Con-Version
| Con-Version | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Location(s) | Calgary, Alberta |
| Country | Canada |
| Inaugurated | 1984 |
| Most recent | 2010 |
| Attendance | Approximately 300 to 500 Weekend Admissions |
| Website | |
| http://www.con-version.org/ | |
Con-Version was an annual science fiction and fantasy convention held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Since its beginning in 1984, the convention hosted many authors such as Robert J. Sawyer, Larry Niven, and J. Michael Straczynski; it also hosted the judging for the Robyn Herrington Memorial Short Story Competition. Appearances had also been made by Jeremy Bulloch and Dirk Benedict.
Con-Version held programming on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the form of panels, both round table and instructional, based on all areas of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. There was a costume contest, masquerade, con-suite, dance, art show and auction, gaming, and vendors room. Con-Version focused on all aspects of the genre, from the written word to art and graphics, and from big screen and television to costuming.
In recent years, a musical performed by members of IFWA, the Imaginative Fiction Writers Association, had been a fixture. In 1996, Con-Version was the Canvention—the Canadian National Science Fiction Convention, at which the Prix Aurora Awards were presented. In 2005, Con-Version held a mini-convention, Con-Version 21.5, in conjunction with that year's Westercon, which was also in Calgary.
The convention was operated by the non-profit Calgary & Area Fandom Enhancement Society.
After previously cancelling their 2011 event, the group cancelled its 2012 convention and all foreseeable future events in September 2011.
Con-Version traditions
- Con-Suite
- Masquerade/Costume Contest
- Slave Auction
Recent conventions
- Con-Version 26 (Quality Inn Airport - October 15–17, 2010): Guests of Honour: Robert Picardo, John de Lancie, Marina Sirtis, Ethan Phillips, Chase Masterson, David B. Coe, Sean Cummings, Heroincredible, the 404s.
- Con-Version 25 (The Metropolitan Centre - August 21–23, 2009): Guests of Honour - Terry Brooks, Tanya Huff
- Con-Version 24 (Calgary Radisson Airport - August 15–17, 2008): Guests of Honour - Timothy Zahn, K. A. Bedford, Jennie Breeden, Lynda Williams. Ghost of Honour - Gary Gygax