Quarong's Updated List of Conventions

Some of you are accustomed to getting a copy of this file from me every couple of months, some of you are seeing it for the first time. To provide a bit of background for the latter group, this is essentially an immensely detailed retyping of the flyers I've picked up at the cons and keep on file, just for the purpose of making sure we all know when we can go enjoy the next chapter in our strange and fascinating hobby.

Since I know some of you are fairly new to conventions, I've tried to make my listings as clear and informative as possible. First of all, there are 5 sections here:
(1) This silly notice.
(2) "Special Announcements" = ie items I want you to know about, but which don't fit in well elsewhere.
(3) "NW Conventions" = This is the meat of the file, with everything you need to know (or at least all that I have) from when and where it is and how to register; to who the guests are, who you can write for more info, and how much rooms cost. I've also added a few words about the general theme and number of attendees at each event, but that entry could still use some refinement especially for some of the small, local cons. (Help?) (4) "Cons in Other Regions" = Arizona, Montana, California, and whatever else I found noted on Jack's fantastic website (see below). Details are few, but most have links you can follow if you want to know more. (5) "International Conventions" = Westercon, Worldcon, Smofcon, etc. Both the current incarnations, and contact info for upcoming bids.

Three quick bits of advice for those of you fairly new to this registration thing: One, pre-reging saves you money and a whole lot of hassle on-site.  It also helps the con plan better if they know how many people are coming.  Two, you don't need a copy of the flyer to register. Just write your name, address, phone, email, and badge name on a piece a paper; as well as a note if you want info about art show, masquerade, volunteers, etc; and mail it off with a check for the correct amount. Three, if you have children check with the con for special rates. The general rule is those 5 & under are free, while those 6-12 are half price; both must be with a responsible adult at all times. Teens are regular price and have all of the rights & privileges of adults, except that they must have someone over 21 on-site to vouch for them. Some cons also have some sort of curfew for those under 18. (As I said, this is only the generic policy, contact each event for specifics.)

For those of you who would like to be able to stay up-to-date on this information without waiting for me to obtain a new flyer and repost this list, Jack Beslanwitch runs a fantastic website that now includes listings for cons throughout the NW, and to some extent the country as a whole; plus a lot of other info of interest to SF fans of any flavor. Check it out at <http://www.webwitch.com/>.

For those of you who enjoy playing in the Medieval Era, (and there is a lot of overlap between those who dream of the past and those who dream of the future), check out the SCA's websites for more information.
-- The general site is <www.sca.org>, and will give you a lot of general
information as well as links to activities in your local area.
-- An Tir covers Washington, Oregon, part of Idaho, British Columbia,
Alberta, Saskatchewan, NW Territories, and a couple of naval ships, unless no one told me about some territorial trades at the last Pensic War. Their site is at <http://www.antir.sca.org/>.
-- Assorted SCA chatter can be found on Usenet at <rec.org.sca>.

                        SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS (1) I am organizing Folk Music programming at Norwescon, and we are heavily into the panel planning phase at this time. If there's anything you want to see in this track, or at the con in general, please let us know ASAP.

                                NW CONVENTIONS RADCON 2B = Feb 13-15, 1998. Pasco, WA.
-- Reg: 2527 W Kennewick Ave, #162; Kennewick, WA 99336. $20 door.

• Info: (509) 943-0713. <RadCon at oneworld.owt.com> or <www.owt.com/radcon/>
• Guests: Jerry Olton (writer), Russ Campbell (artist), Dean Ing (science), Betty Bigelow (fan)
• Hotel: DoubleTree Inn, Pasco (same site, different name). 1-800-547-8010. $60/night
• Theme: A fast-growing local con, they were apparently up to 900 people this past year. Strong in gaming and club activities, they also had a serious science and medieval-interests track, videos, more panels on literary and artistic topics, and a good filk. If they can start attracting some of the name pros, they're going to be a real force to contend with.

GEOCON 6 = Feb 27 - March 1st, 1998. Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA.
-- Reg: The Gaming Guild; CAB 320; Evergreen State College; Olympia, WA
98505. $4 advance, $5 door.
-- Info: (360) 866-6000, ext 6036. geocon at elwha.evergreen.edu

• Guests: Christopher Rowley (writer), Gabbo of Olympic Cards & Comics (fan), Dwight Grosso (volunter).
• Hotel: Write the con.
• Theme: Supported by several local student groups, this is a relaxcon with a lot of gaming and video programming, but some general events as well. (SCA, fan discussions of tv shows, small art show and merchants area, a bit of filking, a dance and a costume ball.) c. 300.

SENTINELCON 98 = April 3-5, 1998 -- Vancouver, British Columbia

M-CON 98 = April 4-5, 1998 -- Marysville, Washington

NORWESCON 21 = April 9-12. (This is Easter) SeaTac, WA
-- Reg: PO Box 24207; Seattle, WA 98124. $55 door; oneday rates (as space
permits) are likely to be around $25-30.
-- Info: (206) 270-7850. <www.webwitch.com/norwescon> or <nwc at eskimo.com>

• Guests: Neil Gaiman (writer, graphic novels), Brian Froud (art, "squashed fairy books"), Pat McEwan (science, forensic investigator & writer), Ruth Sachter & John Lorentz (fan, Orycon organizers). Anthony Ward, (volunteer). Plus some 200 other speakers.
• Hotel: Sea-Tac DoubleTree Inn (same site, different name from last year). (206) 246-8600. $90 for up to 4 ppl.
• Theme: General con with about 2500 attendees. The theme this year is "Welcome to the Dark Side"; however, nowhere near all of the programming will be focused on horror topics.. They have 4 dances, an art show and merchants area, masquerade, good filking, gaming, videos, summer movie previews, panels on a whole range of fannish and real world topics, art and writer's workshops, autograph sessions, kidkon, hospitality, and more.
• Note = The 1999 convention will also be on Easter, April 1-4.

BAKA! CON 98 = April 24 - 26, 1998 -- Tukwilla, Washington

ANGLICON 10 = May 15-17, 1998. Fife, WA. (They moved!)
-- Reg: PO Box 75536; Seattle, WA 98125. $45 til 4/15, $50 door. (day
passes are $25 Fri & Sat, $10 Sun)
-- Info: (206) 789-brit or <www.webwitch.com/anglicon>

• Guests: Mr. Craig Charles (Lister)and Mr. Robert Llewellen (Kryten) from Red Dwarf will be making scheduled guest appearances on Friday, Saturday, and most of Sunday.
• Hotel: Best Western Executive Inn; Fife, WA. 1-800-938-8500 $80.00/night
• Theme: British Media, usually with a guest from one of those tv shows. This is a lower-key con with about 500 attendees, many of them from the general public. They run a couple of tracks of media and fannish paneling during the day, space for gaming, a small art show and merchants areas, charity auction, play money casino, masqued ball, hospitality, videos you can’t find in the US martial arts demos, and some parties. If you're really into British media and want a quiet weekend, this can be a very good con. A part of the proceeds go to support the Tacoma PBS station which provides most of the British SF programming we get in this region.

VCON 23 "Infestation!" = May 15-17, 1998. Surrey, British Columbia
-- Reg: #316 4683 Arbutus Street; Vancouver, BC V6J4A3 Canada. $30 until
3/1, $35 until 5/1, $40 at the door. One days also available (Fri & Sat $20, Sun $15). Canadian currency.
-- Info: <les at portal.ca>

• Guests: David Gerrold (writer), Mike Jackson (art). Participation by the Positive Women's Network, a local HIV support & advocacy group for women in BC.
• Hotel: Surrey Inn (800) 663-0600.
• Theme: This used to be the centerpiece of BC fannish activities, a fun party convention with some serious programming, and an intimate atmosphere which allowed you to really talk with the guests. It took a few years off in the early 90's, but is now back and fast becoming as strong as ever. Usually 2 or 3 tracks of panels, videos you can't get in the US, a very comfortable hospitality area, dances, costuming, art show, merchants, gaming, etc. c.500.

C-CUBED = June ???? Snoqualmie Pass, WA. (site varies by year)
-- Theme = This is the NW version of SMOFCON, the national convention for
those of us who are demented enough to think spending most of our free time (and no small amount of our own money in many cases) organizing these events for all of our enjoyment, is *fun*. If you're serious about learning how a con goes together . . . if listening to discussions and swapping tips about how to negotiate a hotel contract; handle volunteers, pros, large crowds, and confused site staff; put together a budget when you don't know
how many people are coming; or how to wrap your brain around the creation of a 6 track, 200 guest, 300 event program schedule without going stark raving mad . . . then this is the con for you. This year they intend to actually bring in some experts on children and the law, alcohol rules, and security. At the "national" one, you also have a chance to learn about different ways of running cons in different regions all over the world, and about how things have/not changed in the past 50+ years. (A few of these folks make the local one too, and you'd be surprised by what we consider sacred that they don't even bother to consider.) It's definitely not a con for most folks (no dances, no club events, no costumes, no night life); but if you're serious about event organizing (even in mundane life), it's something to check out.
-- More info = corwyn at ricochot.net

CON 8 = July 24-26, 1998 -- Beaverton, OR. (This is just outside of Portland)
-- Reg: PO Box 4602, Portland, OR 97208. $20 in advance.

• Info: (503) 797-2679. or <www.teleport.com/~osfci/con8/>
• Guests: Steve Perry (writer)
• Hotel: The Greenwood Inn, Beaverton OR.
• Theme: Run by the same folks who bring you Orycon every year, this is their sporadic summer relax-a-con. Usually two tracks of panels, a small merchants area, good hospitality, and fantastic filking; this is a good chance to talk with friends old and new in a low key atmosphere. Lots of fun if your tastes run to musci and conversation. c.300

VIKINGCON = Traditionally in August. Bellingham, WA.
-- Current status unknown.

DRAGONFLIGHT '98 = August 28-30, 1998 -- Seattle, Washington
-- Theme: For those of you who think that spending an entire weekend
talking and playing with other gamers (tactical, role-playing, card, and computer) is the ideal concept of "Heaven", then this is your con. Lots of rooms to play in, panels on strategies, product demos, merchants, etc

CONIFUR '98 = September 4-6, 1998 -- Seattle, WA

MOSCON XX = September 18-20, 1998 -- Moscow, Idaho
-- Reg: PO Box 9622; Moscow, ID 83843. (509) 334-4434.

• Info: <www.geocities.com/Area51/Chamber/9963/>
• Guests: Kevin J. Anderson & Rebecca Moesta (writers), Dr. Doug Beason (science), Daron and Deborah Fredericks (fan)
• Hotel: Univeristy Inn, Best Western; Moscow, Idaho.
• Theme: A long-standing small and casual con with diverse programming activities, and usually some well known guests. This is reputed to be a good place to pick up affordable art.

INCON '98 = Oct 1998. Spokane, Wa.
-- Current status unknown.

• Theme: This is apparently a fun and growing relax-a-con with a strong gaming track; plus videos, art show, costume contest, club activities, a writer's workshpop, general panels, and more. c. 300.

ORYCON 20 = Nov 13-15, 1998. Portland, OR
-- Reg: PO Box 5703; Portland, OR 97228. $25 til 4/15. Note, they are
capping it at 1600 this year.
-- Info: (503) 283-0802 or <http://www.teleport.com/~osfci/orycon20>
or <jlorentz at spiritone.com>
-- Guests: Lois McMaster Bujold (writer), Ellen Asher (editor). Plus
David Langford, Howard Waldrop, Kathe Koja, Robert Lionel Fanthorpe. Music guest TBA.
-- Hotel: DoubleTree Columbia River, (503) 283-2111. $78 for 1-4 ppl.

• Theme: This is one of the strongest local cons in the NW at this time, with general panel and special event programming to appeal to almost anyone. It's also the closest the NW comes to having it's own filkcon, with 2 song rooms and a concert slate. Art show, merchants, gaming, parties, hospitality, dances, videos, etc.

TERRACON = November 27-29, 1998 --Tumwater, WA

RUSTYCON 16 = Jan 1999. Tacoma, WA ?
-- Reg: PO Box 84291; Seattle, WA 98124-5591.

• Info: <www.rustycon.com>
• Guests: TBA
• Hotel: TBA (previously it's been the Tacoma Sheraton. (206) 572-3200.)
• Theme: General interest con of about 800; it's heavy on club activities, martial arts demos, and gaming. There is also an art show and merchants area, hospitality, videos, 2 dances, masquerade, a variety of small discussion panels, and filking.
• Note: If you're looking for a con to donate your energies to, this one could use every energetic, organized, and creative body it can get to plan a good con for next year.

POTLATCH 1999 = January 22-24, 1999 -- Eugene, Oregon
-- Info: <www.efn.org/~potlatch/>

• Theme: This is a single-track event where writers organize discussion groups on a variety of (mainly writing oriented) topics. If you are a writer yourself, or a strong fan of literary SF, this is supposedly a great gathering with lots of chances to talk shop as equals; if not . . . . Sites usually bounce between Seattle and Portland, with occasionnal trips as far south as California. c. 150.

  ---

                        CONS IN OTHER REGIONS LIFE, THE UNIVERSE & EVERYTHING: A SYMPOSIUM ON SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY March 12-14, 1998 - Brigham Young University; Provo, Utah.

EARTHSTATION EDMONTON 98 -- March 13-15, 1998 -- Edmonton, Alberta

LEPRECON 24 = May 15-17, 1998 -- Tempe, AZ
-- Info = (602) 839-2543 or <mwillmoth at bix.com>

• Guests = Janny Wurtz (artist)
• Notes = Appears to be a well established general SF con, with a strong art track.

KEYCON 15 = May 15-17, 1998 -- Winnipeg, Manitoba

CONDUIT 8 = May 15-17, 1998 -- Salt Lake City, Utah

MISCON 13 = May 22-24, 1998. Missoula, MT.
-- Theme: This has a reputation as a solid and enjoyable convention, small
but with some good programming.

CON VERSON XV = July 17-19, 1998 -- Calgary, Alberta, Canada

LOSCON 25 = Traditionally Thanksgiving weekend each year in Los Angeles, California. This is a smaller general SF con with a strong media focus and a nice, relaxed atmosphere. More info at <www.lasfs.org/loscon25>.

NORTHEAST SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTIONS is a site maintained by Sharon Sbarsky and an excellent resource for those interested in northeast US conventions. <http://world.std.com/~sbarsky/necons.html>

SOUTHERN FANDOM RESOURCE GUIDE provides a comprehensive list of conventions taking place in the southeastern United States. <www.concentric.net/~Kellyl/cons>.

                                INTERNATIONAL EVENTS WESTERCON = Rotating up and down the west coast with periodic forays into Arizona and even Texas, this is the Western US’s big SF bash each year. Attendance ranges from 500-3000 depending on the site and the guests, and there’s usually a pretty impressive guest list and thought-provoking panel track, as well as lot of fun events. Traditionally held on the 3 to 5 days surrounding the Fourth of July. Sites are chosen two years in advance by members of that convention.

DIEGO CON (Westercon 51) = July 1998 -- San Diego, CA

EMPIRECON (Westercon 52) = July 1-5, 1999 -- Spokane, Washington
-- Reg: PO Box 7477; Spokane, WA 99207. $40 until ?

• Info: (509) 482-5288 or <dfred at iea.com> or <www.webwitch.com/westerconspokane/html>
• Hotel: Doubletree City Center (800) 848-9600
• Guests: CJ Cherryh (writer), Kristine Kathryn Rusch (writer), Alicia Austin (artist), Larry Baker (fan), Betty Bigelow (toastmistress).

  ---

WORLDCON = This is the pinnacle of SF fancom. Attendence at these can vary from 400-8000 depending on the location (bigger centrally located cities get bigger crowds), the guests, the year, and the cloud formation. The guest list itself will read like a who's who of your SF/F bookshelf and a lot of other scientists, costumers, media folks, etc. Members of each year’s convention choose the Hugo Awards for the best novel, short story, artist, dramatic presentation, and other category of SF production released in the preceeding year. If you love panel programming, and meeting fans from all over the world, it is well worth the expense every few years; more often if you have the money. Many long-time fans use Worldcon as an opportunity to take their big vacation of the year and see other sights in that part of the world. Traditionally held the 4 or 5 days over Labor Day Weekend. Sites rotate through 3 regions of the US, with an international bid possible at any point; voting is 3 years in advance by registered members of that year’s event.

BUCCONEER (56th Worldcon) = August 5-9, 1998 - Baltimore Convention Center; Baltimore, Maryland
-- Reg: PO Box 314; Annapolis Junction, MD 20701.

• Info: <bucconeer at bucconeer.worldcon.org> or <www.access.digex.net/balt98>
• Guests: CJ Cherryh (writer), Milton A Rothman, Stanley Schmidt, Michael Whelan (artist), Charles Sheffield (toastmaster).

AUSSIECON 3 (57th Worldcon) = September 2 - 6, 1999. World Congress Center, Melbourne, Victoria, Austrailia.
-- Reg: Aussiecon Three, G.P.O. Box 1212K, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
In the US try: Aussiecon Three, P. O. Box 266, Prospect Heights, IL 60070-0266, USA
-- Info: <julian at ncc1701.apana.org.au>

CONUCOPIA (1999 NASFiC) = August 26 - 29, 1999. Anaheim, California.
-- Reg: Conucopia, c/i S.C.I.F.I. Inc., P. O. Box 8442, Van Nuys, CA 91409
USA.
-- Info: <info at 99.nasfic.org>

• Note: A NASFiC is held in North American during years in which the Worldcon is outside North America.

CHICON 2000 (58th Worldcon) = Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2000. Chicago, IL
-- Reg: Chicon 2000, P. O. Box 632057, Chicago, IL 60664

• Info: <chi2000 at chicon.org>

YEAR 2001 BIDS
-- Philadelphia = 402 Huntingdon Pike, #2001; Rockledge, PA 19046.
<phil2001 at netaxs.com>

YEAR 2002 BIDS
-- San Francisco = PO Box 64128; Sunnyvale, CA 94088.
<info at sf2002.sfsfc.org> or <www.sfsfc.org/sf2002>.
-- Seattle = PO Box 1066; Seattle, WA 98111. <www.webwitch.com/seattle02/>

WORLD SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY maintains a homepage with the above listed Worldcon links and all the varied bids for Worldcon as well. <http://worldcon.org> or <worldcons@worldcon.org>

SMOFCON = The national convention for those of us who are demented enough to think spending most of our free time (and no small amount of our own money in many cases) organizing these events for all of our enjoyment, is *fun*. If you're serious about learning how a con goes together . . . if listening to discussions and swapping tips about how to negotiate a hotel contract; handle volunteers, pros, large crowds, and confused site staff; put together a budget when you don't know how many people are coming; or how to wrap your brain around the creation of a 8 track, 200 guest, 350 event program schedule without going stark raving mad . . . then this is the con for you. You also have a chance to learn about different ways of running cons in different regions all over the world, and about how things have/not changed in the past 50+ years. You'd be surprised by what we consider sacred that they don't even bother to consider! It's definitely not a con for most folks (no dances, no club events, no costumes, no night life); but if you're serious about event organizing (even in mundane life), it's something to check out.

For more information start with
<http://sflovers.rutgers.edu/archive/Web/cons.html>.

OTHER RESOURCES: WORLD FANTASY CONVENTION INDEX = has information about upcoming World Fantasy Cons, progress reports and other information about this most important convention. <www.farrsite.com/wfc/index.htm>.

STAR TREK CONVENTIONS = Listed by World-Wide Collectors Digest will tell you where the star trek conventions are happening around the country and the world. <www.wwcd.com/shows/strekconv.html>

SF LOVERS CONVENTION LISTING is arguably one of the most extensive around, sorted by many different perameters.
<http://sflovers.rutgers.edu/archive/Web/cons.html>

THE SF SITE: CONVENTION LISTINGS has an extensive listing of sites sorted by location, date and category. <www.sfsite.com/cons01.htm>.

Well, I believe that's all for now, so I'll return you to your regularly scheduled programming without further delay. If you are having trouble getting information from a certain convention, or would just like to know more about them, let me know. I've been doing this awhile, and know a good number of the people involved in NW con running. (Or I can find somebody who knows something. :) I hope you're having a good week.

                                Quarong

<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Karen Rall, Music Programming Coordinator for Norwescon 21. Please reply to <quarong at eskimo.com>. --- NWC will be held April 9-12, 1998 at the DoubleTree hotel in SeaTac, WA. General info is available at <nwc at eskimo.com> or <www.webwitch.com/top/sf>. Received on 02/08/98