Convention Calamity
Mention "Science Fiction Convention" in Singapore and be prepared to receive strange looks in return. The phrase itself conjures images of nerds converging at a gathering discussing, well, geek stuff. Worse still, people might imagine Trekkies masquerading in full costume, conversing in... what else but Klingon?
Contrary to popular belief, Science Fiction (SF) Conventions are not just for an exclusive group of people obsessed with reading science fiction and fantasy. Conventions or conferences are open to one and all, from those new to the fandom, and those who have been involved in conventions for three decades. Even the attendees don't fit the stereotype of the adolescent male. Fangirls have made up a large part of convention attendance in recent years, and even mothers chaperon their minors. A demographic of fans aged 16-60 attend literary conventions, especially if they are of an academic nature. Conventions are excellent places to meet people all over the world with common interests. This is especially so with conventions of a larger nature, such as the San Francisco ComicCon. Author Neil Gaiman has said that the first convention he attended in the early 1980s was one of the first places he felt that he belonged.
Conventions held in the United Kingdom include Orbital, a science fiction and fantasy convention, Fforde fiesta, a Jasper Fforde gathering. There are three major Harry Potter Conventions occurring this year in the United States alone: Wrockstock, a wizard rock festival, Portus, and Terminus, a Harry Potter academic conference. Locally, the fanbase isn't large enough for fantasy and science fiction conventions, but there are cosplay conventions where people dress up as their favorite anime/ manga characters.
A convention mostly comprises of panels and roundtable discussions, where guests are invited to share their views on debatable issues of the fandom. For example, in a science fiction convention, panellists might discuss the relevance of early works of science fiction to our present struggles with technology. At a Harry Potter convention, wizard rockers were requested to share their views on how wrock has changed the fandom. (fan community) Roundtable discussions are sometimes impromptu and fan-initiated, and are a must at every convention. They are also one of the few opportunities fans get to meet their fellow fans, and indulge in talking or conversing with someone with the same depth of interest in their fandom.
Most conventions have the green room, where fandom-related merchandise is sold. At a comic book convention, for example, special edition issues, character figurines, t-shirts, or even light sabers are just some of the items available. There is also nightly entertainment in the form of masquerades, dances, and even wizard rock concerts. Sometimes, there are fandom-specific events. Terminus, a harry potter convention, organised Quidditch games, while anime/manga conventions have art competitions. Conventions are also opportunities for fans to show off their creative ability in the form of fanart auctions, fanfiction readings, and live podcasts.
Not many fantasy and science fiction or Harry Potter events are held in Singapore, and this has caused distress for many fans in the region. Large scale gatherings often occur in the UK and US, to popular reception. This has allowed countless fans to meet, and has provided a supportive community of insightful discussion. Book conventions and wrock concerts promote literacy to reluctant young readers, conveying the joy and passion people have for reading. Books have the power to change lives, and conventions only serve to perpetuate this notion. It has been said that when Harry Potter was first released, kids were steered away from their video games and their television sets as they discovered bravery, love and friendship within the walls of Hogwarts.
