LepreCon | |
---|---|
Genre | Science fiction |
Location(s) | Phoenix, Arizona |
Country | United States |
Organized by | LepreCon, Inc |
Filing status | Non-profit |
Website | leprecon.org |
LepreCon is an annual science fiction convention with an emphasis on art held in and around Phoenix, Arizona usually in May around Mother's Day weekend. It is the second oldest science fiction convention in Arizona. [1] It is sponsored by LepreCon, Inc., an Arizona non-profit corporation. LepreCon 43 was held July 1–4, 2017; in November, 2017, LepreCon, Inc. chose to cancel LepreCon 44 in the previously announced format as the Phoenix Sci-Fi & Fantasy Art Expo, which had been scheduled for March 2018 at the Unexpected Art Gallery.
The early LepreCon conventions were held around St. Patrick's Day weekend, thus giving birth to the name of the convention, a pun on leprechaun. As the tourist season expanded in Arizona, the normal dates for the convention moved into the May time frame with an occasional foray into June. Leprecon, Inc. is an Arizona non-profit corporation that sponsors the annual LepreCon conventions. Leprecon, Inc. has also sponsored the 2004 World Horror Convention, the 2004 World Fantasy Convention, the 2006 Nebula Awards, the 62nd annual Westercon in 2009 (also called FiestaCon) and held the first ever North American Discworld Convention in 2009. Because of these special events LepreCon 35 (2009) was a fan gathering, or relaxacon. LepreCon 36 (2010) returned as a traditional LepreCon.
In 2011 at Renovation (Worldcon 2011) in Reno, NV, Leprecon Inc announced a bid to host the 2014 North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC) should London, UK, win their 2014 Worldcon Bid. At Chicon 7 (Worldcon 2012 in Chicago, IL) London did win their bid and Phoenix In 2014 NASFiC Bid became official (www.phoenixin2014.org). The vote for NASFiC 2014 and Worldcon 2015 will be held at Worldcon 2013 (LoneStarCon 3 in San Antonio, TX). [2]
In 2012 Leprecon Inc decided to start a gaming convention, ConFlagration (www.conflag.org). It was held June 25–27, 2012, at Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe, Arizona. The convention broke even and the organization is debating whether to continue running them annually.
Leprecon, Inc. decided to make the convention have an emphasis on art, with the artist guest being given top billing as well as featuring a local artist guest. Starting in 2005 with LepreCon 31, the LepreCon film festival was started to provide an additional focus on filmmaking.
Leprecon Guests of Honor read like a Who's Who of science fiction and fantasy artists and authors. Past artist guests include Frank Kelly Freas, Michael Whelan, Phil Foglio, Donato Giancola, Janny Wurts, Don Maitz, Liz Danforth, Stephen Hickman, Bob Eggleton, Larry Elmore, Alan A. Clark, Dave Dorman, Jael, Howard Tayler, Monte M Moore, Lubov, Kevin Ward, Laura Brodian Freas, Sue Dawe, Rowena Morrill, Jim Fitzpatrick, Richard Hescox, Alan Gutierrez, Kim Poor, Lela Dowling, Real Musgrave, George Barr, Alicia Austin. Author guests have included Marion Zimmer Bradley, Roger Zelazny, Gordon R. Dickson, Ray Feist, Larry Niven, Robert Silverberg, Poul Anderson, Jack Williamson, Chelsea Quinn Yabro, Tim Powers, David Drake, and Kevin J. Anderson.
With 2020 being cancelled resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 46th was deferred to 2021.
LepreCon | Date | Location | Guests of Honor | Chair |
---|---|---|---|---|
40 | May 8–11, 2014 | Phoenix Marriott Mesa Mesa, AZ | Artist GoH: Steam Crow Author GoH: Gail Carriger Local Art Industry GoH: Krysta Crawford | Donald Jacques |
39 | May 9–12, 2013 | Phoenix Marriott Mesa Mesa, AZ | Artist GoH: Raymond Swanland Author GoH: Jack McDevitt Art Industry GoH: Jon Schindehette Virtual GoH: Michael Moorcock Music GoH: Nancy Freeman Ghost GoH: Ray Bradbury | Patti Hultstrand Donald Jacques |
38 | April 6–8, 2012 | Tempe Mission Palms Tempe, AZ | Artist GoH: Franchesco Author GoH: Joe Haldeman Local Artist GoH: Mark Greenawalt Special Media GoH: Stephen Furst Music GoH: Jeff & Maya Bohnhoff Gaming GoH: Todd VanHooser | Mark Boniece |
37 | May 6–8, 2011 | Tempe Mission Palms Tempe, AZ | Artist GoH: John Picacio Author GoH: Elizabeth Bear & Sarah Monette Music Guest: Seanan McGuire | Lee Whiteside |
36 | May 14–16, 2010 | Phoenix Marriott Mesa Mesa, AZ | Artist GoH: Charles Vess Author GoH: George R. R. Martin Local Artist/Author GoH: James A. Owen Music Guest: Emma Bull | Lee Whiteside |
35 | October 2–4, 2009 | Phoenix Marriott Mesa Mesa, AZ | LepreCon 35 convention was a fan gathering/relaxacon instead of a full scale convention | Ethan Moe |
34 | May 9–11, 2008 | Francisco Grande Hotel Casa Grande, AZ | Artist GoH: Howard Tayler Author GoH: Emily & Ernest Hogan SPFX Makeup GoH: David Ayers Local Artist GoH: Liz Danforth Special Media GoH: Chase Masterson | Liz Hanson |
33 | May 11–13, 2007 | Phoenix Marriott Mesa Mesa, AZ | Artist GoH: Jael Author GoH: Karen Traviss Local Artist GoH: Nola Yergen-Jennings Music GoH: Emma Bull | Shahn Cornell |
32 | May 5–7, 2006 | Embassy Suites Phoenix North Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH: Alan A. Clark Author GoH: John Vornholt Special Media GoH: Bill Blair Local Artist GoH: Gilead Music GoH: Bill Laubenheimer | Larry Vela |
31 | May 6–8, 2005 | Carefree Resort Carefree, AZ | Artist GoH: Dave Dorman Author GoH: Kevin J. Anderson Local Artist GoH: Sarah Clemens Special Guest Artist: Bear Burge Music Guest: Mitchell Burnside Clapp | Larry Vela |
30 | May 7–9, 2004 | Sheraton Crescent Hotel Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH: Donato Giancola Author GoH: David Drake Local Artist GoH: Sylvana Andershon-Gish Special Guest: John Eaves Music Guest: Mara Brener | Mark Boniece |
29 | May 16–18, 2003 | Embassy Suites Phoenix North Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH: Larry Elmore Author GoH: Charles de Lint Local Artist GoH: Madame M Media Technical Guest: Richard Coyle Music Guest: Karen Willson | Shahn Cornell |
28 | May 17–19, 2002 | Embassy Suites Phoenix North Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH: Monte M. Moore Author GoH: Peter David Local Artist GoH: James Reade Music Guests: Jeff & Maya Bohnhoff | Lee Whiteside |
27 | May 18–20, 2001 | Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Scottsdale, AZ | Artist GoH: Stephen Hickman Author GoH: Michael A. Stackpole Local Artist GoH: Robert Ross Music Guests: Echo's Children | Mark Boniece |
26 | May 22–24, 2000 | Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Scottsdale, AZ | Artist GoH: Lubov Author GoH: John DeChancie Local Artist GoH: Larry Vela Filk GoH: Marilyn Miller | Dave Hungerford |
25 | May 14–16, 1999 | Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Scottsdale, AZ | Artist GoH: Michael Whelan Author GoH: Larry Niven Local Artist GoH: Robert Peacock Filk GoH: Lynn Gold | Pat Connors |
24 | May 15–17, 1998 | Francisco Grande Hotel Casa Grande, AZ | Artist GoH: Janny Wurts Author GoH: Tim Powers Media GoH: Marc Scott Zicree Special Guest: Don Maitz Local Artist GoH: C. F. Yankovich Filk Guests: Jeff Bohnhoff & Maya Kaatherine Bohnhoff | Ray Gish |
23 | May 16–18, 1997 | Francisco Grande Hotel Casa Grande, AZ | Artist GoH: Kevin Ward Author GoH: Dave Wolverton Local Artist GoH: Leslie D'Allesandro Hill Media GoH: George Johnsen | Charles Jarvis |
22 | May 17–19, 1996 | Francisco Grande Hotel Casa Grande, AZ | Artist GoH: Bob Eggleton Author GoH: Tracy Hickman Local Artist GoH: Liz Danforth Media GoH: Mojo Toastmaster: Michael A. Stackpole Filk: Mitchell & TJ Burnside Clapp | Jay Patton |
21 | May 26–29, 1995 | Francisco Grande Hotel Casa Grande, AZ | Artist GoH: Laura Brodian Freas Author GoH: D.C. Fontana Special Spouse GoH: Frank Kelly Freas Special Artist Guest: Nancy Strowger NASA Science Guest: Charles "Les" Johnson Filk: Barry & Sally Childs-Helton | Dave & Kim Hiatt |
20 | May 1994 (Cancelled) | – | – | Pati Cook |
19 | June 4–6, 1993 | Camelview Resort Scottsdale, AZ | Artist GoH: Sue Dawe Author GoH: S.P. Somtow Local Artist: Katrine Cady | Doug Cosper |
18 | March 27–29, 1992 | Celebrity Hotel Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH: Liz Danforth Author GoH: Michael A. Stackpole | Eric Hanson |
17 | May 3–5, 1991 | Safari Resort Scottsdale, AZ | Artist GoH: Rowena Morrill Author GoH: Carole Nelson Douglas Author Guest: Melinda Snodgrass Local Artists: Deb Dedon & Earl Billick | Dave & Kim Hiatt |
16 | April 13–16, 1990 | Phoenix Sheraton Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH: Jim Fitzpatrick Author GoH: Rick Cook Fan GoH: Cristi Simila | Eric Hanson |
15 | 1989 | Phoenix Hyatt Regency Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH: Richard Hescox Author GoH: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Fan GoH: Sue Thing | Sam Stubbs |
14 | April 1–3, 1988 | Phoenix Hyatt Regency | Artist GoH: Alan Gutierrez Author GoH – Steven Barnes Fan GoH – Richard Wright | Ray Gish |
13 | June 5–7, 1987 | Phoenix Hyatt Regency Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH – Phil Foglio Author GoH – Raymond Feist Fan – Susan Potter | Eric Hanson |
12 | May 29 – June 1, 1986 | – | Artist GoH – Kim Poor Author GoH – Jo Clayton Fan GoH: Peggy Crawford Special Guest: Jennifer Roberson Don Wollheim cancelled for health reasons. | Terry Gish |
11 | April 5–7, 1985 | Hyatt Regency Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH – Lela Dowling Author GoH – G. Harry Stine Author GoH – Lee Correy Fan GoH – Roy Tackett | Clif Baird |
10 | April 20–22, 1984 | Hyatt Regency Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH: Real Musgrave Special GoH: C. J. Cherryh Fan GoH: Sleepyhawk Simila | Pati Cook |
9 | May 20–22, 1983 | Ramada TowneHouse Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH: Frank Kelly Freas Author GoH: Jack Williamson Fan GoH: Elayne Pelz Toastmaster: Bill Rotsler | Terry Gish |
8 | 1982 | Caravan Inn Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH – George Barr Fan GoH – jan howard finder Toastmaster – Bill Rotsler | Zetta Dillie |
7 | 1981 | Caravan Inn Phoenix, AZ | Artist GoH – Alicia Austin Fan GoH – Bruce Miller | Barry Bard |
6 | May 2–4, 1980 (Cancelled) | Hyatt Regency Phoenix, AZ | Pro GoH – Gordon R. Dickson Fan GoH – Milt Stevens Toastmaster – Terry Carr | Randy Rau |
5 | May 1979 | Quality Inn Phoenix, AZ | Pro GoH – Ian Ballantine Fan GoH – Skip Olson | Ken St. Andre |
4 | March 17–19, 1978 | Los Olivos Hotel Phoenix, AZ | Pro GoH – Poul Anderson Fan GoH – Fred Haskell Toastmistress – Carolyn Thompson (Marion Zimmer Bradley according to Lep 11 retro) | M.R. Hildebrand |
3 | March 18–20, 1977 | Grand Canyon, AZ | Author GoH – Robert Silverberg Toastmistress – Marion Zimmer Bradley | Barry Bard |
2 | March 19–21, 1976 | Ramada Inn Phoenix, AZ | Author GoH – Roger Zelazny Toastmaster – F. M. Busby | Greg Brown |
1 | March 14–16, 1975 | Quality Inn Phoenix, AZ | Author GoH – Larry Niven | Bruce Pelz |
In 2010, Phoenix New Times declared LepreCon "Best Sci-Fi Convention" in its annual Best of Phoenix awards. [1]
Worldcon, or more formally the World Science Fiction Convention, the annual convention of the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS), is a science fiction convention. It has been held each year since 1939. The members of each Worldcon are the members of WSFS, and vote both to select the site of the Worldcon two years later, and to select the winners of the annual Hugo Awards, which are presented at each convention.
Science fiction conventions are gatherings of fans of the speculative fiction genre, science fiction. Historically, science fiction conventions had focused primarily on literature, but the purview of many extends to such other avenues of expression as films, television, comics, animation, and games. The format can vary but will tend to have a few similar features such as a guest of honour, discussion panels, readings and large special events such as opening/closing ceremonies and some form of party or entertainment. Science fiction conventions started off primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States but have now spread further. Several countries have their own individual conventions, as well as playing host to rotating international conventions.
BayCon is the San Francisco Bay Area's longest-running fan-run science fiction and fantasy convention. It was held over Memorial Day weekend in the San Francisco Bay Area, California but moved to July 4th, Independence Day. BayCon draws many attendees from throughout California and also as far away as Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. The most recent BayCon was held from Saturday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Santa Clara, California. The next BayCon is scheduled for July 4-7, 2024.
NASFiC, an abbreviation for North American Science Fiction Convention, is a science fiction convention scheduled in North America during years when a Worldcon is being held outside North America; NASFiCs are held only during such years. Bids for the location of a NASFiC are voted on by the membership of the Worldcon, the year after a non-North-American Worldcon site has been selected. As of 2014, this is one year in advance of a potential NASFiC, since Worldcon sites are chosen two years in advance.
Westercon is a regional science fiction and fantasy convention founded in September 1948 by Walter J. Daugherty of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society. The original full name was West Coast Scienti-Fantasy Conference.
Darrell K. Sweet was a professional illustrator best known for providing cover art for science fiction and fantasy novels, in which capacity he was nominated for a Hugo Award in 1983.
The 61st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as Torcon 3, was held on 28 August–1 September 2003 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Fairmont Royal York and Crowne Plaza hotels in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Cascadia Con was the eighth North American Science Fiction Convention, held in SeaTac, Washington, on September 1–5, 2005, at the Seattle Airport Hilton and Conference Center. This NASFiC was held because Glasgow, Scotland, was selected as the location for the 2005 Worldcon.
The 67th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as Anticipation, was held on 6–10 August 2009 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in Montréal, Québec, Canada.
The 69th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as Renovation, was held on 17–21 August 2011 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC) in Reno, Nevada, United States. The Atlantis Casino Resort served as the headquarters/party hotel, with additional rooms supplied by the Peppermill Reno and Courtyard by Marriott.
The 71st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as LoneStarCon 3, was held on 29 August–2 September 2013 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, Texas, United States.
Leprecon can refer to:
ReConStruction was the tenth occasional North American Science Fiction Convention. It was held in Raleigh, North Carolina, on August 5–8, 2010, at the Raleigh Convention Center, Marriott City Center, and the Downtown Raleigh Sheraton. This NASFiC was held because Melbourne, Australia, was selected as the location for the 2010 Worldcon.
CactusCon was the fourth North American Science Fiction Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 3–7, 1987, at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Adams Hilton, and Phoenix Convention Center. This NASFiC was held because Brighton, England, was selected as the location for the 1987 Worldcon.
ConDiego was the fifth North American Science Fiction Convention, held in San Diego, California, on August 30 – September 3, 1990, at the Omni Hotel San Diego and the San Diego Convention & Performing Arts Center. This NASFiC was held because The Hague, Netherlands, was selected as the location for the 1990 Worldcon.
NASFiC, held in Los Angeles, on Labor Day weekend 1975, at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott, was the first North American Science Fiction Convention. "NASFiC" was an initialism for North American Science Fiction Convention. This "Continental Convention", the first of its kind, was held because Melbourne, Australia, was selected as the location for the 1975 Worldcon.
Tuckercon, also known as Archon31, was the ninth North American Science Fiction Convention, held in Collinsville, Illinois, on August 2–5, 2007, at the Gateway Center and Collinsville Holiday Inn. Collinsville is just across the Mississippi River from St Louis, Missouri. This NASFiC was held because Yokohama, Japan, was selected as the location for the 2007 Worldcon.
The North American Discworld Convention is a fan-run science fiction convention to celebrate the works of Sir Terry Pratchett, focusing primarily on his long-running series of Discworld novels. It is held biennially on odd-numbered years to accommodate the UK Discworld Convention, which is on even-numbered years. The first NADWCon was held in 2009 and sponsored by Arizona-based LepreCon, Inc. The 2019 convention is to be held July 12–15, at the Westin LAX.
Detcon1 was the 11th occasional North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC). It was held in Detroit, Michigan, from July 17–20, 2014, in the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. This NASFiC was scheduled because London, England, was selected as the location for the 2014 World Science Fiction Convention.