Penguicon

Last updated
Penguicon
Penguicon Starfleet Tux.jpg
Tux visits the Penguicon Consuite
StatusActive
Genre Science fiction/Linux User Group
VenueWestin Southfield Hotel, Southfield, MI (since 2014)
Location(s) Southeastern Michigan
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2003
Attendance1550 (2016) [1]
Organized byPenguicon Staff
Filing status Non-profit
Website http://penguicon.org

Penguicon is a convention in southeastern Michigan designed originally to mix the communities of the science fiction fandom and Linux user groups. [2] In addition to educational panels on science fiction in the media, attendees participate in professional and beginner-level panels on Linux and open-source software. Penguicon takes its name both from a Monty Python sketch and from Tux, the penguin mascot of Linux. [3]

Contents

Penguicon is held in the spring in the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area. The venue, a hotel, has changed from year to year, but since 2014 the event has been held at the Westin Southfield Hotel in Southfield, Michigan. [4]

Since its founding, Penguicon has expanded its focus to include panels and events for foodies, cosplay, filk music (the folk music of science fiction fandom), gaming, and makerspaces. [5] Penguicon has been described as a place where "hackers, makers, foodies, open source software junkies, anime buffs, and science fiction fans of all ages and backgrounds come together in a hotel for a weekend and totally blow the roof off." [6]

Along with the panels, the convention has hosted Artemis spaceship bridge simulations, biohacking presentations, retrogaming rooms, and a life-size Operation game board. [7]

Working alongside local makerspaces i3Detroit and All Hands Active, Penguicon has offered instruction in learning to solder electronic components, which allowed attendees to create their own LED badges. [8]

Over a thousand participants have attended past conventions, which have featured Guests of Honor from Neil Gaiman [9] and John Scalzi [10] to Jon "maddog" Hall and Eric S. Raymond. [11]

Recent events

For the 2014 convention, the Penguicon tech track's focus was on privacy and cryptography. [12] Guests of Honor included Ernie Cline, author of Ready Player One ; and Eva Galperin of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. [12] [13]

Philanthropy

Penguicon was listed as a Guardian of Wildlife at the Detroit Zoo in 2013 for donating to symbolically adopt a penguin. [14]

In 2013, Penguicon listed the New Beginnings Animal Rescue as their official charity, and Penguicon members donated $700 and 123 pounds of food during the convention weekend. [15]

Penguicon was also a sponsor of MHacks III, a weekend-long hackathon held in Detroit in January 2014. [16]

The organization Enabling the Future, which constructs 3D printed prosthetic hands for those in need, was Penguicon's 2015 Hack of Honor [17] and official sponsored charity. [18] Along with collecting donations, Penguicon worked with Enabling the Future and community members to 3D print limbs leading up to and during the 2015 convention. [19]

Every year, Penguicon invites a dozen or more people (authors, hackers, and entertainers) who are not full Guests of Honor, but are celebrities in their own right, and calls them Featured Guests (formerly "Nifty Guests"). They also invite former Guests of Honor as "Guest of Honor Emeritus". In 2010, this included author Jim C. Hines, musician Tom Smith, and open source advocate Eric S. Raymond. [20]

Wil Wheaton's cancellations

Penguicon has invited Wil Wheaton as a guest of honor multiple times, but he has had to cancel each time. In 2009, Wheaton had to cancel the morning of the convention and wrote an apology letter which was read aloud at Opening Ceremonies. [21]

Tron Guy

Jay Maynard debuted his self-made electroluminescent Tron Guy costume at Penguicon in 2004. [22] After submitting photos of himself to Slashdot, he appeared in costume on Jimmy Kimmel Live. [23] He has also been on America's Got Talent and a commercial for Duck Brand duct tape. Maynard says he "hasn't missed a Penguicon, and doesn't intend to." [24]

Penguicon Events

YearConchairLocationDatesGuests of HonorWebsite
2024Bagel GarrisonAnn Arbor Marriott YpsilantiApril 26th to April 28thDr. Stefani Goerlich, J. Wolfgang Goerlich, Benny Vasquez Penguicon 22
2023David “Ska” GreenWestin – Southfield, MichiganApril 21st to April 23rd Eric Choi, Charles J. Cohen, Ph.D., PMP, Sylvia Hubbard Penguicon 21
2022Dave “Ska” GreenWestin – Southfield, MichiganApril 21st to April 23rdNuri Gocay, Larry Nemecek, Tracy Barnett Penguicon 20
2021Dave “Ska” GreenWestin – Southfield, MichiganApril 22nd to April 25th David Revoy, Chris Crawford, Casey Fiesler, Leonard Balsera, Jo Walton, Larry Nemecek Penguicon 19
2020Bagel GarrisonVirtualApril 24th to April 26thMargret-Ann Miller, Jo Walton, Larry Nemecek, Christopher Webber Penguicon 18
2019Jessica RolandWestin – Southfield, MichiganMay 3rd to May 5th Saladin Ahmed, Zed Shaw, Mikey Mason, Daniel Hansen (Crafty Celts), Sophia Brueckner, Karen Corbeill Penguicon 17
2018Cassy SinkeWestin – Southfield, MichiganMay 4th to May 6thMark Oshiro, Johnny Xmas, Dr. Kristine Larsen, Christine Sunu, Mary Anne Mohanraj (Writing Excuses) [25] Penguicon 16
2017Cylithria DuboisWestin – Southfield, MichiganApril 28th to April 30th Ada Palmer, [26]

Cory Doctorow, [27] Sumana Harihareswara, [28] Coraline Ada Ehmke (cancelled), [29] Kevin MacLeod, [30] Tommy Edison and Ben Churchill (Blind Film Critic), [31] The Tricorder Project (Hack of Honor) [32]

Penguicon 15
2016Scott KennedyWestin – Southfield, MichiganApril 29th to May 1st Ann Leckie, Sirius (Profs. Lingjia Tang and Jason Mars), Greg Gage, Catherynne M. Valente, Deb Nicholson, Ann Lemay [11] Penguicon 14
2015Nuri GocayWestin – Southfield, MichiganApril 24th to April 26thAlbert Manero, Charlie Jane Anders, Annalee Newitz, Aral Balkan, Enabling the Future (Hack of Honor) [11] [18] Penguicon 13
2014Nuri GocayWestin – Southfield, MichiganMay 2nd to May 4th Ernest Cline, YTCracker, Eva Galperin (Electronic Frontier Foundation), Erika Carlson (Girl Develop It Detroit founder), GameFace Labs (Hack of Honor) [11] [13] Penguicon 12
2013Nuri GocayMarriott Centerpoint - Auburn Hills, MichiganApril 26th to April 28thJason Denzel, Jim C. Hines, Jeff Potter, Maik Schmidt, Michael W. Lucas, Nick Farr [11] Penguicon 11
2012Chuck ChildRegency Hyatt - Dearborn, MichiganApril 27th - April 29th John Scalzi, [10] Jim Gettys, Scrub Club Records, Open Soda (Hack of Honor) [11] Penguicon 10
2011Limey ZrnichTroy Marriott - Troy, MichiganApril 29th to May 1st MC Frontalot, Brandon Sanderson, Jimmie P. Rogers, Howard Tayler [11] Penguicon 9
2010Randy BradakisTroy Marriott - Troy, MichiganApril 30th to May 2ndJoe Brockmeier, Marcel Gagné, Karl Schroeder, Spider Robinson (cancelled), Jeanne Robinson (cancelled), Howard Tayler, i3Detroit (Hack of Honor) [11] Penguicon 8
2009Matt ArnoldCrown Plaza Hotel - Romulus, MIMay 1st to May 3rd Rasmus Lerdorf, Jon "maddog" Hall, Andrew Hackard, Jane McGonigal, Wil Wheaton (cancelled), [21] CandyFab [11] Penguicon 7
2008Keri SpringerTroy Hilton - Troy, MichiganApril 18th to April 20th Benjamin Mako Hill, Jono Bacon, Vernor Vinge, Tamora Pierce, Randall Munroe, Keith Baker, Zeusaphone [11] Penguicon 6
2007phecdaTroy Hilton - Troy, MichiganApril 20th to April 22nd Bruce Schneier, Charlie Stross, Elizabeth Bear, Christine Peterson, Steve Jackson, Randy Milholland [11] Penguicon 5
2006Aaron ThulLivonia Holiday Inn - Livonia, MichiganApril 21st to April 23rd Chris DiBona, Frank Hayes, Steve Miller, Sharon Lee, Andy Looney, Kristin Looney, Alison "Looney" Frane (Looney Labs) [11] Penguicon 4
2005Bill PuttSheraton Detroit - Novi, MichiganApril 22nd to April 24thNat Torkington, Dr. Peter Salus, Cory Doctorow, Joan D. Vinge, Rod Roddenberry, Kevin Siembieda, Wil Wheaton (cancelled) [11] Penguicon 3
2004ChairSheraton Detroit - Novi, MichiganApril 16th to April 18th Jeff "Hemos" Bates, Jon "maddog" Hall, Neil Gaiman, [9] Steve Jackson, Wil Wheaton (cancelled) [11] Penguicon 2
2003Michael AndaluzVan Dyke Park Suites - Warren, MichiganMay 2nd to May 4th Eric S. Raymond, Rob "CmdrTaco" Malda, Terry Pratchett, J. D. Frazer, Pete Abrams [11] Penguicon 1

In the media

A Science Channel show, Outrageous Acts of Science, replayed a video from Penguicon 2006 [33] in which Nifty Guest Howard Tayler recorded attendees dumping the remains of a dewar of liquid nitrogen into the hotel swimming pool. [34] In 2010, Howard Tayler returned to Penguicon as a Guest of Honor and hosted a second video involving liquid nitrogen and the hotel swimming pool. [35]

See also

Related Research Articles

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wil Wheaton</span> American actor (born 1972)

Richard William "Wil" Wheaton III is an American actor and writer. He portrayed Wesley Crusher on the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, Gordie Lachance in the film Stand by Me, Joey Trotta in Toy Soldiers, and Bennett Hoenicker in Flubber. Wheaton has also appeared in recurring voice acting roles as Aqualad in Teen Titans, Cosmic Boy in Legion of Super Heroes, and Mike Morningstar/Darkstar in the Ben 10 franchise's original continuity. He appeared regularly as a fictionalized version of himself on the sitcom The Big Bang Theory and in the roles of Fawkes on The Guild, Colin Mason on Leverage, and Dr. Isaac Parrish on Eureka. Wheaton was the host and co-creator of the YouTube board game show TableTop. He has narrated numerous audio books, including Ready Player One and The Martian.

Linucon was a combination Linux expo/science fiction convention in Austin, Texas. Conceived as a "sister convention" to Penguicon, Linucon was co-founded by Rob Landley and Stu Green.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dragon Con</span> Annual pop culture fan convention in Atlanta

Dragon Con is a North American multigenre convention, founded in 1987, which takes place annually over the Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. As of 2017, the convention draws attendance of over 80,000. It features hundreds of guests, encompasses five hotels in the Peachtree Center neighborhood of downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park, and runs thousands of hours of programming for fans of science fiction, fantasy, comic books, and other elements of fan culture. It is owned and operated by a private for-profit corporation, with the help of a 1,500-member volunteer staff. Dragon Con has hosted the 1990 Origins Game Fair and the 1995 North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BayCon</span>

BayCon is the San Francisco Bay Area's longest-running fan-run speculative fiction 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, 2025.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Scalzi</span> American science fiction writer

John Michael Scalzi II is an American science fiction author and former president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He is best known for his Old Man's War series, three novels of which have been nominated for the Hugo Award, and for his blog Whatever, where he has written on a number of topics since 1998. He won the Hugo Award for Best Fan Writer in 2008 based predominantly on that blog, which he has also used for several charity drives. His novel Redshirts won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novel. He has written non-fiction books and columns on diverse topics such as finance, video games, films, astronomy, writing and politics, and served as a creative consultant for the TV series Stargate Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">62nd World Science Fiction Convention</span> 62nd Worldcon (2004)

The 62nd World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as Noreascon 4, was held on 2–6 September 2004 at the Hynes Convention Center, Sheraton Boston Hotel and Boston Marriott Copley Place in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

SwanCon is a science fiction convention held in Perth, Western Australia. It is Australia's longest-running science fiction convention, and probably the longest-running in the southern hemisphere.

AggieCon is the oldest student-run multigenre convention in the United States. Held annually since 1969 by Cepheid Variable at Texas A&M University's Memorial Student Center, it has grown to become one of the larger conventions in Texas. AggieCon was the first science fiction convention ever sponsored by a college or a college affiliate student organization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Maynard</span> American internet celebrity

Jay Maynard is an American computer programmer, system administrator and the volunteer project maintainer for Hercules, a free emulator of IBM mainframe hardware. He is known for his self-made electroluminescent costume based on the film Tron, which resulted in his nickname Tron Guy.

ArmadilloCon is a science fiction convention held annually in Austin, Texas, USA, since 1979. As the second longest running science fiction convention in Texas, it is sponsored by the Fandom Association of Central Texas and is known for its emphasis on literary science fiction. ArmadilloCon was traditionally held in mid-October during the weekend of the Texas-OU football game, but moved to a late-summer/early-fall weekend in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Midwest FurFest</span> Furry convention held annually in Illinois

Midwest FurFest (MFF) is a furry convention that takes place in Rosemont, Illinois, usually on the second weekend after Thanksgiving. First held in 2000, MFF is presented by Midwest Furry Fandom Inc, an Illinois Educational Not-For-Profit Corporation that exists primarily for the purpose of holding an annual convention to facilitate education in anthropomorphic literature and art. It also facilitates the donation of funds to non-profit institutions, mainly of which promote the well-being of humans and/or animals. The convention is among the most attended furry conventions in history, peaking at 15,547 attendees in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">70th World Science Fiction Convention</span>

The 70th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as Chicon 7, was held on 30 August–3 September 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hackerspace</span> Community organization

A hackerspace is a community-operated, often "not for profit", workspace where people with common interests, such as computers, machining, technology, science, digital art, or electronic art, can meet, socialize, and collaborate. Hackerspaces are comparable to other community-operated spaces with similar aims and mechanisms such as Fab Lab, men's sheds, and commercial "for-profit" companies.

ConQuesT is the annual science fiction and fantasy convention held in the Kansas City, Missouri area over the U. S. Memorial Day weekend. It is sponsored by the long-running Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society. ConQuesT is the oldest such fan convention of its type in Missouri and in the U. S. central states region, first established using the name Mid-America Con in June 1972. After that, the next nine KaCSFFS-sponsored conventions were named BYOB-Cons In 1980 KaCSFFS adopted the permanent name ConQuesT for the convention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phoenix Fan Fusion</span> Speculative fiction convention

Phoenix Fan Fusion is a speculative fiction entertainment and comic book convention held annually in Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded as the Phoenix Cactus Comicon in June 2002, and originally consisted of a one-day six-hour event held in Ahwatukee, Arizona. The convention plays host to comic related panels, programming events, art contests, and autograph signings for all ages. It is a three-day event (Friday-Sunday) held during the summer at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix. On Thursday evening prior to the official opening of the event, there is a preview for professionals, exhibitors, and select guests pre-registered for all four days.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JordanCon</span> Fan convention dedicated to Robert Jordans The Wheel of Time

JordanCon is a North American convention held annually in Atlanta, Georgia, that celebrates Robert Jordan's fantasy book series The Wheel of Time, as well as other science fiction and fantasy works. The convention is a 501c4 tax exempt charitable organization founded in honor of the late Robert Jordan.

Farpoint is an American science-fiction convention held since 1993 in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The convention is fan-run, differentiating it from larger, profit-making ventures. Typical programming includes panel discussions, a competitive masquerade, fan videos, an art show, filking and celebrity guest appearances. It is a successor convention to ClipperCon(1984-1989) and OktoberTrek (1990-1992). The most recent Farpoint was held on February 8–10, 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Comic book convention</span> Event with a primary focus on comic books

A comic book convention or comic con is a fan convention emphasizing comic books and comic book culture, in which comic book fans gather to meet creators, experts, and each other. Commonly, comic conventions are multi-day events hosted at convention centers, hotels, or college campuses. They feature a wide variety of activities and panels, with a larger number of attendees participating with cosplay than for most other types of fan conventions. Comic book conventions are also used as a method by which publishers, distributors, and retailers represent their comic-related releases. Comic book conventions may be considered derivatives of science-fiction conventions, which began during the late 1930s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shawn Powers</span> Journalist and Internet Personality

Shawn Powers is a journalist, open-source advocate, cartoonist, and an online personality. He is currently a co-host at FLOSS Weekly on the TWiT.tv network, a frequent guest host on the Reality 2.0 podcast, and an active blogger since 2006. Specializing in Linux, he is best known for his time as Associate Editor and columnist for Linux Journal from 2007 until its buyout in 2019. His first article, Build Your Own Arcade Game Player and Relive the '80s! was featured on the 2007 cover of Linux Journal. Powers became an editor of the magazine shortly thereafter, writing the monthly Current_Issue.tar.gz and UpFront columns and answering letters to the editor. He was also the main personality on the Linux Journal YouTube channel, and still creates content on his own channel.

References

  1. ↑ "Penguicon 2016 Wrap-up". 2016.penguicon.org. Penguicon. 8 May 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  2. ↑ Landley, Rob (6 October 2009). "History of Penguicon, from one of the co-founders, Part I". The Conversation Pit. Archived from the original on 19 August 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  3. ↑ "FAQ". Penguicon 2018. Penguicon. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  4. ↑ "Penguicon Venues". Penguicon.info. Penguicon. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  5. ↑ Sands, David (26 April 2012). "Penguicon Convention 2012 Mixes Science Fiction, Linux, And DIY Exploration". HuffPost . Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  6. ↑ Phillips, David (11 February 2015). "Episode 78: Penguicon, Bebop Art, Kosmic Kasey". IT in the D. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  7. ↑ Hall, Christina (30 April 2016). "Penguicon convention full of science fiction fans". Detroit Free Press . USA Today Network. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  8. ↑ Worman (5 May 2016). "Thanks Penguicon!". All Hands Active. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  9. 1 2 Gaiman, Neil (15 May 2004). "If this is Saturday it must be... where the hell am I anyway?". Neil Gaiman's Journal. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  10. 1 2 Scalzi, John (29 April 2012). "And Now, My Penguicon Guest of Honor Bio". Whatever. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Previous Events". Penguicon 2018. Penguicon. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  12. 1 2 Doctorow, Cory (25 March 2014). "Michigan's Penguicon will focus on crypto and privacy this year". BoingBoing . Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  13. 1 2 Suehle, Ruth (2 April 2014). "Gamers, makers, and sci-fi fans unite! at Penguicon 2014". opensource.com. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  14. ↑ "ADOPTS Honor Roll". The Detroit Zoo. Archived from the original on 15 August 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  15. ↑ "New Beginnings Animal Rescue". Facebook . 28 April 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  16. ↑ "MHacks III". Hackathon Watch. Archived from the original on 1 April 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  17. ↑ "Charity Organization for 2015". 2015.penguicon.org. Penguicon. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  18. 1 2 Sonoras, Steven (23 April 2015). "Sci-fi meets open source at annual Penguicon nerdfest". The Detroit News . Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  19. ↑ Staes, JA (24 March 2015). "Have A 3D Printer? You Can Help A Child Get A Hand This Spring". Daily Detroit. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  20. ↑ "Nifty Guests". Penguicon.info. Penguicon. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  21. 1 2 Wheaton, Wil (1 May 2009). "To Everyone at Penguicon". WWdN: In Exile. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  22. ↑ Being Tron Guy Archived 2012-11-22 at the Wayback Machine , Minneapolis City Pages
  23. ↑ Memes Pwn The Web: What Lolcats, Tron Guy, and Doge Tell Us About Ourselves and the Future of Humanity , TechRepublic.com
  24. ↑ What is Penguicon? , YouTube Video
  25. ↑ "Special Guests". Penguicon 2018. Penguicon. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  26. ↑ "Guest of Honor Ada Palmer". Penguicon 2017. Penguicon. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  27. ↑ "Guest of Honor Cory Doctorow". Penguicon 2017. Penguicon. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  28. ↑ "Guest of Honor Sumana Harihareswara". Penguicon 2017. Penguicon. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  29. ↑ "Guest of Honor Coraline Ada Ehmke". Penguicon 2017. Penguicon. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  30. ↑ "Guest of Honor Kevin MacLeod". Penguicon 2017. Penguicon. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  31. ↑ "Guests of Honor Tommy Edison and Ben Churchill". Penguicon 2017. Penguicon. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  32. ↑ "Hack of Honor: The Tricorder Project". Penguicon 2017. Penguicon. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  33. ↑ Liquid Nitrogen Into A Swimming Pool , YouTube
  34. ↑ Outrageous Acts of Science - Power Junkies , Science Channel (via YouTube)
  35. ↑ Liquid Nitrogen in the pool at Penguicon 2010 , YouTube
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.