#HESBall18: Last-Minute FAQ!
As is tradition, the Last-Minute FAQ is here to answer all of your deepest questions about Life, the Universe, and Everything! Actually it only answers questions related to the sold-out Hand Eye Society Ball on Saturday, but we think that’s comprehensive enough. Read on to find out more about parking, dress code, cash, social media, and where you can buy your very own HESBall18 poster!
Games
Cathode Mark 1 / Museum of Symmetry / Centenntable / GTAnimalia / Schwister / ZAGMAX 3000 / Red Hot Ricochet / Our Evil Tower / Closer / RotoRing
Music
Catherine Debard (YlangYlang) / New Chance / Leucrocuta / Julie Reich (Bile Sister)
Important Stuff
👉🚪 Doors Open at 8pm 🚪👈
Tickets
You will need to bring your Universe ticket with a QR code and unique alphanumber underneath, either printed out to minimize fumbling with devices, or ready to go on your phone with the brightness turned to maximum. Each ticket is good for ONE scan at the door, after which you will need a hand stamp for re-entry. There is no guest list and we don’t check names, so transferring is a simple matter of giving someone else your ticket as long as it hasn’t been already scanned.
Government-Issued ID
This is a 19+ event and we will be checking ID at the door!
Ca$h and Banks
Nearby banks: There are CIBC and TD ATMs nearby on Bloor Street, south of the venue. What can you do with cash? Lots of things!
- Food and drink! All the bars will be cash-only. Beer, wine, and cocktails are all $7. Don’t forget to tip!
- We will be selling HES stickers and signed posters at the Silent Auction table. Speaking of which:
Silent Auction and Merch
With the help of the fine folks at Ubisoft Toronto, we are holding our very first Silent Auction! If you’ve never been to one before, you simply write down a “bid” for any of the special prize packages laid out on the table. Anyone can outbid you at any time throughout the night and you can return the favour, until the Auction ends at 11:30 PM and the winners are announced. If you’re still at the party, you can pay for your items at this time with cash or a credit card, or arrange with us later via Paypal. We’ve got everything from Steam keys and art commissions to items from TIFF, the Beguiling, and the Royal Cinema, so be sure to stop by the table and make a bid! All proceeds will be going straight to WordPlay and our delicious 2019 programming, including artist compensation and bringing over international guests.
We will also be selling HES stickers, as well as SIGNED copies of this year’s Ball poster by the artist himself, Victor Martins! 20% of the poster proceeds will go towards printing costs, and 80% will go directly to Victor. Support an artist and get a rad poster at the same time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code?
This is probably one of our most asked questions! There is no strict or enforced dress code, but we do encourage people to put the “fancy” in “fancy video game party” if they feel like it. Whatever that word means to you, feel free to wear it!
That being said: Saturday is looking to be the end of the season’s warm spell, so be prepared to bring appropriate outerwear! We will have free coat check this year, but brace yourself for a bit of a line if it’s rainy or otherwise unpleasant out. We will do our best to ensure things are kept moving along as smoothly as possible.
How do I get to the venue? Is there parking in the area?
There is no on-site parking, but 918 Bathurst is just a short walk north of Bathurst Station, right on the TTC Bloor Line. Here’s a handy guide to parking in the area:
Will there be WiFi?
Unfortunately, there is no public WiFi. If you can spare a little data, use of the #HESBall16 hashtag is encouraged!
What do I do if I experience harassment or witness something going down?
We have a Safer Spaces Policy which we expect all attendees, staff, and volunteers to observe. If you experience or witness harassment, contact a Safe Spaces Officer, who will be prominently wearing GLOW-STICKS around their upper arms. Staff and volunteer will be wearing WHITE BOW TIES. Security personnel will be onsite to help with additional policy enforcement. This policy and process will be posted publicly around the venue.
The Hand Eye Society team does not view ignorance, intoxication, or attempts at humour as an excuse for unacceptable behaviour. If you have any questions about what constitutes harassment or need further explanations about the definitions listed above, please contact safe@handeyesociety.com for clarification.
Will there be food and drink?
Death In Venice Gelato will be providing both cold treats and light eats (cash and credit), and there will be several bar stations (cash only) where you can purchase pop, water, juice, beer, wine, and a special cocktail. There are also plenty of restaurants along Bloor West if you decide to venture outside for some reason.
What’s the social media situation?
You can find us live-Tweeting here…
…and Snapping Stories with handeyesociety (or scan the Snapcode below to follow along)!
There will also be an official photographer and videographer on-site, but feel free to share your #HESBall18 experiences on your platform of choice.
What’s this “meta-game” I keep hearing about?
The Night of Four Houses is an interactive experience for 600 players. Competing factions, mysterious side quests, and chaotic intrigue abound… Become part of the lore by acquiring playing cards, exchanging them for points, and solving secret codes. Don’t forget to check out the hourly improv performances, in which the House Champions (played by Jon Blair, Kat Letwin, Kaitlin Morrow and Andrew Bushell with music by Mark Bond) enact a centuries-old struggle for control of The Instrument and its ancient powers. May the best House win!
What else does the Hand Eye Society do when you’re not throwing parties?
We’re a non-profit video game arts organization that runs a variety of cultural and educational programming year-round, some of which is supported by your ticket purchase! Some of these activities include game-making workshops, social meet-ups, exhibits, annual festivals, and partnerships with other artistic communities both local and international. Visit our Programs and Initiatives page for more information, and consider subscribing to our e-mail newsletter, Facebook group and Twitter feed to get news fast. You might also consider becoming a member!
See you at the Ball!
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