Appearances

Over the past several years, I have started attending more conventions, which I account an excellent thing, though the parties that feature host-bars probably don’t think so. Several cons have a special place in my heart, including:

OryCon. This is my hometown con, and the first con I ever attended. It is a nice, cozy, medium-sized con with generally good programming, a wonderful masquerade, and lots of gaming and other diversions. Sponsor of the Endeavour Award.

WisCon. This is, hands down, the premiere feminist speculative fiction convention in the United States. It focuses on issues of gender and diversity which get short shrift at other conventions. A very thoughtful, academic con, but also a whole lot of fun. Sponsor of the Tiptree Awards. The Scribe Literary Agency hosts a party every year at WisCon that is always a must-attend. In 2009 they served bacon martinis. And I drank one.

World Fantasy. This con, which alternates between east and west coast every year, draws a very professional and high-powered crowd. They frown upon costumes, but as the con generally takes place over Hallowe’en weekend, there is generally much dressing up for that night’s parties. Sponsor of the World Fantasy Awards.

NorwesCon. Held in SeaTac Washington, this is the main “Seattle” con, and it’s a mecca for costumers, gamers, writers, and other beautiful deviants. I consider it one of the “wilder” cons, but it’s always enjoyable. Sponsor of the Philip K. Dick Award.

ReaderCon. I just started going to Readercon in 2008, and it’s rapidly become one of my favorites. It draws a great variety of writers, editors and agents from the east coast, and the programming is top-notch.

RadCon. This is an interesting con to have as one of my favorites, because I almost never get to attend—the dates just don’t work for me. However, when I have gotten to attend it, I’ve found it one of the most jolly, welcoming, just-plain-fun cons out there. This is due in large part to the inimitable Radcon Bob, who makes everyone feel loved and at home. It’s held near the Hanford Nuclear Waste Disposal site in eastern Washington, hence their signature drink, “Toxic Waste.” If Radcon Bob offers you a glass of “Toxic Waste”, run in the opposite direction.

2010 Events