Science fiction convention
Historically, science fiction conventions had focused primarily on literature, but the purview of many extends to such other avenues of expression as films, television, comics, animation, and games.
The format can vary but will tend to have a few similar features such as a guest of honour, discussion panels, readings and large special events such as opening/closing ceremonies and some form of party or entertainment.
"[4] This small get-together set the stage for a follow-up event held in New York, in February 1937, where "30 or 40" fans gathered at Bohemian Hall in Astoria, Queens.
Attendees at this event included James Blish, Charles D. Hornig, Julius Schwartz, and Willis Conover.
It was at this event that a committee was named to arrange the first World Science Fiction Convention in New York in 1939; formalizing planning that had begun at the Third Eastern.
At these conventions, fans of science fiction come together with the professional writers, artists, and filmmakers in the genre to discuss its many aspects.
The World Fantasy Convention, however, is less oriented toward the fan community, and is primarily a professional gathering (for writers, editors, publishers, etc.).
Up till 2009, all World Horror Conventions had been held in the United States or Canada, usually alternating between the east and west sides of the country.
The Horror Writers Association's Bram Stoker Award ceremony has been held in conjunction with the convention for the last few years.
Before the age of inexpensive travel, regional conventions arose to attract fans from broad geographical areas.
The oldest of these is Westercon, whose meetings are held on a rotational basis among regions in the western United States and Canada.
From comics and media fandom, a category of "popular culture" conventions has emerged, such as Comic-Con International and Dragon*Con, featuring a wide range of "pop culture" events ranging from animation, drive-in movie theaters, old-time radio, horror movies, and cowboy celebrities.
These events have become much larger than traditional SF conventions; nearly a hundred thousand people attend Comic-Con in San Diego each year.
For example, Wiscon, in addition to being the Wisconsin Science Fiction Convention, is focused on feminist SF/fantasy and gender, race, and class issues/studies.
Costume-Con gathers people from around the world who are mainly interested in science fiction, fantasy, and historical costuming.
A primary focus of commercial events is meeting celebrities, such as stars of science fiction TV show and movies, anime voice actors, etc.
There are frequently very long lines of people waiting for autographs at commercial events; while famous actors like William Shatner of Star Trek are paid tens of thousands of dollars per convention, minor and obscure bit players pay to set up booths to sell autographs and memorabilia.
[12] Commercial events also tend to have less small-scale programming; panels will more often be composed of famous actors, directors, etc.
[citation needed] Volunteer cons, on the other hand, tend to be smaller in scope and more intimate in character.
They also serve the interests of authors, editors, and other publishing professionals, providing opportunities for networking, promotion, and a convenient location for contract negotiations and other business meetings.
The first night of the convention "Opening Ceremonies" are often held, where organizers and marquee guests are introduced and speeches might be made.
A costume contest called a masquerade is often held where persons go on stage and compete for nominal prizes based on their skill in assembling and presenting genre-inspired outfits.
This naturally leads to a wide variety of types of artwork, from professional illustrations to outsider art, with many amateur works.
The subject matter is tailored to the interests of fandom, i. e. many spaceships, dragons, unicorns, vampires, cat girls etc.
Traditionally, many conventions have had video rooms in which genre-related audiovisual presentations take place, typically commercial Hollywood movies, genre television show episodes, and anime.
The refreshments typically include coffee, tea, juice or soda, and light meals appropriate for the time of day.
This party is an attempt to ease people back into the real world outside of the convention and can be an effective method of warding off the depression which is often associated with the end of a major event.
A peace-bond is a conspicuous lock, tie, or mark which makes or identifies something unusable, such as a weapon, and shows that the owner's intentions are purely peaceful.
Simulated or costume props may require conspicuous marks, such as bright ribbons or zip ties, to show that security has deemed them safe to be carried.
SF writer C. J. Cherryh writes on her website, "I was a witness of pre-peacebonding times, was narrowly missed, and assure you this is a good idea.
