What is Keycon?
Keycon is Manitoba’s premier Science Fiction & Fantasy Literary Convention. It focuses on science fiction, fantasy and related genres in any form. It includes, but is not limited to, writing, visual arts, television and film. It is traditionally held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on the Victoria Day long weekend.
Keycon is a convention of around 300-500 attendees. In terms of content, we might compare it to a Comic Con or an Anime Con, however the size and the format is a little different. Keycon is a far more personal experience.
The focus is more on panels and connecting our guests with the fans through informal contact. In past years we’ve had panels with authors, artists, scientists, musicians, performers, armourers, costumers, blacksmiths, television personalities, game developers, and more (don’t ask about the year Cthulhu rose from R’lyeh).
There are a lot of other things at the convention that you are probably familiar with. We have a costume/cosplay contest, an art show/auction, a table top gaming room, and a marketplace to purchase that extra something for your costume, the out of print book or game you’ve been searching for, or something else that tickles your fancy.
Some other things that are special to Keycon are the Social and the Hospitality Suites.
The Social is a Manitoba tradition. If you’re from Manitoba, no further explanation is required. For our visitors from out of town, this is our dance. A chance to shake a leg & listen to great music all night long, catch up with old friends & make new ones, and participate in a late-night snack. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday night.
The Hospitality Suites (often referred to as the Con-Suites) are a set of hotel suites that have been reserved for Keycon. Typically they are themed and most people should find something that suits their taste. During the day, they can be a place to sit down for a rest, catch up with a friend, play a game and more. In the evening they are far busier. You could find a filk-concert in one suite, a LAN-party in another suite, and the sky’s the limit in a third…
The most important part of Keycon are the people, the fans. At Keycon, you will find fans of many genres of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and other Fandom. Everything from androids to zombies, from Artemis Fowl to Timothy Zahn. It’s a great chance to make new new friends and talk about your favourite fandom. We have panels, table top gaming, larping, hospitality suites, art show & auction, masquerade, socials, marketplace, and much, much more!