The World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) is a yearly global gathering that brings together enthusiasts, writers, artists, musicians, and creators of science fiction and fantasy. It was first hosted in New York City in 1939, and since then, it has been held in different cities worldwide, organized by dedicated volunteers who go through a bidding process open to any qualifying group.
One of the highlights of Worldcon is the presence of acclaimed authors, who often participate in panel discussions, book signings, and readings. Attendees have the chance to interact directly with their favorite authors, gain insights into their creative processes, and even attend writing workshops or seminars led by established professionals.
In addition to literary elements, Worldcon celebrates various forms of visual art. The convention features art exhibits showcasing imaginative and awe-inspiring works by renowned artists in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Attendees can explore these exhibits, appreciate the creativity on display, and sometimes even purchase artwork to take home.
Worldcon also embraces the rich musical tradition within the science fiction and fantasy community. Live performances by talented musicians, both instrumental and vocal, add a vibrant and entertaining element to the convention. Concerts, filk music (folk music with science fiction or fantasy themes), and even music-themed panels contribute to the lively atmosphere.
Furthermore, Worldcon provides a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills. Writers, artists, and musicians aspiring to break into the industry often have the opportunity to participate in contests, workshops, or open mic sessions. This allows them to gain exposure, receive feedback, and network with established professionals and fellow enthusiasts.
The convention’s programming extends beyond traditional media. Worldcon embraces the evolving landscape of popular culture by incorporating elements of genre television, films, animation, video games, and role-playing games. Attendees can engage in discussions about their favorite shows, screen and analyze films, explore the art of animation, and even participate in gaming tournaments or demonstrations.
Overall, Worldcon has evolved into a multi-dimensional event that caters to a diverse range of interests within the science fiction and fantasy community. It serves as a melting pot of creativity, ideas, and shared experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie among fans and professionals alike.
Worldcon | The World Science Fiction Convention
Hugo awards
From the World Science Fiction Society’s website:
The Hugo Awards, first presented in 1953 and presented annually since 1955, are science fiction’s most prestigious award. The Hugo Awards are voted on by members of the World Science Fiction Convention (“Worldcon”), which is also responsible for administering them.
The Hugo Award | The Official Site of The Hugo Award (thehugoawards.org)
WSFS
From the World Science Fiction Society’s website:
The World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) is an unincorporated literary society whose purposes, according to its rules, are as follows: to choose the recipients of the annual Hugo Awards (Science Fiction Achievement Awards), to choose the locations and Committees for the annual World Science Fiction Conventions (the Worldcons), to attend those Worldcons, and to choose the locations and Committees for the occasional North American Science Fiction Conventions (the NASFiCs). (A NASFiC is held in North America in any year when the Worldcon is outside of North America.)
Organization:
There is no WSFS Board of Directors or Chair/President/CEO of WSFS. Almost all of the activities of the Society are performed by the selected convention committees, which are independent groups. Membership in the Society is defined as all persons for whom membership dues have been paid to the current Worldcon committee. The convention committees are selected up to two years in advance and you may wish to contact them as listed on this site for further information.
All of the groups organizing WSFS-sanctioned conventions (Worldcon and NASFiC) and operating the various WSFS web sites are volunteers. There is no central office or paid staff operating any of these sites or conventions.
“World Science Fiction Society”, “WSFS”, “World Science Fiction Convention”, “Worldcon”, “NASFiC”, “Hugo Award”, the Hugo Award Logo, and the distinctive design of the Hugo Award Rocket are service marks of the World Science Fiction Society, an unincorporated literary society. For information about the service marks and other intellectual property of WSFS, contact the WSFS Mark Protection Committee at <mpc@wsfs.org>.