Sally Barber Chips Barber
Sally Barber Chips Barber
ConClave was a long-running Michigan science fiction convention, evolving to embrace diverse genres and fan interests.
ConClave was an annual science fiction convention held in southeastern/central Michigan from 1976 to 2016, with a brief hiatus in 2012. The event typically attracted around 600 attendees who shared interests in science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. While rooted in literature, ConClave expanded its scope to encompass various forms of creative expression, including art, music, performance, and film. The convention featured diverse displays and participant groups, such as animation, role-playing, historical reenactment, gaming, and various fan communities like "Rennies" and "Furries." It was an inclusive event catering to all ages.
Throughout its history, ConClave offered several traditional attractions, such as a hospitality suite, a costume ball, and a merchandise area. Its programming was divided into various tracks, including writing, science fiction/fantasy, science/space, music, and gaming. More recent additions included a video room for screening anime and fan films, astronomical observation sessions, and workshops for National Novel Writing Month. The convention underwent a rebranding in 2017 as The Continuum, continuing its tradition of celebrating speculative fiction and its related arts.
Convention Evolution and Scope
ConClave began in 1976 at Eastern Michigan University and evolved over three decades into a significant regional event. Initially focused on literary aspects of science fiction and fantasy, it broadened its horizons to embrace a wide spectrum of related interests. The convention celebrated these genres in all their manifestations, incorporating visual arts, musical performances, theatrical productions, and film screenings. Programming tracks were diverse, covering writing, science and space exploration, music, and gaming, reflecting the multifaceted nature of its attendees' passions. The event was designed to be accessible to all ages, fostering a community for enthusiasts of speculative fiction and its many creative outputs.
Community and Fan Engagement
The convention fostered a strong sense of community among its attendees, drawing approximately 600 people annually. Participants engaged with a wide array of activities and interests, ranging from gaming and renaissance reenactment to appreciating animation and fantasy role-playing. The event attracted a loyal following of staff and panel participants who contributed to its consistent programming. Traditional attractions like the hospitality suite and costume ball provided social hubs, while diverse programming tracks catered to specific interests. The inclusion of "Rennies" and "Furries" as participant groups highlighted the convention's embrace of various subcultures within the broader fan community, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.
Notable Guests and Honorees
ConClave consistently featured a distinguished lineup of Guests of Honor, encompassing acclaimed authors, artists, and musicians within the science fiction and fantasy landscape. Early conventions hosted literary giants such as Clifford D. Simak, James Gunn, Ben Bova, and Robert A. Heinlein. Over the years, the convention honored numerous prominent figures, including Theodore Sturgeon, A. E. van Vogt, Joan D. Vinge, John Varley, Algis Budrys, Marta Randall, David Brin, Karen and Poul Anderson, Greg Bear, Gene Wolfe, Gordon R. Dickson, and Lois McMaster Bujold. The convention also recognized "Fan Guests of Honor" and "Artist Guests of Honor," acknowledging significant contributions from individuals within the fan community and the artistic realm, such as Frank Kelly Freas and Todd Cameron Hamilton.
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