Unicon (Maryland science fiction convention)

Last updated
Unicon
StatusDefunct
GenreScience fiction
Location(s)Maryland
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated1975
Most recent1989

Unicon was an annual science fiction convention held in Maryland and at least once in Washington, D.C. from 1975 through 1989.

Unicon was born in the early 1970s on the second floor of the Stamp Student Union building at the University of Maryland, College Park. Unicon stood for University Convention. The University of Maryland Science Fiction Club was the organizing body. The club originally began as an open university course on science fiction with Stephen Rynas, a university junior, as the instructor.

Unicon I was held at the Interstate Inn on Route 1 in College Park. The Guest of Honor was Frederik Pohl.

Unicon outgrew any facilities in College Park and moved to the Silver Spring Sheraton (now a Hilton, where four Capclaves were held) for a successful run into the 1980s.

List of Unicons

NumberYear-Mo-DaysSiteFeatured GuestsChair(s)
11975College Park Interstate Inn Frederik Pohl Natalie Paymer
2B1976University of Maryland Student Union L. Sprague de Camp, Ted White Natalie Paymer
31977 7 8-10Silver Spring Sheraton Clifford D. Simak Natalie Paymer
41978 7 7-9Silver Spring Sheraton Theodore Sturgeon Theodore L. Manekin, Randy Brunk

Natalie Paymer

51979 7 20-22Shoreham Americana,
Washington, D.C.
Ron Cobb|Dan O’Bannon|. Natalie Paymer, Theodore L. Manekin, Sue Ruth
61980 7 18-20Silver Spring Sheraton James P. Hogan Clinton Winchester, Theodore L. Manekin
1981none
821982 7 16-18Silver Spring Sheraton Hal Clement, Robert A. Madle, Karl KofoedClinton Winchester, Jim Williams
81983 7 15-17Silver Spring Sheraton Joan D. Vinge, Michael J. Walsh, Teanna Lee Byerts, Jim Frenkel Clinton Winchester
841984 7 20-22Silver Spring Sheraton Gene Wolfe, Dawn Wilson, Peggy Rae PavlatClinton Winchester
101985 7 19-21Silver Spring Sheraton Michael Shea, Val Lakey Lindahn, Arthur W. Saha Paul Parsons
UniContinuity Party1986 7 26Church of the Ascension,
Silver Spring
871987 7 17-19Annapolis Holiday Inn David Brin, David Mattingly, Marty GearClinton Winchester
121988 7 22-24Annapolis Holiday Inn Vernor Vinge, Ned Dameron Clinton Winchester
131989 7 14-16College Park Holiday Inn Tim Powers, Debbie Hughes, Mark MaxwellPaul Parsons

References