5 Ways to Prepare for CrowdSolve
- By Website Editor
- •
- 20 Sep, 2019
What you can do right now to kick off your CrowdSolve experience
As our inaugural CrowdSolve event draws near, we want to help CrowdSolve Investigators (that’s you!) prepare so they can arrive in Seattle ready to hit the ground running. Since CrowdSolve is a brand-new event that has never been done before, it’s helpful for us to think through it, too.
Each Friday between now and October 17 we’ll publish a list of five tips, concepts, or resources that will help CrowdSolve Investigators know what to expect in Seattle and how to get the most of the CrowdSolve experience. First up: some time-saving housekeeping tasks and recommendations.
Book your hotel room. If you haven’t yet, reserve your room before they’re gone! The last day to reserve your room at the Westin Seattle at our discounted group rate is this coming Thursday, September 26. Staying at the host hotel will elevate your CrowdSolve experience in surprising ways: you’ll run into your fellow Investigators and law enforcement experts in the hallways and restaurants and chat about theories; Save the energy you would’ve spent commuting to the hotel for a long day of investigating; and save money on Uber, taxis, or parking. (Plus, have you seen the place?! It’s beautiful!)
Sign the non-disclosure agreement ahead of time. Because CrowdSolve Investigators will review two active cases - the disappearance of Nancy Moyer and the murder of Karen Bodine - confidentiality is our number one priority. All CrowdSolve Investigators must sign an NDA before receiving their badge at registration. We encourage you to complete the NDA ahead of time and save yourself some time at the registration table on-site in Seattle. We’ll send instructions about how to do that in the next couple of weeks.
Join the official CrowdSolve Investigators Forum.
You should have received an email at your registered email address inviting you to join the discussion group on Facebook. This is a closed group only for Seattle CrowdSolve Investigators. The Investigators Forum
will be a goldmine of information before and during CrowdSolve. You’ll be able to ask questions about the cases, chat with the experts, and meet your fellow Investigators. After the event, we will post updates as Thurston County Sheriff’s Office pursues the ideas and leads you provide.
Get to know the victims. We think TCSO Detective Mickey Hamilton said it best: “Get to know Karen Bodine and Nancy Moyer. Absorb everything you can. Read all the publicly available information and everything you can in the case files.” There is very little coverage of Karen’s case in the media but we will parse out non-confidential parts of the case file over the next few weeks (with the approval of TCSO). In the meantime, catch up on the binge-able Hide & Seek podcast with James Baysinger to learn more about Nancy’s case.
Get in the mindset of an Investigator. Let us warn you: there are images and descriptions in the case files that are not easy to see. We’ve said from the early planning stages that CrowdSolve is not a “murder mystery game” but the full weight of that statement hit home as Karen’s and Nancy’s terribly sad narratives took shape in the case files. The good news: there is a lot of material in both cases and we’re almost positive our keen-eyed CrowdSolvers will spot even a tiny lead that may crack either case.
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
