ArmadilloCon
Encyclopedia
ArmadilloCon is a science fiction convention
held annually in Austin, Texas
, USA, since 1979. As the second longest running science fiction convention in Texas, it is sponsored by the Fandom Association of Central Texas and is known for its emphasis on literary science fiction. ArmadilloCon was traditionally held in mid-October during the weekend of the Texas-OU football game, but moved to a late-summer/early-fall weekend in 1998. The 33rd annual convention was held in the Renaissance Hotel Austin from August 26-28, 2011. Organizers have announced plans to hold ArmadilloCon 34 in July 2012 and hold the 2013 event as a "relaxicon" due to the 71st World Science Fiction Convention
to be held in San Antonio that year.
, and Rhonda Eudaly. The convention also often ends with a story reading by Howard Waldrop
.
Science fiction convention
Science fiction conventions are gatherings of fans of various forms of speculative fiction including science fiction and fantasy. Historically, science fiction conventions had focused primarily on literature, but the purview of many extends to such other avenues of expression as movies and...
held annually in Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
, USA, since 1979. As the second longest running science fiction convention in Texas, it is sponsored by the Fandom Association of Central Texas and is known for its emphasis on literary science fiction. ArmadilloCon was traditionally held in mid-October during the weekend of the Texas-OU football game, but moved to a late-summer/early-fall weekend in 1998. The 33rd annual convention was held in the Renaissance Hotel Austin from August 26-28, 2011. Organizers have announced plans to hold ArmadilloCon 34 in July 2012 and hold the 2013 event as a "relaxicon" due to the 71st World Science Fiction Convention
71st World Science Fiction Convention
The 71st World Science Fiction Convention , also known as LoneStarCon 3, will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on August 29-September 2, 2013, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and Marriott Rivercenter. The convention committee is co-chaired by Laura Domitz and Bill Parker. The convention...
to be held in San Antonio that year.
Traditions of ArmadilloCon
ArmadilloCon generally focuses on literary science-fiction, with guests of honor typically being up-and-coming writers. Unique programming includes a "Fannish Feud" which has been held regularly since ArmadilloCon 4 in 1982, frequently hosted by Pat Cadigan, Walter Jon WilliamsWalter Jon Williams
Walter Jon Williams is an American writer, primarily of science fiction.Several of Williams' novels have a distinct cyberpunk feel to them, notably Hardwired , Voice of the Whirlwind and Angel Stationn...
, and Rhonda Eudaly. The convention also often ends with a story reading by Howard Waldrop
Howard Waldrop
Howard Waldrop is a science fiction author who works primarily in short fiction.Waldrop's stories combine elements such as alternate history, American popular culture, the American South, old movies , classical mythology, and rock 'n' roll music. His style is sometimes obscure or elliptical...
.
Past conventions
- ArmadilloCon 1 (Spring 1979)
- Chair: Willie Siros
- Guest of Honor: John VarleyJohn Varley (author)John Herbert Varley is an American science fiction author.-Biography:Varley grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, moved to Port Arthur in 1957, and graduated from Nederland High School. He went to Michigan State University on a National Merit Scholarship because, of the schools that he could afford, it...
- Fan Guest: Jeanne Gomoll
- Toastmaster: Howard WaldropHoward WaldropHoward Waldrop is a science fiction author who works primarily in short fiction.Waldrop's stories combine elements such as alternate history, American popular culture, the American South, old movies , classical mythology, and rock 'n' roll music. His style is sometimes obscure or elliptical...
- Location: Villa Capri
- ArmadilloCon 2 (1980)
- Chair: Willie Siros
- Guest of Honor: Gardner DozoisGardner DozoisGardner Raymond Dozois is an American science fiction author and editor. He was editor of Asimov's Science Fiction magazine from 1984 to 2004...
- Fan Guest: Harry O. Morris
- Toastmaster: Chad OliverChad OliverSymmes Chadwick Oliver was an American science fiction and Western writer and chair of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin...
- ArmadilloCon 3 (1981)
- Chair: Willie Siros
- Guest of Honor: Chad OliverChad OliverSymmes Chadwick Oliver was an American science fiction and Western writer and chair of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin...
- Fan Guest: Bob Wayne
- Toastmaster: Ed Bryant
- Location: Ramada Riverside
- ArmadilloCon 4 (1982)
- Chair: Ed Scarbrough
- Guests of Honor: George Alec EffingerGeorge Alec EffingerGeorge Alec Effinger was an American science fiction author, born in 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio.-Writing career:...
and George R. R. MartinGeorge R. R. MartinGeorge Raymond Richard Martin , sometimes referred to as GRRM, is an American author and screenwriter of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He is best known for A Song of Ice and Fire, his bestselling series of epic fantasy novels that HBO adapted for their dramatic pay-cable series Game of... - Fan Guest: Joe Pumilia
- Toastmaster: Ed Bryant
- ArmadilloCon 5 (October 7-5, 1983)
- Chair: Ed Scarborough
- Guest of Honor: Howard WaldropHoward WaldropHoward Waldrop is a science fiction author who works primarily in short fiction.Waldrop's stories combine elements such as alternate history, American popular culture, the American South, old movies , classical mythology, and rock 'n' roll music. His style is sometimes obscure or elliptical...
- Fan Guest: Becky Matthews
- Toastmaster: Neal Barrett, Jr.Neal Barrett, Jr.Neal Barrett, Jr. is a writer of fantasy, science fiction, mystery/suspense, and historical fiction. His story "Ginny Sweethips' Flying Circus" was nominated for both the 1988 Nebula Award for Best Novelette and the 1989 Hugo Award for Best Novelette...
- Location: Villa Capri Motor Hotel
- ArmadilloCon 6 (1984)
- Chair: Ed Scarborough
- Guest of Honor: John SladekJohn SladekJohn Thomas Sladek was an American science fiction author, known for his satirical and surreal novels.- Life and work :...
- Fan Guests: James A. Corrick and Gay Miller Corrick
- Toastmaster: Joe R. LansdaleJoe R. LansdaleJoe R. Lansdale is an American author and martial-arts expert. He has written novels and stories in many genres, including Western, horror, science fiction, mystery, and suspense...
- Special Guest: Ellen DatlowEllen DatlowEllen Datlow is an American science fiction, fantasy, and horror editor and anthologist.-Biography:Datlow was the fiction editor of Omni magazine and Omni Online from 1981 through 1998, and edited the ten associated Omni anthologies...
- ArmadilloCon 7 (1985)
- Relaxacon after the third occasional North American Science Fiction ConventionNorth American Science Fiction ConventionNASFiC, a.k.a. the North American Science Fiction Convention, is a science fiction convention scheduled only during years where the Worldcon is being held outside of the North American continent. NASFiC bids voted on by the Worldcon membership the year after a non-North American Worldcon site has...
, dubbed "LoneStarCon 1LoneStarCon 1LoneStarCon 1 was the 3rd North American Science Fiction Convention, held in Austin, Texas, on August 30-September 2, 1985, at the Hyatt Regency Austin, Sheraton Crest, and Palmer Auditorium. LoneStarCon 1 was also known as "The First Occasional Lone Star Science Fiction Convention & Chili...
", was held in Austin.
- Relaxacon after the third occasional North American Science Fiction Convention
- ArmadilloCon 8 (1986)
- Chair: Robert Taylor
- Guest of Honor: William GibsonWilliam GibsonWilliam Gibson is an American-Canadian science fiction author.William Gibson may also refer to:-Association football:*Will Gibson , Scottish footballer...
- Editor Guest: Ellen DatlowEllen DatlowEllen Datlow is an American science fiction, fantasy, and horror editor and anthologist.-Biography:Datlow was the fiction editor of Omni magazine and Omni Online from 1981 through 1998, and edited the ten associated Omni anthologies...
- Fan Guest: Debbie Notkin
- Toastmaster: Lewis ShinerLewis ShinerLewis Shiner is an American writer.Shiner began his career as a science fiction writer, identified early on with cyberpunk, and later wrote more mainstream novels, albeit often with magical realism and fantasy elements...
- ArmadilloCon 9 (1987)
- Chair: Fred Duarte, Jr.
- Guest of Honor: Bruce SterlingBruce SterlingMichael Bruce Sterling is an American science fiction author, best known for his novels and his work on the Mirrorshades anthology, which helped define the cyberpunk genre.-Writings:...
- Artist Guest: J. R. Daniels
- Editor Guest: Beth MeachamBeth MeachamBeth Meacham is an American writer and editor, best known as a longtime top editor with Tor Books.-Life, education and family:Meacham was born November 14, 1951 in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. She studied Communications in Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where she met her husband, Tappan...
- Fan Guest: Mark Olson
- Toastmaster: Pat Cadigan
- ArmadilloCon 10 (October 1988)
- Chairs: Fred Duarte, Jr. and Karen Meschke
- Guest of Honor: K. W. JeterK. W. JeterKevin Wayne Jeter is an American science fiction and horror author known for his literary writing style, dark themes, and paranoid, unsympathetic characters...
- Artist Guest: Brad W. FosterBrad W. FosterBrad W. Foster is an American illustrator, cartoonist, writer and publisher. He is a fixture at the Hugo Awards, where he holds the record for most awards for "Best Fan Artist." As of 2011, since 1984 he has been nominated 23 times, and won 8...
- Editor Guest: Ginjer BuchananGinjer BuchananGinjer Buchanan is a science fiction editor and writer. Her published work includes three short stories in the anthologies Alternate Kennedys, Whatdunnits II, and By Any Other Fame; and also the novel White Silence , a Highlander tie-in...
- Fan Guests: Jane Dennis and Scott Dennis
- Toastmaster: Lewis ShinerLewis ShinerLewis Shiner is an American writer.Shiner began his career as a science fiction writer, identified early on with cyberpunk, and later wrote more mainstream novels, albeit often with magical realism and fantasy elements...
- Location: Wyndham Southpark
- ArmadilloCon 11 (1989)
- Chair: Karen Meschke
- Guest of Honor: Lewis ShinerLewis ShinerLewis Shiner is an American writer.Shiner began his career as a science fiction writer, identified early on with cyberpunk, and later wrote more mainstream novels, albeit often with magical realism and fantasy elements...
- Artist Guest: Don Ivan PunchatzDon Ivan PunchatzDon Ivan Punchatz was a science fiction and fantasy artist who drew illustrations for numerous publications, including magazines such as Heavy Metal, National Geographic, Playboy, and Time....
- Editor Guest: Pat LoBruttoPat LoBruttoPatrick LoBrutto is an editor, author, anthologist and a past recipient of the World Fantasy Award for editing in 1986. He has worked for Ace Books, Bantam Books, Doubleday, M. Evans, Stealth Press and Kensington among other publishing houses...
- Fan Guest: Mike GlyerMike GlyerMike Glyer is both the editor and publisher of the long-running science fiction fan newszine File 770. He holds the record for being nominated the most times for the Hugo Award; he has won 9 times in two categories: File 770 won the Best Fanzine Hugo in 1984, 1985, 1989, 2000, 2001 and 2008, and...
- Toastmaster: Connie WillisConnie WillisConstance Elaine Trimmer Willis is an American science fiction writer. She has won eleven Hugo Awards and seven Nebula Awards. Willis most recently won a Hugo Award for Blackout/All Clear...
- Special Guests: William GibsonWilliam GibsonWilliam Gibson is an American-Canadian science fiction author.William Gibson may also refer to:-Association football:*Will Gibson , Scottish footballer...
and Tom MaddoxTom MaddoxTom Maddox is an American science fiction writer, known for his part in the early cyberpunk movement.His first novel was Halo , published in 1991 by Tor Books. His story Snake Eyes appeared in the 1986 collection Mirrorshades, edited by Bruce Sterling.He is perhaps best known as a friend and...
(sponsored by MCC) - Location: Wyndham Southpark
- ArmadilloCon 12 (October 12–14, 1990)
- Chair: Ed Graham
- Guest of Honor: Pat Cadigan
- Artist Guest: Jean Elizabeth Martin
- Editor Guest: Susan AllisonSusan AllisonSusan Allison is an editor-in-chief and vice president at the Ace Books imprint, which is part of the Penguin Group publishing company. She became editor-in-chief in 1982, and was made a vice-president in 1985.-References:...
- Fan Guest: Debbie Hodgkinson
- Toastmaster: Melinda M. SnodgrassMelinda M. SnodgrassMelinda M. Snodgrass is a professional writer best known for her work in science fiction for print and television media....
- Special Guests: Vernor VingeVernor VingeVernor Steffen Vinge is a retired San Diego State University Professor of Mathematics, computer scientist, and science fiction author. He is best known for his Hugo Award-winning novels and novellas A Fire Upon the Deep , A Deepness in the Sky , Rainbows End , Fast Times at Fairmont High ...
and Marc StieglerMarc StieglerMarc Stiegler is a science fiction author and software developer. He co-authored Valentina: Soul in Sapphire with Joseph H. Delaney. This is one of the earliest examples of sentient computer software in fiction — as opposed to mainframe AI's such as HAL and Colossus...
(sponsored by MCC) - Location: Wyndham Southpark
- ArmadilloCon 13 (1991)
- Chair: Casey Hamilton
- Guest of Honor: Dan SimmonsDan SimmonsDan Simmons is an American author most widely known for his Hugo Award-winning science fiction series, known as the Hyperion Cantos, and for his Locus-winning Ilium/Olympos cycle....
- Artist Guest: Dell Harris
- Editor Guest: Amy Stout
- Fan Guest: Pat Mueller
- Toastmistress: Emma BullEmma BullEmma Bull is a science fiction and fantasy author whose best-known novel is War for the Oaks, one of the pioneering works of urban fantasy. She has participated in Terri Windling's Borderland shared universe, which is the setting of her 1994 novel Finder...
- Location: Wyndham Southpark
- ArmadilloCon 14 (October 9–11, 1992)
- Chairs: Lori Wolf and Fred Duarte, Jr.
- Guest of Honor: Neal Barrett, Jr.Neal Barrett, Jr.Neal Barrett, Jr. is a writer of fantasy, science fiction, mystery/suspense, and historical fiction. His story "Ginny Sweethips' Flying Circus" was nominated for both the 1988 Nebula Award for Best Novelette and the 1989 Hugo Award for Best Novelette...
- Artist Guest: Darrell K. SweetDarrell K. SweetDarrell K. Sweet is a professional illustrator best known for providing cover art for science fiction and fantasy novels, in which capacity he was nominated for Hugo award in 1983. He also produces art for trading cards and calendars. He is famous for providing the covers of the fantasy epic saga...
- Editor Guest: Gardner DozoisGardner DozoisGardner Raymond Dozois is an American science fiction author and editor. He was editor of Asimov's Science Fiction magazine from 1984 to 2004...
- Fan Guest: Al Jackson
- Toastmaster: Kim Stanley RobinsonKim Stanley RobinsonKim Stanley Robinson is an American science fiction writer known for his award-winning Mars trilogy. His work delves into ecological and sociological themes regularly, and many of his novels appear to be the direct result of his own scientific fascinations, such as the fifteen years of research...
- Location: Wyndham Southpark
- ArmadilloCon 15 (November 5–7, 1993)
- Chairs: Willie Siros and Lori Wolf
- Guest of Honor: Gwyneth Jones (novelist)Gwyneth Jones (novelist)Gwyneth Jones is an English science fiction and fantasy writer and critic, and a young adult/children's writer under the name Ann Halam.-Biography and writing career:...
- Artist Guest: Harry O. Morris
- Editor Guest: John Douglas
- Toastmaster: Michael Bishop (author)Michael Bishop (author)Michael Lawson Bishop is an award-winning American writer. Over four decades and thirty books, he has created a body of work that stands among the most admired in modern science fiction and fantasy literature....
- Location: Red Lion
- ArmadilloCon 16 (October 7–9, 1994)
- Chairs: Ed Graham and Casey Hamilton
- Guest of Honor: Elizabeth MoonElizabeth MoonElizabeth Moon is an American science fiction and fantasy author. Her novel The Speed of Dark won the 2003 Nebula Award.-Biography:...
- Artist Guest: David A. CherryDavid A. CherryDavid A. Cherry is an American artist, primarily in the science fiction and fantasy genres. He has been nominated eleven times for Hugo Awards, and 18 times for Chesley Awards , and he is a past president of the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists.Cherry is the brother of the...
- Editor Guest: Gordon Van GelderGordon Van GelderGordon Van Gelder is a Hugo Award-winning American science fiction editor. As of 2008, Van Gelder is both editor and publisher of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, for which he has twice won the Hugo Award for Best Editor Short Form...
- Fan Guest: Gregory BenfordGregory BenfordGregory Benford is an American science fiction author and astrophysicist who is on the faculty of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine...
- Toastmaster: Bradley DentonBradley DentonBradley Clayton Denton is an American science fiction author. He has also written other types of fiction, such as the black comedy of his novel Blackburn, about a sympathetic serial killer....
- Special Guest: Guy Gavriel KayGuy Gavriel KayGuy Gavriel Kay is a Canadian author of fantasy fiction. Many of his novels are set in fictional realms that resemble real places during real historical periods, such as Constantinople during the reign of Justinian I or Spain during the time of El Cid...
- Location: Red Lion
- ArmadilloCon 17 (October 6–8, 1995)
- Chairs: Fred Duarte, Jr. and Dan Tolliver
- Guest of Honor: Alexander JablokovAlexander JablokovAlexander Jablokov is an American writer and novelist. He worked for years as a communications engineer in Boston before becoming a full time writer in 1988; however, he now has a day job as a marketing executive.-Novels:...
- Artist Guest: Vincent Di FateVincent Di FateVincent Di Fate is an American artist specializing in science fiction and fantasy illustration.Di Fate studied at the Phoenix School of Design in New York City and received his MA in Illustration at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.He is the winner for the Hugo Award for Best Professional...
- Editor Guest: John Silbersack
- Fan Guests: Dick SmithDick Smith (software)Dick Smith is a Chicago, Illinois-based software engineer, computer consultant and a science fiction fanzine publisher.-Science fiction fandom:...
and Leah Zeldes Smith - Toastmaster: Terry BissonTerry BissonTerry Ballantine Bisson is an American science fiction and fantasy author best known for his short stories...
- Location: Red Lion
- ArmadilloCon 18 (October 11–13, 1996)
- Chair: Dan Tolliver
- Guest of Honor: Jonathan LethemJonathan LethemJonathan Allen Lethem is an American novelist, essayist and short story writer. His first novel, Gun, with Occasional Music, a genre work that mixed elements of science fiction and detective fiction, was published in 1994. It was followed by three more science fiction novels...
- Artist Guest: Bob EggletonBob EggletonBob Eggleton is a science fiction, fantasy, and horror artist. Eggleton has been honored with the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist eight times, first winning in 1994. He also won the Hugo Award for Best Related Book in 2001 for his art book "Greetings From Earth"...
- Editor Guest: Patrick Nielsen HaydenPatrick Nielsen HaydenPatrick James Nielsen Hayden , is an American science fiction editor, fan, fanzine publisher, essayist, reviewer, anthologist, teacher and blogger. He is a World Fantasy Award and Hugo Award winner , and is an editor and the Manager of Science Fiction at Tor Books...
- Fan Guests: Spike Parsons and Tom Becker
- Toastmaster: Mike ResnickMike ResnickMichael Diamond Resnick , better known by his published name Mike Resnick, is an American science fiction author. He was executive editor of Jim Baen's Universe.-Biography:...
- Location: Red Lion
- ArmadilloCon 19 (1997)
- Chair: John Gibbons
- Guest of Honor: Mary RosenblumMary RosenblumMary Rosenblum is a science fiction and mystery author. Mary Rosenblum grew up in Allison Park, "a dead little coal mining town outside Pittsburgh PA," and attended Reed College in Oregon, earning a biology degree. She attended the Clarion West workshop in 1988.Her first story came out in 1990...
- Location: Hunt, TexasHunt, TexasHunt is an unincorporated town in western Kerr County, Texas. It is located in the heart of the Texas hill country . The settlement was originally named Japonica; it was later changed to Hunt when Alva Joy purchased land in the area from Bob Hunt and established a US Post Office on the site...
- ArmadilloCon 20 (August 28–30, 1998)
- Chairs: A. T. Campbell, III and Lori Wolf
- Guest of Honor: Bradley DentonBradley DentonBradley Clayton Denton is an American science fiction author. He has also written other types of fiction, such as the black comedy of his novel Blackburn, about a sympathetic serial killer....
- Artist Guest: Mitchell Bentley
- Editor Guest: David G. HartwellDavid G. HartwellDavid Geddes Hartwell is an American editor of science fiction and fantasy. He has worked for Signet , Berkley Putnam , Pocket , and Tor Books David Geddes Hartwell (b. July 10, 1941) is an American editor of science fiction and fantasy. He has worked for Signet (1971–1973), Berkley Putnam...
- Fan Guest: Peggy Ranson
- Toastmaster: Steven GouldSteven GouldSteven Charles Gould is an American science fiction author and teacher. He has written eight novels and is best known for his 1992 novel Jumper, which was made into a film and released in 2008. He is married to science fiction writer Laura J...
- Special Guest: Peter F. HamiltonPeter F. HamiltonPeter F. Hamilton is a British author. He is best known for writing space opera. As of the publication of his tenth novel in 2004, his works had sold over two million copies worldwide.- Biography :...
(sponsored by ALAMO) - Location: Omni Southpark
- ArmadilloCon 21 (September 10–12, 1999)
- Chairs: Mona Gamboa and John Gibbons
- Guest of Honor: Sean StewartSean StewartSean Stewart is a U.S.-Canadian science fiction and fantasy author.Born in Lubbock, Texas, Sean Stewart moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1968...
- Artist Guest: Wayne BarloweWayne BarloweWayne Douglas Barlowe is an American science fiction and fantasy painter. He has paintedover 300 book and magazine covers and illustrations for many major book publishers, as well as Life magazine, Time, and Newsweek...
- Editor Guest: Shawna McCarthyShawna McCarthyShawna Lee McCarthy is an American science fiction and fantasy editor and literary agent. She is married to science fiction artist Wayne Douglas Barlowe....
- Fan Guest: Harry Stubbs
- Toastmaster: William Browning SpencerWilliam Browning SpencerWilliam Browning Spencer is an award-winning American novelist and short story writer living in Austin, Texas. His science fiction and horror stories are often darkly and surreally humorous. His novel Resume With Monsters conflates soul-destroying H. P...
- Special Guest: Neil GaimanNeil GaimanNeil Richard Gaiman born 10 November 1960)is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book...
(sponsored by ALAMO) - Location: Omni Southpark
- ArmadilloCon 22 (August 18–20, 2000)
- Chairs: John Gibbons and Dan Tolliver
- Guest of Honor: Catherine AsaroCatherine AsaroCatherine Asaro is an American science fiction and fantasy author. She is best known for her books about the Ruby Dynasty, called the Saga of the Skolian Empire.- Biography :...
- Artist Guest: Adam "Mojo" Lebowitz
- Editor Guest: Betsy Mitchell
- Fan Guest: Robert Taylor
- Toastmaster: Mary Doria RussellMary Doria RussellMary Doria Russell is an American novelist. -Biography:Russell was born in the suburbs of Chicago. Her parents were both in the military: her father was a Marine Corps drill instructor, and her mother was a Navy nurse. She graduated from Glenbard East High School and later she earned a Ph.D in...
- Special Guest: Kathleen Ann GoonanKathleen Ann GoonanKathleen Ann Goonan is an American science fiction writer. Several of her books have been nominated for the Nebula Award. Her debut novel Queen City Jazz was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and her novel In War Times was chosen by the American Library Association as Best Science...
http://www.goonan.com/ (sponsored by ALAMO) - Location: Omni Southpark
- ArmadilloCon 23 (November 16–18, 2001)
- Chairs: Renee Babcock and Lori Wolf
- Guest of Honor: J. Gregory Keyes
- Artist Guest: John Jude PalencarJohn Jude PalencarJohn Jude Palencar is a fantasy, science fiction, and horror artist. Over 100 book covers have been adorned by his art, including all four covers of the Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini...
- Editor Guest: Toni WeisskopfToni WeisskopfToni Weisskopf is a science fiction editor and the publisher of Baen Books.Weisskopf is an alumna of Oberlin College, from which she graduated in 1987. She was immediately employed by Baen Books, where she served as executive editor up until the death of founder Jim Baen in 2006, at which point...
- Fan Guest: Teddy HarviaTeddy HarviaTeddy Harvia is the nom de plume of David Thayer, an American science fiction fan artist. "Teddy Harvia" is an anagram of "David Thayer". He was born in Oklahoma but grew up in and resides in Dallas, Texas....
- Toastmaster: Walter Jon WilliamsWalter Jon WilliamsWalter Jon Williams is an American writer, primarily of science fiction.Several of Williams' novels have a distinct cyberpunk feel to them, notably Hardwired , Voice of the Whirlwind and Angel Stationn...
- Special Guest: Esther FriesnerEsther FriesnerEsther Mona Friesner-Stutzman, née Friesner is an American science fiction and fantasy author best known for her humorous pieces.- Life :...
(sponsored by ALAMO) - Location: Austin Hilton North
- ArmadilloCon 24 (August 16–18, 2002)
- Chairs: Renee Babcock and Charles Siros
- Guest of Honor: Martha WellsMartha Wells-Biography:Martha Wells was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1964 and has a B.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University. She has published eight fantasy novels, two Stargate Atlantis tie-in novels, and several short stories...
- Artist Guests: Frank ChoFrank ChoFrank Cho, born Duk Hyun Cho, is a Korean-American comic strip and comic book writer and illustrator, known for his series Liberty Meadows, as well as for books such as Shanna the She-Devil, Mighty Avengers and Hulk for Marvel Comics, and Jungle Girl for Dynamite Entertainment...
and Scott Kurtz - Editor Guest: Tom DohertyTom DohertyTom Doherty is an American publisher, and the founder of Tor Books. After working as a book salesman in the 1950s and 1960s, Doherty became publisher of Tempo Books in 1972; in 1975, he became, in addition, publisher of another company also owned by Grosset & Dunlap, the science fiction imprint...
- Fan Guests: Kurt Baty and Scott Bobo
- Toastmaster: Joe R. LansdaleJoe R. LansdaleJoe R. Lansdale is an American author and martial-arts expert. He has written novels and stories in many genres, including Western, horror, science fiction, mystery, and suspense...
- Special Guest: Robin HobbRobin HobbRobin Hobb is the second pen name of novelist Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden who produces primarily fantasy fiction, although she has published some science fiction....
(sponsored by ALAMO) - Location: Omni Southpark
- ArmadilloCon 25 (August 8–10, 2003)
- Chair: John Gibbons
- Guest of Honor: Kage BakerKage BakerKage Baker was an American science fiction and fantasy writer.- Biography :Baker was born in Hollywood, California and lived there and in Pismo Beach most of her life. Before becoming a professional writer she spent many years in theater, including teaching Elizabethan English as a second language...
- Fan Guest: Willie Siros
- Toastmaster: Aaron AllstonAaron AllstonAaron Allston is an American game designer and novelist of many science fiction books, notably Star Wars novels. His works as a game designer include game supplements for several role-playing games, several of which served to establish the basis for products and subsequent development of TSR's...
- Editor Guest: Anne Groell
- Artist Guest: John PicacioJohn PicacioJohn Picacio is an award-winning American artist specializing in science fiction, fantasy and horror illustration.-Biography:...
- Special Guest: Vernor VingeVernor VingeVernor Steffen Vinge is a retired San Diego State University Professor of Mathematics, computer scientist, and science fiction author. He is best known for his Hugo Award-winning novels and novellas A Fire Upon the Deep , A Deepness in the Sky , Rainbows End , Fast Times at Fairmont High ...
- Location: Austin Hilton North
- ArmadilloCon 26 (August 13–15, 2004)
- Chairs: Kimm Antell and Chuck Siros
- Guest of Honor: Sharon ShinnSharon ShinnSharon Shinn is an American novelist who writes combining aspects of fantasy, science fiction and romance. She has published more than a dozen novels for adult and young adult readers. She works as a journalist in St. Louis, Missouri and is a graduate of Northwestern University.Sharon is a...
- Fan Guest: Chaz "Hazel" Boston Baden
- Toastmaster: K. D. WentworthK. D. WentworthKathy Diane Wentworth , known as K. D. Wentworth, is a science fiction author. She got her start winning the Writers of the Future Contest in 1988, and then later won Field Publications' Teachers as Writers Award in 1991. She currently is the editor for the Writers of the Future Contest...
- Editor Guest: Stanley SchmidtStanley SchmidtStanley Albert Schmidt is an American science fiction author. Since 1978 he has been the editor of the SF magazine Analog Science Fiction and Fact.-Biography:...
- Artist Guest: Charles VessCharles VessCharles Vess is an American fantasy artist and comic-book illustrator who has specialized in the illustration of myths and fairy tales. His illustrations are strongly influenced by the work of artists and illustrators such as Arthur Rackham and Alphonse Mucha...
- Mystery Guests of Honor: Charlaine HarrisCharlaine HarrisCharlaine Harris is a New York Times bestselling author who has been writing mysteries for over twenty years. She was born and raised in the Mississippi River Delta area of the United States. She now lives in southern Arkansas with her husband and three children...
& Barbara HamblyBarbara HamblyBarbara Hambly is an award-winning and prolific American novelist and screenwriter within the genres of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and historical fiction...
(sponsored by ALAMO) - Location: Austin Hilton North
- ArmadilloCon 27 (August 19–21, 2005)
- Chairs: Renee Babcock and John Gibbons
- Guest of Honor: Charles StrossCharles StrossCharles David George "Charlie" Stross is a British writer of science fiction, Lovecraftian horror and fantasy. He was born in Leeds.Stross specialises in hard science fiction and space opera...
- Fan Guests: Jim & Laurie Mann
- Toastmaster: Charles de LintCharles de LintCharles de Lint is a Canadian fantasy author and folk musician. He is also the chief book critic for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction....
- Editor Guest: Jim Minz
- Artist Guest: Ctein
- Special Guest: Sean McMullenSean McMullenSean Christopher McMullen is an Australian science fiction and fantasy author.-Biography:McMullen has a degree in physics and history from Melbourne University , a postgraduate degree in library and information science, and a PhD in Medieval Literature...
(sponsored by ALAMO) - Location: Doubletree Hotel Austin
- ArmadilloCon 28 (August 11–13, 2006)
- Chair: Kimm Antell
- Guest of Honor: Julie E. CzernedaJulie E. CzernedaJulie E. Czerneda is a Canadian science fiction and fantasy author. She has written at least 9 SF novels, including the Prix Aurora winner In the Company of Others, a number of short stories; and has edited several anthologies....
- Fan Guest: Grant Kruger
- Toastmaster: Esther FriesnerEsther FriesnerEsther Mona Friesner-Stutzman, née Friesner is an American science fiction and fantasy author best known for her humorous pieces.- Life :...
- Editor Guest: Diana Gill
- Artist Guest: Ellisa Mitchell
- Special Guest: James P. HoganJames P. Hogan (writer)James Patrick Hogan was a British science fiction author.-Biography:Hogan was born in London, England. He was raised in the Portobello Road area on the west side of London...
- Location: Doubletree Hotel Austin
- ArmadilloCon 29 (August 10–12, 2007)
- Chair: Renee Babcock
- Guest of Honor: Louise MarleyLouise MarleyLouise Marley is an award winning author of science fiction and fantasy. Her fiction often features strong female characters, and explores themes of hope, humanity, and faith in the distant future...
- Fan Guest: Patty Wells
- Toastmaster: Howard WaldropHoward WaldropHoward Waldrop is a science fiction author who works primarily in short fiction.Waldrop's stories combine elements such as alternate history, American popular culture, the American South, old movies , classical mythology, and rock 'n' roll music. His style is sometimes obscure or elliptical...
- Editor Guest: Sharyn NovemberSharyn NovemberSharyn November is an American editor of books for children and teenagers. She is Senior Editor for Viking Children's Books and Editorial Director of Firebird Books, which is a mainly paperback imprint publishing fantasy and science fiction for teenagers and adults...
- Artist Guest: Gary Lippincott
- Location: Doubletree Hotel Austin
- ArmadilloCon 30 (August 15–17, 2008)
- Chairs: Kurt Baty and Chuck Siros
- Guest of Honor: John ScalziJohn ScalziJohn Michael Scalzi II is an American author and online writer, and president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He is best known for his Hugo Award-nominated science fiction novel Old Man's War, released by Tor Books in January 2005, and for his blog , at which he has written...
- Artist Guest: David Lee Anderson
- Fan Guest: Kelly Persons
- Toastmaster: Bill CriderBill CriderBill Crider was born in Mexia, Texas. He received an M.A. at the University of North Texas . Later, he taught English at Howard Payne University for twelve years, before earning a Ph.D. at the University of Texas, where he wrote a dissertation on the hardboiled detective novel...
- Editor Guest: Sheila WilliamsSheila Williams-Biography:Sheila grew up in a family of five in western Massachusetts. Her mother had a master's degree in microbiology. Ms. Williams’ interest in science fiction came from her father who read Edgar Rice Burroughs books to her as a child. Later Ms...
- Special Guests: Gay Haldeman and Joe HaldemanJoe HaldemanJoe William Haldeman is an American science fiction author.-Life :Haldeman was born June 9, 1943 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His family traveled and he lived in Puerto Rico, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Bethesda, Maryland and Anchorage, Alaska as a child. Haldeman married Mary Gay Potter, known...
- Location: Doubletree Hotel Austin
- ArmadilloCon 31 (August 14–16, 2009)
- Chair: Kimm Antell
- Guest of Honor: Scott LynchScott Lynch (author)Scott Lynch is an American fantasy author, best known for his Gentleman Bastard series of novels. He resides in Western Wisconsin in the city of New Richmond, Wisconsin. According to his website, he had a variety of jobs including dishwasher, waiter, web designer, freelance writer and office manager...
- Artist Guest:
Stephan Martiniere(cancelled)Stephan MartinièreStephan Martinière is an award-winning French science fiction and fantasy artist, using his considerable skill and experience to morph from cartoonist, to concept illustrator, to art director.-Biography:... - Editor Guest: Chris RobersonChris Roberson (author)Chris Roberson is a science fiction author, tromboner, and publisher based in Austin, Texas, best known for alternate history novels and short stories.-Biography:Chris Roberson grew up near Dallas, Texas, and attended the University of Texas, Austin...
- Fan Guest: Karen Meschke
- Toastmaster: Scott A. Cupp
- Special Guest: Joan D. VingeJoan D. VingeJoan D. Vinge is an American science fiction author. She is known for such works as her Hugo Award-winning novel The Snow Queen and its sequels, her series about the telepath named Cat, and her Heaven's Chronicles books.-Biography:...
- Location: Doubletree Hotel Austin
- ArmadilloCon 32 (August 27–29, 2010)
- Chairs: Elizabeth Burton and Dan Tolliver
- Guest of Honor: Rachel CaineRachel CaineRachel Caine is a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad, an American writer of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, suspense, and horror novels. She also publishes media tie-in novels as Julie Fortune.-Personal life:...
- Artist Guest: Cat Conrad
- Editor Guest: Anne Sowards
- Fan Guest: Elspeth Bloodgood
- Toastmaster: Nancy KressNancy KressNancy Kress is an American science fiction writer. She began writing in 1976 but has achieved her greatest notice since the publication of her Hugo and Nebula-winning 1991 novella "Beggars in Spain" which was later expanded into a novel with the same title...
- Urban Fantasy Special Guest: Ilona AndrewsIlona AndrewsIlona Andrews is the pen name used by urban fantasy novelist Ilona Gordon with her spouse Andrew Gordon, also known as Gordon.Ilona was born in Russia and came to the United States as a teenager. She attended Western Carolina University, where she majored in biochemistry and met her husband...
- Steampunk Special Guest: Michael BishopMichael Bishop (author)Michael Lawson Bishop is an award-winning American writer. Over four decades and thirty books, he has created a body of work that stands among the most admired in modern science fiction and fantasy literature....
- Location: Renaissance Hotel Austin
- ArmadilloCon 33 (August 26–28, 2011)
- Chairs: Jennifer Juday and Charles Siros
- Guest of Honor: Paolo BacigalupiPaolo BacigalupiPaolo Tadini Bacigalupi is an American science fiction and fantasy writer.He has won the Hugo, Nebula, Compton Crook, Theodore Sturgeon, and Michael L. Printz awards, and was nominated for the National Book Award...
- Artist Guest: Vincent Villafranca
- Editor Guest: Lou AndersLou AndersLou Anders is an American editor, author and journalist, primarily of science fiction/fantasy novels, articles and short stories.-Biography and journalism:...
- Fan Guest: Fred Duarte, Jr.
- Toastmaster: Mark FinnMark FinnMark Finn is the pseudonym of Mark Farr-Nash, a science fiction and fantasy writer, essayist, and playwright...
- Special Guests: Emma BullEmma BullEmma Bull is a science fiction and fantasy author whose best-known novel is War for the Oaks, one of the pioneering works of urban fantasy. She has participated in Terri Windling's Borderland shared universe, which is the setting of her 1994 novel Finder...
and Will ShetterlyWill ShetterlyWill Shetterly is an American writer of fantasy and science fiction best known for his novel Dogland . The novel is inspired by his childhood at the tourist attraction Dog Land owned by his parents... - Location: Renaissance Hotel Austin
Upcoming convention
- ArmadilloCon 34 (July 27-29, 2012)
- Chair: Sara Felix
- Guest of Honor: Anne BishopAnne BishopAnne Bishop is an American fantasy writer. Her most noted work is The Black Jewels trilogy. She lives in upstate New York. She won the Crawford Award in 2000 for the first three novels in her The Black Jewels series: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, and Queen of the Darkness.-The Black...
- Fan Guest: Bill Parker
- Editor Guest: Liz Gorinsky
- Special Guest: Chloe Neill
- Location: Renaissance Hotel Austin