What are our official functions?

Our official functions fall into two categories: TarValon.Net Official Events (which we plan and execute) and TarValon.Net Conferences (which we attend and support but do not plan and execute). These functions are large scale events and are most easily compared to small fan conventions (or, in some cases, actually are fan conventions). Community Members who attend each event contribute to the cost of the events in the form of the ticket purchase. These events generally feature traditions including our traditional toast, membership ceremonies such as raisings and bondings, recognition awards, fundraisers, and competition for prizes.

Our Official Events include:

• Anniversary Party – Spring; can be held anywhere in the world, but it is traditionally in North America.
• Summer Tower Party Europe – A summer event held in Europe.
• Winter Tower Party Europe – A winter event held in Europe.
• Fall Ball – Autumn, held in North America. Generally involves going to a tourist-oriented location and staying in a hotel. This event moves around the continent.
• Tower Party Australia – Held in Australia during its summer when there is membership interest.

Official Conferences are:

• The Tower at JordanCon – A conference dedicated to Robert Jordan's works and related materials traditionally held in Atlanta, Georgia, on the third weekend in April. The Tower does not plan or execute this event, but our Community Members are often involved on many levels in helping this event be the best it can be.
• The Tower at Dragon*Con – Labor Day weekend (the weekend before the first Monday in September) in Atlanta, GA; while this event is one of the largest sci-fi fantasy conferences in the world, TarValon.Net generally has a large congregation in attendance as well as additional functions planned.

Who can attend?

Anyone who has been a member in good standing of TarValon.Net for at least 2 months, is at least 18 years of age at the time of the event (although, if the event is being held in a country with a lower legal age of maturity, local laws will prevail), has shown significant maturity, and has gone through the process of being made real may attend a Tower Function. Members on probation are usually not allowed to attend functions. The Board of Directors reserves the right to extend or withhold invitations, including special invitations as needed. Community Members may also bring their significant others or family, if space allows, though it should be stressed that all events are aimed at adults.

Non-service pets are not allowed to attend Tower functions.

What should I expect?

TarValon.Net events can be daunting when attended for the first time. It can be especially challenging for people who have never met friends off of the Internet before, or for people who are generally not accustomed to being around a lot of people for a few very intensely social days! Our events usually last for an extended weekend, which is a lot of time to spend around people you may or may not have met before.

Our members are usually a very friendly group. Many people are initially surprised by how many people recognize them on sight and how warmly they are greeted. Many of us view our friendships here as being just as valuable as our friendships elsewhere. We do a lot of hugging and snuggling, particularly on the first day when we are just seeing a lot of our friends for the first time in weeks or months. However, please keep in mind that everyone has their limits, and some of us are more physically affectionate than others.

Because we have been a community with real life gatherings for so long, many of us have met in person several times. As such, we are comfortable around each other. We have each other in our homes, our family members have met community members, we talk on the phone with each other—we are involved with each other both online and off. At events, we spend a lot of time snuggling, laughing, telling stories, and hanging out in groups.

If this is your first event, you may feel a little uncomfortable jumping into what appears to be a close-knit group. Be assured, we welcome seeing new faces! We have an incredibly diverse membership, and one of the great things about our events is getting to know all the different people. If you're a first-timer, jump right in! If this is your tenth event, reach out to someone you don't see much or have just met. We're a stronger community because of our real life interactions, and that includes meeting new people.

Members attending an official function are expected to behave in full accordance with the Code of Conduct. Members who fail to comply may be asked to leave the event and will not be granted a refund. If disciplinary action is needed at a real life event, it may result in suspension or termination of membership. Everyone should be a responsible guest, which means respecting personal property and space, as well as helping with set-up, clean-up, and costs. Underage drinking is not allowed, and illegal drugs will not be tolerated. Either will result in disciplinary action, up to and including your dismissal from the community.

Liability

TarValon.Net does not take responsibility for anyone, including his/her actions, safety, and possessions, who attends a function. All who attend take full responsibility for themselves and agree to hold TarValon.Net, Inc. and its administration, Officers, and Board of Directors harmless in the event of an unforeseen occurrence.