SpoCon

Last updated
SpoCon
StatusActive
GenreMulti-genre,Scifi/Fantasy
Venue The Davenport Hotel
Location(s) Flag of Washington.svg Spokane, Washington
CountryFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Inaugurated2008 (recurring), 1984 (inaugural).
Attendance500 - 1000
Filing status Non-profit

SpoCon was a full-spectrum science fiction and fantasy convention held annually in Spokane, Washington, USA. SpoCon is a non-profit organization that supports literacy and the public schools through annual events and donations. In 2022, the event had its last convention, citing low attendance as the reason for discontinuing. [1]

Contents

History

The first SpoCon was held in 2008 at Gonzaga University. Attendance was far more than anticipated, in large part because the Guest of Honor was Timothy Zahn.

The second SpoCon, with the theme "Are You Fan Enough?", was held July 31 - August 2, 2009 at Gonzaga.

The third SpoCon, with the theme of "The Year Fans Make Contact," ( From 2001: A Space Odyssey ) was held July 30 to August 1, 2010. [2] The Guest of Honor was artist Michael Whelan.

The 2011 convention had "The Power of Fandom" as the theme and featured best-selling author Patricia Briggs as Guest of Honor. This was the first SpoCon to leave the college campus and make a new home in the Spokane Doubletree Hotel. It was held August 12–14, 2011 and drew record numbers of attendees. [3]

In 2012, SpoCon changed from the traditional convention-committee style of leadership and operation to a business model, with the aim of creating a more efficient, forward-thinking and productive organization.

In 2016 SpoCon changed back from a business model to a 501c3 non profit organization and the convention-committee style of leadership was reinstated.

In 2017 SpoCon returned with a new convention committee and returned to the Doubletree Hotel.

The 2018 convention had "Shoot for the Stars" as the theme.

In 2019 the convention moved from the Spokane Doubletree Hotel to the Historic Davenport Hotel. The theme was "All Hail the Goblin King" with goblin-related programming and guests.

Location and dates

DatesLocationAttendeesNotable guestsNotes
August 1–3, 2008Gonzaga University; Spokane, WA700 Timothy Zahn, Mark Ferrari, Steve Perrin, Vixy & Tony,
July 31-August 2, 2009Gonzaga University; Spokane, WA730 L. E. Modesitt, Jr., [4] Steve Long, Alan Boyle, [5] John Picacio, [6] Kathy Mar
July 30-August 1, 2010Gonzaga University; Spokane, WA874 Michael Whelan, [7] Tanya Huff, [8] Dead Gentlemen Productions, Seanan McGuire [9]
August 12–14, 2011Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA109 Patricia Briggs, Dragon Dronet, Dead Gentlemen Productions, Dan Dos Santos
August 10–12, 2012Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA900 Peter S. Beagle, Mira Grant, Rob Alexander, Dead Gentlemen Productions
August 9–11, 2013Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA500 Brandon Sanderson, Mark Osier, Chub Chub Maximus
August 11–13, 2017Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA300 Kat Richardson, Betsy Mott, Epic Gaming
August 10–12, 2018Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA300 Dr. James C. Glass, Dave Anderson of the 501st Legion, Jim Humble, William C. Dietz, The Grammar Club
August 9–11, 2019The Historic Davenport Hotel, Spokane, WA300 Ellipsis Hana Stephens, Alan M. Clark, Dr. Kempe Ames

References

  1. ↑ Quinn Welsch, "Spocon ends its run in 2022 with one final hoorah", The Spokesman Review, October 31, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  2. ↑ SpoCon Website [usurped] Accessed February 8, 2010.
  3. ↑ Spokesman Review, August 14, 2011 Accessed November 5, 2011
  4. ↑ Locus Online - 2009 Archived Convention Listings Accessed February 8, 2010.
  5. ↑ Locus Online - 2009 Archived Convention Listings Accessed February 8, 2010.
  6. ↑ Locus Online - 2009 Archived Convention Listings Accessed February 8, 2010.
  7. ↑ Locus Online - 2010 Archived Conventions Listings Accessed August 14, 2011
  8. ↑ Locus Online - 2010 Archived Conventions Listings Accessed August 14, 2011
  9. ↑ Locus Online - 2010 Archived Conventions Listings Accessed August 14, 2011


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