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 (#24)?

CopperCon 24's theme is that most fantastical of creatures, the Dragon. From our pre-registration special panel on the mythology of Dragons, to a wide variety of dragon themes in our Art Show, you'll find more than a few winged beasties to interract with at CopperCon 24.
  Our guests include Author Guest of Honor Allan Dean Foster, Artist Guest of Honor Todd Lockwood, Local Author Guest of Honor Catherine Wells, and Music Guest Larry Warner.  Other Thursday night events may happen if any of our other guests are available.  Our Charity Auction will be benefitting The Thomas J. Pappas Schools, providing quality education for children of the homeless.  Please check the rest of the CopperCon 24 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), 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 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 or special gaming tournaments.  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 24 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.