I know how stressful it is running a con and not being sure you'll have enough money to do everything you want to do -- so please do consider a supporting membership if you can afford it, even if you won't be able to attend! Registration goes up July 1st! And the room rates they're offering are amazing -- it's almost worth attending just for that, since it's likely the cheapest you'll find housing for a little Chicago vacation. :-)
from the conrunner, I believe:
Think GalactiCon is a new project for Think Galactic, the Chicago-based radical left SF reading group. Taking a cue from Wiscon, we are looking to create a space in which leftists and others can discuss politics and speculative fiction in an intelligent, engaging, and fun fashion. There will be multiple tracks of programming that seek to expand the boundaries of typical discussions. We want to explore issues of oppressive hierarchies, confronting topics of race, gender, sexuality, class and more.
Time/date: July 13-15th, 2007
Location: Roosevelt University (430 S Michigan) in downtown Chicago
Notable guests include Nalo Hopkinson, Jim Munroe, Nisi Shawl, Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu, Gary K. Wolfe (other fun folks in the process of being firmed up)
More details and registration
Busy con schedule, or just can't make it? Perhaps consider a supporting membership. All memberships will get the con packet, which will include our first Discussion Primer chapbook, featuring reprinted stories from China Miville ("Jack") and Nisi Shawl ("Deep End"), along with commentary and an essay about starting your own leftist SF reading/discussion group. This chapbook is planned to accompany this convention, so it's the only place it will be available.
If you want to get a sense of some of the programming we'll be offering, please have a look at our programming thread. If you're attending, let us know also if you're interesting in being on panels. We'll be announcing a shortlist of programming items for your consideration soon.
We've gotten a lot of positive support from folks we've talked to and it looks like we have a bright future ahead of us. However, to get there, we have to get through this first year intact. You can help by registering and spreading the word. If you were thinking of coming already, please note that our registration fee of $35 will increase to $45 on July 1st. Register now and help us worry less. Registration at the door will be available, but won't be nearly as cheap.
Questions? Email info (at) thinkgalactic.org
I think the clunky and confusing name (two words, one of which is very similar to the name of another con with a not entirely unrelated theme?) is going to be a problem.
I bought a supporting membership a month or so ago. I wish I could afford to attend. Maybe next year.
I agree that the name is not their strongest point.