English – cause i find it eaiser to type in English then in utf8.
As for your question as to what to do instead – the possibilities are limit less :
Discussion groups about _whatever
seminars on creative Sci-fi /Fantasy writing
debates on the origins of myth or a specific idea
live presenation of a book with live audiance participants
invite guests from aboad – right it will cost more – but it will also enrish the expiriance.
a short story cometpition held during the convention days.
a bring an buy second hand auction or stand
those are just a few adeas of the top of my head
Drake