Introduction to the Program

If you've been to a Worldcon before, you probably know what to expect from a Worldcon program. But if you haven't, you have a great time ahead of you.

Worldcon programs are large and diverse, and include lectures, debates and panel discussions. Typically there will be in excess of 500 distinct items in this core program over the 5 days, with up to a dozen tracks running in parallel at any moment time. The formal program ranges over topics from fiction and writing to politics and science, and participants have included Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, scientists, writers, editors, publishers, artists, film makers, and fans.

Our Theme - the New Frontiers

The overall theme for our convention will be the New Frontiers. This theme will influence our program as well as our exhibits and events. We'll take you to the edge of the genre as well as the heartlands - we'll challenge your views and ideas, and we'll introduce you to new people and new voices.

Fan Program

Over the coming months we'll be introducing you to our vision for the Renovation program and to the people who will be providing it. Our first piece, from James Bacon and Chris Garcia, is on the Fan Program.

Academic Program

Renovation will be running an Academic Program through the middle three days of the Convention, from Thursday August 18 to Saturday August 20, 2011. The subject of this special conference is "Speculative Frontiers: Reading, Seeing, Being, Going", reflecting Renovation's overall theme of The New Frontiers. You can read the Call for Papers here.

Comics & Graphic Novels

comics and graphic novels are now an important part of our field, as recognised by the creation of the new Hugo category for Best Graphic Story in 2009. The science fiction and fantasy of creators like Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Bill Willingham, and Brian K. Vaughan are major works within the genre as a whole. Our comics & graphic novels program will not only discuss and recommend comics that may be of interest to SF fans, but also take a deeper look at comics and the themes and movements within the media, especially those of a science fictional and speculative nature.

Writers' Workshops

Renovation is pleased to announce that Oz Drummond, assisted by Traci Castleberry, will run the Writers' Workshops for Renovation. Renovation will be using the Anticipation model by running several short workshops each day. Participation in the workshops will be limited. The Writers' Workshops will be open to Renovation members only. Be sure to buy a membership if you plan to submit a story to be critiqued in the workshop.

Full information on our Writers' Workshops can be found here. Oz and Traci can be contacted by email at writersworkshops@renovationsf.org.

Stroll with the Stars

Would you like to get up close and personal so you could have a conversation with your favorite author, artist or editor ... and at the same time get some fresh air and stretch your legs a bit? Well that's what Stroll With the Stars is all about.

Want to Talk to us?

we are always happy to hear from you with questions or ideas.

If you have a fresh idea, or have just seen the most wonderful panel or talk you'd like us to think about, please tell us about it using our response form.

If you would like to put your name forward as a potential program participant, can you complete our program volunteer form.

Alternatively, you can contact the Renovation program team by email at program@renovationsf.org.

Still Have Questions?

We've answered some common questions (mainly for people who are interested in appearing on program) in this page of Frequently Asked Questions.