What is a con?
For decades, science fiction conventions have provided opportunities for those who have an amateur and professional interest in science fiction, and fantasy to meet and reunite with others with similar interests. These interests take many forms: the appreciation and creation of literature, art, television, film, plays, costume creation, role-playing games and other strategy games, trivia contests, collecting, model making, animation, and comics.
Like previous editions of Con*Cept, this year's event offers activities that will appeal to many different members of science fiction fandom.
Daytime Events
The art show exhibits the works of science fiction and fantasy artists working in two and three dimensions. The model show and competition provide another forum for artists and those that appreciate their work.
The sci-fi garage sale may help you find a good home for some orphaned collectibles and fairground games offer fun and prizes for a good cause. Both can be found in the dealers' room.
Workshops are special round-table panels that allow more experienced members and professionals of a specific to domain offer advice and experience, and answer questions in a more intimate atmosphere. Past workshops have covered pursuits, such as origami, acting, art, and writing.
Full-day Events
Discussion panels allow engaging in dialogue about a new or beloved science fiction and fantasy topics. Con*Cept's panelists have a reputation for being well-chosen, experts in their field of knowledge, and true fans of the genre. Panels, usually one hour in length, allow fans with similar interests to interact, and allow people to learn more about different areas of science fiction and fantasy.
Saturday Evening Events
For many, the masquerade competition signals the beginning of Saturday evening activities. Some convention members choose to wear hall costumes during the course of the convention, but the masquerade is the true opportunity for those with costumes to shine and be admired by all.
The Saturday evening dance and unofficial room parties held by convention members feature great music, great friends, and often a guest or two!