If you've been to a Worldcon before, you probably know what to expect from a Worldcon program. But if you haven't, you have a great time ahead of you.
Worldcon programs are large and diverse, and include lectures, debates and panel discussions. Typically there will be in excess of 500 distinct items in this core program over the 5 days, with up to a dozen tracks running in parallel at any moment time. The formal program ranges over topics from fiction and writing to politics and science, and participants have included Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, scientists, writers, editors, publishers, artists, film makers, and fans.
If you'd like a better idea of what to expect, you can easily check out the schedules and participant lists from previous Worldcons. The 2011 and 2012 schedules are still available online:
For LoneStarCon 3, we want to craft another great Worldcon program, this time with a Texas twist! [or maybe a Texas two-step?]
Given our locale, we are seizing the opportunity to add another language to the Worldcon program. At LoneStarCon 3 we want to explore the genre in Spanish-speaking cultures, both in translated and in original works. We are committed to having some programming in Spanish as well.
Expanding the usual diverse programming developed for every Worldcon, we will present a Poetry track, led by Juan Perez, the Poet Laureate of San Antonio. So if naughty zero-grav rhymes, serious spaceship sestinas, or Klingon puSlogh vagh are more your style, let us know.
Still have questions? We've answered some of the more common ones on this page of Frequently Asked Questions.
Get Involved
A Worldcon program is generated by contributions from all our members: attendees, staff, and program participants. At this early stage, we're inviting everyone to contribute their ideas and suggestions.
- The Ideas Form lets anyone throw an idea or two (or two dozen) our way. You can also suggest individuals or groups for potential program participants.
- If you think you might want to be a program participant, we have the Program Volunteer Form for you.
Program Areas
Our program will include all of the following areas: follow the links (where available) for more detailed articles. (We will be adding information on our plans for each individual area progressively during 2013).
- Academic Track
- Art
- Anime and Cartoons
- Autograph Sessions
- Children's Program (see below)
- Comics and Graphics Novels
- Costuming
- Fan Programming and Fan Lounge
- Filk
- Kaffeeklatches
- Literary (Writing, Publishing, Criticism)
- Media (Film, TV, and more)
- Music
- Poetry
- Readings
- Science
- Spanish Language
- Steampunk
In addition look out for the following special events:
Participation Programming and Activities
Alongside our traditional programming, we are also delighted to offer some more interactive programming and activities. (Note that most of these activities are open while a few such as the Writers' Workshops will require preparation or pre-registration).
- Stroll with the Stars
- Writers' Workshops
For Younger Fans
Our support for younger fans comes in two parts. For children up to 12, we will be providing professional childcare. For 6-12 year olds we also have a fan-run children's programming stream. We are delighted that this stream will be run by James Bacon and Alissa McKersie who also ran the very successful children's programs at Renovation and Chicon 7.
