WHO: imPorts!
WHERE: Heropa's Convention Center
WHEN: January 9th.
WHAT: Swearing-in in motion! To kick off the new year, imPorts and locals alike are invited to share their resolutions and goals for the new year, big and small -- and some of the locals would like to talk about what they'd like to see from YOU, imPorts! Individual threads for examples of each speaker may request can be found here:

CRIME
CHARITY
DISCOVERY

WARNINGS: None anticipated; let us know if this should be changed.



Another year over, a new one just begun. Welcome, imPorts to the first swear-in of 2017! The past twelve months have been a heck of a ride, haven’t they? In honor of Werriam Mebster picking ‘power’ as the word of the year for 2016, this gathering focuses on just what the word means for the future. Or more importantly, what it is people, imPorts and natives alike, wish to see power used for in 2017.

Today’s gathering is in Heropa in a rented out convention center. The main large room is reserved for imPorts only, spreads of food and drinks available along with small tables scattered around for individuals or groups of up to 5 to gather around and (maybe slightly annoyingly) bright and optimistic music playing softly but endlessly in the background. Throughout the event, they'll also be giving away ImPort Calendars for 2017, so be sure to open them up and gawk at all your colleagues and friends as much as you like!

The star events, however, are in the side rooms. In conference rooms labeled ‘Crime’, ‘Charity’ or ‘Discovery’ natives have gathered to present their case to the imPorts and ask you to make your New Year’s resolution to be helping the native population that counts on (and financially supports, a few more bitter residents may point out) all of you.

In each room natives take their turn to specifically outline their request, based on the theme of the room. The Crime room will have people pointing out specific gangs in their neighborhood that need to be looked into, or ask for heroes to come help train their neighborhood watches to be more efficient. Charity is asking for donations of time, energy, and/or money for specific causes or buildings. Helping kids to read, replacing that museum one of you burned down, getting little Sally that red sled she always wanted. Discovery related to inventions or developments the natives would like imPorts to focus on in the upcoming year. Anything from a moon base to free androids for all to specific medical advancements. Many of these requests may seem impossible, but like a kid with a wish list to Santa they’re all going to give it a try. Who knows what imPorts may be capable of when they put their heads together? Some of these presentations are simply someone reading from a piece of paper on stage, others involve flashy light shows and how YOU can benefit from helping. Some are sung, some have dance numbers, any way the natives can think of making their request stand out, they are willing to do.

So go to one or all of the request sessions, either to genuinely help, to mock, or just to get an idea of where you stand in the native’s eyes. Then take a break in the imPort only social to discuss the brilliance/insanity of the requests, form groups to work together in the New Year, or just get drunk in the corner on the government’s dime.

On the other hand, everyone wants to hear from you too, imPorts -- what do you want out of life, personally or professionally? They're encouraged to share with the public and their friends alike with a cheerful - if not entirely correct - reminder that it's easier to keep to resolutions if you share them! And if you do volunteer your resolution, you will be rewarded with a little gift bag filled with goods and coupons from the event's sponsors (cookies, a certificate for 50% off a wheel change, a gift certificate for one free froyo at a local business and a free coffee at a differet local business as well as a chinese finger trap, a whistle, and a child's handheld puzzle... not all events are all glam, imPorts!). What's the message you want to spread to these people who have such great hopes for you?

It’s a whole New Year, kids. What will you do with your power?