ArmadilloCon

Last updated
ArmadilloCon
StatusActive
GenreScience fiction
VenueAustin Southpark Hotel
Location(s)Austin, Texas
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated1979
Attendance400 [1]
Organized byFandom Association of Central Texas
Filing status501(c)(3)
Website armadillocon.org

ArmadilloCon is a science fiction convention held annually in Austin, Texas, USA, since 1979. [1] [2] 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. [3] 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.

Contents

Traditions of ArmadilloCon

ArmadilloCon generally focuses on literary science-fiction, with guests of honor typically being up-and-coming writers. [4] Unique programming includes a "Fannish Feud" which has been held regularly since ArmadilloCon 4 in 1982, and has been hosted by Pat Cadigan, Walter Jon Williams, and Professor Griffin. The convention typically includes a large number of readings, and for some years ended with a story reading by Howard Waldrop. [3]

A key element of the convention is the ArmadilloCon Writers' Workshop. The workshop was started in 1998, [5] instigated by Chairs A.T. Campbell III and Lori Wolf. The workshop is held during the day on the Friday of the convention, with a Writers' Track of sessions available during the rest of the weekend.

Past conventions

ArmadilloCon 1 program book ArmadilloCon 01 Program Book cover.jpg
ArmadilloCon 1 program book

Upcoming conventions


Related Research Articles

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

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.

InConJunction is a fan-run, not-for-profit science fiction convention held during the first weekend in July in Indianapolis, Indiana. Past guests include Philip José Farmer, Frederik Pohl, Catherine Asaro, George R.R. Martin, Jerry Pournelle, Glen Cook, Mike Resnick, Timothy Zahn, and David Drake. The convention focuses on literature and literacy, but not to the exclusion of other areas of interest. Unique or unusual features include a dedicated Doctor Who room sponsored by The Whoosier Network, an anime room sponsored by The Indiana Animation Club, and a charity auction supporting Indy Reads and other charities as chosen by the convention chairperson.

Marcon is a full-spectrum fantasy and science fiction convention based in Columbus, Ohio, and was on Easter weekend in 2013 but moved to Mother's Day weekend starting in 2014. It is now operated by the Columbus-based Science Oriented Literature, Art, and Education Foundation, a non-profit educational corporation. The name was originally short for "March Convention," with the convention mascot the "March Hare," affectionately named "Marconi". After the date of the convention moved away from March, the name was re-designated as "Multiple Alternative Realities Convention".

ApolloCon was a science fiction convention held annually in Houston, Texas by the Houston Science Fiction Association (HSFA), a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation.

The 66th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as Denvention 3, was held on 6–10 August 2008 at the Colorado Convention Center and the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, Colorado, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">56th World Science Fiction Convention</span> 56th Worldcon (1998)

The 56th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as BucConeer, was held on 5–9 August 1998 at the Baltimore Convention Center, the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor, the Holiday Inn Inner Harbor, the Omni Inner Harbor Baltimore, and the Baltimore Hilton and Towers in Baltimore, Maryland, United States.

Con-Version was an annual science fiction and fantasy convention held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Since its beginning in 1984, the convention hosted many authors such as Robert J. Sawyer, Larry Niven, and J. Michael Straczynski; it also hosted the judging for the Robyn Herrington Memorial Short Story Competition. Appearances had also been made by Jeremy Bulloch and Dirk Benedict.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">55th World Science Fiction Convention</span> 55th Worldcon (1997)

The 55th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as LoneStarCon 2, also known as "The Second Occasional LoneStarCon Science Fiction Convention & Chili Cook-off", was held on 28 August–1 September 1997 at the Marriott Rivercenter, Marriott Riverwalk, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, United States. The first LoneStarCon, held in Austin, Texas, had been the North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC) in 1985, when the 43rd Worldcon was held in Australia.

The 51st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as ConFrancisco, was held on 2–6 September 1993 at the ANA Hotel, Parc Fifty Five, and Nikko Hotels and the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California, United States.

Conestoga was a literary science fiction and fantasy convention held annually in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from 1997 through 2010, after which it was suspended for financial and logistical reasons. The convention at first was designated by the year in which it was held. With its sixth incarnation, Conestoga converted to a whole number count, rolling the first five into the number tally, and running through #14 before stopping. Celebrating science fiction and fantasy literature and art were staples of the convention, but many who were also interested in horror, anime, and comics attended. Popular activities at the convention included filking and gaming. Featured programming included a writers track, an art show, a dealer room, a masquerade, and a play put on by the Penguin Playhouse Troupe.

ConClave was an annual, weekend-long science fiction convention in southeastern/central Michigan, which drew approximately 600 people. ConClave attendees shared an interest in science, science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. The ConClave convention was held each year from 1976 to 2016, with the exception of 2012. In 2017, the convention was rebranded as The Continuum.

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.

LoneStarCon 1 was the third North American Science Fiction Convention, held in Austin, Texas, on August 30-September 2, 1985, at the Hyatt Regency Austin, Sheraton Crest, and Palmer Auditorium. LoneStarCon 1 was also known as "The First Occasional Lone Star Science Fiction Convention & Chili Cook-off" and "ChiliCon". This NASFiC was held because Melbourne, Australia, was selected as the location for the 1985 Worldcon.

SpoCon is 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. SpoCon is a sister convention to MisCon, RadCon and Tactical Solutions (Spokane).

<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.

ICON is an annual science fiction convention held in the Cedar Rapids/ Iowa City area of Iowa since 1975, usually in late October or early November, under the auspices of the Mindbridge Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation also responsible for AnimeIowa and Gamicon. The organization was a branching off of the Science Fiction League of Iowa Students, which was founded by author Joe Haldeman. It is the oldest and largest science fiction convention in Iowa.

RavenCon is an annual American science fiction convention founded in 2006 and held in Richmond, Virginia. The name "RavenCon" was chosen as a tribute to author Edgar Allan Poe, who lived in Richmond for a time. The convention runs over 300 hours of programming and activities featuring authors and panelists across genres, including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, military fiction, and other areas of fan cultures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CAN-CON (convention)</span>

CAN-CON, stylized CAN•CON, or more completely "CAN•CON: The Conference on Canadian Content in Speculative Arts and Literature", is a periodic science fiction and fantasy convention in Ottawa put on by The Society for Canadian Content in Speculative Arts and Literature. Founded in 1991 by James Botte and Farrell McGovern in response to a perception that there were no dedicated public venues that featured primarily Canadian speculative fiction writers, editors, and artists. In addition to the focus on Canadian content, it was also an attempt to bring a focus on the book back to Ottawa science fiction and fantasy events. It ran from 1992 through 1997, and again in 2001 before taking a hiatus of several years due to the two founders moving out of Canada for employment reasons; it was then relaunched in 2010 after they had both returned to Canada.

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

SFContario is a general-interest science fiction convention held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Society of Upper Canada.

Bouchercon is an annual convention of creators and devotees of mystery and detective fiction. It is named in honour of writer, reviewer, and editor Anthony Boucher; also the inspiration for the Anthony Awards, which have been issued at the convention since 1986. This page details Bouchercon XXXIII and the 17th Anthony Awards ceremony.

References

  1. 1 2 3 George, Patrick (August 17, 2008). "ArmadilloCon Still Has Read on Sci-Fi 30 Years In". Austin American Statesman .
  2. Nawotka, Edward (April 24, 2008). "Nebula Awards puts Austin and Texas writers at center of science fiction world". Dallas Morning News . Archived from the original on May 2, 2009. Retrieved August 16, 2008.
  3. 1 2 3 Whittaker, Richard (August 15, 2008). "Going Home to the Armadillo: After 30 years, the song remains the same at ArmadilloCon, Texas' favorite sci-fi convention". The Austin Chronicle . Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  4. "Official ArmadilloCon Website" . Retrieved July 11, 2009.
  5. "Links to Writers' Workshops - SFWA". SFWA. 2009-06-19. Retrieved 2018-08-21.
  6. Warren, Gary L. (October 5, 1981). "ArmadilloCon Brings Science Fiction to Austin". The Daily Texan .
  7. Brandt, Beverly L. (September–October 1983). "Upcoming Cons". WSFA Journal . Vol. 7, no. 4. Washington Science Fiction Association . Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  8. "Bookmarks". Austin American-Statesman . October 8, 1989. p. D4. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  9. "Bookmarks". Austin American-Statesman . October 7, 1990. p. E6. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  10. McDaniel, Niki Frances (October 12, 1990). "More than 100 science fiction authors, artists, editors and agents". San Antonio Express-News . Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  11. Point, Michael (October 11, 1991). "Best bets: Space is the place". Austin American-Statesman . p. A14. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  12. Aiken, Wayne (September 1992). "Upcoming Conventions". Holy Temple of Mass Consumption. No. 10.
  13. Point, Michael (October 9, 1992). "Best bets". Austin American-Statesman . p. A16. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  14. "Places to go, people to see". Austin American-Statesman . October 29, 1993. p. C3. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  15. Kelly, Carolyn (October 7, 1994). "Best bets: Mixed bag". Austin American-Statesman . p. B12. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  16. "The Latest Word". Austin American-Statesman . October 1, 1995. p. G6. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  17. Shea, Mike (July 31, 1998). "The Waiting Is the Hardest Part; How Mr. Denton Spent His Summer Vacation". The Austin Chronicle . Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  18. Morris, Anne (August 15, 1999). "Sci-fi fans gear up for convention". Austin American-Statesman . Retrieved March 30, 2010.
  19. Vane, Sharyn Wizda (July 6, 2003). "If you dig aliens and alternate realities, then ArmadilloCon is your event". Austin American-Statesman . Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  20. "The fantasy is alive at sci-fi convention". Your News Now . August 10, 2003. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  21. "ArmadilloCon 2009". UpcomingCons.com. Retrieved July 9, 2009.
  22. Jones, Kimberley (August 14, 2009). "News/Print". The Austin Chronicle . Retrieved August 14, 2009.
  23. Gross, Joe (August 21, 2010). "Keeping Lone Star literature weird: What makes Texas science fiction and fantasy different? Think Robert E. Howard's genre-busting work, and start where he left off". Austin American-Statesman . Retrieved September 1, 2010.
  24. Whittaker, Richard (August 27, 2010). "Dark Forces Gathering". The Austin Chronicle . Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  25. Cupp, Scott A. (August 18, 2010). "More Guests Than You Can Swing an Armadillo At". Missions Unknown. Archived from the original on 24 August 2010. Retrieved September 1, 2010.
  26. Sterling, Bruce (August 20, 2010). "Dead Media Beat: sci-fi mag prints on clay tablets". Wired. Archived from the original on 28 August 2010. Retrieved September 1, 2010.
  27. DeNardo, John (August 29, 2010). "EVENT REPORT: ArmadilloCon 32". SF Signal. Archived from the original on September 2, 2010. Retrieved September 1, 2010.
  28. Whittaker, Richard (August 26, 2011). "Steam Versus Cyber at ArmadilloCon". The Austin Chronicle . Retrieved August 26, 2011.
  29. "ArmadilloCon becomes official sponsor of the 2011 World Horror Convention". World Horror Convention 2011. July 12, 2010. Retrieved September 1, 2010.
  30. "Sci-fi lovers converge on 34th annual Armadillocon". Austin, TX: Your News Now. July 30, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  31. "Writing Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror in Austin" . Retrieved 2018-06-06.