost a lot of money?

Not if you plan smart. Since 2005, very few hosts have had to pay significant money out of pocket. JemCon is typically self-supporting through registrations, fundraising, donations, and careful planning.

We have a core group of trusted volunteers (including former hosts) who help ensure prudent financial planning. There are expenses throughout the year, but typically funds are available in the JemCon account to cover them as they come up.

If you want to allocate extra funds toward JemCon, you can—but it's not required. Collaborating with former hosts, proper planning, promotion, and determination will set you up for success.

When will money be needed? How much?

Costs vary each year based on location, number of guests, etc. The biggest expense is typically your hotel or venue. Most have payment schedules outlined in contracts. Ongoing promotions and working closely with other staff help ensure the JemCon account has funds to cover invoices as they come in.

We have former hosts who can help you research hotels and negotiate cost-effective contracts. Securing an affordable hotel is the best way to set your JemCon up for success—it's the biggest fixed cost.

Besides the hotel, the other main cost is guests—most need a hotel room for the weekend plus travel reimbursement. However, those costs aren't incurred until closer to JemCon.

Pro tip: Hosting in an area where more guests are local and can drive keeps costs down. There are lots of ways to manage expenses and ensure JemCon has the funds needed to run.

Is there compensation for hosting?

No, not at this time. JemCon is run by enthusiastic volunteers, including the hosts themselves. The compensation comes in creating a unique, inclusive, fun, and unforgettable experience celebrating all things Jem!

Who decides who gets to host? What if there are multiple bids?

The bid committee (primarily former hosts) reviews all bids and decides whether to approve them. Main factors include:

• Enthusiasm

• Clarity of vision

• Preparation

• Anticipated costs

• Identified staff members

• Prior attendance and involvement with JemCon

We highly recommend attending at least one JemCon in person before submitting a bid to host.

Ideally, we'll have potential hosts lined up for several years so you can learn while preparing for your turn!

How do I find guests?

We've got connections. Many former hosts and staff are connected with various guests and happy to help you coordinate and identify specific needs. Prioritize who you want to feature at your JemCon, and we'll try to help make it happen!

Can I host with a group of friends?

Yes! Please do. Having a core group willing to help make JemCon happen ensures success and prevents everything from falling on one person. Many successful JemCons have had co-hosts.

Do I have to live in the same location as JemCon?

It's easier to host in an area you're familiar with, but we've had people host JemCon in areas completely different from where they live. It's doable with the right planning and support.

What about the fashion contest? I don't have sewing skills.

We have lots of talented people in the JemCon and Jem fan community willing and able to help with the fashion contest (and every other aspect of JemCon). Be proactive in reaching out to people who may be able to help.

Posting in different Jem fan groups on social media asking if people are interested is a great way to start.

What about artwork? I'm not artistically talented.

Same answer: we have incredibly talented artists in our community. Reach out, ask for help, post in fan groups. You'll be amazed at who steps up.

I'm really only interested in one particular aspect of JemCon, but I don't want to be in charge of hosting. That seems like too much work.

JemCon is truly a team effort. If there's a particular aspect you're interested in, reach out and try to be part of that effort at an upcoming JemCon. You'll get a backstage pass to how everything works and really get to know people with all kinds of talents.

In the future, you could connect with other fans and see if a group might be interested in hosting together. There are lots of ways to be involved without hosting, but ultimately, someone has to take the lead and submit a bid for JemCon to happen.

I really have to fill out this entire bid document? It seems like a lot of work.

The bid document is meant to help you, not intimidate you. It's a guideline based on previous JemCons to help you identify key elements and set you up for success. We want to be transparent about what's involved.

You don't need every section filled out perfectly, but we find that the more complete your bid, the more prepared you'll be for planning and hosting JemCon.

Submit your document with as much info as you have, and highlight areas where you may need assistance. Significantly incomplete documents will be flagged for feasibility, but we're more than happy to help you with any aspect of the bid or planning.