Norwescon (Unofficial) History

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Those of you who have program books from NorWesCon 1, 2 and 3 you will recognize much of this information and may if you wish move on to the next section.. In the oft' told story of the birthing of NorWesCon, it is noted that NorWesCon grew out the desire of the founders to host a worldcon. The cry of "Seattle In '81" was heard through out northwest fandom. A goal was established, but there was just one very major stumbling block. Most of these dreamers had very little experience in con running, so in a effort to remedy this deficiency put together NorWesCon ''to get some practice". Realizing the task was a large one they also started the Northwest Science Fiction Society, also known as NWSFS (thus sparking the great "NOOS-fuss" vs "Nizz-Fizz" debates), to help gather a group of people to draw volunteers from. Thus was born NorWesCon.

The first NorWesCon, held at the Holiday Inn, just down the street from this years convention, in what was then the unincorporated area known as Sea-Tac. It was a success, featuring Theodore Sturgeon and drawing just over 400 attendees. The next year NorWesCon moved to the Hyatt House, the site of the only Seattle Sponsored Worldcon. The Hyatt was the site of NorWesCons II through VII, when feeling the pressures of growth the convention moved to the Red Lion Inn, the site of this years NorWesCon. With growth came problems and after two years at the Red Lion, NorWesCon was forced to find new location on rather short notice. The convention moved back to the familiar confines of the Hyatt for a convention that was call Alternacon. The next year brought a big move to Tacoma where the Sheraton hosted NorWesCon for 5 years. 1993 brought the convention back to the Seattle area, well Bellevue actually and in 1994 back to the Red Lion at the airport now known as the DoubleTree Hotel, SeaTac.

NorWesCons list has grown over the years, starting with a list of three (A GoH, FGoH and a TM) we now include artists, Scientists, Volunteers and special guest. NorWesCon has always made an effort to invite guests that are deserving of being 'Honored' and has thus had a prestigious parade of guests. Honors are also bestowed on the winner of the Philip K. Dick award given to the author of the Best original novel appearing in paperback form without prior publication as a hardback. The first time the PK Dick award was presented at Norwescon was at NorWesCon 7 to William Gibson for Neuromancer.

More Badges Set 1 More Badges Set 2 More Badges Set 3

 The list of Conventions: