A PREVIEW OF iCON 2005 IN TORONTO

It seems like yesterday when the first Long Yang Club International Convention, iCON, was hosted in London, United Kingdom. Since then, it has taken place in Seattle, Montreal & Ottawa, Paris, and most recently, Bangkok.

For every iCON, there was something special and different– iCON 99 (London), there was the parade with pomp and ceremony, iCON 2000 (Seattle) – a trip up the Space Needle ; iCON 2002 (Montreal & Ottawa), the first time where the event had been held in two cities ; iCON 2003 (Paris), a romantic setting which included a visit to Eiffel Tower, a cruise on the Seine and a day in a French chateau ; and iCON 2004 (Bangkok) – the first time a convention for gay Asians and non-Asians whichhad taken place in Asia, and which was held in conjunction with Bangkok Gay Pride!

iCON 2005 will be one with a difference too! It will be the first time that iCON will be hosted in conjunction with International Friendship Weekend or IFW – a similar sort of event which were mostly held in American cities. That is why the event will be called iCONIFW 2005.

So far, over 100 people registered have already registered and they are expecting a lot more.

The opening evening will be held at a nightclub within walking distance from the host hotel called "Fly". It is used as one of the bars in the "Queer as Folk" TV series. We promise a great party and show there where everyone will be encouraged to mingle around and get to know each other. You will also be able to stroll back to the hotel by going through Toronto's gay village which is filled with many cafes, bars and restaurants.

On a Friday evening there will be a number of outdoor patios filled with their own kind of "sights" and "sightseers". Just before you get to the hotel you will pass "The Barn", one of Toronto's most popular gay asian/non-asian dance clubs. For those who are more into relaxing, we will have a hospitality suite at the hotel to continue getting to know each other (this will be available every evening).

On Saturday there will be a wonderful tour, lunch, optional outings , amazing food banquet and live show at our four star host hotel. Most of the performers will be from Toronto but we welcome others from among the cities who will be coming. If you are interested in performing please be in touch.

On Sunday there is an optional tour to Niagara Falls. This is nearly booked and you are encouraged to sign up for it as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. For those who don't go we have a special cafe lunch planned in the middle of the gay village in addition to the days activiites. The evening features a magical boat cruise through the Toronto harbour complete with supper and live entertainment. There will also be opportunity

The registration fees start from US$240 but it goes up the later you book, and if are living in Canada, you can pay in Canadian dollar. For more information, please go to www.iconifw.com

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