Friday, April 13, 2001. The place is the Hilton in Minneapolis, the event MiniCon 36.
Okay, although I’ve been to many conventions over the years, this is the first time for me to attend a convention in the MidWest, specifically Minnesota, where I had recently relocated to from the People’s Republic of California.
I arrived a bit early, around 12:30, and picked up my membership kit. The con really hadn’t opened, set up still in progress, a few other early arrivals drifting around or gathered in small knots of conversation. Me? I’m thinking about a chocolate malt, but thought I would jot down a few first impressions.
They have the main convention area decked out with decorated tables and a plethora of inflatable rockets, and miscellaneous other staples of fandom. I have to admit that the inflatable rockets are really cool. Nice touch! Also noticed an inflatable wading pool filled with balloons.
I also ran into Ctein, whom I was surprised to see here, as I know he’s a Bay Area guy, but, hey, he does get around. We chatted a bit, probably more than we had at a BayCon, and I told him about my recent move up here.
I have to admit, I came to this con also in hopes of hooking up with the local KAG ship, but not knowing if they would actually be here. Didn’t matter, as I was also looking to get connected with the local fan community, and maybe have a little time to do a little writing. So far, so good.
The writer guest of honor is Ken McLeod. Although I haven’t read any of his books (couldn’t find any at the local Barnes and Noble or Borders), he sounded like an interest9ing guest. Lois McMaster Bujold is also here, as well as an old friend of my wife’s, Pegg Kerr. All in all, I think it should prove out fun.
There’s a bit more activity going on now, the dealers room is open and the con suite has some people doing some additional prep. The dealers room is smallish, about one third the size of a BayCon dealers room, but that’s beside the point. They have all the typical fan bases covered: costumers selling costume stuff, mainly Renaissance in nature; swords, daggers and other sharp goodies; nick nacks, T-shirts, and miscellaneous stuff; books, books and books. Okay, without books, what would be the point!
Other notes: the convention book states their weapon policy, no real fire arms, keep ot sheathed, you kill it, you grill (for the Ted Nugent fans). Con promotes partying. Rah! It wouldn’t be a party otherwise. Also, so far, no one in costume. Not typical for what I am used to back in California. But hey, it’s early yet. And some one playing So Sprach Zarathustra on an accordion. ERK! Actually, not bad.
First scheduled event is at 3:30. Gordy’s Proposition. Not exactly sure what it’s all about, something about how the genre has changed over the years. And still the accordion plays, now Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.
There were many literary panels at this convention, but a distinct lack of costumes, which, for someone new to the area, took me by surprise. I did learn that this con had turned away from media oriented support and costuming to stick to a more literary theme. Overall, I think this is a good thing, as those of us who wish to focus on writing techniques and skills, as well as learn how to break into the business of writing need these kinds of outlets. Still, a good rock and roll dance would have been nice. Even writers like to boogy.
The main event for the weekend, in my book was the Tor Party, where some of the editors from Tor Books held an open house. It was jammed pack, with many of the local writers, especially those writing for Tor, as well as the other con guests and people in writing groups, just socializing. One of the best con parties I had been to in quite a while.
