[Partial Recall] Guest Blog: Swecon Report

[Tero]

Unfortunately, due mainly to scheduling reasons, I couldn’t attend Swecon this year. But Kisu and Karo were there, and have written a report from the convention.

Condense—The Heavy Convention

Swecons always draw in (quite) a few Finns and Swecon 2010, Condense,
in Gothenburg was no exception. Due to several reasons, this year the
Finnish con-team consisted of only two members: Kisu & Karo from
Tampere. Other members of Finnish fandom were sorely missed and everybody
sent their best regards to all Finnish fans (especially those, who’d
been to Gothenburg conventions before, you know who you are and we heard
quite a few tales about your experiences).

The best way to travel to Gothenburg was by air and we arrived to
Gothenburg in Friday afternoon. The convention begun in the evening and
one of the first items was an interview with the guest of honor, the
always interesting Justina Robson. After that it was time to socialise
in the bar (and to check out the Alvarfonden books, which is always a
costly mistake).

Saturday’s programming begun with book tips and breakfast (the
convention offered breakfast to all members for free!). After that,
Kisu took part in a panel, “Is there more SF than we see,” with the
other guest of honor, Nene Ormes, and Per Åckerman. The three
panelists had slightly different views on what the panel was supposed
to be about (and the programming information gave a fourth
interpretation), but in the end it seemed to be a success, ranging
from manga to Swedish and Finnish science fiction and fantasy all the
way to amateur films and radio plays (which there should be more of).
After that it was time to do a bit of sight-seeing in Gothenburg.

In the evening Kisu attended the Banquet while Karo went out to be
social and network with some other non-banquet attending members. The
banquet included also speeches from the guests of honor, which were
interesting to hear. As traditional in Swedish fandom, awards were
also given (Alvar prize went to Helena Kiel, which was nice!). An
extremely surprising turn of events took place when the winner of the
Tentacle-award was announced. Tentacle is a Gothenburg-based award,
given out for societies or persons who have actively breached the gaps
within the fandom. Much to everybody’s surprise, the winner of the
Tentacle award was Åcon! The beautiful diploma will (hopefully) make
its way to Finland a bit later on.

After the NoFF-auction (where they also auctioned off a few
interesting beers, which sold for high prices) it was time for more
relaxing discussions in the bar, outside the convention venue and in
the Swecon 2011 bid party organised by Eurocon 2011.
Sunday morning came way too soon, but we still managed to make our way
to the convention to hear first about the future of fantasy, and then
to take part in “How can conventions be improved” discussion, which
highlighted some of the real successes of Condense. Breakfast for
members!! After that, it was time to vote for Swecon 2011, and the
Stockholm Eurocon gave a nice presentation about why they should also
be Swecon. The other conventions of 2011 declined to run, and so the
Eurocon 2011 won the vote and is now also Swecon. After the spirit of
Swecon had once more been captured, and the tearful goodbyes said to
the guests of honor, it was time to go back to the hotel to pack
before the dead-dog party (where the Finns were the last to leave…).

Condense might’ve been the “heavy convention” but it all seemed very
light and most especially friendly. We were warmly welcomed and will
certainly come back some day! But first next year and Stockholm!

Kisu & Karo

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Posted By Tero to Partial Recall at 6/21/2010 11:03:00 AM