CopperCon is the Annual Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention sponsored by the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society (CASFS), non-profit organization.  CopperCon has an emphasis on SF/F literature but also encompasses Art, Media (Movies, TV, Anime), Costuming, Filking, Gaming and other fannish activiities.  It is traditionally held the weekend after Labor Day (the traditional weekend for the World Science Fiction Convention).  It runs from early afternoon Friday to late afternoon Sunday.  Thursday night events are sometimes held for pre-registered members if one or more of the convention guests are available.  Information about prior CopperCons can be found at the CopperCons Past page. 

How about some details on this year's CopperCon (#23)?

CopperCon 23 has a Epic Fantasy and Science Fiction theme this year, so expect some Middle-Earth aspects to the convention and maybe a few aspects of the Uncharted Territories as well..  Our guests include Author Guest of Honor Connie Willis, Artist Guest of Honor David Mattingly, Special Media Guests Lani Tupu and David Franklin, and Music Guest Larry Warner.  A special event is planned for Thursday night with our Media Guests for pre-registered members.  Other Thursday night events may happen if any of our other guests are available.  Our Charity Auction will be benefitting Reading is FUNdamental and ACTOR (A Committment to Our Roots) in memory of Dave Brown.  Please check the rest of the CopperCon 23 website for lots more details about the rest of the convention. 

What is there to do at CopperCon?

The primary activity at CopperCon (and most science fiction conventions) is panel programming.   Throughout each day of the convention there are a series of tracks of programming where you can go and listen to (or even participate in) the discussion of particular subjects.   Examples of the types of panel programming that will be available at this CopperCon can be viewed on the Panels page.   Other tracks of programming during the involve an anime room (showing anime all day long), a video room, and a gaming room.   Also at CopperCon is a dealer's room with all types of science fiction related merchandise and an art show with a large variety of science fiction artistic expression (both professional and fannish) available for purchase.   In the evening, in addition to more panels there is a masquerade of science fiction costuming, dances, parties and other types of events.   This is just a small peek at all the things happening at any CopperCon.   To get a larger picture, visit the links listed on the left side of any of these webpages.

What is the Autograph Policy for the Media Guests?

Our special media guests, Lani Tupu and David Franklin, will have tables in the dealer's room and will generally be available during regular dealer's room hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  During the special event on Thursday, no autographs will be done.  In order to have these guests at CopperCon 23 and not bust our budget, we will have the following autograph policy in effect for them at the convention. 

Autographs are available for every attendee! No special seating!! Each guest will have autograph pictures to choose from or bring your own item to have them sign. There is an autograph fee for pictures and autographs. 

$20 – Guest will autograph a picture available at the autograph table. Pictures are available to be signed when you pay for an autograph! 

$20 – Have your photo taken with a guest actor 

$20 – Guest will sign an item that you bring (action figure, photo, magazine, etc.) 

Please respect the autograph and photograph rules – Sorry but the guests need to pay their bills too!! 

Do not ask guest stars for pictures when they are not at the autograph table – photo opportunities with guests are available while they are at the signing tables. The cost is $20. 

There will be no video taping of the stars. 

Do not take pictures of guest stars when they are at the bar or when they are eating. Everyone needs privacy. 

You may take pictures of guests while they are at the autograph table signing or during their presentations. If they are hanging out in the lobby or just relaxing, keep photographs of the guests to a minimum and do not ask for free pictures with them. They will say no! 

What is a Convention Membership?

You are buying a membership in the convention, which entitles you to to attend all the activities and events scheduled during the convention.  You receive a badge that you need to wear at all times when you are in the convention areas.  You should also receive a program book and a pocket program which lists the events and activities happening at the convention.  There may be additional fees for special workshops, special gaming tournaments, or autographs from media guests.  The convention is scheduled to provide a full experience over the entire weekend, which is why a full membership is emphasized and encouraged. Not all participants are appearing every day, so double check the schedule if you can only attend one day.  Memberships are pro-rated as the weekend goes on and daily memberships are also available.

Where Do I Go When I First Get to CopperCon?

The first place any attendee needs to go is to Registration. The Registration desk for CopperCon 23 is located in the hotel's main lobby next to the hotel registration desk.  If you have pre-registered, your badge should be ready for you to pick up.  If you do not yet have a membership, you need to fill out a registration form and pay for your membership and get your badge created.  Once you have your badge, you are ready to enjoy the convention.