Worldcon

Worldcon, (or The World Science Fiction Convention) is the longest running science fiction convention, having been held since 1939, only to be interrupted by World War II from 1942 to 1945.

The 2011 Worldcon will be held in Los Reno, Nevada on August 17 to 21 (Wednesday to Sunday).

The name Worldcon is owned by the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS), whose membership are the paying attendees of the convention. The conventions themselves are run by non-profit, fan organizations, who bid to host the event.

Site selection
Most Worldcons are held in North America, although they have taken place in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and the Netherlands. The 2007 Worldcon was held in Japan and was the first Worldcon to be held in Asia.

When a Worldcon is held outside of North America, a North American Science Fiction Convention (or NASFiC) may be held within North America that same year. The 2005 NASFiC was held in SeaTac, Washington under the name of Cascadia Con by the Seattle Westercon Organizing Committee.

Furry history
Furry events and programming have been a part of recent Worldcons held in North America:


 * At the 1980 Worldcon (aka NorEasCon II) in Boston, Massachusetts, an Erma Felna painting by Steve Gallacci was entered in the art show. The funny animal artwork in an otherwise realistic setting drew attention among fans showing a common interest in science fiction and fantasy about intelligent animals. This led to an informal series of gatherings at Worldcons and Westercons, which eventually branched into a club centered around Rowrbrazzle to organize more "formal" furry parties.


 * At the 1987 Worldcon (aka Conspiracy '87) in Brighton, England, Mark Merlino and Rod O'Riley co-hosted the first furry room party in the United Kingdom. This was the first furry event in the country and was the precursor to the "housecons" first held in the early 1990s and the first conventions in the 2000s.


 * At the 1993 Worldcon in San Francisco ("ConFrancisco"), at least one furry room party was held, with one or two dozen people chatting and looking at sketchbooks of anthropomorphic art.


 * At the 1995 Worldcon in Glasgow, Scotland, Mark Merlino and Rod O'Riley co-hosted a furry party in a meeting room at the convention centre. This was the earliest furry event in Scotland and was the precursor to the furmeets in the 2000s and Scotiacon which began in 2011.


 * At the 1996 Worldcon (aka L.A.con III) in Anaheim, California, the Furry Fandom Lounge was organized by the ConFurence committee as five-day furry programming track. The general Worldcon program schedule publicizes the furry parties, panels, and exhibits which even include a glass-encased "History of Furry Fandom" display by David Bliss.


 * At the 1999 NASFiC (aka Conucopia) in Anaheim, California, the Furry Fandom Lounge reflected on 15 years of fandom.


 * At the 2005 NASFiC (aka Cascadia Con) in SeaTac, Washington, the Stalking Cat was one of the notable program participants.


 * At the 2006 Worldcon (aka L.A.con IV) in Anaheim, California, the Furry Fandom Lounge once again returned from August 24 to 27 under the organization of Rod O'Riley of the Califur group. The programming track included a furry artist reception and panels ranging from fursuiting basics to the new world of furry webcomics.

Hugo awards
Members of Worldcon (attending or not) may vote on science fiction and fantasy works from the previous calendar year. Winning works receive the Hugo Award. Categories include novels and short fiction, artwork, dramatic presentations and various professional and fan activities.