There’s something really satisfying about sewing Dr. Who toile masks (TARDIS and Dalek) while attending virtually the SFWA business meeting, listening to SFWA President Mary Robinette Kowal and worthy others talk about SFWA activities in general and the Nebula conference in particular (last weekend in May).
I’m honestly really excited about the way SFWA and other orgs have pivoted to presenting virtual conferences — without the costs of airfare and hotel, without the need to find childcare to attend, etc., this will make conventions accessible to a much broader range of attendees than previously.
I hope that having built these new structures (and forced to practice with them for a year or so), we’ll be able to continue with them in the post-Covid era as well, so that even when we’re meeting in person again (which I do love, and wouldn’t want to give up entirely), we can offer a robust virtual convention alongside the in-person (or perhaps in alternating years?). I’m very interested in seeing how this evolves.
Conference registration for this one is $150, which is on the pricier side, I know, but funds raised will help with SFWA’s COVID-19 relief fund. Beginning in April, the board will be offering grants of up to $1,000 for SFWA members financially affected by COVID-19.
The Nebula conference includes three days of online panels with real-time interaction, an annual subscription to archived content, and a one-year subscription to the Bulletin. I’m really looking forward to it — SF/F writers, hope to see many of you there!
Register here: https://nebulas.sfwa.org/nebula-conference/