Are you looking for low-cost and unique entertainment in Seattle, why not try one of the many science fiction (sci-fi) conventions that occur every year? In Seattle, a sci-fi convention can offer many things, but one thing it always provides is great people watching!
Most people who have never attended a sci-fi convention can have the idea that the local Seattle convention is all about people standing in line to get autographs of actors while wearing Klingon makeup, or that everyone wears pointed ears. I’m not saying that those stereotypes don’t exist, but the convention experience is much more diverse than you may have been led to believe. To get the best experience, it is important to first consider your interests and then match them to what conventions are available.
There are two kinds of sci-fi conventions: professional and fan-run. Professional conventions typically have actors who have appeared in genre television and films ready to sign autographs and have their photos taken with fans. Some of these conventions include the costs of autographs and photo sessions in the cost of admission others operate with a “pay as you go” system.
Sometimes, sci-fi conventions have previews of up-and-coming television shows and films, and nearly always have an extensive dealer’s room where you can buy anything from jewelry, ornaments, t-shirts and action figures to full-scale replicas and costumes, and more. You can expect professional conventions to operate as advertised and to run on time. You probably shouldn’t expect for them to feel “warm and fuzzy.”
However, fan-run conventions should feel more “warm and fuzzy.” Fans who work together to run conventions have a great deal of enthusiasm, but they may lack the organization skills that are typical of professional conventions. You can expect a movie room, anime room, gaming room, art show, dealer’s room, and various special interest group rooms and tables. It is a rare convention that doesn’t have a dance or masquerade in the evening.
Many fan-run conventions also have special guests ranging from sci-fi actors, authors, cartoonists, illustrators, scientists, and more. You may also find workshops for writing, acting, art, costuming, make-up, and special effects. Of course, conventions vary from year to year. Older fan-run conventions include Aggie Con, Balticon, Bay Con, CONvergence, Dragon Con, ICON, Shore Leave, United Fan Con, and Toronto Trek.
The following sections may help you in selecting a specific kind of convention. Don’t be afraid to try others once you’ve attended one that is in your comfort zone. Remember, exploration can be fun.
Literary Convetions
Do you love to read speculative fiction? Do you have an interest in attending workshops on writing and publishing? Would you like to mingle with like-minded fans and meet professionals in the field, such as authors, editors, illustrators, and publishers? If so, a literary convention might be ideal for you.
Some literary conventions are the World Science Fiction Convention, the World Fantasy Convention, World Horror Convention, Balticon, Philcon, Lunacon, Boskone, Readercon, Wiscon and Capclave. All of these conventions are all reader-friendly.
Media Conventions
Media conventions are very much about television and film. Science fiction and fantasy or horror and paranormal special guests abound. You may hear “behind the scenes” stories from actors and illustrators, SFX experts, make-up artists, and a host of other media professionals. Many of the attendees may be wearing costumes.
Gaming Conventions
Gamers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors, and ethnic backgrounds, but they all love games. Gamers may specialize in role playing, live, pen and paper, MMOG. At gaming conventions, you can meet game designers, try out new games that have yet to hit the general market, and play in tournaments for glory and prizes. Once an almost male-only pursuit, gaming now has a growing number of female enthusiasts. Gaming has become very pervasive in mainstream culture, as well.
There are giant gaming conventions like GENCON and ORIGINS. The downside to large conventions is the crowds, but the upside is the great diversity and free promotional items or “swag.” There are many smaller gaming conventions, including Archon, CastleCon, Dragonflight Dreikonigsnacht (Twelfth Night), Festival of Dreams, HexaCon, KublaCon, MACE, MarsCon, Marmalade Dog, ShaunCon, Strategicon, The Once and Future Con, and more.
Anime Conventions
For the older generation anime seems so foreign, even unreachable. It shouldn’t be. Yes, anime and manga are of Japanese origin, but the striking visual style and beauty can cross into any culture. At anime conventions, the stars are the illustrators, authors, and voice actors. At anime conventions you will often find these kinds of guests, as well as the companies promoting anime projects.
You will almost certainly find some of the most imaginative of fan-made costumes. At larger conventions you may find multiple rooms running anime movies day and night. There are often panels discussing aspects of costume play or “cosplay,” fan fiction, video games, favorite voice actors, anime series, or movies. The dealer’s room will be filled with DVDs, software, graphic novel manga, art books, apparel, toys, and exotic foods.
Horror Conventions
Horror conventions revel in going over the top. Long live Elvira, Freddy Krueger, Jason, Dracula, and Zacherley! Even the names of these conventions are meant to be graphic illustrations of what you will find there – Chiller Theatre, Fangoria, Fright Night Film and Fantasy Fest, HorrorFind, HorrorHound Weekend, Spooky Empire. If you have a strong stomach and a dark sense of humor you will certainly have fun.
Comic Conventions
Comic conventions celebrate the written and drawn world. Here, you will find illustrators, authors, publishers, and very often, interesting workshops and panels that deal with every aspect of the industry past, present, and future. There are also special guests at comic conventions. Would you like to meet Stan Lee himself? At a comic convention, you might get your chance.
The bottom line is conventions are places where adults can go and play and slough off the average workday week. If you have yet to go to a convention, you’ve waited too long.