If you've never been to a science fiction convention (con), let me tell you a little about them. For the most part, they are gatherings of people with similar interests in literature. But the science part always works its way into the program. There is a set program with speakers who are knowledgeable about the subjects from alternate universes to zygotes and lots of fun stuff in between. There are even panels on being a science fiction fan and retrospectives on fandom and fannish events. There is also dress up. Fans come in costume. They compete in a masquerade. The costumes are usually terrific.
Then there are the parties. Almost every con has a hospitality area where they serve soda and snacks. Sometimes there is beer. But the parties usually are the most active. People throw parties for almost any reason, eg. they found a new drink they want to share, they want fans to come to the con they are organizing, they like parties, etcetera. At Worldcon many of the parties are given by people who are bidding on the site of a future Worldcon. I'm guessing that the ostensible reason is to show the fans how great their city is for people and for parties. The future Worldcon site is chosen at the Worldcon two years before that site will be used. The con is always in a different city from the year before. The rules say that not all these cons may be held in the US.
This year, Worldcon is in Montreal. So tomorrow I head in a generally north easterly direction and hope I hit the Canadian border fairly close to Province Quebec.
I love to drive so the distance isn't a bother. But I do have to get to Montreal a little ahead of the con so I can help out with the setting up. There is a regular cadre of people from all over the world who attend every Worldcon. They participate, working behind the scenes, organizing and running errands for the locals in charge of the con. A lot of these people, I only get to see every year or even less frequently since all are not able to get to every Worldcon.
Along with friends and folk with similar interests, there are things like the art show and the guests in media, writing, publishing and the like. They participate on the panels, give demonstrations and make themselves available to fans who want to know more about them and what they do. It interesting. I've met some of the famous authors who were reputed to be curmudgeons and have had nothing but pleasant conversations with them.
The community of fans is one of the most intelligent and tolerant that I've ever met. Spending time with them is a pleasure, one that I'm looking forward to having in the next few days.
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