About the convention
Celebrate and explore all things in the science fiction, fantasy and horror
genres in all its forms: books, film, television, comics, computer games,
animation, performance and more.
Are you a fan or professional with an interest in SF&F (or sometimes called
Sci-Fi)? Are you a published,
emerging or aspiring author, an editor, a publisher, a movie maker, an artist,
or have another interest linked to the speculative fiction or Sci-Fi market?
Then you will find inspiration and entertainment exploring over 100 sessions
across 4 days of guest speeches, panel discussions, presentations, interviews,
workshops and parties. Browse the Dealer's Hall, or join the gaming sessions,
attend the gala Ditmar Awards, readings, book signings, and more. Meet
and network with hundreds of fans and professionals all of whom have a
passionate interest in SF&F.
The organising Committee took inspiration from Frances Spufford’s recent
novel ‘The Child that Books Built’ (Faber and Faber 2003), a
memoir about how, what and why we read as children. Childhood’s fond memories of
either magical stories or scary ones, can lead to a love and deeper appreciation
of the speculative fiction genre in adulthood. The speculative fiction genre
encompasses a wide range of writing styles and a breadth and depth of inquiry
and it is important to look at SF&F in relation to teenagers and
young adults, particularly as these people will be the future readers, writers
and critics of the SF&F genre.
Rydges Melbourne Hotel is located in the Melbourne central business district, conveniently located to public transport, restaurants, entertainment venues,
tourist attractions, other hotels and the central retail district - all within
easy walking distance and most within one city block.
Melbourne City is renowned as Australia’s cultural, dining, shopping and
sporting capital and as such is able to provide convention members with a
diverse range of experiences either pre or post convention. Melbourne has been
internationally recognized as "the world’s most livable city" and is clean, safe
and well serviced by public transport.