Surviving SF Conventions
How to Have a Great Time at your First Science Fiction "Con"
The news makes Scifi conventions seem like gatherings of weirdos, but your favorite writer's coming to town. Here's how to have a great time at your first con.
The science fiction genre is sometimes called the 'literature of ideas,'--and the urge to explore those ideas creates an unprecedented sense of community among its writers and readers. Fans routinely put together opportunities to mix with their favorite writers and SF artists by organizing conventions.
Maybe you've heard that a beloved author is coming to your hometown--but you've never been to a con, and have no idea what to expect. Local news coverage shows scantily clad warrior women and Klingon-speaking Star Trek fans. . . but you don't have a costume, and wonder if there's room for you, too. The answer is yes. Here's how to explore the world of con-going with aplomb.
Register Early
Like any convention, SF cons charge a fee for membership. . . and this fee will be lower if you sign up early. Joining the convention early can get you discounts for hotel rooms, access to members-only areas of Con web sites, and a heads-up on any limited program offerings that might be made available.
Writer's Workshop
For aspiring writers, the chance to meet a literary hero can only be enhanced by getting an opportunity to a professional critique of your own work-in-progress. Most conventions run at least a small workshop, and it is worthwhile to sign up and submit a manuscript in the weeks before the event.
First Steps
Upon arrival, look for Registration. Checking in will get you a badge identifying you as a convention member, a bag full of information and freebies, and a schedule of programming--talks, readings, and demonstrations given by the attending writers, artists, and media professionals at the con.
Lay of the Land
Your Con Guide will also have a map laying out the terrain of the convention--including:
- Dealers Room - a marketplace for books, costume pieces, jewelry, tie-in merchandise like toys and action figures, and just about anything else imaginable
- Art Show - a gallery of works by participating artists, many of which will be available for auction
- Programming - rooms where autograph sessions, panels, media presentations and readings will take place
- Hospitality Suite - a place set up by convention volunteers for you to kick back, have a snack, and relax.
Once you know where to find everything, take a look through the schedule and work out which panels and author appearances you most want to see. Coming up with a rough schedule for each day of the con will allow you to attend the events you want while pacing yourself. Remember to leave time for healthy meals and socializing with other readers. Don't forget to work in some downtime, too--your first convention can be exciting, but at times the crowds might get overwhelming and you may need to retreat.
For fans who've attended local cons and find themselves wanting more, there's nowhere to go but up. Conventions range in size from tiny gatherings to massive events like the World Fantasy Convention, Readercon, and the--the biggest of them all--the World Science Fiction Convention, an annual get-together of the genre's top creative talent and most ardent fans.
