Insightful Tales from Science Fiction and Fantasy Conventions
Conventions dedicated to the worlds of science fiction and fantasy offer a unique and often memorable experience for enthusiasts. However, these events are not without their peculiarities and anecdotes. Below is a collection of tales, based on firsthand experiences and stories shared by convention-goers, that highlight the unexpected and sometimes shocking moments that can happen.
Unforeseen Disasters at Conventions
The Plumbing Incident at Chicago Convention
In the early 1990s, a particular group of fans brought an alt-sexuality-themed installation to a Chicago convention. The group decided to hang a sex swing from the water system pipes. Unfortunately, this unusual installation led to a significant accident. The group attempted to secure the setup by temporarily plugging a broken pipe, but their efforts were short-lived. The temporary plug failed, and the ensuing water flooding caused extensive damage over several floors, costing millions of dollars. This incident served as a stark reminder about the potential dangers of unconventional installations at conventions.
Disturbing Incidents at Boskone
The Stolen Scarf Incident
A memorable experience at Boskone involved my wife and me, both of us frequent attendees of the convention due to my speaking engagements on minor panels. I invited my wife along, and she wore a winter coat with a red scarf. I placed the coat and scarf in the designated coat room reserved for SF/F authors and guests. When we returned from the convention, my wife reported that the red scarf was missing from the coat. Upon investigation, we discovered that the scarf had been stitched to the coat, yet it was still gone.
The most plausible explanation was that an SF/F author or guest had ripped the scarf off the coat to steal it. This event deeply affected my wife's confidence in future conventions, making her reluctant to participate despite the numerous invitations she received.
'Awfulcon': An Unpleasant Convention Experience
The First 'Awful' Convention
A convention nicknamed 'Awfulcon' is another story that stands out. Run by a group of 'ladies' who were in dire need of a fresh change in appearance, this event was cursed from the start. The organizers were visibly displeased about the fan vote that chose the featured show for the convention, a decision that directly impacted their own choices. Consequently, the guest celebrities became increasingly irate, barking orders and behaving quite unreasonably. The next act of mismanagement came when a guest ordered six bottles of champagne that were mistakenly assumed to be 14 rather than 40 each. The organizers, instead of addressing the situation, immediately agreed to pay, only to later express fear over not being reimbursed.
The subsequent incident involved a room phone being cut off due to false rumors. This incident further fueled the guests' anger. At 8 AM, the committee decided to take the guests on a city sightseeing tour, an idea that only seemed to worsen their mood. When the guests arrived at the 'hospitality suite,' they found it locked from the inside. After pounding on the door with no response, they discovered that two fans were engaged in a passionate and uncaring encounter on the floor.
These experiences offer a humorous yet cautionary take on what can happen when the planning and execution of a convention don't go as smoothly as intended. They remind us of the importance of proper planning, communication, and adherence to a respectful and considerate convention culture.