About Worldcons and Chicon 8
What is a Worldcon?
Worldcon, orr the World Science Fiction Convention, is the annual gathering of science fiction and fantasy fans, writers, artists, musicians and other creators from across the globe. First held in New York City in 1939, Worldcon moves around the globe, held in a different city and organized by a different volunteer organization each year.
Worldcon originally focused on and still has a strong emphasis on science fiction and fantasy literature, but has grown to include genre television, movies, animation, games and other popular media as well. It has truly become the world’s fair of science fiction and fantasy fandom. No other event brings together fans and creators, regardless of genre or medium, under one big tent with the face-to-face intimacy of Worldcon.
Who is your convention chair?
The Chair is Helen Montgomery
Helen has worked on multiple Worldcons in various roles, including Vice Chair (2012), Chair’s Advisor (2011), Division Head (2008, 2014, 2019), and Convention Center Liaison (2013). She has been the Chair’s Advisor for two NASFiCs (2014, 2017). She has also worked on her home convention, Capricon, since 2000 in a variety of roles, including Chair (2009, 2010), Board member, and Board President.
If you aren’t sponsored by a local fan group, who is on your board of directors?
The Corporate Board of Directors are: Helen Montgomery, Dave McCarty, Sandra Levy, Barbara vanTilburg, Gary Agin, Bill Thomasson, and Siobhan Murphy.
- President of the Board: Dave McCarty
- Board Secretary: Jason Spitzer
- Treasurer: Shirley McKinzey
Have you planned for a virtual component to your convention?
We are planning to run Virtual Chicon 8 in conjunction with Chicon 8. We are still working out the details and are posting updates and information as we have it.
What changes or challenges do you expect the current pandemic to present?
We do not yet have a good idea of the state of the world in 2022. The challenge that presents is that we have to remain flexible in our planning to make sure that we are protecting the health and safety of our members as required by the state of the world we are faced with then. We have developed a COVID Policy for Chicon 8.
Weather
What type of weather can we expect during your convention? What is the average temperature during that time of year?
Average temperatures are generally between 63°-82°F / 17°-28°C. It might rain occasionally but it’s usually pretty nice over Labor Day weekend.
Local Fan Culture
What is a notable aspect of your local fan culture and how do you plan to incorporate it into your Worldcon?
Chicago has a huge fannish culture. In addition to the two large literary-based conventions (Capricon and Windycon), there are two large comic-cons, Midwest Furfest, Anime Central, many smaller, niche conventions, and several online groups to promote fannish activity (one of the longer running ones, Chicago Nerd Social Club, has nearly 5000 members).
Our hope is to incorporate aspects from all of Chicago’s fannish areas. Additionally, we look forward to incorporating traditions and ideas from other Midwest fannish groups.
Also, the party scene at Chicago conventions is amazing. That will definitely be a thing at a Chicago Worldcon.
Memberships
I’m not getting email updates from the convention, how can I start? I already purchased a membership.
If you haven’t done so already, check any spam, Promotions (for Gmail), or special filter folders in case the Chicon 8 emails are being auto-placed there. If you don’t find any Chicon 8 emails in those filters/folders confirm what email you purchased your membership with. If you continue to not receive emails please reach out to registration for assistance.
I purchased multiple memberships for different people but no one else is receiving email updates?
Please contact registration to have the memberships transferred to the other recipients and ensure their individual email addresses are associated with their membership.
Will single-day memberships be available for the convention? Can I purchase them ahead of time?
Single-day memberships to the convention will be available for purchase at the convention, however they won’t be available prior to the convention. Additional information, including rates for single-day memberships can also be found on the the membership page.
I can’t attend the convention and want to sell my membership. Is there an official Chicon 8 forum where I can do this?
We’re sorry to hear you will not be able to join us for Chicon 8. The convention now has a Facebook group where you can offer your membership for sale.
Hotel
How long can I book a hotel room at the convention rate?
Reservations for Chicon 8 are now closed. We look forward to seeing you at the convention.
Does the hotel rate include parking?
The hotel rate does not include parking. See the Parking section of this FAQ or the parking page for additional information.
Can I bring my pets? Service animals? Emotional support animals?
The Hyatt only allows Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals in the hotel rooms. Within the convention spaces, only Service Animals will be allowed.
You can check out BringFido for nearby lodging options that are pet friendly.
Parking
I’m driving to the convention but not staying at the convention hotel, where can I park?
We recommend that you use an app like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, or Spotangel closer to the convention in order to figure out a place to park nearby and cost. Parking rates fluctuate a lot in this area of Chicago. More information can also be found on the parking page.
I plan to park at the hotel for the day, but I’m not a hotel guest. Is there a reduced parking rate for convention attendees and how do I get it?
Convention attendees receive 50% off hotel parking rates. This rate is available via a daily voucher/validation. Please note, this daily parking rate does not include in/out privileges. For additional information, please visit the Parking page of our website.
COVID Safety and Policy
I disagree with convention requirements for attendance like masking and vaccination status, what can I do with my membership if I no longer want to attend?
We’re sorry to hear you will not be able to join us for Chicon 8. If you need additional information regarding our COVID safety policy please visit our COVID-19 policy. Otherwise, there are your options regarding membership:
- Use your attending membership to attend Virtual Chicon 8.
- Donate your membership to the Chicago Worldcon Community Fund.
- Sell your membership. The convention now has a Facebook group where you can offer your membership for sale.
Site Selection
How do I vote in Site Selection if I am not attending the convention?
This year, voting will be available in person, by mail-in ballot, hand-carried paper ballot, and by electronic vote through ElectionBuddy. More information can be found on the Site Selection page.
Childcare
I’m bringing children, will there be childcare available at the convention?
Professional childcare will be available for a subsidized fee at the convention. More information is available on the Family and Children page.
Guests
What does a Toastmaster do at the convention?
In general a Toastmaster hosts the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as other events such as the Hugo Awards ceremony. This may differ by Worldcon.
Program
Is there still availability to join as a Programming participant? Is the convention in need of more guests/panelists?
Our Program team is in the final stages of putting together the schedule and are unable to accept any more applications for participants.
When will the Program schedule be available?
The Program Schedule has been published.
Hugo Awards
When and where can I find Hugo nomination data?
While we list the Hugo finalists on the website now, all data related to the Hugo Awards is released after the actual Awards Ceremony, which will begin on September 4 at 8:00 P.M. CT and will appear on the Hugo Award page.
Who can attend the Hugo Awards? Do I need a separate ticket?
Every member of the convention is welcome to attend the Hugo Awards. No additional ticket required, just your convention badge!
How can I make a suggestion for someone to include on the In Memoriam list?
First, please check the current listing of names to see if the person you want to recommend is already listed. If their name is not on the list and they died after October 14, 2021, please complete the In Memoriam submission form. Submissions will be considered through August 14, 2022. The In Memoriam list will appear in the souvenir book and will run during the Hugo Award Ceremony.
World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) Business Meeting
Will the Business Meeting be live streamed?
No. Due to logistical constraints, the WSFS Business Meeting will not be live-streamed. We will make the recordings of the sessions available through the Worldcon Events YouTube channel as quickly as possible and often attendees live tweet or otherwise electronically share information about the debate during the session. You are more than welcome to engage with and respond to those.
Miscellaneous
Will there be a restaurant/dining guide?
Yes! Both the Chicon 8 Dining Guide and Useful Places Guide are now available. The PDFs contain links to Google map locations and websites for various establishments. A QR code at the bottom links to a custom Google map with all listed establishments. You can also find the Google map of the area.
Will there be auctions for the various Fan Funds during the convention?
Yes! Any auction will likely be on Saturday evening, but there are plans for a “yard sale” throughout the weekend in the Fan Lounge, which will be in the Exhibit Hall.
(Updated August 6, 2022)