A momentary taste of Wiscon

WisCon36 Committee Meeting / Conference Call - Reminder

2011-10-15T08:18:00.000-05:00

The first WisCon 36 committee meeting will take place tomorrow, Sunday, October 16 at 11:30 am Central time at the Madison Concourse Hotel, 1 W Dayton St., Madison, WI 53703. The room will be posted on the hotel's conference message board in the lobby.

We are extending a special invitation to potential new volunteers who are interested in joining the concom: please attend! We need your help to make WisCon happen!

The agenda includes:

- A review of concom vacancies and volunteer opportunities (department heads, please let the co-chairs know about any vacancies/volunteer opportunities)
- Committee reports (if you have a report, please email your report in advance of the meeting to help keep the meeting moving)
- Procedures and deadlines
- General concom news.

If you cannot attend in person, please join the meeting via conference call: send an email to concom36@wiscon.info for instructions on joining the call.

Monday At-Con Newsletter / Monday Program Changes

2011-05-30T08:03:00.000-05:00

The Monday edition of WisCon's at-con newsletter, "A Momentary Taste of WisCon" (PDF) is now online, with coverage of the Guest of Honor speech, the WisCon36 guests of honor, donations for the Japan earthquake, and a request for get-well greetings for MJ and Dimas.

Monday program changes:

218. Fatima and Mary: Iconic Women in Patriarchal Religions,
Monday 10-11:15 am. Catherine Crowe will not be on this panel.

219. Being a Resilient Writer, Monday 10-11:15 am. Julia Karr was
unable to attend WisCon.

224. The SignOut, Monday 11:30 am-12:45 pm. Julia Karr and Valya
Dudycz Lupescu were unable to attend WisCon.

Andrea Hairston and Debbie Notkin Named WisCon36 Guests of Honor

2011-05-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

WisCon is pleased to announce that Andrea Hairston and Debbie Notkin will be the guests of honor for WisCon36.

Hotel Reservations and Online Registration for WisCon 36 Available at 9:00 am Sunday, May 29

2011-05-29T08:21:00.001-05:00

Hotel reservations and online registration for WisCon 36 both open at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 29!

For full details on hotels and hotel reservations, please visit the WisCon36 hotel page.

Details for registering for WisCon36 are available through the WisCon36 registration page.

PLEASE NOTE: Links for hotel reservations and online registration will not go live until 9:00 am Sunday morning!

Sunday At-Con Newsletter / Sunday Program Changes

2011-05-29T08:21:00.000-05:00

The Sunday edition of WisCon's at-con newsletter, "A Momentary Taste of WisCon"(PDF) is now online, with coverage of the Tiptree Auction, an update on the Photo Booth, a discussion of sustainability, and really, too much news/tweets/overheard-at-WisCons to mention.

Sunday Program Changes

Dealers’ Room opens at 10:00 a.m., not 9:00 as shown in the
Pocket Program Book.

152. It’s a Broad Universe, Sunday 10-11:15 am. Lyda Morehouse
was unable to attend WisCon.

155. Due to access issues, Living with Invisible Disabilities,
Sunday 1-2:15 pm, will be located in Capitol A and No. 160
Whedonistas: Feminists Engage in the Worlds of Joss Whedon
will be located in Assembly.

160. Due to access issues, Whedonistas: Feminists Engage in
the Worlds of Joss Whedon, Sunday 1-2:15 pm, will be located
in Assembly, and No. 155, Living with Invisible Disabilities,
will be located in Capitol A. Lyda Morehouse was unable to
attend WisCon.

175. SIBLING OF REVENGE OF NOT ANOTHER
F*CKING RACE PANEL, Sunday 2:30-3:45 pm. Michelle
Kendall was unable to attend WisCon.

196. Science Fiction That Saved My Life, Sunday 4-5:15 pm.
Lyda Morehouse was unable to attend WisCon.

206. Mad Norwegian Press party, Sunday 8:45 pm-Monday 3
am. Lyda Morehouse was unable to attend WisCon.

209. Wyrdsmiths party, Sunday 8:45 pm-Monday 3 am. Lyda
Morehouse was unable to attend WisCon.

Volunteering at WisCon

2011-05-28T12:08:00.002-05:00

We still have lots of ways to help and have immediate needs for volunteers. Please check out the volunteer information table near registration on the 2nd floor or e-mail me at klivdahl@gmail.com to sign up or for more information.

This year's volunteer thank you gift is a light weight tote bag with a beautiful WisCon logo by Jeanne Gomoll.

Kristin
WisCon Volunteer Coordinator

Saturday At-Con Newsletter / Saturday Program Changes

2011-05-28T07:02:00.000-05:00

The Saturday edition of WisCon's at-con newsletter, "A Momentary Taste of WisCon"(PDF) is now online, with coverage of the opening ceremonies and news about WisCon36 hotels, volunteers, ASL lunch, and the 20th Anniversary Tiptree t-shirt.

Saturday Program Changes

Green Room closing time on Saturday is 10:30 p.m., not midnight.

57. What’s There to Look Forward To?: Dystopia and Anti-
Scientific Attitudes in YA SF, Saturday 8:30-9:45 am. Julia Karr
was unable to attend WisCon.

65. Class Issues in Science Fiction and Fantasy, Saturday 10-
11:15 am. Chris Wrdnrd is no longer a panelist. Alexis Lothian
added to panel.

68. Smut & Nothing But Make a Baby, Saturday 10-11:15 am.
Candas Jane Dorsey was unable to attend WisCon.

87. Vigorous Debate, or Verbal Harassment?, Saturday 1-2:15
pm. Michelle Kendall was unable to attend WisCon.

91. Assimilation and the Immigrant Grandchild, Saturday 1-2:15
pm, Neesha Meminger added to panel.

107. 11up, Saturday 2:30-3:45 pm. Valya Dudycz Lupescu was
unable to attend WisCon.

109. Mysterious Nexus: Science Fiction and Detective Fiction,
Saturday 4-5:15 pm. Julia/Sparkymonster is no longer a panelist.

110. Happy 90th Birthday, Carol Emshwiller!, Saturday 4-5:15
pm. Margie Peterson is no longer a panelist. Karen Joy Fowler
added to panel.

113. Class in SF: Who Gets It Right?, Saturday 4-5:15 pm. Chris
Wrdnrd is no longer a panelist. Liz Henry added as moderator.

WisCon35 Programming Changes for Friday, May 27

2011-05-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

24. Romance and SFF, Friday 4-5:15 pm. Michelle Kendall
was unable to attend WisCon.

27. Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading, Friday 4-5:15 pm.
Elaine Bergstrom will be joining the reading.

35. 5 Writers, 5 Girls, 5 Worlds, Friday 4-5:15 pm. Julia Karr
was unable to attend WisCon.

46. Where Are Your Gods?, Friday 9-10:15 pm. Valya Dudycz
Lupescu was unable to attend WisCon.

49. How We Feminist Fans Conquered the Science Fiction
Conference, Friday 9-10:15 pm. Akira Kondo will be interpreting
for the panelists. Min Onouchi & Norma Oyama will be joining the panel.

54. Paranormal/Sci-fi Erotica: More Room for Feminist and
Anti-Racist Discourse?, Friday 10:30-11:45 pm. Elaine
Bergstrom will be joining the panel.

57. What’s There to Look Forward To?: Dystopia and Anti-
Scientific Attitudes in YA SF, Saturday 8:30-9:45 am. Julia
Karr was unable to attend WisCon.

65. Class Issues in Science Fiction and Fantasy, Saturday 10-
11:15 am. Chris Wrdnrd is no longer a panelist. Alexis Lothian
added to panel.

68. Smut & Nothing But Make a Baby, Saturday 10-11:15 am.
Candas Jane Dorsey was unable to attend WisCon.

87. Vigorous Debate, or Verbal Harassment?, Saturday 1-2:15
pm. Michelle Kendall was unable to attend WisCon.

91. Assimilation and the Immigrant Grandchild, Saturday 1-
2:15 pm, Neesha Meminger added to panel.

107. 11up, Saturday 2:30-3:45 pm. Valya Dudycz Lupescu
was unable to attend WisCon.

109. Mysterious Nexus: Science Fiction and Detective Fiction,
Saturday 4-5:15 pm. Julia/Sparkymonster is no longer a panelist.

110. Happy 90th Birthday, Carol Emshwiller!, Saturday 4-5:15
pm. Margie Peterson is no longer a panelist. Karen Joy Fowler
added to panel.

113. Class in SF: Who Gets It Right?, Saturday 4-5:15 pm.
Chris Wrdnrd is no longer a panelist. Liz Henry added as moderator.

152. It’s a Broad Universe, Sunday 10-11:15 am. Lyda Morehouse
was unable to attend WisCon.

155. Due to access issues, Living with Invisible Disabilities,
Sunday 1-2:15 pm, will be located in Capitol A and No. 160
Whedonistas: Feminists Engage in the Worlds of Joss Whedon
will be located in Assembly.

146. Papers from Picturing Tolkien, Sunday 10-11:15 am. Kristin Thompson is also presenting in this academic session.

Welcome to WisCon 35!

2011-05-27T08:45:00.000-05:00

Welcome to WisCon35! Nisi Shawl is our guest of honor.

Adult, teen, and youth WisCon memberships are available at the door!

registration page

online programming guide

Pocket Program (PDF)

the Program Grids (PDF)

"A Momentary Taste of WisCon"(PDF) is now online

WisCon's blog

#wc35

#wiscon35

#wiscon

The last WisCon progress report, eCube #13, is still available online

eCube #12 now online!

2011-05-07T09:42:00.000-05:00

eCube #12 is now online, with updates on alternative hotels and road construction on Madison's Capitol Square Outer Loop, a "how-to" for opting-in to the WisCon message board, and a reminder on how to submit flyers for the WisCon freebie table.

eCube #11 now online!

2011-04-23T02:32:00.000-05:00

eCube #11 is now online, with announcements about the WisCon35 programming schedule, an extended deadline for hotel discounts at the Inn at the Park, the annual Tiptree Bake Sale, and CART services at the GOH speeches (plus a request for panelists' bios.)

ecube#10 now online!

2011-04-09T14:20:00.000-05:00

eCube #10 is now online, with important, time-sensitive news about programming sign-ups, hotel room reservations, and a reminder/warning about retrieving items from the WisCon lost-and-found.

ecube#9 now online!

2011-03-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

eCube #9 is now online, with news about programming, Daisy Khan scholarships, access accommodation requests, the 2010 Tiptree Award winner, and honors for the Tiptree Motherboard.

Last Call for WisCon35 Programming/Readings Sign-up (and more.)

2011-03-17T23:52:00.001-05:00

A final reminder that Friday, March 18 is the last day to sign up as a panelist or moderator for WisCon 35. That's today (or soon will be).

It's also the last day to sign up for a reading. Groups and individuals alike are welcome to sign up to read - see the full details on doing a reading on the WisCon35 website.

And it's the last day to tell us what panels you're interested in, if you haven't already done it.

All three tasks can be accomplished by visiting the programming sign-up page. You'll need to sign-in or create an account using a valid e-mail. Once in, there's a link for program sign-up and audience interest, and another link for readings sign-up.

We have a few favors to ask:

If you've signed up to participate in programming – please remember to let us know your availability for programming. We don't want to assign you to an 8:30 am panel if you're a late-night party person, or schedule your panel for midnight if you're in your jammies by 10 pm. The availability link is on the programming sign-up page.
Similarly, if you've signed up to do programming, please complete the bio sections of your profile on by accessing your account. It helps speed along the process.
We can always use a few good moderators.
Finally, please help us get the word out by re-distributing this message among your online communities, e-lists, and friends lists. Remember, one does NOT need to have a paid registration to indicate an interest in WisCon programming, nor sign up to be a panelist (though you'll need a paid registration in order to score a final assignment - there's a convenient link to registration on the programming sign-up page.)

Thank you for participating - and if you have any questions, please send an email to program35@wiscon.info

What Happens At WisCon ....

2011-03-13T12:56:00.000-05:00

… depends on what you tell us you want to do at WisCon.

The programming committee chooses panels and events for WisCon based on the interest expressed by members during programming sign-up. This is why we ask everyone who plans to attend WisCon – or even thinks they might attend WisCon – to peruse the proposed panels and identify the panels and events they might be interested in attending, even if they aren't interested in being a panelist or moderator.

To date, out of the nearly one thousand persons who traditionally attend WisCon, less than seventy-five have rated panels for interest or signed up to be a panelist or moderator. That means less than seventy-five persons are deciding what panels and events will be on offer at WisCon35.

Frankly, we'd like to have a larger sampling, and we on the programming committee would be grateful if you could take time in the next week to indicate your interest in the proposed panels.

All you need to do is visit the programming sign-up page and sign in to your account. (If you don't have an account, all you need is a valid email address to create one.) Then click on the "Sign up for programming! Tell us which panels you're interested in serving on, moderating or just being part of the audience" link, and use the radio buttons to indicate your interest (or lack of it.) You don't need a paid registration to do this.

Note that not voting on an item is equivalent to clicking the "not interested" button – so if you've already visited the programming interest/sign-up pages and didn't indicate an interest in a panel you might like to see, there's still time to go back, sign in and support that panel.

And if you happen to see a panel on a topic you're passionate about, please consider signing up as a panelist or moderator. Remember, WisCon doesn't seek formal expertise – just an enthusiasm for the topic, with an interest in discussing and debating it while being willing to share and play with others.

The deadline for indicating interests/signing up to participate in programming is Friday, March 18, 2011.

The deadline to sign up to do a reading is Friday, March 18, 2011.

Thank you!

WISCON 36 GUEST OF HONOR NOMINATIONS OPEN

2011-02-27T23:59:00.000-06:00

The WisCon concom is about to begin the process of nominating and voting on guests of honor for WisCon 36 in 2012. As always, we will accept nominations from anyone in the WisCon community. The deadline for nominations is March 21, 2011; send nominations to gohnoms36@wiscon.info.

Nominations MUST be accompanied by a SHORT statement describing the nominee's qualifications and how the nominee's work or activism complements WisCon's statement of principles (see the statement below.)

As in previous years, only WisCon concom members will be involved in the voting process. WisCon concom members are those who are currently working to plan WisCon 35.

The concom will hold a first-round election in order to reduce the number of nominations to a list of 6 nominees. These nominees will then be discussed by the concom. If there are nominees with whom no concom members are familiar, we will endeavor to find and talk with people in the community who are familiar with the nominees. In the unlikely event that the concom decides that a nominee's work does not complement WisCon's statement of principles, their name will be dropped from the top-6-list.

The concom will vote on the top 6 nominees. Winners will be contacted and invited to WisCon 36. Their names will be announced at WisCon 35.

If you have concerns, comments or suggestions about this process, we would like to hear from you!

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

This statement of Wiscon's mission and principles reflects our goals and ideals, and is intended to help guide our actions, even while recognizing that we will inevitably make mistakes and not always live up to those ideals. It is worth noting that this version of the statement was written towards the end of 2010, a year in which the WisCon committee has faced many challenges to both our principles and our process.

WisCon has been a feminist science fiction convention since its founding in 1977. The focus of the convention has been the intersection between feminism and science fiction. This focus distinguishes WisCon from many other science fiction conventions, and has been a major reason why WisCon has grown, developed, and flourished for so long, while some other conventions have had trouble staying vibrant.

Our focus includes science fiction, fantasy, and speculative literature of all sorts. Science fiction itself has been critiqued as a colonialist and imperialist genre, and in many ways this is true. But many of those influenced by it are dedicated to changing the genre to more accurately reflect the field's vital role in our society: envisioning positive futures for all people. WisCon's focus on science fiction has played an important role in the exploration of feminist futures: futures where people of all colors, and backgrounds flourish, where women's rights and women's contributions are valued, where gender is not limited to one of two options, where no one is erased out of convenience, hidden discrimination, or outright bigotry.

Feminism, at its root, is the belief that women and men are equal, and the rejection of sexist beliefs and practices. We, as feminists, have come to realize that all forms of oppression are interrelated. Our practice of feminism is based on a belief in the social, political, and economic equality of all. Feminism is part of a larger constellation of movements seeking social, political and economic equality for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, class, sex, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, ability, , status, or belief.

Feminism is vital to WisCon's identity. Feminism itself has grown and changed over the decades, and WisCon has worked to reflect those changes. Since its inception, WisCon has worked to create a space for feminism and its consideration within the science fiction community.

At base, we recognize that a commitment to feminism means a commitment to social justice of all sorts--we might not be able to focus equally on every issue, but still we cannot pick and choose which people deserve justice and which issues we are more comfortable with. We are called to be true to our principles, even (and especially) when they are unpopular.

WisCon's commitment to feminism is also reflected in our processes. Meetings, decision-making processes, program development, and guest of honor choice all reflect a commitment to feminist ideals of equality, respect for everyone's right to be heard, and the obligation to hold each other accountable for what we say. WisCon's commitment to feminist process means that we reject hierarchies of oppression, recognizing that "the need...to nurture each other is not pathological but redemptive." (paraphrased from Audre Lorde's essay, "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House, " which can be found in her collection Sister/Outsider.)

For 35 years, WisCon has aimed high. By our long existence and commitment to our goals, we have changed the face of science fiction and we will continue to do so. When we make mistakes, we keep working to improve. WisCon's commitment to feminist science fiction and feminist process is a commitment to ensuring that our future is not just for not just white, well-off, able-bodied, straight men, but rather includes everyone.

eCube#8 now online: Programming and Reading Signups Now Open, GOH noms, and More!

2011-02-27T00:54:00.001-06:00

eCube #8 is now online, with news about programming signup, readings signups, the Carl Brandon Awards, WisCon36 guest of honor nominations, the SignOut, the first timers' dinner, news about past Tiptree winners attending Wiscon, and the Tiptree Book Club.

And yes, it's that time you've been waiting for...WisCon 35 programming participant sign-up is open through March 18! Come peruse the possibilities: read all about it on the programming page.

Readings signup is now open through March 10! Full instructions are available on the readings page.

Important Hotel News: Deadlines, Reservations, Availability

2011-02-27T00:39:00.000-06:00

WisCon's room block at the Concourse Hotel is now full. There are a few rooms available in the "overflow block," at a higher rate per night than the convention's discount rate, although still less than rack rate. The Concourse's online reservation system doesn't accommodate reservations once the main block is closed; you must call the Concourse (800-356-8293 or 1-608-257-6000) to get a room in the overflow block.

This year, for the first time ever, the Concourse has committed in writing to moving WisCon members in the overflow block into the main discount block as soon as cancellations come in. As openings occur in the main discounted block, they will be offered to people in the overflow block in the order in which the reservations were made. So if you have a reservation in the discounted block that you discover you no longer need, please release that room so another WisCon member can benefit from the discount.

The Inn on the Park, just two short blocks away from the Concourse, still has plenty of sleeping rooms at this point, and has features and amenities very similar to those at the Concourse. If you plan to attend WisCon and have not yet gotten a room at the Concourse, we strongly encourage you to make a reservation at the Inn. Our room block at the Inn on the Park is not available through online reservation systems; call the Inn at 800-279-8811 or 1-608-285-8000, and be sure to mention WISCON 2011 BLOCK to get our special con rate.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

If you decide to cancel a reservation, you must do so before April 25 if you want another WisCon member to be able to benefit from the discount! All discounts expire on April 25, and reservations released after that date will no longer be eligible for our convention rate.

The absolutely last day you can cancel your reservation without being charged is ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR RESERVATION STARTS! Cancellations made after that date will be subject to the hotel's standard one room-night charge plus tax.

If you have questions or concerns about your reservation, please email the Hotel Co-Liaison for Sleeping Rooms at rooms35@wiscon.info and we'll do our best to help you.

Tiptree Award Book Club

2011-02-17T08:12:00.000-06:00

Join a conversation on Maureen McHugh’s evocative and powerful short story “Useless Things” at the James Tiptree Award website from March 1 to March 31. Moderated by Karen Joy Fowler, this discussion marks the start of the Tiptree Award Book Club, a forum for conversations about the works honored by the Award and the issues they raise. If you are interested in gender issues, the apocalypse, and the intersection of the two, you won’t want to miss this. “Useless Things” can be found in Eclipse 3, edited by Jonathan Strahan, and in the 27th edition of Gardner Dozois’ World’s Best Science Fiction.

eCube #7 now available online

2011-01-15T10:50:00.002-06:00

eCube #7 is now online, with news about past Tiptree winners attending Wiscon, a very special Hotel Special, programming idea deadlines, and a call for Gathering ideas.

eCube#6 now online

2011-01-05T01:04:00.002-06:00

eCube #6 is now online, with deadline reminders for programming, parties, and special events, an update on past WisCon GOHs, and a guide to WisCon's new user interface for its online registration program.

eCube #5 now onliine

2010-12-06T12:08:00.000-06:00

eCube #5 is now online, with an announcement about the Tiptree Award's 20th Anniversary, a revised statement of principles, a call for programming ideas and academic presentations, "help wanted" adverts for volunteers and concom vacancies, and news about WisCholera and James Tiptree, Jr. herself.

eCube #4 now online

2010-10-22T20:45:00.002-05:00

eCube #4 is now online, with a proposed statement of principles for WisCon, "help wanted" adverts for concom vacancies, and great news about Nnedi Okorafor's new project.

Elizabeth Moon

2010-10-21T00:15:00.001-05:00

SF3, the parent organization of WisCon, has withdrawn the invitation to Elizabeth Moon to attend WisCon35 as a guest of honor. Please see the SF3 statement at the SF3 website.

The SF3 Blog is also collecting comments at SF3.org

For suggestions and discussions concerning the ConCom's statement about Elizabeth Moon

2010-09-22T13:51:00.001-05:00

Please use this blog to make suggestions and to discuss the ConCom's statement concerning Elizabeth Moon in eCube #3.

Two New eCubes Are Now Online with Updates On Elizabeth Moon and WisCon News

2010-09-22T01:49:00.000-05:00

eCube #3 is now online, with a special message to the WisCon community about GOH Elizabeth Moon.

And eCube #2 is also online, with updates on programming, the Sixth Floor Housing Special, and the Writers' Workshop.

eCube #1 is now online

2010-07-24T20:54:00.000-05:00

eCube #1 is now online, with updates on our Guests of Honor, programming ideas, and the publications that make WisCon great, plus a call to help us make WisCon even better by completing the WisCon34 survey.

The Last, I-Can't-Believe-It's-Monday-Already Edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon

2010-05-31T08:13:00.000-05:00

Now online - the final edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon, WisCon's daily newsletter, with news about the Tiptree Auction, a note from Jeanne Gomoll, and the last installment of the GOH Q & A with Nnedi and Mary Anne.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon, The Sunday Edition

2010-05-30T08:21:00.000-05:00

Now online - the Sunday edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon, WisCon's daily newsletter, with more GOH Q & As with Nnedi and Mary Anne, programming updates, lost and found and photo booth updates, and other news from WisCon34.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon - The Saturday Edition

2010-05-29T08:23:00.000-05:00

Saturday's edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon is now online, with news about registration for WisCon35, interviews with Guests of Honor Nnedi Okorafor and Mary Anne Mohanraj, and news about Deb Mensinger.

A Momentary Taste of WisCon #1 Now Online

2010-05-28T08:13:00.000-05:00

Friday's edition of A Momentary Taste of WisCon - WisCon's daily newsletter - is now online, with programming updates and news for WisCon34.

Food and Beverage Specials at the Concourse for WisCon34

2010-05-28T07:40:00.001-05:00

The Madison Concourse is once again offering a 20% food discount voucher for just $10 per person. Just think – you can graze that amazing salad bar (which will be available on both Saturday and Sunday this year) and get 20% off your bill!

The 20% discount only applies to your own food/drink orders; it does not apply to the entire group, unless each person in the group has a discount voucher. Stop by the Front Desk and get your discount voucher today!

Also, check out The Bar at the Concourse - they've whipped up some incredible WisCon libations such as the Avatar, A Pandoran Cosmopolitan; A Clockwork Orange, with Absolut Mandarin vodka, amaretto, Baileys, orange juice and cream; The Blade Runner, with light and dark rums enhanced with lime juice, pineapple juice, and aromatic bitters; Iron Man Too (your own personal armor Kir) with peach and pomegranate liqueurs added to sparkling wine; and Zombieland, a mega rum and fruit juice explosion that will have your brain ready for sampling after just one.

Of course, The Fan Boy is always there for you for no charge - water served over ice in a glass with a slice of citrus.

eCube 12 is onboard with Wiscon34 Updates!

2010-05-22T09:31:00.002-05:00

eCube Number Twelve is onboard and flying to you with major updates:

Hotel Reminders & Information
Where's My Name Badge??
Access News
The Tiptree Bake Sale Needs You!
Come One, Come All!
Auction Gearing Up
Grab The Best Seat In The House!
Photographic Etiquette & Privacy Policies
WisCon 35 Hotel Reservations, Memberships Available May 30
Registration For WisCon 35
WisCon Invites You To Peek Behind The Curtain
More Info

Go to eCube Number Twelve now.

Progress Report 2 is also available online.

eCube Number 11 now available online

2010-05-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

eCube Number Eleven is now online, with a call for WisCon volunteers, a shout-out for Deb's Liverlovers, Tiptree Auction news, Access info, and the announcement of the brand-new, all-shiny WisCon Registration Smorgasbörd.

And a reminder: the WisCon 34 Program Schedule is now available online. Peruse the programming, plot your schedule, and prepare for a wonderful WisCon34!

WisCon 34's eCube #1 is online!

2009-10-03T12:24:00.002-05:00

eCube Number One is now available online with news about a very special hotel special, ConCom vacancies, the full Tiptree Winners List and the annual WisCon33 Lost and Found list (are you missing a purple Montefiore pen?)

Take Back the SciFi: WisCon's response

2009-05-28T17:15:00.000-05:00

WisCon members who attended a WisCon 33 panel entitled "Take Back the SciFi," have expressed serious concerns about the panel's focus and moderation. They have raised important questions about comments and decisions the moderator made in guiding the conversation and accepting questions during the discussion of personal experiences.

The panel was intended to focus on the use of rape and sexual assault in science fiction writing and the influence of rape culture in the genre. The panel was described as "Sexual assault and rape frequently get used as symbolic plot devices with no consideration about the realities of how these events effect survivors and the people around them and the larger social realities of this epidemic. Sometimes these stories get told well but often they perpetuate social myths and stereotypes that normalize predatory behavior and make survivors complicit. How do authors work to create a culture where stories that perpetuate rape myths are not acceptable? Examples?"

However, as can happen in programming on topics such as this, the discussion shifted to personal experiences of rape and sexual assault. Unfortunately, the panel also became a place in which male survivors, their families, and friends felt marginalized and re-traumatized.

We are very sorry that this occurred. As organizers of a feminist convention, we understand that rape knows no gender.

We thank the panelists and attendees who have expressed their concerns. WisCon's Convention Committee (ConCom) will continue to discuss these concerns and to respond to people who contact us directly. Also, ConCom members have spoken with the moderator, who may choose to respond individually. Moderators, like all program participants, are volunteers who express interest in a panel. Although we believe the moderator had no intent to harm, we know that harm occurred and we take that harm seriously. In response to member suggestions, this programming item will be offered again at WisCon 34 in a facilitated discussion format to encourage audience participation.

We understand that panelists and attendees will continue to engage in dialogue about this panel, and we welcome any additional suggestions that arise from these discussions. Please contact us at program34@wiscon.info.

Help WisCon Provide A Better Con Experience - Complete the Survey!

2009-05-25T10:30:00.003-05:00

If you attended WisCon33, help the WisCon concom provide you with a better con experience! Please complete the WisCon 33 Survey and let us know what you liked, what you didn't like, and what we can improve for WisCon 34!

Thanks so much!

WisCon34 Guests of Honor

2009-05-25T10:20:00.003-05:00

WisCon is pleased and thrilled to announce that Mary Anne Mohanraj, writer, editor, and spec-fic community activist, and Nnedi Okorafor, author of The Shadow Speaker and Zarah the Windseeker, are our Guests of Honor for WisCon 34.

Suggest Panels and Program Items for WisCon34

2009-05-24T15:27:00.003-05:00

Did a great idea for a panel pop into your head during that intense post-panel discussion? Is there a panel that WisCon33 is missing that you'd like to see at WisCon34? Share your ideas with the WisCon34 programming committee now via the programming idea suggestion form, now open for WisCon 34.

Sunday Programming Changes

2009-05-24T15:03:00.000-05:00

Panel 151, Judging the Tiptree
Sunday, 8:30-9:45 am, Senate B
Gavin Grant was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 152, The Etiquette of Self Promotion
Sunday, 8:30-9:45 am, Wisconsin
Marianne Kirby will also be on this panel.

Reading 162, Scotch and Bacon
Sunday, 10-11:15 am, Conference 2
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 174, The Obligatory Workshop Panel
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, Wisconsin
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Alex Wilson will also be on this panel.

Panel 175, Battlestar Galactica: Our Sine Qua Non
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, Capitol A
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
Larry Sanderson will also be on this panel.

Panel 183, Fathers and Daughters in SF & F
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, 629
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 186, Hey, Wait a Minute…
Sunday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Caucus
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
John Helfers will also be on this panel.

Panel 187, Adapt, Revise, Revisit
Sunday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Senate A
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Bill “whump” Humphries will also be on this panel.

Panel 223, Women of the Horror Film: The British Fears
Sunday, 10-11:15 pm, Caucus
This panel was moved to Saturday, 10:30-11:45

Panel 225, Death Is Weirder Than We Think
Sunday, 10-11:15 pm, Senate B
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.
Catherine Cheek will be moderating this panel.
Kerrie Hughes will also be on this panel.

Joan Vinge was unable to attend WisCon.

Alex Lamb was unable to attend WisCon.

WisCon 34 Online Registration Now Available for Memberships, Hotels

2009-05-24T09:44:00.003-05:00

Online reservations are now open for WisCon34.

Hotel reservations for WisCon34 are now open for both the Inn on the Park and the Concourse Hotel. The Concourse now offers online reservations for your convenience. Details to register at both hotels are available on the hotel information page.

At-Con Newsletter #2

2009-05-23T13:32:00.002-05:00

A Momentary Taste of Wiscon #2 is now available online.

Articles include:

WisCon34 Registration begins on Sunday

VOL_NTEE_S - What's Missing? UR!

Notices for program participants, Tor.com meetup, lost & found, restaurant guide, Saturday's off-site readings.

Volunteering in the Consuite

2009-05-23T07:47:00.003-05:00

The Consuite is a great resource for everyone - but it doesn't run itself. This is especially so given the new food safety procedures in place, which require more intensive work, and less casual help (for example, those serving food must wash up and wear gloves and aprons.) This is putting a lot more stress on our regulars in the consuite, who do yeoperson work keeping us fed.

Help support our Consuite by signing up for a shift or two, especially for mealtimes and party time. The signup is just to the right of the hot dog grill. It's a great way to meet people - like Rick's, everyone comes to the consuite sooner or later - (hey, I served Geoff Ryman a hot dog last night!) and it really, really helps out WisCon.

And remember, those who volunteer for six hours or more are eligible for a membership rebate....

Programming Changes and Updates, 5/22/09

2009-05-22T07:54:00.004-05:00

Here are the programming changes and updates as of 5/22/09:

Panel 119, SF/F TV Shows This Season
Saturday 4-5:15 pm, Caucus
James Frenkel replaces Kate Mason as moderator

Panel 158, Andrea Smith’s Conquest
Sunday 10-11:15 am, Senate B
Diantha Sprouse will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 231, An Uncertain God: A-gnostic Mysticism in History
and Speculative Fiction
Monday 8:30-9:45 am, Senate B
Steven Schwartz will also be participating in this panel.

SignOut
Marianne Kirby will be participating in SignOut.

Panel 38, Rethinking Disabling Metaphor
Friday, 4-5:15 pm, Conference 3
Deanne Fountaine will not be able to participate in this panel.

Panel 40, The Female Bachelor
Friday, 4-5:15 pm, Conference 5
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.
K. S. Latta was unable to attend WisCon.
Annalee Newitz will not be able to participate in this panel.
M.K. Hobson will also be participating in this panel.
Marianne Kirby will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 41, The Object In the Story, the Story In the Object
Friday, 4-5:15 pm, 623
Catherine Crowe will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 51, Norovirus and You: Responses to WisCholera 2008
Friday, 9-10:15 pm, Caucus
Susan Simensky Bietila will also be participating in this panel.

Academic 55, Humans, Machines and Science Fiction
Friday, 9-10:15 pm, Conference 3
Rosalyn Berne (Urgent and Essential: The Role and Function of Science Fiction in the Societal Stabilizing the Converging Technologies) was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 68, It Are Fact: Science and Oppression Intersect
Saturday, 8:30-9:45 am, Capitol B
Safiya Mohamed was unable to attend WisCon.

Reading 84, Attendees Receive Free Cyborg Unicorn
Saturday, 10-11:15 am, Room Of Ones Own
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.
Rosalyn Berne was unable to attend WisCon.

Reading 102, Wisps, Wizards…
Saturday, 1-2:15 pm, Michaelangelo’s
Heather Shaw and Tim Pratt were not able to attend WisCon.

Panel 107, Your Friend Academia
Saturday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Wisconsin
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.
Ariel Franklin-Hudson will also be participating in this panel.
Larisa Mikhaylova will also be participating in this panel.

Reading 110, Myths, Dreams, and Stories
Saturday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Conference 2
Delia Sherman will also participate in this reading.

Panel 118, Are We Done Believing in God Yet?
Saturday, 4-5:15 pm, Assembly
K. S. Latta was unable to attend WisCon.
Keith Watson will be joining and moderating this panel.

Panel 119, SF/F TV Shows This Season
Saturday 4-5:15 pm, Caucus
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Richard S. Russell will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 131, Roll to See if I Advance the Plot
Saturday, 4-5:15 pm, 629
Pan Morigan will not be participating in this panel.

Party 136, Verb Noire
Jamie Nesbitt Golden will also be hosting this party.

Panel 142, One God or Many—Or None
Saturday, 10:30-11:45 pm, Senate A
Safiya Mohamed was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 151, Judging the Tiptree
Sunday, 8:30-9:45 am, Senate B
Gavin Grant was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 152, The Etiquette of Self Promotion
Sunday, 8:30-9:45 am, Wisconsin
Marianne Kirby will also be participating in this panel.

Reading 162, Scotch and Bacon
Sunday, 10-11:15 am, Conference 2
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 174, The Obligatory Workshop Panel
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, Wisconsin
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Alex Wilson will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 175, Battlestar Galactica: Our Sine Qua Non
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, Capitol A
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
Larry Sanderson will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 183, Fathers and Daughters in SF & F
Sunday, 1-2:15 pm, 629
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.

Panel 186, Hey, Wait a Minute…
Sunday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Caucus
Michael Underwood was unable to attend WisCon.
John Helfers will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 187, Adapt, Revise, Revisit
Sunday, 2:30-3:45 pm, Senate A
Debbie Lynn Smith was unable to attend WisCon.
Bill “whump” Humphries will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 223, Women of the Horror Film: The British Fears
Sunday, 10-11:15 pm, Caucus
This panel has been moved to Saturday, 10:30-11:45 pm in Conference 2.

Panel 225, Death Is Weirder Than We Think
Sunday, 10-11:15 pm, Senate B
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.
Catherine Cheek will be moderating this panel.
Kerrie Hughes will also be participating in this panel.

Panel 240, Always a Companion, Never a Doctor
Monday, 10-11:15 am, Conference 5
Safiya Mohamed was unable to attend WisCon.

Developer Recruiting Meeting
Monday, 11:30 am-12:45 pm, 627
Come meet the developers of the new WisCon application, volunteer to help, and tell us how the app could be improved. Pizza will be served.
Panelists: Piglet, Jim Hudson, John H. Kim

SignOut
Monday, 11:30 am-12:54 pm, Capitol/Wisconsin
Gregory Frost was unable to attend WisCon.
Greer Gilman was unable to attend WisCon.
Geoff Ryman will participate in SignOut.

The following bios were not in the pocket program:

Janice Bogstad was one of the three folks who started SF-3, WisCon and Janus in 1975. She has been writing about, reviewing books by, and doing interviews with women in science fiction, writers and critics, since before that time. She currently reviews for 11 publications, including ones on women and science fiction and fantasy, but also women in China, women in medieval culture and library journals on collection development. She is a professor, head of collection development, for McIntyre Library at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and also teaches in the Women’s Studies and English departments. Her language-studies of SF and women include French, German and Chinese, as well as English and she especially enjoys literature and history from 7th, 12th and 20th-21st century China and 12th and 20th-21st century France.

Eileen Gunn is the author of the story collection Stable Strategies and Others and the co-editor of The WisCon Chronicles Two. Her fiction has received the Nebula Award in the US the and Sense of Gender Award in Japan, and been nominated for the Hugo, Philip K. Dick, and World Fantasy awards and short-listed for the James Tiptree, Jr. award. She is the editor/publisher of the Infinite Matrix webzine and for twenty years has been a member of the board of directors of the Clarion West Writers Workshop.

The Final eCube - No. 9

2009-05-15T23:32:00.003-05:00

The final, very last edition of the WisCon33 eCube is now available, with news about programming changes, hotel reservations for WisCon34, the Clothing Swap, the Rule, and more.

Last time, No. 9.

WisCon33 Interactive Program Schedule Now Online

2009-05-11T22:39:00.002-05:00

The brand-new, extremely shiny WisCon 33 Programming Schedule is now online. Simply click on the name of any panel to see the description and the panelists.

[Note: If you're using IE7 on Windows, you may notice that the grid layout gets a little wacky if you click on a panel and then hit the back button to see the whole schedule grid. We're working on the issue; for now, we suggest that you refresh the page. That will return the grid to its usual orderly self.]

eCube #8 is here!

2009-05-08T05:59:00.003-05:00

14 days to WisCon, and you know what that means:

A shiny new eCube chock full of information about volunteering, at-the-door memberships, the Tiptree Award, auction, and bakesale, and more.

2008 Tiptree Award Winners

2009-04-27T15:01:00.002-05:00

The 2008 Tiptree Award Winners are The Knife of Never Letting Go, a young adult novel by Patrick Ness (Walker 2008) and Filter House, a short story collection by Nisi Shawl (Aqueduct 2008). The Tiptree Award will be celebrated at WisCon33.

Full details, including the Tiptree Honor List, can be found at the James Tiptree, Jr. Literary Award website.

Progress Report 2 Online and On Its Way

2009-04-27T14:34:00.002-05:00

Progress Report 2 is in the mail and available online, with updates on programming, policies, transportation, hotels, guests of honor, the Tiptree Award, and everything else you need to know about attending WisCon 33.

eCube #7 online/ Gathering Apprentices needed

2009-04-25T12:33:00.002-05:00

eCube #7 is now available online.

Gathering apprentices needed: The soon-to-retire Gathering coordinators are looking for apprentices to learn the ropes from this year's Gathering coordinators in preparation for taking over for WisCon 34. You don't have to be located in Madison to do the job, but you do need to arrive at the convention in time to begin set-up at 9am on Friday.

The Gathering Coordinators' duties include recruiting participants to do activities during the event, working with Programming to ensure all participants are listed in the database, working with the Volunteer Coordinator to get volunteers to help staff the event, working with the hotel liaison to order food and tables, writing an article or two for eCube and the program book, creating flyers, maps, and passports for the event, ordering prizes for attendees, and onsite set-up and tear-down.

It's easy to do the job out of state since the prep work is done via email. Once you're onsite, the job is completely done before Opening Ceremonies, so you are free to enjoy the rest of the convention. Plus, you get a sneak peak and first pick at Galley table and Clothing Swap! If you are interested, please let us know via gathering33@wiscon.info.

URGENT: Hotels: Last Chance!

2009-04-19T21:01:00.002-05:00

If you are attending WisCon from out of town and you have not yet secured a place to stay, your opportunity to take advantage of the convention rates is rapidly disappearing.

WisCon's satellite hotel, The Inn on the Park, still has rooms available at the convention rate, but our special rate there ends on Thursday, April 23, and any rooms left unreserved go back into the general pool at rack rates. Call 800-279-8811 inside the US or 1-608-285-8000 from elsewhere in the world to make your reservation, and be sure to mention WISCON 2009 to get our special rate. WisCon 2009 rates at Inn on the Park are $124 for a room with one bed for one or two people, $134 for a room with two beds for up to four people, and $154 for a two-room suite with wet bar.

Convention rates at the Concourse end on Tuesday, April 22, but since the con rate is only available to the first 300 reservations and we had close to 350 at last count, it is extremely unlikely that enough cancellations would come in to reopen the con rate block. If you are especially eager to get a room at the Concourse, certainly call them (at 800-356-8293 or 608-257-6000) to see if a cancellation has opened up space there, but it would very likely be at the higher rack rate.

And finally, a plea to anyone who made a hotel reservation for WisCon 33 months ago and who has since had to change your plans about attending: if you have not yet cancelled your reservation, please do so as soon as possible! Not only will you free up a room that another convention member can use, you will also prevent any possibility that your credit card might be charged a night's rent.

For more details about both of WisCon's convention hotels, go to the WisCon website, where you will also find other options for accommodations in downtown Madison. Email rooms33@wiscon.info with any questions.

eCube #5 hits the atmosphere

2009-04-03T22:07:00.001-05:00

eCube #5 is now available, with the most recent news updates for WisCon33, including programming updates, registration and hotel room news, and more.

"Con or Bust" Auction to benefit the WisCon FOC Assistance Project Now Open

2009-03-19T13:25:00.002-05:00

A Reminder....

The Wiscon FOC Assistance Program (Fight Derailing), organized by Kate Nepveu, has opened its fundraising effort, "Con or Bust,", a fandom auction to support the program's sponsorships for fans of color attending WisCon 33 in 2009.

Visit now to view the auction and place bids on the many wonderful items there (if you're not a LiveJournal member, you may need to create an account to participate - and make sure to view all the posts to insure that you see all items on offer!) The auction runs through Monday, April 13, 2009.

Auction items are still needed. Fanfic offers, editing and beta assistance are encouraged along with tangible items. All donations of funds or auction items, no matter how small, are accepted. Those who wish to do fixed-donation offers are also invited to participate. If you have an item to donate, please visit the project's LJ community for details on posting your auction item.

The Wiscon FOC Assistance Program seeks to meet the needs of fans of color who would like to attend WisCon33, but are unable to do so without some form of assistance. Assistance offered includes, bus not limited to, money for travel, a con membership, and/or lodging space. You can find more information about the project by visiting the LiveJournal community, Fight Derailing.

eCube #4 now available online

2009-03-14T13:59:00.002-05:00

eCube #4 is now available online or as a downloadable PDF document. It includes the full text of the WisCon Concom's statement on welcoming people of color, as well as updates on GOH nominations, child care, programming, and another installment of "Meet the Concom!"

WisCon Continues to Welcome People of Color

2009-03-11T21:14:00.007-05:00

Welcoming people of color to WisCon is a central value of the entire WisCon convention committee, and has been so for over a decade.

We are aware that our efforts in this area have been incomplete and sometimes unsuccessful and we are committed to doing better.

To that end, we continue to welcome suggestions for how to improve. The more constructive and specific those suggestions are, the more likely it is that the all-volunteer WisCon committee will be able to implement them. WisCon’s history shows that change happens best when spearheaded by a champion or a group of champions who bring additional energy along with their ideas. However, we care enough about this issue that many current committee members are ready to commit additional time and energy to improving our track record.

To that end, we are proud that WisCon 33 will host the first Cultural Appropriation 101 class that we’re aware of in the science fiction world, as suggested and created by the Carl Brandon Society. The class will take place on Friday afternoon and (again at the request of the Carl Brandon Society) will be clearly delineated as “highly recommended” for anyone who wishes to attend any programming on these topics. In addition, moderators of panels related to this topic will be provided with class materials well before the convention.

We are currently about 2 months away from the convention. We’re looking for additional ideas that we can implement in that time frame, as well as ideas for WisCons to come. Because WisCon is a physical space with many tendrils extending into the virtual world, one of the things we can best provide is space for face-to-face networking and problem-solving. To that end, we’re planning to set aside a room during the convention for discussion of moving-forward strategies and potential improvements. We will work closely with people of color to ensure that this does not become a space in which the offenses recycle.

We’ve extended our guest of honor nomination process for an additional 3 weeks specifically to encourage nominations of potential GoHs of color. To nominate a GoH for next year, send an e-mail to concom33@wiscon.info by Sunday, March 22 describing why you think they would be a good guests of honor.

One WisCon member, Kate Nepveu, is organizing scholarships to bring people of color to WisCon: more info on this at her LJ community, Fight Derailing .

These issues are not just important for people of color; they are important for all of us. The more we can do to improve in this area, the better WisCon will be. We ask for your help and guidance in achieving this goal: contact concom33@wiscon.info with your ideas.

Reminder - Deadlines for Programming & Readings Signups

2009-03-08T06:00:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder that this is the last week you can volunteer to be a program participant, be a moderator, or sign up to do a reading or throw a party for WisCon33.

Note that the sign-up process is brand new and utilizes a new, purpose-built database (we've given last year's hamsters a well-deserved retirement.)

There are three basic steps involved in signing up to participate in programming or to be a moderator: Setting up your account, defining your personal information, and signing up for programs/telling us about your availability. Full details, including a written tutorial, are on the WisCon33 programming page. Look for the "My Account" link in the left sidebar to see your options.

Full instructions for signing up for a reading are also on the WisCon33 website.

Participant sign-up will close on this Friday, March 13, 2009. That's Friday the 13th. Sign up now, don't delay. After sign-up closes, we'll be looking at participant availability and starting to block out programming.

eCube#2 is now available online

2009-02-19T01:36:00.001-06:00

eCube #2 is now available, with the most recent news updates for WisCon33.

Hot off the Presses: eCube 1 and Progress Report 1

2009-02-02T23:55:00.002-06:00

Extra! Extra! eCube #1 is now available for your reading pleasure, with the most recent news updates for WisCon33!

And read all about it: Progress Report 1 is now online, with full information about WisCon33's guests of honor, programming, hotel arrangements, and other WisCon33 details!

Expanding The Time-Space Continuum (Deadlines!)

2009-01-21T08:58:00.003-06:00

The deadline for submitting abstracts for the Academic Program has been extended through February 16.

Academic Programming Page

The deadline for proposing ideas for programming has been extended through February 7.

program idea submission form

programming page

For Authors Attending WisCon33 ...

2009-01-16T15:23:00.001-06:00

Posted on behalf of Jeanne Gomoll:

If you have a new book coming out and are going to attend WisCon, I'd like to contact your editor and invite them to buy an ad in the WisCon souvenir book. Selling ads to the publishers of authors attending WisCon was very successful last year, so I'd like to do it again.

As soon as you can, let me know what book of yours is coming out, the name of the publisher and when it is due. Give me a name and email address for the best person for me to contact about an ad.

I can also send you an ad guideline sheet if you would rather contact your editor yourself. Just ask.

I will certainly try to sell ads to publishers even if you aren't planning to attend WisCon, but judging from WisCon 32's program book last year, I'm far more likely to be successful if I can assure your editor that you will be here at WisCon, actively promoting your book.

Please respond to souvenirbook33@wiscon.info

Thank you!

WisCon 33 Call for Programming Ideas!

2009-01-09T21:56:00.002-06:00

The WisCon 33 program committee is excited to announce that program idea submissions are now open!

WisCon gets its best programming ideas from you. We invite you to submit programming ideas for WisCon 33 through January 31, 2009. To submit an idea, please go to the Wiscon programming page and click on the link to the program idea submission form. We eagerly await your suggestions!

Please note that this web page is part of a new programming database system. We've tested it extensively, but please bear with any unexpected bugs as we implement it.

Joanna Lowenstein and Cat Hanna
Co-Chairs, Programming, WisCon 33.

Wiscon 33 Call For Artists!

2008-12-08T00:51:00.002-06:00

Dear Artist,

We invite you to participate in the WisCon Art Show.

As you know, WisCon is the pre-eminent feminist science fiction convention in the world. We believe that Art is an important aspect of SF, and that an exciting Art Show is an important part of any convention. We strive to make the WisCon Art Show a continuing success by integrating the art show with the rest of the convention.

Art show focus:

Work by women artists
Work by regional artists
Work with feminist themes, whatever that may be

We don't plan to define feminist themes. That's up to you. We do, though, plan to continue to have popular awards for the Most Feminist and Most Outrageous items in the Art Show, as have for the past several years. We are interested in original work by the artist, which may include 1 copy of limited edition reproductions. For additional print sales, you are welcome to participate in the WisCon Dealers Room, or make an arrangement with one of the dealers. We also have a small print shop for items with fixed sale prices; let us know if you are interested in participating, since space will be limited.

Please complete an application at www.wiscon.info/artshow.php now. Artists must have completed the application process and have received an acceptance notice in order to enter art into the Art Show.

We are doing things a little different this year. In order to include more new artists, we are requiring all artists to submit an application and photos of their work to the Art Show Staff by January 31 of this year. We will start sorting through the applications then and notify the applicants of their status by February 15.

Completed applications must be submitted by January 31. On about February 15 we will notify accepted artists and about May 1, we will send forms, check-in and shipping information, and other details.

If you attend, you will need to purchase a WisCon membership. Please register at the website or mail in your registration form if you plan on attending. Note that there is a $20 refund available if you volunteer and work 6 or more hours on the convention (ideally, in the Art Show) or participate in programming. Program information is available at www.wiscon.info. If you are interested in participating, you should go to the site and sign up.

While we are not charging for space, we do need to know in advance how much you will need. Our standard hangings are 4' square pegboard. Artists new to the convention may reserve up to 2 4x4’ panels; for continuing artists, the maximum is 3 panels. It may be possible to get more space, but only at the discretion of the art show director based on the space available. Last year, we filled up, so more than 3 panels is unlikely. Table space is available as well, up to a full 6' x 36" table. Please include your space needs when you apply for entrance into the Art Show.

Convention members will have the opportunity to vote on the Art Show awards again this year. WisCon 33's Art Show will continue to focus on feminist art, art by women, and art by Midwestern artists. For art show information please check the box on the registration form, email artshow33@wiscon.info or visit the WisCon web site.

You can write the art show at the WisCon address. We can also be reached at artshow33@wiscon.info. I would be happy to answer your questions.

Sincerely,
Jane Washburn
WisCon Art Show

WisCon 33 Guests of Honor

2008-05-25T21:00:00.002-05:00

WisCon is pleased to have Ellen Klages and Geoff Ryman as its guests of honor for WisCon 33, May 22 - 25, 2009.

Registration for WisCon33 is now open. You can register online via our PayPal registration form, or download the print registration form and return it with your payment to the registration desk or by mail to the address on the form.

Full registration details can be found on the WisCon registration page.

Welcome to A Momentary Taste of Wiscon

2008-04-30T22:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to A Momentary Taste of Wiscon - your source for WisCon news and views.