Cons for Pros

Cons for Pros:

A Brief Guide to Attending Science Fiction/Fantasy Conventions

Memorial Day is a time of tradition. For some, it's the start of summer, a chance to barbeque or go boating. Other people may remember the original meaning of the day with parades, flags, or flowers. I've developed a different tradition: every Memorial Day weekend, I head to The Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin to discuss feminism in science fiction and fantasy with other like-minded individuals. That's right, I attend WisCon, one of the many science fiction and fantasy conventions held all over the world all year around.

I don't know if fans of other genres such as mystery and romance hold conventions (or "cons", as they're more commonly known as), but for science fiction/fantasy writers of every level, conventions are a wonderful way to network and learn more about writing. I've attended WisCon every year since 1998, and I've attended several other cons, including ChiCon 2000, which had over 5000 members. In this essay, I'll discuss what cons have to offer writers, explain how to register for them and get involved, and present a few tips on how what to do when you get there.

If you're interested having your work professionally published, cons are a great place to meet professional authors, editors, and agents. Many of them will be on panels, where you can not only get your favorite author to sign your books, but you can also listen to him or her discuss how they go about writing your favorite series. If you don't know any other writers, it can be very reassuring to learn that yes, other authors' characters also insist on having the story go THEIR way. Panels at cons can cover any aspect of writing that you might want to learn about, from how to plot your story to how to present it to an editor or agent. Some cons also offer writing workshops, where you can have your short story or novel chapter critiqued by professionals and other workshop participants. I've developed a few friendships by meeting other writers at workshops and have also met several editors/agents at cons. At this last WisCon, I also attended a general meeting for BroadUniverse, an organization devoted to promoting women in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. There's a link to their site on my "Passing the Pen" page.

There's far more to cons than learning and networking, though; they're just simply fun. They offer plenty of other activities beyond panels and workshops: dealers' rooms, art shows, gaming sessions, and films, just to note a few. Fans may dress up in costumes during the day or at a special masquerade. To keep you going through all this, cons also offer "con suites," rooms where members can grab a snack and mingle with other members. And every night, groups will sponsor parties open to all members of the con. Just don't tell the IRS how much fun a con can be so you don't lose a chance to deduct your expenses. <grin>

So, where can you learn about a con coming soon to a hotel near you? Probably the best place to find a complete listing of cons is Locus, the newspaper/magazine of the science fiction/fantasy field. There's a link to the online version on my "Passing the Pen" page. Most cons have their own websites too, so if you know the name of the con you'd like to attend, you can probably find information about it on the Internet. Discussion forums dedicated to science fiction and fantasy may have topics about cons. Sometimes, you can even find out about a con from an article in the local newspaper.

The sooner you can find out about a con you'd like to attend, the better. Every con I've attended starts selling memberships months or even (for a big con) years in advance, and the sooner you buy your membership, the cheaper the price is. Hotel rooms also go quickly, so you need to reserve yours early. The other main benefit about registering early for a con is that it gives you a chance to be involved. You may be able to suggest possible topics for panels or even join a panel yourself. You can indicate what you'd like to do on the registration form or at the con's website.

So, what should you do before attending the con? Part of that depends on if you're going to simply have fun or to work/learn. I generally bring a notepad and several pens so I can take notes during the panels. Any kind of clothing goes at a con, but if you want the professionals to take you seriously, I recommend dressing comfortably but neatly. (I've actually worn dresses to cons, but this is admittedly overkill unless you're attending a con where most of the members are pros, not fans.) I also recommend bringing along business cards with your name and e-mail address if you meet someone you want to correspond with after the con. Don't forget extra money for meals and the dealer's room. Some cons require you to present a photo ID when you check in, so be prepared.

Once you check in, you'll be given a program booklet and a member badge. Keep them with you constantly; the booklet will help you figure out where to go next, and the badge will let everyone know you belong when you get there. If you're on any panels, you'll be allowed into the "green room" for panelists. This may give you an opportunity to meet your fellow panelists and quickly go over any topics you want to touch on during the panel. (This can also be done beforehand over e-mail.)

Being on a panel for the first time can seem daunting, but don't let it scare you. Panels at cons can be pretty informal; I've seen audience members knit during the panel, and they enter/leave at will. If you have a chance to discuss the topic with the other panelists in advance, that can be helpful; otherwise, review the panel description and think of points you want to bring up. Panel topics can take unexpected turns, though, so be prepared to think on your feet. As long as you can get your points across while being courteous to the audience and other panelists, you should do fine.

Attending cons can be fun for any fan of science fiction or fantasy. For writers, it can also be a valuable chance to meet people and learn more about writing. I hope you'll make attending your favorite con or cons a highly-anticipated annual tradition. See you in the con suite!