Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposium

Science Fiction Convention
Name:	Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposium
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Location:	Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Organization:	the Emory science fiction organization, Psi Phi
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Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposium was an annual series of science fiction and Star Trek cons at Emory University in Georgia.

The "Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposium" and "Emory Trek"

Emory Trek and the annual "Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposium" and are closely entwined, and this can be hard to sort out.

"Emory Trek" evolved and became Dixie Trek.

In 2000, Randall Landers wrote:

... the Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposia were indeed conventions sponsored by Psi Phi, the Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Club. We used the phrase "symposia" only to receive funding from the University. We didn't charge students anything to attend, and non-students a modest $3 or $5, depending on the year.

Secondly, it was asserted that science fiction authors never charge to make an appearance, and I simply disputed that using my personal experience in dealing with them. Isaac Asimov wanted the highest speaking fee, and David Gerrold the least. And admittedly, some writers agreed to appear for their expenses only. However, the more popular or well known the author, the greater the fee demanded. I suspect that the same is true of Star Trek conventions. Shatner, Stewart, etc., are going to demand and rightfully receive more money than Security Guard #4 in "Obsession" who gets sucked dry by the space vampire cloud. :)

Third, once Emory tightened its purse strings in 1984, the Symposias had to be cancelled altogether because we couldn't get anything other than local guests to agree to appear for free.

1982

Second Annual Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposium

Emory University, White Hall, March 6th, 1982

"Visualizing Science Fiction and Fantasy"

movies, Star Trek episodes, Dungeons and Dragons tournament

Guest was Frank Kelly Freas

Admission was $3.

1983

Third Annual Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposium was held February 12 and 13, 1983 on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta.

The guests were Robert Bloch, David Gerrold, Michael Bishop, Gerald Page, and Hank Reinhardt.

See Third Annual Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposium Interview with Robert Bloch and David Gerrold.

A transcript of Bishop's speech: "Viewpoint: Light Years and Dark: Science Fiction Since 1960" was printed in Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine [v8 #4, No. 77, April 1984] ed. Shawna McCarthy.

1983: Con Report

The third annual Emory Science Fiction and Fantasy Symposium was held at Emory's White Hall on Feb. 11-13. The symposium, sponsored by the Emory science fiction organization, Psi Phi, consisted of lectures by leading science fiction authors, several films and slideshows, a Dungeons and Dragons tournament, and several panel discussions.

The featured guests were Robert Bloch, David Gerrold, Michael Bishop, Gerald Page, and Hank Reinhardt. Robert Bloch is a Hugo Award winning author of short stories, articles and books. His most famous works are Psycho and Psycho II. David Gerrold, another well-established science fiction novelist, participated in the symposium. Gerrold began his career by writing one of Star Trek's most popular episodes, "The Trouble With Tribbles." He has since written many other TV scripts, including episodes of Logan's Run, Land of the Lost, and Battle for the Planet of the Apes. He also served as story editor for Buck Rogers.

The films shown during the symposium were A Clockwork Orange, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, Metropolis, Outland, and Psycho.

The sideshows centered on Star Trek and included topics such as "A Review of the Enterprise Crew." "A Tour of the USS Enterprise," and "Mission and Men." The slideshows were provided by the Atlanta Star Trek Realist Association.

The panel discussions were "Is Spock's Return Viable?" by the Atlanta Star Trek Realist Association, and "Fandom in Atlanta," by the Atlanta Science Fiction Club.

The Emory Psi Phi organization was founded in 1980 by Emory students who wanted a science fiction club on campus which could organize events such as the symposium and bring science fiction programming to the Emory campus.

The Atlanta Star Trek Realist Association was formed several years ago to promote the ideals and philosophies which are embodied in Star Trek.

The Atlanta Science Fiction Club is the oldest and most active science fiction club in the

metro Atlanta area and is a melding of all of the varied enthusiasts of the genre of speculative fiction.