There are many science fiction conventions around the world, but Worldcons offer a unique mix of fans and professionals from all walks of life and all corners of the Earth for a very exciting experience.
This is an interview with Norman Cates, the co-chair, about Worldcons. This interview took place at MidAmericon 2, in 2016.
Activities and events at the convention typically include (but are not limited to):
- Activities to support fan and external charities
- Art show – presenting paintings, drawings, sculpture and other work, primarily on science fiction and fantasy themes
- Autographing sessions, literary beer or coffee-with meet-ups, Walks with the Stars, and other chances to meet favorite science fiction and fantasy professionals.
- Awards ceremonies:
- The Chesley Awards ceremony
- The Hugo Awards ceremony
- Other ceremonies, depending on timing and the country the Worldcon is in.
- Costuming – both formal competition (the “Masquerade”) and casual “hall costumes”
- At least one dance, with either live music or a DJ (LoneStarCon 3 had three in 2013, including a Firefly Shindig contradance and a steampunk dance.)
- Dealers’ room (often referred to by fans as the “huckster room) – a large hall full of people selling books, games, comic books, movies, jewelry, costumes (often including weapons), and other fannish goods
- Filk and other musical performances, music circles, and workshops
- Films – an independent film festival and other film rooms showing science fiction movies, television shows, etc.
- Gaming – live-action and tabletop board games, card games, and role-playing games
- Live theatrical performances
- Panel discussions on a wide range of topics pertaining to speculative fiction (SF) literature; film, audio and other media; art; graphic stories; fandom and fannish hobbies; science, technology, and society; costuming, gaming, and music
- Socializing in the “con suite”, convention bars and at parties (typically run by other conventions or bidders, clubs, publishers/magazines, and by private individuals)
- Speeches or other presentations by the Guests of Honor and other program participants
- Other business of the World Science Fiction Society, including voting on the location of future Worldcons and North American Science Fiction Conventions (NASFiCs, which occur when the Worldcon is overseas) and any changes to the WSFS Constitution, which are made at WSFS business meetings during the convention.
About the World Science Fiction Society
Learn more about the society that created and runs Worldcon, and the work they do.
Hugo Awards
The Hugo Awards are the most prestigious awards in science fiction. Find out more about the awards and the nominations process here.
The WSFS Business Meeting
Rules for the WSFS, future Worldcons, and the Hugo Awards are changed and debated at the WSFS Business Meeting. Learn more about the meeting and why you should attend here.
2022 Worldcon Site Selection
The selection of the location for Worldcon 2022 will happen at CoNZealand. Find out more about the process and voting here.