Ten Reasons to Attend Science Fiction Conventions

I started going to science fiction conventions ("cons") about twenty years ago, and at first I just thought they were fun. But they're much more than that. Writers, like me, can find fabulous networking opportunities at cons, while others with special interests ranging from art to alternative lifestyles have found their own niches at these unique events.

Ten types of people who should attend a science fiction convention include:

1. Writers: It's easy to find and approach editors, agents, and publishers at conventions. Most industry professionals who are invited guests make their way to the Con Suite at some point, where they can hang out and eat free food while basking in the adulation of their fans. Most larger conventions and some smaller ones also have excellent writing tracks, where you can participate in workshops or classes on special focuses within the science fiction and fantasy world.

2. Fans: You can find your favorite writers, actors, and artists in the science fiction and fantasy world at a variety of conventions. Large conventions are generally the best places to find a lot of professionals, but pay attention to the smaller regional conventions. Frequently, special guests at even small cons include bestselling writers and editors, top stars of old and new science fiction series and films, and popular artists like Boris Vallejo.

3. Art lovers: You may discover the next great alternative artist in the art room at many conventions. These exhibitions, found at most conventions, are open to all entrants. You'll find everything here from primitive art to sophisticated computer-generated prints, book cover art to unique glass sculpture. Most of it is for sale either outright or at auction. The only unifying theme of con art is that it's all related in some fashion to alternative fiction.

4. Bargain hunters: The huckster or seller's room on the last day offers amazing deals, and even on a day-to-day basis, you'll find an excellent assortment of science-fiction-related products -- comics, books (first or secondhand, even hard-to-find imports), costumes, artwork, handmade jewelry, games, computer software, display weapons, bellydance attire, handmixed essential oil perfumes, and collectibles, for starters. The selection is usually great, and you can generally bargain down the seller, especially if you're going to spend a lot.

5. Science fans: The best conventions offer panelists and presenters from cutting-edge space science, or fields like archaeology. I've seen Ken Weeks at conventions, NASA scientists, respected professors from local and national universities, and many others who come out of love for their science and because the hearing they get at conventions tends to be enthusiastic, intelligent, and open.

6. Costume fans: Where else but a science fiction convention could you find realistic dragons attacking shrinking maidens? Good conventions offer a place for some of the best costume designers in the world to show off their work -- and you'd be surprised at what you can see there. Some of the work by even amateurs is easily professional level, and many professional designers for movies and theaters come here to display their work. There are two types of costumes; hall costumes are the ones you see on television shows when the announcer is trying to show how weird con attendees are. The show costumes, though, you see on traditional Saturday evening Masquerades, serious contests with categories for both professional and amateur entrants.

7. Gamers: You'll find a loving community here. When I started gaming, it wasn't accepted; today, it's fairly common for people to at least participate in online RPGs. If you're a gamer, either old-time or modern, and you've never been to a convention, you are missing the experience of a lifetime. Large rooms are devoted specifically to tabletop gaming and wargaming, banks of networked computers allow you to try out online or standalone computer games, and the community surrounding the whole process is warm and accepting.

8. Alternative lifestyle: Conventions are a closed society filled with people tolerant of a remarkable variety of ways of living. Provided you aren't into anything that victimizes people (coercive sex or pedophilia, for instance), you'll find a large group of people who either don't care or who embrace you as members of their own lifestyles. I've seen open displays at conventions of slave-master relationships, polyamorous relationships, fantasy play, leatherwear, furries, and -- well, you get the picture. Whatever your taste, you'll find acceptance.

9. Professionals: As a professional in the science fiction and fantasy world, you'll be able to connect with fans and other professionals in a very personal way if you attend conventions. In addition, most cons offer free admission to certain pros provided you participate in panels and other activities at the convention. At conventions, pros in the industry are treated like celebrities.

10. Shy people: Convention attendees are a unique bunch, including geeks, nerds, alternative lifestyle folks, and closeted fans. Most have been ostracized at some point in their lives for being different. As a result, shy people especially are embraced by the community as kindred spirits who just need to be brought out. If you're a shy fan of science fiction -- go. By all means, go. You'll find a home here.

And a bonus reason: you never know who you'll run into. The itty-bitty convention I helped run back in Louisville included (and still includes, I believe) attendees from Tech Republic and some publications associated with ZDNet. There's a large overlap between the tech geeks and the science fiction geeks -- in fact, many NASA scientists credit science fiction with inspiring hundreds of inventions created for the space program. Keep your eyes and ears open, and pay attention to who you're talking to; he or she may have a handle on your Next Big Thing.

Look in my Resources section for a listing of conventions. One will probably be near you.