What is Octocon?
Simply put, Octocon is Ireland's national Science Fiction convention.
Not quite so simply put; Octocon is an gathering of fans of science fiction, fantasy and horror. It runs for a whole weekend and takes place every October. This year, it's happening on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of October.
And what happens at Octocon, exactly?
Oh, lots of things! We cover an incredibly wide variety of topics with panels, interviews, discussions, workshops, rare movies, games, and parties. Every Octocon is a little different to those that have gone before.
Where is it taking place?
Following the success of last year's move to Maynooth, we're going back to the Glenroyal Hotel. The layout is perfect for the convention, and for those who like their comforts, it's a great hotel in which to stay. For those on a budget, the nearby university offers low-cost accomodation to suit all tastes.
Maynooth is a great little town that's actually easier to get to than many places in Dublin - even if you're coming from Dublin - and has several other advantages: free parking, lower room rates, one of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever encountered (and I've encountered a lot!), and it's well-serviced by public transport.
How much does it cost to attend Octocon?
At the moment, it costs a paltry €30.00 for the whole weekend (or €25.00 for students and €15.00 if you're under 18) - compare that to, say, a football match; a match will last for ninety minutes and you don't get to meet the players in person!
But those rates are only in place until October 1st; the price will be increasing after that! We also have group rates if you're coming with five or more people - just pay for four memberships together and get a fifth one absolutely free. We will have a one-day rate, but that's only payable at the door; you can't book that in advance.
Octocon is a non-profit event, run by volunteers. Any surplus funds are carried over to help run the next year's event.
What else can you tell me about Octocon?
This year we had a competition to guess the Guest of Honour - congratulations to our winner, Malcolm Hutchison. It was such a success that we've decided to run it again for next year. The closing date is 1 October 2005, and you have to be a member of Octocon 2005 to enter. If we have more than one correct entry, we'll be picking the winner out of the hat at this year's closing ceremony. Once you've joined the convention, email us your guess and you're in with a chance.
Our other guests this year are authors Tanith Lee, John Kaiine, Harry Harrison, Anne McCaffrey, Michael Scott, Michael Carroll, Juliet E. McKenna, Roger Gregg and John Vaughan; all consummate professionals and among the best in their fields.
Over the years, Octocon has been host of some of the top names in science fiction and fantasy; Here's just a few of our past guests: Orson Scott Card, Simon Clark, Steve Dillon, Diane Duane, Dave Duncan, Garth Ennis, Maggie Furey, Colin Greenland, Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Joe Haldeman, Peter F. Hamilton, John Higgins, James P. Hogan, Robert Holdstock, Graham Joyce, Katherine Kurtz, Morgan Llywelyn, Scott MacMillan, George R.R. Martin, Paul McAuley, John McCrea, Ian McDonald, Juliet E. McKenna, John Meaney, China Miéville, Peter Morwood, Paul Peart, Terry Pratchett, Robert Rankin, Chris Reed, Geoff Ryman, John W. Sexton, Will Simpson, Michael Marshall Smith, Brian Stableford, Freda Warrington, Ian Watson, James White and David Wingrove.
Octocon also does its bit to help worthy causes, and last year it held a Charity Auction in aid of the CABAS school in Drogheda and raised over €1,900.
So it's worth my while going, then?
Oh yes! As I said above, each Octocon is different to all the others, but this year it's really going to be something special!
I'm convinced! Where do I sign up?
Just click "Join" on the menu, and follow the instructions!