News of the Worldcon

In August, my son and I traveled to London to attend the 75^th annual World Science Fiction Convention, known as Worldcon. Many of my friends and family know that I attend “cons” but do not really understand what happens there. Worldcon is the perfect opportunity to talk about the wonderful world of science fiction fan conventions!

Worldcon is a not-for-profit, fan run, celebration of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. Although it has a similar focus as Comicon, Wizards’ World, and other media focused  events, Worldcon is run by fans for fans. Comicon and its siblings are designed to promote specific products and profit from attendees; they are really “shows” where media stars talk, show film clips, and promote their movies and products. Comicon attracts over 130,000 people; this year’s Worldcon broke records with around 8000 people. Worldcon focuses as much or more on literature, science, music, gaming, costuming, and other areas of interest to the fan community as it does on television, movies, and comics. For a more detailed discussion of Worldcon and Comicon, look at this article from the wonderful fanzine SF Signal.

The professional events cater to consumers, and appear to attract large numbers of casual fans, who are not connected to each other in any other way than by their attendance. Worldcon, and many regional conventions, are designed to support and sustain a worldwide fan community, often referred to as “fandom.”

Fandom, especially at Worldcon, is a diverse and inclusive group. I remember the first time I traveled alone to a convention. I was shocked at how strangers talked to each other. I was invited to sit down at a table at an event, and people made me feel welcome and included.

At Worldcon, we had fans of all flavors. It was an international gathering. Formal panel discussions actively examined the inclusion of women, people of color, and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer and questioning people in all aspects of the science fiction and fantasy world. The convention was purposefully accessible to people with mobility and other challenges. Did the convention completely represent the diversity of the city (and world) around it: no. However, this is a community that is constantly striving  to be inclusive.

The participants at Worldcon nominate and vote for the year’s best science fiction and fantasy works: the Hugo Awards. Named for science fiction pioneer, Hugo Gernsback, who founded Amazing Stories magazine, these awards honor the best writing (novels, short stories, etc.), dramatic presentations (movies, television shows, and other media forms), fanzines, podcasts, editors, artists and several other categories of science fiction and fantasy work. On Sunday night, the Hugos are science fiction’s Oscars! Next time you are in a bookstore, look for books that brag, “Hugo Winner” “ Hugo winning author” or “Hugo nominated.”

Worldcon is a kind of homecoming and reunion. It is filled with thoughtful and passionate people who care about ideas, as well as images. While Comicon’s panels are usually presentations by major money making franchises, the Worldcon panels also explore far more heady issues dealing with literature, ethics, and equality. Worldcon panelists are writers, academics, editors, bloggers, publishers, and people who have gained fame within the fan community for their devotion and dedication to creating events like Worldcon.

I must acknowledge the remarkable and phenomenal work of the some of those people: the convention committee, the unpaid group of people who organize Worldcon and other conventions. I have attended conventions for more than thirty years, and only recently begun to be involved back stage. Yet, it should be clear to even the first time convention attendee that organizing Worldcon or any convention is an enormous undertaking. Comicon has a paid staff and is always in San Diego. Worldcon moves every year and committees have only two years to plan. I am forever grateful and in awe of these conrunners, as they are called.

Unlike many professionally run conventions, Worldcon (and most regional conventions like Chicago’s Capricon and Windycon), had far more than panel discussions to offer. This year’s Worldcon had an entire social area called the fan village, which had tents (yes, real tents) run by groups who were bidding to run future Worldcons, fan societies and other groups ; there was a tent exclusively for teens, areas with activities for small children, areas with games and activities for grown ups, and places to socialize and hang out. There was even a bar!

Worldcon had a dealers area selling all sorts of science fiction stuff: t-shirts, jewelry, toys, and branded products, but there are also lots of books! There were exhibits and a full art show that culminated in an art auction.

Authors read from their books and signed them. Films, television shows, and shorts were screened. Live plays were performed. This year, there was a volunteer Worldcon philharmonic that gave a concert. Costumes were celebrated at a Masquerade, which was followed by a dance!

I could not begin capture the Worldcon experience in a short (or even longer) piece like this. Conventions like this are special celebrations. They are fandom gatherings and labors of love.