Imagicon - Day 1

Okay, so you'll get a blog today, but sadly no pictures. I'll try to remedy that for the next posting.
Recap of Day 1 -
I got started a bit early from Georgia, headed to Birmingham since it was pouring rain. I *hate* driving in the rain. So, I figured the slow and steady approach would be best given the wet circumstances. After a mind numbing 2 and a half hour trip - I successfully pulled into the Sheraton slightly ahead of schedule, around 11:30 Alabama time. Just so you know, last trip this way, I was plagued the entire time by the one hour time difference. I know, one hour isn't like jet lag material, but it still mucks with my whole system.
I checked in, settled into the room, then went on the hunt for the convention check-in. After that was handled, I had time for a quick lunch before my 1:00 panel.
The 1:00 panel on publishing and self-publishing went very well. We had good attendance, which, honestly, was surprising since it was such an early time slot - the first panel of the convention. I stated my opinionated view on self-publishing. From there I had a 2:30 panel on Character development. Again we had a good number in the audience and lively participation from the authors.
At 3:30 I spent about an hour at my signing table. But my stomach began to rumble, since it was used to the Atlanta time zone, and I went in search of some down time and food.
After a brief stop in the room to check email and such, I went to dinner and had a wonderful feast of salmon from the hotel.
I decided to wander for the remainder hour until my 8Pm panel. However, when I went up to the panel area, the director snagged me, and asked if I'd be willing to hop onto the 7PM panel about Paranormal. Of course, I said yes.
The 7Pm panel was sparsely attended, perhaps due to the other events going on, but we still had a good time talking about ghosts and sharing our stories.
Again the 8PM panel had sparse attendance, but we still had a fun time discussing Urban Fantasy and all it entails.
So, that was today. . . and I'm tired and ready for some shut eye, before it's time to do this all again tomorrow.
A few minor points about the hotel - first, it is a very nice hotel. Staff is friendly and helpful and the rooms are well appointed. Food is good quality, and an okay price (a bit more than I would normally pay, but well. . .). I do have one major worry though. . . the tornadoes. Last year, on the same weekend in March, I was here for another convention. That was the weekend the tornado ripped through Atlanta. Here, I had hail pounding my 17th floor window - a very scary experience. So I was a little worried this time around, knowing that the weather promises more of the same - rain, storms and tornadoes. But this time, at least, I have an East facing room. . . where as last time, my westerly facing floor to ceiling window took the brunt of the wind driven hail.
So, more to come, but hopefully no 'Wizard of Oz' stories about me being sucked up by a tornado.