AUSSIECON 4
68th World Science Fiction Convention
September 2nd - 6th, 2010 - Melbourne, Australia
About Worldcon
Stars

We know that a Worldcon is the convention of the World Science Fiction Society, and that Aussiecon 4 is the 68th version, but it's more than that. Worldcon is the annual distillation of every aspect of the Science Fiction and Fantasy universe brought together for one week in one place.
Just as the stars of the Southern Cross glitter above Australia, the stars of the SF&F world will glitter in Melbourne. Rocket scientists and rookie writers will sit side by side as NASA presents the latest wonders from the Hubble telescope. World-renowned authors will autograph books for fans, and for each other, because they're fans, too. Agents and publishing houses big and small will be at Aussiecon 4 looking for new writers, and new writers will be there trying to get noticed.
Enlightenment
Seeking knowledge? Worldcon Programs overflow with panel discussions. Authors and publishers discuss writing, top scientists explain everything about how the world operates, and they'll get together to explain how to build a planet for your next novel. Masqueraders detail how to make a skirt glow with alien light. You'll find panels on every imaginable subject, and a few unimaginable ones, too !
Fans even make up their own panels at Birds of a Feather meetings, and the musically inclined strum tunes at the mysteriously-named Filk sessions.
Things to Take Home
The highest Worldcon highlight is the Hugo Awards Presentation.* We fans have voted for the year's best, and after months of suspense, the winners will finally be revealed, along with the top-secret design of the Hugo Award rocket trophy.
Need a souvenir? How about an Aussiecon 4 tote bag, or a rare, out of print Hugo-winning novel? The Dealers Room is where to go. You'll find things you never knew you needed, and things you never knew existed. Next door is the Art Show, where artists ranging from talented high schoolers up through the best of the professionals showcase their work. And it's for sale, too, prices from a few dollars up to five figure masterworks.
For masterworks of a textile nature, you have the Masquerade, where elaborately costumed fans glitter upon the stage in a blockbuster show. The costumers aren't just under the spotlights, either. You'll see blue-skinned aliens wandering the halls, and refugees from Star Fleet checking the party notices on the bulletin boards.
Social Gatherings
When closing time hits, they boot everyone from the convention center. We all go back to our hotel rooms and turn out the lights, right? Not on a bet. That's when the Parties begin! Cruise the party suites in the party hotel and graze the munchies, chat with the stars, try what's in the punch bowl. You'll see old friends and make new ones, get connected with the wonderful folks who are connected with SF&F.
Us
Who does all this, who puts it all together? We do, the Fans. We're the heart of every Worldcon. Everyone running and working at the Worldcon is a volunteer. The panelists, the people behind the registration tables, the folks setting up the equipment or running errands for Program Ops, each one paid the full membership fee for the privilege of working at the convention. You can be a part of it, too. Head over to our Volunteer page and fill out the form, or when you get to Aussiecon 4, just tell a volunteer you 'd like to help.
Fandom is a big sea, and it runs deep. Dive in!
*The Oscars® are the movie industry's version of the Hugo Awards.