The World Science Fiction Convention has happened almost every year since 1939. It is the oldest gathering of science fiction and fantasy fans, and it is where the Hugo Awards are given out.
It is run by volunteers, not by a company. Every year a different city hosts it, organised by a different team of fans. There is no permanent staff, no headquarters, and no owner. The organisation behind it is the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) (opens in new tab). That is unusual, and it is the point.
Worldcon is where a lot of careers in science fiction began. Heinlein, Asimov, Le Guin, Gibson, Jemisin, Scalzi: they have all been part of it. So have thousands of editors, artists, booksellers, scientists, costume makers, and readers.
The Hugo Awards
The Hugo Awards are voted on by Worldcon members. That is what makes them different from most literary prizes. There is no jury and no closed committee. If you are a member, you nominate and you vote.
The Hugo Awards have been given out at Worldcon every year since 1953. Categories include Best Novel, Best Short Story, Best Dramatic Presentation, Best Editor, Best Fan Artist and more.
What happens at a Worldcon?
Programming
Several hundred panels, readings, and small-group sessions called kaffeeklatsches. Authors, scientists, editors, and fans on stage together.
Dealers & Art Show
Booksellers, small presses, artists, costume makers, jewellers. A marketplace built around speculative fiction.
Masquerade
Cosplay and original costuming, judged across categories from craft to performance.
Parties
Bid parties, fan parties, publisher parties. A lot of Worldcon happens after the programme ends.
Films, gaming & music
Screening rooms, anime, retro arcade, tabletop gaming, and filk music sessions that often run late into the night.
Hugo Ceremony
Black tie optional. Livestreamed. The biggest evening of the convention.
Recent host cities
In the last ten years: Spokane, Kansas City, Helsinki, San Jose, Dublin, Washington DC, Chicago, Chengdu, Glasgow, Seattle.
The 2026 Worldcon will be LAcon V, held in Los Angeles. That is where the vote for 2028 happens. The last Worldcon in Germany was in 1970. We think it is time.
Full Worldcon Long List → (opens in new tab)
How is a Worldcon chosen?
The members decide, two years in advance. The process is called Site Selection.
Any city can bid. To vote, you need a voting membership in the current year’s Worldcon. So if you want to vote for Nuremberg in 2028, you need to be a member of LAcon V in 2026.
