Events

Terminus is currently the only active conference presented by Narrate Conferences, Inc. We do, however, have several other events in development and will include them in this section as soon as we have more information finalized.

On June 26, 1997, Harry Potter took the first step in his journey – and brought along millions of enthusiasts who not only traveled with him, but discovered paths of their own, to friendship, to magic, and to imagination.

On August 7-11, 2008, Terminus, a Harry Potter conference, will encompass not only the journey of J. K. Rowling’s seven fantastic books, but the individual journeys of those who read them. Five days of magic and discovery await you at Terminus, a Harry Potter conference. Whether you are scholar, student, teacher or fan, the magnificent Hilton Chicago Hotel will welcome you to J. K. Rowling’s world on August 7-11, 2008. Your itinerary will include academic presentations and lectures, educational workshops, a Quidditch tournament, a bon voyage ball, and certainly, lively discussion about Harry Potter.

Whether you live down the street or on the other side of the globe, we invite you to book your ticket to explore an unforgettable series. Gather at this crossroads of travel and adventure with hundreds of enthusiasts from around the world to debate and reminisce – and experience Harry’s journey all over again. Travel by plane, train, boat, automobile, or even strong prairie wind, but join us in downtown Chicago to celebrate how Harry changed the world.

For more information, please visit the Terminus website.

Past Events

Phoenix Rising, a conference devoted to all things Harry Potter, fused the intensity of academic debate with the improvisation of exploratory discussion, the rhythms of New Orleans with the colors and pageantry of art. The conference examined the novels, the movies, and the extraordinary fan phenomenon during the day, then attendees reveled with the beat of the Crescent City - herself rising from ash and flame - when evening advanced.

Phoenix Rising encompassed the Harry Potter phenomenon in all its diverse incarnations, and illustrated the dynamic invention that Narrate Conferences, Inc. brings to academic and educational events. Intrinsic to Phoenix Rising was its academic programming: more than three days of intellectual discussion and debate on the most famous boy wizard of his time. To that foundation, the conference added the counterpoint of exploratory education in a variety of forms, as well as the embellishments of convivial events, games and other activities. The result was five incomparable days of collaboration and revelry in New Orleans, the city that thrives not only on the spectacle that is Mardi Gras, but also the everyday movement of historic jazz clubs, second lines and Café du Monde's famous beignets.

Phoenix Rising was unusual in its approach. Rather than focusing solely on academics or fans, Phoenix Rising invited both to attend and participate — as well as educators, librarians, professionals, writers and artists from around the world. By including a wide variety of attendees, and encouraging all of them to lend their expertise and enthusiasm, Phoenix Rising created a collaborative, participatory conference unlike any other, one that enjoyed media coverage from The Today Show, Dateline NBC, MTV, The New York Times and Salon.com, among other outlets.

For more information, please visit the Phoenix Rising website. You may purchase a copy of the conference compendium here.