Worldcon

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Worldcon, or more formally The World Science Fiction Convention, is the longest running science fiction convention, having been held from 1939 to 1941 and, after the interruption of World War II, every year since 1946.

For pages about individual Worldcons, see List of Worldcons.

The name Worldcon is owned by the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS), whose membership are the paying attendees of the convention.

The conventions themselves are run by non-profit, volunteer fan organizations, who bid to host the event.

1 Site selection
2 Hugo awards
3 Worldcon activities
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Site selection

Most Worldcons are held in North America, although they have taken place in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and the Netherlands. The 2005 Worldcon was held in Glasgow, the 2006 Worldcon was held in Los Angeles, California, and the 2007 Worldcon will be the first to be held in Japan. The 2008 Worldcon will be held in Denver, Colorado.

From 1987 to 2003, the selection of sites for future Worldcons was determined by voting of the Worldcon membership three years in advance. For example, during the 2004 Worldcon in Boston, Yokohama was selected to host the 2007 Worldcon. Since 2004, the rules specify that selection of future locales will take place two years in advance.

When a Worldcon is held outside of North America, a North American Science Fiction Convention or NASFiC may be held within North America that same year. Since 1975, WSFS has administered a parallel bidding process for NASFiC scheduling, which is voted on by WSFS members at the following year's Worldcon, (if there is no NASFiC in that year), or by the following year's NASFiC, if there is one.

[edit] Hugo awards

Members of Worldcon (attending or not) may vote on science fiction and fantasy works from the previous calendar year. Winning works receive the Hugo Award. Categories include novels and short fiction, artwork, dramatic presentations and various professional and fandom activities.

[edit] Worldcon activities

Activities and events at Worldcon typically include (but are not limited to):

Panel Discussions - On a variety of subjects, such as technology of the future, writing, publishing, the philosophical and sociological implications of the genre's works, recent scientific discoveries, etc.
Speeches or other presentations by the Guests of Honor.
Socialising in the 'consuite', convention bars and at parties (typically run by other conventions or bidders, clubs, publishers/magazines, and by private individuals).
Gaming - role-playing games (live-action and table), board games, card games
Filk music
Costuming - both formal competition (the "Masquerade"), and casual Hall costumes
WSFS related activities: The Hugo Award presentation, Voting on the location of future Worldcons and the WSFS Business Meetings.
Dealers' room - a large hall full of people selling books, movies, jewellery, costumes (often including weapons), games, comic books, etc.
Art show - presenting paintings, drawings, sculpture and other work, primarily on science fiction and fantasy themes
Live performances (Klingon opera, productions of Rossum's Universal Robots, etc.)
Watching science fiction movies, television shows, etc.
Activities to support fan and external charities (Fan Funds, Blood Drives etc)