Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Colorado Cons That Love Writers

From the wandering mind of Tamela Buhrke

If you've been reading my series on conventions, you know how much fun they are and how great they can be for your writing career. But what if you don't have the time or money for all that travel? Relax, I've got you covered. There are some awesome cons right here in Colorado.

Denver

Mile Hi Con - This is Colorado's longest running Science Fiction Convention. This year's toastmaster for the convention is RMFW's very own Mario Acevedo. The convention will feature 80+ authors, artists and speakers. For those you like fantasy gaming, get there early. There are workshops and panels for writers. There are parties and socializing is encouraged. There will be a costume contest, so drag out that Avatar costume you have hidden in your closet. Bring the kids! They can enter the Avistrum Academy, a magic school for witchcraft and wizardry.

When: Oct. 21 - 23 Where: Hyatt Regency Tech Center Cost: Weekend pass is $45 adults at the door, kids are half price. (Avistrum Academy is an extra $34) www.milehicon.org

StarFest - This is actually several "Fest" conventions rolled into one. The StarFest started as a science fiction convention but has grown into a celebration of media entertainment. HorrorFest celebrates all things horror. ComicFest is all things comic book related. RoboFest features robots from television and film. All these events are packed into one fun-filled weekend. Though each fest has it's own schedule of events and are priced separately (packages are available).

When: April 13-15, 2012 Where: Denver Tech area, hotel TBA. Cost: TBA (2011 prices ranged from $5 to $239 depending on package) www.starland.com

Denver Comic Con - Denver is finally getting it's own Comic Con! The founders of this con believe in the motto "Go Big!" They are taking over the Denver Convention Center. The goal is to make the Mile Hi City a big name in the Comic Con legacy. One difference with this con is that all proceeds will be donated to the Comic Book Classroom organization; a children's literacy campaign seeking to teach kids reading through comics.

The founders are comic book authors and illustrators who wanted to bring their love of comic books to Denver area schools. The event will feature those things you have come to love about Comic Cons, such as costume contests, artists, vendors, speakers, celebrities and much more. They will also be featuring local talent, vendors and speakers.

**As a new event, they are currently looking for volunteers, speakers and authors to participate. This is a great opportunity for debut authors! You can find more information on their website.

When: June 15 -17, 2012 Where: Denver Convention Center Hotel: Hyatt Regency Denver Cost: Weekend pass $45 www.denvercomiccon.com

Colorado Springs

COSine - This January will mark their 9th annual Science Fiction Convention in Colorado Springs. This con features a lot of gaming. There are also panels on writing science fiction and fantasy. Authors do readings and book signings.

When Jan 27-29 Where: Crowne Plaza Cost: Weekend pass $35, Kids $10

Galaxy Fest - This is Science Fiction Media & Literacy Convention. It is a charity event to sponsor the Colorado Literacy Foundation. The event features celebrities, authors, artists, gaming, anime, panels and around-the-clock gaming.

When: Feb 24-26, 2012 Where: Antler's Hilton Cost: Weekend passes range from $35 to $90, children from $17.50 to $22.50.


5 comments:

Patricia Stoltey said...

Okay, now I'm thinking Colorado also needs its very own crime fiction convention, something like Mayhem in the Midlands (Omaha in the spring) or Magna cum Murder (Muncie, IN in the fall).

Tamela Buhrke said...

Hmmm... I know just the gal to do it.

I'm working toward an Urban Fantasy Con myself.

Anne Marie said...

Not to be a total nerd, but to be a total nerd ... Denver has had a Comic Con for ages. I used to go to them when I was wee. The problem is that they were never very popular and changed hands. Oh, the days of yore. One year we had Tobey McGuire. My web-slinging heart stopped beating for about 45 seconds.

Tamela Buhrke said...

It will be interesting to see, now that SDCC has gotten so huge in the past few years, if a Denver CC can gain momentum. I'd love to see it happen.

Unknown said...

wow Denver is finally getting it's own Comic Con! Great :)


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