ArmadilloCon

Summary

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.

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)
Websitearmadillocon.org

Traditions of ArmadilloCon edit

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 edit

 
ArmadilloCon 1 program book
  • ArmadilloCon 45 (August 4-6, 2023)
    • Chair: Jennifer Juday
    • Writer Guest: Sequoia Nagamatsu
    • Special Guest: Cory Doctorow
    • Special Guest: Gabino Iglesias
    • Toastmaster: Tonia Ransom
    • Artist Guest: Gonzalo Alvarez
    • Editor Guest: Rick Klaw
    • Fan Guest: Charles Siros
    • Location: Austin Southpark Hotel

Upcoming conventions edit

  • ArmadilloCon 46 (September 6-8, 2024)
    • Chair:
    • Writer Guest:
    • Special Guest:
    • Special Guest:
    • Toastmaster:
    • Artist Guest:
    • Editor Guest:
    • Fan Guest:
    • Location: Austin Southpark Hotel


References edit

  1. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b c 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.

External links edit

  • ArmadilloCon official site
  • Fandom Association of Central Texas
  • Houston SF Ritual Breakfast main page