Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon)?

The name "Worldcon" is owned by the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS), an unincorporated literary society whose purpose is to promote interest in science fiction.

The annual Worldcon conventions are run by non-profit, volunteer fan organisations, which bid over several years to host the event. Worldcons have been held every year since 1939 (except for a few years during World War II) and are most often held in the United States, occasionally being held in other countries, most recently in Glasgow, Scotland (2006), Yokohama, Japan (2007), and Montreal, Canada (2009).

A typical Worldcon includes:

Hundreds of hours of panel discussions, readings, and autograph sessions with authors.
The presentation of the Hugo Awards and other awards in the science fiction field, such as the Chesley Awards for artistic achievement.
One of the largest science fiction art exhibitions of the year.
A Dealers Room that sells books, magazines, prints, video tapes and DVDs, as well as a wide variety of hand-crafted jewellery and costume accessories, art prints, and souvenirs.
A large exhibit hall, featuring literary exhibits, movie exhibits, and fan history mementos.
A glittering masquerade.
Fund raising to benefit a variety of activities in fandom, including the Fan Funds Auction.
Many live music concerts.

Who Should Attend Aussiecon 4?

Worldcon attendees, known as ‘members’, consist of a wide range of people and age groups with a common interest in science fiction, fantasy and horror in all its forms, including the written word, as well as art, film, gaming, collectables, to name a few. Worldcons are also predominantly fan events, however professional networking and business meetings are an accepted part of the convention.

Worldcon members are readers and fans, industry professionals such as literary agents, editors and authors, aspiring writers, artists, scientists, scriptwriters, animators and subject matter enthusiasts.

How Did Aussiecon 4 Choose its Guests of Honour?

Guests of Honour at Worldcon are selected from the group of professionals and fans who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the science fiction and fantasy genre for a period of 25 or more years. Being chosen as a Guest of Honour is a significant event in the lives of those honoured.

What Are the Hugo Awards?

The Hugo Awards are the oldest and most noteworthy awards for science fiction & fantasy and they are voted on by Worldcon members. Categories include novels and shorter fiction, dramatic presentations, and various professional and fannish activities.

What Other Awards Are Presented at the Worldcon?

Other noteworthy awards presented at Worldcon include the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, the Chesley Awards, the Prometheus Award, and the Sidewise Award. These awards are not sponsored by the Worldcon.