CONvergence

CONvergence
Status	Active
Genre	Multi-genre convention Science fiction convention Fantasy convention Speculative fiction Fan convention
Frequency	Yearly
Venue	Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota[1]
Location(s)	Minneapolis, Minnesota
Coordinates	44°58′17″N 93°16′39″W / 44.9712981°N 93.2773887°W / 44.9712981; -93.2773887
Country	United States
Years active	25
Inaugurated	July 2, 1999 (1999-07-02)
Most recent	July 6, 2023
Next event	July 4, 2024
Participants	3,437 (2022)
Budget	approx. $400,000[2]
Organized by	Convergence Events, Inc.
Filing status	Non-profit
Website	convergence-con.org

Convergence (stylized "CONvergence") is an annual multi-genre fan convention. This all-volunteer, fan-run convention is primarily for enthusiasts of science fiction and fantasy in all media.^[3] The motto is "where science fiction and reality meet". It is one of the most-attended conventions of its kind in North America, with approximately 6,000 paid members in some years.^[3] The 2023 convention was held across four days at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota.^[1]

Attractions

The convention is known for several attractions, which are available to members throughout the event.

Art and merchandise

• The Convergence art show offers items created by artists around the country. Some are available for a live auction or silent auction.^[4]
• The artists alley provides space for artists to offer commissioned art.^[5]
• The dealers room features a larger number of vendors selling crafts, apparel, or collectibles.^[6]
• The charity auction funds community activities provided by the Geek Partnership Society.^[7]
• Official CONvergence merchandise is available with branded goods and commemorative event apparel.

Social attractions

• The convention is known for its themed room parties
  advertisements
  for different parties.
• Space lounge presents a futuristic space-themed entertainment venue with music, entertainment, and sensory refreshments.^[10]
• Several spaces for
  tabletop gaming, and Artemis: Spaceship Bridge Simulator, among other things.^[12]
• The Convergence teen room is available for members between 13 and 20 years old.[13]

Programming areas

• Harmonic Convergence features live music, spoken word, burlesque, and comedy.^[14]
• Cinema Rex is a couch- and sofa-filled movie room. Running popular movies, short films, and film festivals, Cinema Rex provides drinks, popcorn, candy, and other refreshments.^[15]
• Theater Nippon presents a series of classic and modern anime with free drinks and candy.^[16]

Hospitality

Members of Convergence have access to a con suite, with complimentary rice and soups throughout most of the day, and around-the-clock access to candies, veggies, fruits, and chips.^[17]

Events

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (July 2018)

many parallel programming tracks are run at Convergence, filling several convention rooms simultaneously with panels, speeches, demonstrations, recognitions, and screenings.^[18]

Panels

Convergence panels are scheduled for each day, across a wide range of topics. Most panels are group discussions in front of an audience, while others are more interactive or performance-based.[19]

Main stage events

The opening and closing ceremonies are held on a main stage, as well as live performances and other events that require a lot of space.^[20]

Masquerade

The masquerade event is held Saturday night, displaying the best in costuming and cosplay creations, usually with short skits.^[21]

Music events

Live music sometimes occurs at the main stage. Dances and raves are often scheduled for the late hours in the main stage area.^[22]

Mascots

The primary mascot of Convergence is the gynoid "Connie", who is occasionally opposed by Connie's scheming younger sister, "Connie Mk. II".^[23]

Guests of honor

Like most science fiction conventions, CONvergence selects a few special guests every year.

Timeline

The idea for Convergence began at a room party held 25 years ago at the Minicon 33 event, where 500 pre-registrations to Convergence 1999 were collected.^[28] The planning team celebrated the one-year-to-go mark with a picnic on the weekend of July 4, 1998.

Reception

Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. There is more info on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org.

In 2008, CONvergence was voted "Best Fan Convention" by the City Pages arts/alternative newspaper.^[54] It has appeared in "Best of the Cities" in each year afterward until 2011 (when no award was given for "best fan convention" or "best annual convention").

Transition to Minneapolis

Convention organizer Convergence Events, Inc. sent an announcement to Convergence members on June 16, 2018. The announcement indicated changes to the party rooms at the 2018 convention, due to concerns from the hotel management.^[55][56]

On the same day, Convergence Events, Inc. announced that the following year's convention would be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, after being hosted in the same Bloomington location since 2001.^[1]

References