SpoCon

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 (Missoula, Mont.), RadCon (Tri-Cities, Wash.) and Tactical Solutions (Spokane).

SpoCon
StatusActive
GenreMulti-genre,Scifi/Fantasy
VenueThe Davenport Hotel
Location(s) Spokane, Washington
Country United States
Inaugurated2008 (recurring), 1984 (inaugural).
Attendance500 - 1000
Filing statusNon-profit
Websitehttp://www.spocon.org

History

The first SpoCon was held in 2008 at Gonzaga University. Attendance was far more than anticipated, in large part because the Guest of Honor was Timothy Zahn.

The second SpoCon, with the theme "Are You Fan Enough?", was held July 31 - August 2, 2009 at Gonzaga.

The third SpoCon, with the theme of "The Year Fans Make Contact," ( From 2001: A Space Odyssey ) was held July 30 to August 1, 2010.[1] The Guest of Honor was artist Michael Whelan.

The 2011 convention had "The Power of Fandom" as the theme and featured best-selling author Patricia Briggs as Guest of Honor. This was the first SpoCon to leave the college campus and make a new home in the Spokane Doubletree Hotel. It was held August 12 - 14, 2011 and drew record numbers of attendees.[2]

In 2012, SpoCon changed from the traditional convention-committee style of leadership and operation to a business model, with the aim of creating a more efficient, forward-thinking and productive organization.

In 2016 SpoCon changed back from a business model to a 501c3 non profit organization and the convention-committee style of leadership was reinstated.

In 2017 SpoCon returned with a new convention committee and returned to the Doubletree Hotel.

The 2018 convention had "Shoot for the Stars" as the theme.

In 2019 the convention moved from the Spokane Doubletree Hotel to the Historic Davenport Hotel. The theme was "All Hail the Goblin King" with goblin-related programming and guests.

Location and dates
DatesLocationAttendeesNotable guestsNotes
August 1-3, 2008Gonzaga University; Spokane, WA700Timothy Zahn, Mark Ferrari, Steve Perrin, Vixy & Tony,
July 31-August 2, 2009Gonzaga University; Spokane, WA730L. E. Modesitt, Jr.,[3] Steve Long, Alan Boyle,[4] John Picacio,[5] Kathy Mar
July 30-August 1, 2010Gonzaga University; Spokane, WA874Michael Whelan,[6] Tanya Huff,[7] Dead Gentlemen Productions, Seanan McGuire [8]
August 12-14, 2011Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA109Patricia Briggs, Dragon Dronet, Dead Gentlemen Productions, Dan Dos Santos
August 10-12, 2012Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA900Peter S. Beagle, Mira Grant, Rob Alexander, Dead Gentlemen Productions
August 9-11, 2013Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA500Brandon Sanderson, Mark Osier, Chub Chub Maximus
August 11-13, 2017 Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA 300 Kat Richardson, Betsy Mott, Epic Gaming
August 10-12, 2018 Doubletree Hotel; Spokane, WA 300 Dr. James C. Glass, Dave Anderson of the 501st Legion, Jim Humble, William C. Dietz, The Grammar Club
August 9-11, 2019 The Historic Davenport Hotel, Spokane, WA 300 Ellipsis Hana Stephens, Alan M. Clark, Dr. Kempe Ames
gollark: We should probably have some sort of quest information wiki or something.
gollark: They're just sending, at great expense, a few people to this system then sending them *back*?
gollark: Wait, a manned mission but *not* a colony? Why?
gollark: Oh, we're adding the upgrades, right?
gollark: What sort of mineral wealth does it have?

References
  1. SpoCon Website Accessed February 8, 2010.
  2. Spokesman Review, August 14, 2011 Accessed November 5, 2011
  3. Locus Online - 2009 Archived Convention Listings Accessed February 8, 2010.
  4. Locus Online - 2009 Archived Convention Listings Accessed February 8, 2010.
  5. Locus Online - 2009 Archived Convention Listings Accessed February 8, 2010.
  6. Locus Online - 2010 Archived Conventions Listings Accessed August 14, 2011
  7. Locus Online - 2010 Archived Conventions Listings Accessed August 14, 2011
  8. Locus Online - 2010 Archived Conventions Listings Accessed August 14, 2011


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