What is Albacon? - History of Albacon - Who is LASTSFA? - New to Cons?

What is Albacon?

In General:

Albacon is a weekend gathering of fans and creators of Science Fiction or Fantasy. This includes the areas of literature, movies, games, and other mediums. We spend a weekend discussing, debating, conversing, and socializing about these and many other related topics.

History of Albacon

Who is LASTSFA?

The Latham-Albany-Schenectady-Troy Science Fiction Association (LASTSFA) is the group that puts on the Albacon convention each year. We also sponsor monthly discussion groups and special author events during the year. For more information, see our web site at http://www.lastsfa.org/. LASTSFA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Are you new to conventions? Want to know more? Here's a revised explanation based on a 1997 Q&A by Chuck Rothman.

Q. What is a con?
A. A gathering of people with an interest in science fiction, fantasy, and science.

Q. Oh, I get it. A bunch of geeks running around with Spock ears.
A. Not so. A con is made up of people with all sorts of interests. Star Trek is just one of them. Most people go for one reason: to have a great time.

Q. Doing what?
A. Whatever you like. Play games. Meet authors, editors, and artists. Watch SF movies and TV shows. See SF art. Hear panels on subjects from serious to silly. Attend the masquerade. Find neat stuff in the dealers room. Party in the con suite.

Q. Con suite?
A. A gathering place where you can make new friends. Featuring free soda, munchies, and good conversation, where science fiction is what you talk about after you've exhausted other subjects.

Q. I went to one of these. It was just an excuse to sell you something.
A. That wasn't a fan-run con. At Albacon, selling is a sideline, not our reason for being. You can enjoy the fun without even setting foot in the dealers room.

Q. Dealers? What are they selling?
A. Plenty of great items, including books (new and used), T-shirts, buttons, art, magazine subscriptions, collectible card games, jewelry, and much more. But, again, you don't have to go there if you don't want.

Q. The people are weird.
A. They may seem that way, at first glance, but most fans are very friendly and quite willing to talk to you about anything you want. SF cons have a reputation among hotels as being especially well-behaved. Despite preconceptions, it is a safe and entertaining environment.

Q. It's expensive.
A. Compared to what? A movie's $8.50 for two hours of entertainment. Albacon is 2 1/2 days of nonstop fun (though things may slow up a bit after midnight). And you can save money by joining today instead of at the door.

Q. Why should I go?
A. It's an opportunity to have a good time and to meet interesting people. The only downside is that you'll want to start looking for other cons to attend. Don't miss the fun.

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This page last updated September 20, 2005 2:10 PM.