LoneStarCon 2, the 55th World Science Fiction Convention | |
---|---|
Genre | Science fiction |
Dates | 28 August–1 September 1997 |
Venue | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center |
Location(s) | San Antonio, Texas |
Country | United States |
Attendance | 4,634 |
Organized by | Austin Literary Arts Maintenance Organization, Inc. |
Filing status | 501(c)(3) non-profit |
Website | alamo-sf.org/lonestarcon2 |
The 55th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as LoneStarCon 2, also known as "The Second Occasional LoneStarCon Science Fiction Convention & Chili Cook-off", was held on 28 August–1 September 1997 at the Marriott Rivercenter, Marriott Riverwalk, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, United States.[1][2] The first LoneStarCon, held in Austin, Texas, had been the North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC) in 1985, when the 43rd Worldcon was held in Australia.[3]
The supporting organization was the Austin Literary Arts Maintenance Organization (ALAMO). The chairman was Karen Meschke.
Attendance was 4,634, out of 5,614 paid memberships.
The World Science Fiction Society administers and presents the Hugo Awards,[7] the oldest and most noteworthy award for science fiction. Selection of the recipients is by vote of the Worldcon members. Categories include novels and short fiction, artwork, dramatic presentations, and various professional and fandom activities.[7][8]
Other awards may be presented at Worldcon at the discretion of the individual convention committee. This has often included the national SF awards of the host country, such as the Japanese Seiun Awards as part of Nippon 2007,[9] and the Prix Aurora Awards as part of Anticipation in 2009. The Astounding Award for Best New Writer and the Sidewise Award, though not sponsored by the Worldcon, are usually presented, as well as the Chesley Awards, the Prometheus Award, and others.[9][10][11]
A galaxy of the brightest stars in the science-fiction universe will coalesce over San Antonio Thursday when the 55th World Science Fiction Convention kicks off the Labor Day weekend at the Convention Center.