About the convention

Celebrate and explore all things in the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres in all its forms: books, film, television, comics, computer games, animation, performance and more.

Are you a fan or professional with an interest in SF&F (or sometimes called Sci-Fi)? Are you a published, emerging or aspiring author, an editor, a publisher, a movie maker, an artist,  or have another interest linked to the speculative fiction or Sci-Fi market?  Then you will find inspiration and entertainment exploring over 100 sessions across 4 days of guest speeches, panel discussions, presentations, interviews, workshops and parties. Browse the Dealer's Hall, or join the gaming sessions, attend the gala Ditmar Awards, readings, book signings, and more.  Meet and network with hundreds of fans and professionals all of whom have a passionate interest in SF&F.

The organising Committee took inspiration from Frances Spufford’s recent novel ‘The Child that Books Built’ (Faber and Faber 2003), a memoir about how, what and why we read as children. Childhood’s fond memories of either magical stories or scary ones, can lead to a love and deeper appreciation of the speculative fiction genre in adulthood. The speculative fiction genre encompasses a wide range of writing styles and a breadth and depth of inquiry and it is important to look at SF&F in relation to teenagers and young adults, particularly as these people will be the future readers, writers and critics of the SF&F genre.

Rydges Melbourne Hotel is located in the Melbourne central business district, conveniently located to public transport, restaurants, entertainment venues, tourist attractions, other hotels and the central retail district - all within easy walking distance and most within one city block.