Science fiction, fantasy and gaming conventions have been put on by fans, TV and film media and other organizations for over 30 years. Basically, it is gathering of fans with like interests that gather to play games, to meet popular writers, artists, TV and Film celebrities, to learn new things and buy exclusive things in the science fiction, fantasy and gaming industry.

Where are Conventions held?

At any given weekend anywhere from 5 to 10 conventions are put on in the US alone, worldwide it may be as high as 20 a weekend. Most major cities in the US host at least one convention a year. Most conventions are held at a hotel (or sometimes many of them) or a convention centers. If you wish to check for convention near your home town we have listed links on the Conventions home page.

When and how long do conventions run?

Most conventions start at about noon or so on a Friday and end around 5 PM or so on Sunday. Each convention will set it's own working hours. However, larger conventions can up to 4 days (Thursday- Sunday) and WorldCon conventions can run a week.

How much does it cost to attend?

If you are planning to attend a convention in your area it is a good idea to purchase your "membership" early. Most conventions have a sliding membership scale, that goes up quarterly as the convention date draws closer. Like a convention held in March, might offer $20.00 memberships from April- July and something like $45.00 at the door in March. Most conventions cost between $25.00 to $75.00 for the whole weekend and that covers admission to nearly all events. The average cost is about $35.00 a weekend. However, things can vary from convention to convention. In addition to that, you will have to arrange for someplace to stay while you are there, either at the host hotel where the convention is being held or another hotel or with some friends. You will also have to consider your own transportation and food.

What kind of entertainment is offered at most conventions?

Well run conventions offer a wide variety of entertainments and an extensive non-gaming program. Usually events and gaming run non-stop from the opening of the convention on Friday, to the ending time on Sunday. Some have start and spot programs. Some of these events might include:

1. Lectures, chats or discussions given by high profile media celebrities, writers or artists.
2. Panel discussions or Question and Answer cessions on nearly any topic hosted by high profile guests.
3. Celebrity book signings, photo signing, T-shirt signing, general autograph cessions, etc.
4. Contests that you can enter to win cash prizes, certificate awards or trophies. Things like the Quick Write contest, the Quick Draw Contest, Best Room Party Contest,
5. A Best Costume Contest with awards.
6. Usually a Friday and or Saturday Masquerade Ball or theme dance.
7. Gaming tournaments or programs for nearly every game, from Dungeons and Dragons, War Hammer, Chess, Role Playing Games and live action games like Vampire.
8. Many offer Art Shows or artist row tables and art auctions where you can bid on original art or art prints, sculpture and pick them up at a better price.
9. Many offer auctions that help out a local charity organization. These might include auctioning off donated items or a Slave Auction of people in costume who are auctioned off for 3 hours of their time at the Saturday night dance, all the proceeds go to charity.
10. A dealer's showroom where dealer's in hard to get or market specific items can be purchased. Here you might buy; rare books, swords, T-shirts, ceramic goblets and jeweled dragons, jewelry, chain mail, costumes, computer games, card games, Tarot Cards or a reading, Airbush art...and many, many more things.
11. Workshops for up and coming writers or artist, or gamers, or computer beginners, or UFO enthusiast.
12. Seminars for educational cutting edge technology, in any related media from Oceanography to Computer graphics.
13. Cutting edge film premiers from old and new film and video producers.
14. Video rooms where you can go to watch old or new films.
15. Some offer live entertainment with things like live medieval battle re-enactments in full costumes, or dance shows, or live how-to-make chain mail or whatever shows. Often put on by the Society Of Creative Anachronism or the SCA.
16. Programs or parties or Game shows put on by local fandom organizations like Rocky Unbound, The SCA, Kudzu, etc.
17. Concerts

Each convention is run a little different, to get the most entertainment targeted for your interest check each conventions program schedule. Some are specifically targeted to a specific audience, like Family, or Media, or Adult or Educational or Writers. So check with the convention before you send in your money.

For most science fiction, fantasy and gaming fans, conventions are the most fun you can have in a weekend for those on a tight budget. Better yet, they are more fun than you can imagine!.

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