StellarCon Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is StellarCon?

StellarCon is a general speculative fiction convention held in the Greater Metro area of Greensboro, NC (aka. The Triad – Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point), usually around mid March.

What is a general speculative fiction convention?

1. Speculative fiction = genre of fiction that includes fantasy, science fiction, horror, comics and other fiction
2. Convention = a gathering of people for a specific purpose Ergo: SF Convention = a gathering of people for the specific purpose of talking about SF

How big is StellarCon?

The average attendance at StellarCon is around 500 people. This makes it a more intimate convention where you can sit and relax with fans and guests. You also will not have to stand in line for 2 hours to attend an event or get an autograph.

Sounds Cool. How do I register?

Right here

I need to fly to get to North Carolina. Which airport should I arrive at?

The Piedmont Triad International Airport

Why do you run StellarCon?

We bust tail so you don’t have to! We love having a great convention to go to, and we have a lot of fun putting it on, too.

Where did StellarCon come from?

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…or …On March 20, 1976 , SF³ held the first StellarCon as a one-day mini convention whose main guest was Jack Townsend, then the president of the Walter Koenig Fan Club. Since then StellarCon has grown to a 3-day event whose guests have included Walter Koenig, author Larry Niven, and as well as many others! The conventions were held in Elliott University Center, on the campus of UNCG, until StellarCon 16 in 1992 when Jeff Smith, the convention manager that year, took it off campus for the first time to a local hotel. StellarCon is now one of the largest and longest running SF cons in North Carolina.

Where is your list of guests?

Here. We’re a little worried that you need to ask…

How can I get information about selling in the Dealer’s Room or exhibiting in the Art Show?

Art Show info is here and Dealer Room info is here

How would I advertise at StellarCon?

Costs and sizes for program ads are here

Do you run any other conventions?

Some of us are involved in other conventions such as MACE, ConCarolinas, and Dragon*Con . SF³ also sponsors CubicCon, a gaming convention whose monies go to charity and helping make StellarCon better.

How can I get in free?

If you want a free membership, you can volunteer to run games or work as convention staff

Okay, I bought a membership, so what does my money get me?

Purchasing a membership lets you into all convention events. In short, you can play games, attend panels, attend workshops, meet the guests, participate in the costume contest, grab a bite in the ConSuite, and go to parties.

Where do your profits go?

All the money StellarCon makes goes into making the next StellarCon happen. So, we take your money, horde it, consider running away to the Bahamas, but ultimately put it back in The Con where it will do some real good.

Do you have a charity?

We do indeed! StellarCon has proudly supported Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro since 1997. To date, StellarCon and its members have raised over $10,000 for this charity.

When will the schedule of events be available?

As soon as we have it in some semblance of finalized. We expect that we’ll upload the program to this web site about three weeks before the convention.

Will the convention provide babysitting or childcare services?

No. While we do have a KidsTrack, we ask that parents maintain a close eye on their children at all times.

How can I help StellarCon?

Attend! Join in the fun! Nothing makes a con awesome as much as the people there having a good time. Tell your friends. Kidnap your enemies and bring them too! Show off our flyers. Volunteer! Donate your life savings to our cause! Umm…

I’ve never been to a con…what’s it like?

This page has a good description of fan-run cons and what you can expect.

What’s the weather like in the Triad?

Try Yahoo! Weather or The Weather Channel