{"id":7676,"date":"2012-12-16T14:33:36","date_gmt":"2012-12-16T22:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wormholeriders.org\/cc\/?p=7676"},"modified":"2021-01-31T00:54:13","modified_gmt":"2021-01-31T08:54:13","slug":"at6-ripples-saturday-adventures-with-gabit-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wormholeriders.org\/cc\/2012\/12\/16\/at6-ripples-saturday-adventures-with-gabit-events\/","title":{"rendered":"AT6 Ripples: Saturday Adventures with GABIT Events!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Gabit<\/a><\/p>\n

Welcome fans to the sixth annual GABIT Amanda Tapping<\/a> Convention, AT6 “Ripples”!<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Click<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Editor’s Notes: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This report focuses on the wonderful “AT6 Ripples” convention events conducted Saturday November 10, 2012 at the luxurious Marriott Renaissance Hotel<\/a> located near the Heathrow International Airport<\/a>. We include two perspectives on this fabulous event below for your enjoyment. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The first perspective is from a person you all know and admire, YoRocky89y<\/a> (Mike). The second perspective is provided by SanctuaryAngel<\/a> (Michelle Linardis), another individual dedicated to the worthy causes of charity supported by Amanda Tapping<\/a> and the great team at GABIT Events! <\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dennys<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Included above is our recent WormholeRiders You Decide<\/a> radio interview with the talented and extraordinary celebrity photographer Dennys Ilic! <\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Our exclusive interview with Dennys Ilic<\/a> was conducted on Sunday November 18, 2012, the week after the AT6 Ripples<\/a> convention includes many references to GABIT Events AT6 Ripples convention as well as his photography adventure with Amanda Tapping<\/a> in Paris, France before the convention. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Click<\/a>Event Hostess Julia Hague<\/a> and her team set about their mission, an outstanding intimate charity event supporting Sanctuary For Kids<\/a>, The Nepal Orphans Home and Hearing Dogs for Deaf Persons. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As previously reported about the AT6 Cocktail Party<\/a>, Ms. Hague made each of the attendees feel welcome at GABIT AT6 Ripples<\/a> event which began in earnest the morning of Saturday November 10, 2012 to the delight of all whom attended! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We hope you enjoy our report about our experiences on Saturday at AT6 Ripples<\/a>! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mike’s Story: \"AT6<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday morning came, and I knew from the moment I woke up that this would be a Saturday like no other. After many, many months of waiting and anticipation, day one of AT6 had arrived, and what would happen over the course of the weekend would be more than I ever could imagine. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The GABIT Events<\/a> organization is truly unique is all aspects. Since September of 2002 the GABIT Events team have been giving fans the chance to meet their favorite stars, not just that, but they have provided a family-like environment for all fans attending. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I was lucky to meet some GABIT staff before the actual event started, and they are such kind people that are there for any fan when one is in need. I had met Jenn Scheffler<\/a> and Keely Mayo<\/a> the day before, both very lovely women who I had known online for some time, but meeting them in person was my pleasure. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I also had the pleasure of meeting John Goode<\/a>, who is a great photographer, very lovely man, and was in charge of the photos taken at the AT6, such as the cocktail photos, photo-op sessions, and the photos taken throughout the event. I have always been the biggest critic of all the photos I have had with celebrities before, but I was happy and impressed with the quality of my latest photo with the lovely Amanda Tapping<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Another important factor in why these GABIT Events<\/a> work so well is the charming Becky Preen<\/a>, she is the Secretary and Operations Director, who does a very fine job at that. The event is carefully thought out, along with a printed event schedule that each fan is given, that way everyone knows what is happening, and when it happens. Kay Jacobs<\/a> is the brilliant woman who was in charge of registrations of guests. Kay is a lovely woman who worked very hard to make sure each fan was looked after. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Tracy North<\/a> is the charming and brilliant mind who is heavily involved in the design and production of the Event programme and banners, which I have seen online from previous AT events and in person at AT6. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Becka\u00a0Ford\u00a0 is Julia Hague<\/a> and Peter Hague’s daughter. She is also the new Head of Charity for GABIT Events<\/a>, having moved on from guest Services. I felt she did a very well and professional job in handling the items for the main and silent auctions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Then of course is the remarkable Julia Hague who has earned her admirable and loving reputation by the fans. I have known Ms. Hague for a few years online, and she has always come of as respectable, kind and someone who I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting. Ms. Hague has the nickname among the GABIT staff as “The Boss Lady” and I believe she has earned title, it is not only a fan title, but a reminder to everyone that she is the boss for a reason, and someone who is there for Amanda Tapping<\/a> and the fans. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"AT6<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Ms. Hague is not only the “The Boss Lady”, she is also an Olympic Torchbearer, who was generous enough to bring the Olympic Torch to the event where fans were able to have a photo with Ms. Hague holding the Olympic Torch. Ms. Hague is also the author of “You Is For Unique” book which has become quite popular with the fans who have read it and talked heavily about it online. Meeting Ms. Hague was an absolute delight to meet, she has a big heart and a kind spirit that immediately is shared with those who meet her.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Friday was only to open the registration for guests attending the convention, which was also the day for fans to preview and see what was in store for them for the weekend. I have been to two Amanda Tapping related conventions prior to this, Dragon Con in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Toronto Fan Expo, which is the city Ms. Tapping grew up in. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

However, this was the first convention I have attended to include so many Amanda Tapping fans at one time, and I have never met most of the other fans in person, I have only known them online, but I already felt very close to many of those attending. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I felt like I was attending AT6 with people I call “friends-family” because I have grown very close to many of them over the years. Despite them living so far away, and only knowing them online, friendship is not measured in distance. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Friendship is measured in value and what you feel for someone in your heart. Those attending range far across the world, from Canada, Australia, Germany, Portugal, and so on, but we were all brought to that one hotel to see one another, as well as the brilliant Amanda Tapping.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The AT6 Ripples<\/a> Opening Ceremony was such a lovely way to begin the convention, which was introduced by Becky Preen<\/a> who was very clear on general rules, and what was to be expected for the day. I felt the GABIT team really came through for the fans because the photo-op and autograph sessions were well organized. The GABIT Events<\/a> organization allowed each row to be called up and each fan was given their own special private time with Amanda Tapping. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"AT6<\/a>The big moment had arrived when Amanda Tapping<\/a> herself arrived, which of course was (and always is) followed by a very large cheer and applause from the fans as she walked and jumped her way. One thing that is sure when it comes to Ms. Tapping, is that she never disappoints. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As a fan of years for over five years now, I have never been bored or disappointed by Amanda Tapping<\/a> as an actress, or person. Fired up and ready for questions, the lovely Ms. Tapping began taking fan questions, and answering them the best she could, no matter what kind of question she is asked, her answers are always fun to listen to, as well as heartfelt and meaningful. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Every new AT event, Ms. Tapping will say or do something that will stick with event for the whole weekend. One example was her impression of her seven year old daughter, Olivia on the set of Sanctuary<\/a> walking as Bigfoot! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Topics such as Sanctuary<\/a>, Random Acts of Romance<\/a>, Space Milkshake<\/a>, which was shown three times at the event for the viewing pleasure of the fans, and of course Sanctuary for Kids<\/a> and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People<\/a> were bought up, two charities Ms. Tapping takes to heart. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Click<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Many months before AT6, the lovely Jenn Scheffler<\/a> was contacting fans and asking us to be involved in a special project for and by the fans, as well as the whole Amanda Tapping fandom. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Click<\/a>Fans were asked to make and decorate a banner saying “I Support Sanctuary For Kids” and\/or “I Support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.” It was a success, because of the hard work by Jenn Scheffler<\/a>, who many fans owe their thanks to. At the end of the first Q&A session, GABIT Events showed a short Tim Hortons<\/a> commercial from 1989 with Amanda Tapping<\/a>. Needless to say, Ms. Tapping was pleased, but a little surprised.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"AT6<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The time for first set photo-ops had come, which is always a special time for fans to have their private moments with their favorite star. Despite already having had four prior seasons with Amanda Tapping, and meeting her at DragonCon<\/a> and Fan Expo Canada<\/a> as previously reported here<\/a>, I was quite nervous. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I was in the room watching as other fans got their photos taken with Ms. Tapping, I saw joy and pride on the faces of each fan as they got their photos taken, which gave me a sense of pride as well seeing them so happy. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I am man enough to admit that like some of the fans going up to get their photos, I too was a little teary because I have high respect and admiration for this amazing woman. Before going up to get my photo, the lovely Julia Hague<\/a> pulled me aside for a moment to calm me down, bless her heart, and she did just that. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"AT6<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, my moment came to have my photo with the always amazing Amanda Tapping. However I was still a little teary eyed, but Ms. Tapping gave me the biggest hug! I told her I was sorry for being in that state, she then gently said to me: “You never have to apologize to me for anything.” <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

After the hug she looks at me right in the eye, and tells me I am a great hugger. It was Ms. Tapping’s idea to have the photo we did, and I am quite happy with how it came out. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As a bonus this year, fans had the option to have their photo taken with the Olympic Torch runner herself, Julia Hague<\/a>. I was more than honored to have my photo taken with not only an amazing woman, but was fortunate to hold the Olympic Torch as well! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Because this was an option, and the main camera equipment was being used to photograph Amanda Tapping<\/a> and her fans, those who got their photo with Ms. Hague had to use their own camera, which I think is very cool, because now I have a photo like that to cherish the rest of my life!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned in our previous report<\/a> about AT6 Ripples, GABIT Events<\/a> presented Space Milkshake<\/a> three times over the course of the convention. The film features the outstanding talent of Amanda Tapping<\/a>, Robin Dunne<\/a>, Billy Boyd<\/a>, Kristin Kreuk<\/a> and the voice of George Takei<\/a> as Gary the Duck. The reason the film was being shown three times over the weekend was because other activities were going on at the same time, but did not require the use of the ballroom by Ms. Tapping or the GABIT staff. \"AT6<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The movie was much funnier than I thought it would be, and it was great seeing these actors go so “far out” and doing what they did in the movie. I would highly recommend this film to the fans of the actors, as well as fans who enjoy a good science fiction comedy. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Shorty after the movie ended, it was time for my best friend, Michelle Linardis (SanctuaryAngel<\/a>) and I head out to meet with Jenn Scheffler<\/a> where we would be heading into something we never thought would ever happen. We were off to interview the brilliant Amanda Tapping<\/a> and lovely Julia Hague<\/a> for WormholeRiders. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I would like to personally and professionally thank both Amanda Tapping<\/a> and Julia Hague<\/a> for allowing Michelle Linardis and myself to have such a great opportunity to have have an in depth interview with them, as well as giving them up some of their time in order to give us some very heartfelt and meaningful questions regarding Sanctuary For Kids<\/a> and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The interview is available to listen in the podcast in each AT6 Ripples<\/a> report at Wormholeriders News Agency<\/a> regarding the outstanding AT6 convention included below.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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