I’ll be one of dozens – perhaps hundreds! – of speakers at sci-fi convention CONvergence in Bloomington, Minnesota July 2-5. CONvergence is a huge convention – attendance numbers over six thousand people – and is the larger of two conventions that formed a number of years ago after a split among the staff of Minnicon. The other convention, still called Minnicon and held every year over Easter weekend, is a slightly smaller event — attendance tends to run around a thousand folks, lately.

I’ve attended Minnicons before — before the 1999 split, I should say — and always had a great time. I’m looking forward to getting back to the Twin Cities after something like two decades away, and reconnecting with friends and acquaintances.

The guest list for CONvergence is extensive. Check out this LINK for short bios of the primary guests.

My panel schedule at Convergence will be as follows:

Friday 11 AM: Getting Into Tabletop Gaming w/ panelists Brian Casey, Ian Price, Beth Kinderman, and Michael Carus

Sunday 9:30 AM: Becoming A Game Designer w/ panelists Shanti Pothapragada, Carrie Patel, Ian Price, and Jerry Belich

Sunday 2 PM: Rise of Tabletop Gaming w/panelists Rachel Kronick, Kyle Dekker, Brian Casey, Peter Lane

Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Check listings and information boards at the convention for details of any such changes.

CONvergence has TONS of things to do, including a large dealer’s room, an extensive art show, a charity auction, film and anime rooms, gaming, a book swap, a vast array of panels, workshops and seminars on everything from writing to gaming to cosplay, and numerous panels about your favorite sci-fi/fantasy books, TV programs and films. It’s a fantastic way to spend a weekend — but don’t forget your wallet!

For more information on CONvergence, click on this LINK. If you’re interested in attending, expect to NOT stay at the convention hotel itself, which has been sold out for that weekend some months in advance. Many area hotels do have shuttles to and from the main convention hotel, so hopefully there will be a minimal amount of inconvenience.

I look forward to seeing you there!