Constantinople
| Science Fiction Convention | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Constantinople |
| Dates: | 1–4 April 1994 |
| Frequency: | Once |
| Location: | Melbourne, Australia |
| Type: | fan-run fan Natcon with guests |
| Focus: | Science Fiction |
| Organization: | Committee |
| Founder: | Australian National Science Fiction Convention |
| Founding Date: | 1994 |
| URL: | SF History in Australia |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Constantinople was the 33rd "Australian National Science Fiction Convention" that was held from April 1-4, 1994 in Melbourne, Australia. Each convention was run by a different committee, unaffiliated with any national fannish body.
The con was named after a three-legged cat belonging to Phil Wlodarczyk. Constantinople (the cat) was a candidate for the Ditmar Award for Best Fannish Cat in 1991.
- Media Guest of Honour: initially Colin Baker (Doctor Who) but replaced at the 11th hour by Sandra Reid, Robert Jewell, and Kate Orman.
- Fan Guest of Honour: Bruce Gillespie, Bean and Medge
- Literary Guest of Honour: William Gibson (Cyberpunk)
- included: Virtual Reality Rigs, Science Panels, Art Show, Special Film Preview, Masquerade, Dessert Banquet, Science Fiction Panels, Live Radio Broadcast, Dealers' Room, Parties, Auctions, Live Gothic Industrial Band, and the 1994 Science Fiction Awards Ceremonies (Ditmar Award)
There were 429 members of the convention, plus assorted other visitors, panelists, hucksters' assistants, media visitors and the occasional free-loading fan who "just came in to deliver a piece of crockery to the art show" and who ended up staying for the afternoon and then sat in on the closing ceremonies. This makes it Australia's third largest NatCon, following Syncon '83 and... Swancon 18 last year.
Ian Gunn presented the first set of teaspoons, explaining in his speech that they were for people who had created minor stirs in fandom...
Australian Science Fiction Achievement Awards (Ditmars)... In accepting his award, Nick (Stathopoulos) discussed in detail the failings in the nomination process, particularly related to the professional art category, failings that do need to be addressed by future awards committees.
The ASFMAs were the glass steps with finger slicing edges.
The Australian Science Fiction Foundation presented the third annual Chandler Award for outstanding achievement in Australian Science Fiction. This year the award went to George Turner.The convention suffered from standard problems with program items running late, people losing membership badges, the hotel staff being over-officious etc, but the worst aspect of the convention was the theft of money and a disk drive from the Gallifrey Table in the Huckster's Room. The Southern Cross Hotel assured the convention that the room was secure, but it wasn't, and someone broke in. Fandom rose to the occasion, ably assisted by Shane Morrissey who noted "Thanks to fandom for your generous donations towards the rescue of Gallifrey Inc. The hat whip around collected $549.25." [1]
- ^ The Australian Science Fiction Bullsheet #7, 8th April 1994.