Phoenix Rising, a Harry Potter Conference in New Orleans, May 17 - 21, 2007

As the conclusion of the Harry Potter series of books and movies nears (although Harry Potter Book 7 does not yet have a release date and J.K. Rowling is reportedly still finishing writing it, the fifth Harry Potter movie is in production and the 6^th has already been given a release date), special events focusing on the Harry Potter phenomena are increasing – this includes both Harry Potter fan conferences and official Harry Potter events from the author, publishers and producers.

One of 2007’s major events will be Phoenix Rising, an academic and fan conference on the Harry Potter phenomena taking place in New Orleans, May 17 – 21.  Phoenix Rising’s focus will be rebirth – a major theme of the Harry Potter series and particularly appropriate for an event set in New Orleans.  Programming will cover a wide range of topics and styles – including the presentation of academic papers looking both at the text of Harry Potter and at the series as a cultural phenomena.  Phoenix Rising will also have an emphasis on the arts – encompassing aspects of the Harry Potter films's production, as well as fan activities such as fanfiction, fanart and costuming. Phoenix Rising’s home base is the Sheraton Hotel, but the conference plans to take full advantage of New Orleans with many special events and keynote presentations happening at major tourist attractions including the Musée Conti Wax Museum and the Aquarium of the .