Those who haven't thumbed through a J.K. Rowling book would be hard-pressed to decipher the agenda for "Terminus: A Harry Potter Conference." Presented by Narrate Conferences, the five-day event begins today at the Hilton Chicago and is expected to draw as many as 1,500 scholars and Harry Potter fans from countries as far flung as New Zealand and Uruguay.
Terminus activities will include more than 150 hours of academic programming, including "examinations of race, gender, and Dumbledore's sexual orientation," as well as "a wizarding talk show," and "high-flying Quidditch matches" in Grant Park, according to a press release. Other happenings will include after-hours "wizard wrock" concerts by Harry Potter-inspired bands at Reggie's Rock Club. Free shuttle service will transport attendees between the Hilton and the South Loop music venue.
