What is the Natcon?

The Australian National Science Fiction Convention is sometimes referred to as the ‘Natcon’. The Natcon is usually held in a different city each year and is organised by unpaid volunteers on a not-for-profit basis.  It has been run annually for over 50 years and is the most important event on the Australian Science Fiction & Fantasy calendar.  First held in Sydney in 1952 as an event run by fans for fans, nowadays it attracts hundreds of people both fannish and professional: fans, writers, editors, booksellers, publishers, movie-makers and other science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts from around the country – and even some from overseas.

 The Australian SF Achievement Awards, commonly known as The Ditmar Awards, are voted on by the members of the Natcon and presented at a gala ceremony during the convention. The convention members also decide where the next Natcon will be held.

A person purchases a ‘membership’ to attend the Natcon, and this provides certain benefits, such as admittance to the convention, publications and voting rights.  Memberships are only valid for that particular Natcon.

It is a general science fiction convention for all genres of SF&F, whether this is books, TV shows, movies, interactive games, fanzines, web publishing or some other form.  It attracts the cream of the Australian speculative fiction publishing and movie industries. SF&F enthusiasts are able to explore their particular SF interests, while at the same time have a great deal of fun and perhaps discover new aspects of science fiction, fantasy or horror to pique their interest.

A typical National convention will have a multi-streamed concurrent program consisting of guest speeches, discussion panels and presentations featuring prominent SF&F personalities and academics.  Also book signings and autograph sessions, film & video stream, art show, an auction, book launches and previews, gaming sessions, a Dealers' Room showcasing a wide range of books and collectables and a costumed gala event.