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{{Short description|Science fiction convention held in Richmond, VA, USA}}
[[File:RavenConLogoSpring.png|thumb|center|[http://www.ravencon.com RavenCon]]]


{{Infobox Convention
'''RavenCon''' is an annual American [[science fiction convention]] founded in 2006 and held in [[Richmond, Virginia]].<ref name="06rich"/> The name "RavenCon" was chosen as a tribute to author [[Edgar Allan Poe]], who lived in Richmond for a time.<ref name="06next"/> The convention runs over 300 hours of programming and activities featuring authors and panelists across genres, including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, military fiction, and other areas of fan cultures.
| name = RavenCon
| image =
| caption =
| status = Active
| genre = [[List of multigenre conventions|Multigenre]]
| venue = [https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ricupup-virginia-crossings-hotel-and-conference-center/ Virginia Crossings Hotel and Convention Center]
| location = [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]], [[Virginia]]
| country = United States
| coordinates =
| first = 2006
| last =
| organizer = Michael Pederson
| filing =
| attendance =
| website = {{Official URL}}
}}


'''RavenCon''' is an annual American [[science fiction convention]] founded in 2006 and held in [[Richmond, Virginia]].<ref name="06rich"/> The name RavenCon was chosen as a tribute to author [[Edgar Allan Poe]], who lived in Richmond for a time.<ref name="06next"/> The convention runs over 300 hours of programming and activities featuring authors and panelists across genres, including [[Horror fiction|horror]], [[Science fiction|sci-fi]], [[fantasy]], [[military fiction]], and other areas of [[Fandom|fan cultures]].
==Upcoming Events==


==The Webster Award==
[http://www.ravencon.com RavenCon 17] will be held April 26-28, 2024 at Virginia Crossings with editor guest of honor [[Ellen Datlow]] and author guest of honor [[Ursula Vernon|Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher]].<ref>https://www.ravencon.com/</ref>
In 2018, RavenCon launched The Clarence Howard “Bud” Webster Award in memory of friend of the convention, [[Bud Webster]], who passed away in 2016. The award is to recognize outstanding achievements in writing by Virginia writers.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mailchi.mp/ravencon/nevermore-news-issue-004 | title=Nevermore News Issue 004|website=Mailchi.mp }}</ref>

=== Past winners ===
* 2018 Chris Kennedy for The Golden Horde
* 2019 Cass Morris for From Unseen Fire
* 2021 R.S. Belcher for The Ghost Dance Judgement
* 2022 R.R. Virdi for The First Binding
* 2023 Chris Semtner for Haunting Poe: Edgar Allan Poe's Afterlife in Richmond and Beyond


== Scheduled events ==
== Scheduled events ==

===Programming===
===Programming===
[[File:JM200888.jpg|thumb|upright|Bishop O'Connell book reading at RavenCon]]
As of 2024 RavenCon has over 12 different tracks of programming featuring author book readings, animation, art/artists, costuming, current events, science/technology, writing, gaming and literature among them.


===Book Launches===
===Book Launches===
Over the years the convention has hosted numerous book launches. In 2023 they hosted the launch party for Murderbirds: An Avian Anthology, edited by Mike Jack Stombous.


===Music and Media===
===Music and media===
The convention runs multiple musical panels and concerts with a focus on filking acts and filk writing workshops.


===Gaming===
===Gaming===
[[File:RavenCon Gaming-JM200204.jpg|thumb|Gaming at RavenCon 16]]

The convention runs a 24/3 gaming room which includes [[board game]]s, [[Miniature wargaming|miniature games]], [[collectible card game]]s, [[role playing games]] and more. Events are run by seasoned game masters to just pick up and go.<ref>https://www.ravencon.com/activities/gaming/</ref>
The convention runs a 24/3 gaming room which includes [[board game]]s, [[Miniature wargaming|miniature games]], [[collectible card game]]s, [[role playing games]] and more. Events are run by seasoned game masters to just pick up and go.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ravencon.com/activities/gaming/ | title=Gaming|website=Ravencon.com }}</ref>


===Masquerade===
===Masquerade===
RavenCon hosts an open to all cosplay contest the Saturday night of the convention. They also have a hall cosplay contest for those not wanting to brave the stage.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ravencon.com/activities/costume-contest/ | title=Costuming/Cosplay |website=Ravencon.com}}</ref>


===Themed events===
RavenCon hosts an open to all cosplay contest the Saturday night of the convention. They also have a hall cosplay contest for those not wanting to brave the stage.<ref>https://www.ravencon.com/activities/costume-contest/</ref>
RavenCon 16 also saw the introduction of The Gothic Wonderland Tea Party. In 2016 RavenCon also hosted FanHistoricon 13, with a track of panels and guests that focused exclusively on the history of fandom.


Starting in 2019 RavenCon started running themed Escape Room's for the guests, like Vampire Masquerade and Multiversal Mayhem. In 2022 they started a 2nd Escape Room.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ravencon.com/activities/escape-room/ | title=Escape Room |website=Ravencon.com}}</ref>
===Themed Events===


==Move from Richmond to Williamsburg==
Starting in 2019 RavenCon started running themed Escape Room's for the guests, like Vampire Masquerade and Multiversal Mayhem. In 2022 they started a 2nd Escape Room. <ref>https://www.ravencon.com/activities/escape-room/</ref>
RavenCon 2015 was the last time that RavenCon would be held at the [[DoubleTree by Hilton]] Richmond-Midlothian in North Chesterfield, Virginia, when the owner of the hotel, Shamin hotels of Chester, Virginia, asked for a 600 percent increase in rates. Following this, RavenCon moved from Richmond and later events would be held in Williamsburg, Virginia at the [[DoubleTree by Hilton]] Williamsburg.<ref name="progind20160609"/>


== Concert events/RavenConcert ==
In addition to its annual spring author-focused convention, RavenCon has experimented with music-focused events later in the year.


RavenCon 13.5 was held September 21–23, 2018 at the Four Points Sheraton Richmond, off of Midlothian Turnpike. This was a much smaller convention, with a primary focus on music. R.S. Belcher was author guest of honor, and the music guests of honor were [[MC Lars]], [[George Hrab]], [[Reverend Billy C. Wirtz]], and Misbehavin' Maidens.
==Past events==
RavenCon 2006 was held April 21–23, 2006, with [[Terry Brooks]] as author guest of honor, [[Thomas Kidd (illustrator)|Tom Kidd]] as artist guest of honor, and Lee & Alexis Gilliland as fan guests of honor.<ref name="06next"/> The convention took place at the Doubletree Inn at the Richmond Airport in [[Sandston, Virginia]].

RavenCon 2007 was held April 27–29, 2007, with [[Robert J. Sawyer]] as author guest of honor, [[Steve Stiles]] as artist guest of honor, and Jan Howard Finder as fan guest of honor.<ref name="07robs"/> The convention took place at the Doubletree Inn at the Richmond Airport in Sandston, Virginia.<ref name="07cons"/>

RavenCon 2008 was held April 25–27, 2008, with [[C.S. Friedman]] as author guest of honor and [[Stephen Hickman]] as artist guest of honor.<ref name="08mond"/>

RavenCon 2009 was held April 24–26, 2009, with [[Jack McDevitt]] as author guest of honor and Alan F. Beck as artist guest of honor.

RavenCon 2010 was held April 9–11, 2010, with [[Rachel Caine]] as author guest of honor, R. Cat Conrad as artist guest of honor, and [[Steve Long (game designer)|Steve Long]] as gaming guest of honor.<ref name="10tour"/> The convention was held at the Holiday Inn Koger Center in Richmond, Virginia.

RavenCon 2011 was held April 8–10, 2011, with [[John Ringo]] as author guest of honor, and [[Kurt Miller (artist)|Kurt Miller]] as artist guest of honor. The convention was held at the Holiday Inn Koger Center in Richmond, Virginia.

RavenCon 2012 was held April 13–15, 2012, with [[Glen Cook]] as author guest of honor, and Matthew Stewart as artist guest of honor. The convention was held at the Holiday Inn Koger Center in Richmond, Virginia.

RavenCon 2013 was held April 5–7, 2013, with [[Kevin J. Anderson]] and [[Rebecca Moesta]] as author guests of honor. The convention was held at the Holiday Inn Koger Center in Richmond, Virginia.<ref name="midex130404"/>

RavenCon 2014 was held April 25–27, 2014, with [[Elizabeth Bear]] as author guest of honor. The convention was held at the [[DoubleTree by Hilton]] Richmond-Midlothian (formerly the Holiday Inn Koger Center) in North Chesterfield, Virginia.

RavenCon 2015 was held April 24–26, 2015, with [[Allen Steele]] as author guest of honor. Other GoHs were [[Frank Wu (artist)|Frank Wu]] and his wife [[Brianna Wu]]. The latter attracted some brief controversy when [[Gamergate controversy|Gamergate]] supporters attempted to cause trouble at the convention.<ref name="korscomm20150425"/> The convention was held at the [[DoubleTree by Hilton]] Richmond-Midlothian in North Chesterfield, Virginia.

==Move from Richmond to Williamsburg==


RavenCon 14.5 was a one-day outdoor concert held on August 8, 2021 at Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center in Glen Allen, Virginia. Mikey Mason, Dimensional Riffs, Chuck Parker, Dirty Metal Lefty, and Dr. Shock and the Electrodes were the performers.
The year 10 was the last time that Ravencon would be held at the [[DoubleTree by Hilton]] Richmond-Midlothian in North Chesterfield, Virginia, when the owner of the hotel, Shaymin hotels of Chester, Virginia, asked for a 600 percent increase in rates. Following this, Ravencon moved from Richmond and later events would be held in Williamsburg, Virginia at the [[DoubleTree by Hilton]] Williamsburg.<ref name="progind20160609"/>


== COVID-19 ==
RavenCon 11 was held April 29 - May 1, 2017 in Williamsburg, VA at the DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg.
RavenCon 15 had been scheduled to take place in April 2020 and was cancelled a few weeks before the convention. It was rescheduled for April 2021 and then cancelled again. To raise money for refunds and to keep the convention operating during the two years of cancellations, authors donated stories for an anthology with the proceeds going to the convention. The fundraiser was successful, and the convention produced ''CORVID-19: A RavenCon Anthology'', edited by Michael D. Pederson.


== Return to Richmond ==
RavenCon 12 was held April 28–30, 2017, in Williamsburg, with [[Mercedes Lackey]] as an author guest of honor. Other GoHs were [[Larry Dixon (fantasy artist)|Larry Dixon]] and [[Charles E. Gannon|Chuck Gannon]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ravencon.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409075718/http://www.ravencon.com/|archive-date=2017-04-09|title=RavenCon - Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention in Williamsburg, VA • April 28-30, 2017}}</ref>
RavenCon's concert events marked a brief return to Richmond which was made permanent when they signed a contract with Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center in Glen Allen, Virginia. After RavenCon 14.5, all future events would be held in Richmond.


== 2023 Photo Gallery ==
RavenCon 13 was held April 20–22, 2018 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg.
<gallery>
File:JM200268.jpg|Chuck Parker Performing at RavenCon 16 in 2023
File:JM200941.jpg|[[Count Gore de Vol|Count Gore De Vol]] and [[John Dimes]] at RavenCon 16 in 2023
File:JM200074.jpg|[[James Maxey]] book reading at RavenCon 16 in 2023
File:JM200575.jpg|RavenCon Masqerade Pre Judging in 2023
File:JM200609.jpg|Cosplayer at RavenCon 16 in 2023
File:JM200412.jpg|Gothic Wonderland Tea Party at RavenCon 16 2023
File:JM200903.jpg|Toi Thomas Corvid 19 Reading at RavenCon 16 in 2023
</gallery>


== RavenCon past events ==
In 2018 there was a RavenCon 13.5 that was held September 21–23, 2018 at the Four Points Sheraton Richmond, off of Midlothian Blvd. This was a much smaller convention, which a higher focus on music. Writer Guest of Honor was R. S. Belcher. There were several Music Guests of Honor: MC Lars, George Hrab, Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, and Misbehavin' Maidens.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" width="100%"
|-
! Year !! Dates !! Name !! Venue !! Location !! Guests of Honor !! Attendance !! Chair !! Comments
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2006
| dates = April 21–2
| name =RavenCon 2006
| venue = Doubletree Inn at the Richmond Airport
| location = [[Sandston, Virginia]]
| guests = [[Terry Brooks]] - author, [[Thomas Kidd (illustrator)|Tom Kidd]] - artist, Lee & Alexis Gilliland - fans<ref name="06next"/>
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2007
| dates = April 27–29
| name = RavenCon 2007
| venue = Doubletree Inn at the Richmond Airport
| location = [[Sandston, Virginia]]<ref name="07cons"/>
| guests = [[Robert J. Sawyer]] - author, [[Steve Stiles]] - artist, [[Jan Howard Finder]] - fan <ref name="07robs"/>
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2008
| dates = April 25–27
| name = RavenCon 2008
| venue =
| location =
| guests = [[C.S. Friedman]] - author, [[Stephen Hickman]] - artist <ref name="08mond"/>


| attendance =
RavenCon 14 was held April 5–7, 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg.
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2009
| dates = April 24–26
| name = RavenCon 2009
| venue =
| location =
| guests = [[Jack McDevitt]] - author, Alan F. Beck - artist
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2010
| dates = April 9–11
| name = RavenCon 2010
| venue = Holiday Inn Koger Center
| location = [[Richmond, Virginia]]
| guests = [[Rachel Caine]] - author, R. Cat Conrad - artist, [[Steve Long]] - gaming <ref name="10tour"/>
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2011
| dates = April 8–10
| name = RavenCon 2011
| venue = Holiday Inn Koger Center
| location = [[Richmond, Virginia]]
| guests = [[John Ringo]] - author, Kurt Miller - artist
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2012
| dates = April 13–15
| name = RavenCon 2012
| venue = Holiday Inn Koger Center
| location = [[Richmond, Virginia]]
| guests = [[Glen Cook]] - author, Matthew Stewart - artist
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2013
| dates = April 5–7
| name = RavenCon 2013
| venue = Holiday Inn Koger Center
| location = [[Richmond, Virginia]]
| guests = [[Kevin J. Anderson]] - author, [[Rebecca Moesta]] - author <ref name="midex130404"/>
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2014
| dates = April 25–27
| name = RavenCon 2014
| venue = Richmond-Midlothian (formerly the Holiday Inn Koger Center)
| location = North Chesterfield, Virginia
| guests = [[Elizabeth Bear]] - author
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2015
| dates = April 24–26
| name = RavenCon 2015
| venue =
| location =
| guests = [[Allen Steele]] - author, [[Frank Wu (artist)|Frank Wu]] and his wife [[Brianna Wu]]<ref name="korscomm20150425"/>
| attendance =
| chair =
| website = see related [[Gamergate controversy]]
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2016
| dates = April 29–May 1
| name = RavenCon 11
| venue =
| location =
| guests = [[Sharon Lee (writer)|Sharon Lee]] and [[Steve Miller (science fiction writer)|Steve Miller]] - authors, [[Vincent Di Fate]] - artist, [[Ted White (author)|Ted White]] - special, Jason Whitt - fan
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2017
| dates = April 28–30
| name = RavenCon 12
| venue =
| location =
| guests = [[Mercedes Lackey]] - author, [[Larry Dixon (fantasy artist)|Larry Dixon]] - artist, [[Charles E. Gannon|Chuck Gannon]] and Ed Beard Jr. - special, Professor Sparks - science, Chris AdottaSmith - fan<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ravencon.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409075718/http://www.ravencon.com/|archive-date=2017-04-09|title=RavenCon - Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention in Williamsburg, VA • April 28-30, 2017}}</ref>
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2018
| dates = April 20–22
| name = RavenCon 13
| venue =
| location =
| guests = [[Chuck Wendig]] - author, [[Mark Cline]] - artist, The Vailix - music
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2018
| dates = September 21–23
| name = RavenCon 13.5
| venue = Four Points Sheraton Richmond
| location =
| guests = R.S. Belcher - author, MC Lars, George Hrab, Reverend Billy C. Wirtz, Misbehavin' Maidens - music
| attendance =
| chair =
| website = primary focus on music
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2019
| dates = April 5–7
| name = RavenCon 14
| venue =
| location =
| guests = [[Melinda M. Snodgrass]] - author, Nikole McDonald-Jones - artist, the [[Library Bards]] - music
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2021
| dates = August 8
| name = RavenCon 14.5
| venue = Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center
| location = [[Glen Allen, Virginia]]
| guests = Mikey Mason, Dimensional Riffs, Chuck Parker, Dirty Metal Lefty, Dr. Shock and the Electrodes -performers
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}


{{Science Fiction Convention List
RavenCon 15 will be held 16–18 April 2021 at Virginia Crossings Hotel in Glen Allen. Guests of Honour, Terry Brooks as Author Guest of Honour, and Rhiannon's Lark as Music Guest of Honour. The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] caused 2020's cancellation.<ref>https://www.ravencon.com/</ref>
| year = 2022
| dates = April 29–May 1
RavenCon 16 was held April 21-23, 2023 at Virginia Crossings with author guests of honor, [[Esther Friesner]] and [[Charles R. Pellegrino|Charles Pellegrino]] with special media guest of honor [[Count Gore de Vol]].
| name = RavenCon 15
| venue = Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center
| location = [[Glen Allen, Virginia]]
| guests = Terry Brooks - author, Rhiannon's Lark - music
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2023
| dates = April 21–23
| name = RavenCon 16
| venue = Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center
| location = [[Glen Allen, Virginia]]
| guests = [[Esther Friesner]] and [[Charles R. Pellegrino|Charles Pellegrino]] - authors [[Count Gore de Vol]] - special.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wric.com/community/ravencon-returns-for-16th-annual-sci-fi-fantasy-event-in-richmond-area/ |title=RavenCon returns for 16th annual sci-fi, fantasy event in Richmond area|website=Wric.com|access-date=September 24, 2024}}</ref>
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2024
| dates = April 26–28
| name = RavenCon 17
| venue = Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center
| location = [[Glen Allen, Virginia]]
| guests = Ellen Datlow - editor, Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher - author
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
{{Science Fiction Convention List
| year = 2025
| dates = TBD
| name = RavenCon 18
| venue = Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center
| location = [[Glen Allen, Virginia]]
| guests = TBD
| attendance =
| chair =
| website =
}}
|}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|refs=
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="06rich">{{cite news |first=Pete |last=Humes |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |title=Their interests are out of this world; Chesterfield couple share a passion for make-believe |page=D1 |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/timesdispatch/access/1026452021.html?dids=1026452021:1026452021&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |date=April 21, 2006 |accessdate=March 28, 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="06rich">{{cite news |first=Pete |last=Humes |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |title=Their interests are out of this world; Chesterfield couple share a passion for make-believe |page=D1 |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/timesdispatch/access/1026452021.html?dids=1026452021:1026452021&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |date=April 21, 2006 |accessdate=March 28, 2010}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
<ref name="06next">{{cite news |first=Bill |last=McKelway |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |title=Next generation of fans near; Sci-fi aficionados gather to game, play roles and talk shop |page=B1 |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/timesdispatch/access/1027703471.html?dids=1027703471:1027703471&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |date=April 24, 2006 |accessdate=March 28, 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="06next">{{cite news |first=Bill |last=McKelway |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |title=Next generation of fans near; Sci-fi aficionados gather to game, play roles and talk shop |page=B1 |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/timesdispatch/access/1027703471.html?dids=1027703471:1027703471&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |date=April 24, 2006 |accessdate=March 28, 2010}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
<ref name="07cons">{{cite web |publisher=International SF Convention Listings |title=Con Listings 2007 |url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wilf.james/cons2007.htm |accessdate=March 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309140218/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wilf.james/cons2007.htm |archivedate=March 9, 2010 }}</ref>
<ref name="07cons">{{cite web |publisher=International SF Convention Listings |title=Con Listings 2007 |url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wilf.james/cons2007.htm |accessdate=March 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309140218/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wilf.james/cons2007.htm |archivedate=March 9, 2010 }}</ref>
<ref name="07robs">{{cite web |first=Robert J. |last=Sawyer |publisher=sfwriter.com |title=GoH at RavenCon in Richmond, Virginia |url=http://www.sfwriter.com/2006/05/goh-at-ravencon-in-richmond-virginia.html |date=May 1, 2006 |accessdate=March 28, 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="07robs">{{cite web |first=Robert J. |last=Sawyer |publisher=sfwriter.com |title=GoH at RavenCon in Richmond, Virginia |url=http://www.sfwriter.com/2006/05/goh-at-ravencon-in-richmond-virginia.html |date=May 1, 2006 |accessdate=March 28, 2010}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 20:16, 5 November 2024

RavenCon
StatusActive
GenreMultigenre
VenueVirginia Crossings Hotel and Convention Center
Location(s)Richmond, Virginia
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2006
Organized byMichael Pederson
Websitewww.ravencon.com Edit this at Wikidata

RavenCon is an annual American science fiction convention founded in 2006 and held in Richmond, Virginia.[1] The name RavenCon was chosen as a tribute to author Edgar Allan Poe, who lived in Richmond for a time.[2] The convention runs over 300 hours of programming and activities featuring authors and panelists across genres, including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, military fiction, and other areas of fan cultures.

The Webster Award

[edit]

In 2018, RavenCon launched The Clarence Howard “Bud” Webster Award in memory of friend of the convention, Bud Webster, who passed away in 2016. The award is to recognize outstanding achievements in writing by Virginia writers.[3]

Past winners

[edit]
  • 2018 Chris Kennedy for The Golden Horde
  • 2019 Cass Morris for From Unseen Fire
  • 2021 R.S. Belcher for The Ghost Dance Judgement
  • 2022 R.R. Virdi for The First Binding
  • 2023 Chris Semtner for Haunting Poe: Edgar Allan Poe's Afterlife in Richmond and Beyond

Scheduled events

[edit]

Programming

[edit]
Bishop O'Connell book reading at RavenCon

As of 2024 RavenCon has over 12 different tracks of programming featuring author book readings, animation, art/artists, costuming, current events, science/technology, writing, gaming and literature among them.

Book Launches

[edit]

Over the years the convention has hosted numerous book launches. In 2023 they hosted the launch party for Murderbirds: An Avian Anthology, edited by Mike Jack Stombous.

Music and media

[edit]

The convention runs multiple musical panels and concerts with a focus on filking acts and filk writing workshops.

Gaming

[edit]
Gaming at RavenCon 16

The convention runs a 24/3 gaming room which includes board games, miniature games, collectible card games, role playing games and more. Events are run by seasoned game masters to just pick up and go.[4]

Masquerade

[edit]

RavenCon hosts an open to all cosplay contest the Saturday night of the convention. They also have a hall cosplay contest for those not wanting to brave the stage.[5]

Themed events

[edit]

RavenCon 16 also saw the introduction of The Gothic Wonderland Tea Party. In 2016 RavenCon also hosted FanHistoricon 13, with a track of panels and guests that focused exclusively on the history of fandom.

Starting in 2019 RavenCon started running themed Escape Room's for the guests, like Vampire Masquerade and Multiversal Mayhem. In 2022 they started a 2nd Escape Room.[6]

Move from Richmond to Williamsburg

[edit]

RavenCon 2015 was the last time that RavenCon would be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Richmond-Midlothian in North Chesterfield, Virginia, when the owner of the hotel, Shamin hotels of Chester, Virginia, asked for a 600 percent increase in rates. Following this, RavenCon moved from Richmond and later events would be held in Williamsburg, Virginia at the DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg.[7]

Concert events/RavenConcert

[edit]

In addition to its annual spring author-focused convention, RavenCon has experimented with music-focused events later in the year.

RavenCon 13.5 was held September 21–23, 2018 at the Four Points Sheraton Richmond, off of Midlothian Turnpike. This was a much smaller convention, with a primary focus on music. R.S. Belcher was author guest of honor, and the music guests of honor were MC Lars, George Hrab, Reverend Billy C. Wirtz, and Misbehavin' Maidens.

RavenCon 14.5 was a one-day outdoor concert held on August 8, 2021 at Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center in Glen Allen, Virginia. Mikey Mason, Dimensional Riffs, Chuck Parker, Dirty Metal Lefty, and Dr. Shock and the Electrodes were the performers.

COVID-19

[edit]

RavenCon 15 had been scheduled to take place in April 2020 and was cancelled a few weeks before the convention. It was rescheduled for April 2021 and then cancelled again. To raise money for refunds and to keep the convention operating during the two years of cancellations, authors donated stories for an anthology with the proceeds going to the convention. The fundraiser was successful, and the convention produced CORVID-19: A RavenCon Anthology, edited by Michael D. Pederson.

Return to Richmond

[edit]

RavenCon's concert events marked a brief return to Richmond which was made permanent when they signed a contract with Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center in Glen Allen, Virginia. After RavenCon 14.5, all future events would be held in Richmond.

[edit]
  • Chuck Parker Performing at RavenCon 16 in 2023
    Chuck Parker Performing at RavenCon 16 in 2023
  • Count Gore De Vol and John Dimes at RavenCon 16 in 2023
    Count Gore De Vol and John Dimes at RavenCon 16 in 2023
  • James Maxey book reading at RavenCon 16 in 2023
    James Maxey book reading at RavenCon 16 in 2023
  • RavenCon Masqerade Pre Judging in 2023
    RavenCon Masqerade Pre Judging in 2023
  • Cosplayer at RavenCon 16 in 2023
    Cosplayer at RavenCon 16 in 2023
  • Gothic Wonderland Tea Party at RavenCon 16 2023
    Gothic Wonderland Tea Party at RavenCon 16 2023
  • Toi Thomas Corvid 19 Reading at RavenCon 16 in 2023
    Toi Thomas Corvid 19 Reading at RavenCon 16 in 2023

RavenCon past events

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Year Dates Name Venue Location Guests of Honor Attendance Chair Comments
2006 April 21–2 RavenCon 2006 Doubletree Inn at the Richmond Airport Sandston, Virginia Terry Brooks - author, Tom Kidd - artist, Lee & Alexis Gilliland - fans[2]
2007 April 27–29 RavenCon 2007 Doubletree Inn at the Richmond Airport Sandston, Virginia[8] Robert J. Sawyer - author, Steve Stiles - artist, Jan Howard Finder - fan [9]
2008 April 25–27 RavenCon 2008 C.S. Friedman - author, Stephen Hickman - artist [10]
2009 April 24–26 RavenCon 2009 Jack McDevitt - author, Alan F. Beck - artist
2010 April 9–11 RavenCon 2010 Holiday Inn Koger Center Richmond, Virginia Rachel Caine - author, R. Cat Conrad - artist, Steve Long - gaming [11]
2011 April 8–10 RavenCon 2011 Holiday Inn Koger Center Richmond, Virginia John Ringo - author, Kurt Miller - artist
2012 April 13–15 RavenCon 2012 Holiday Inn Koger Center Richmond, Virginia Glen Cook - author, Matthew Stewart - artist
2013 April 5–7 RavenCon 2013 Holiday Inn Koger Center Richmond, Virginia Kevin J. Anderson - author, Rebecca Moesta - author [12]
2014 April 25–27 RavenCon 2014 Richmond-Midlothian (formerly the Holiday Inn Koger Center) North Chesterfield, Virginia Elizabeth Bear - author
2015 April 24–26 RavenCon 2015 Allen Steele - author, Frank Wu and his wife Brianna Wu[13] see related Gamergate controversy
2016 April 29–May 1 RavenCon 11 Sharon Lee and Steve Miller - authors, Vincent Di Fate - artist, Ted White - special, Jason Whitt - fan
2017 April 28–30 RavenCon 12 Mercedes Lackey - author, Larry Dixon - artist, Chuck Gannon and Ed Beard Jr. - special, Professor Sparks - science, Chris AdottaSmith - fan[14]
2018 April 20–22 RavenCon 13 Chuck Wendig - author, Mark Cline - artist, The Vailix - music
2018 September 21–23 RavenCon 13.5 Four Points Sheraton Richmond R.S. Belcher - author, MC Lars, George Hrab, Reverend Billy C. Wirtz, Misbehavin' Maidens - music primary focus on music
2019 April 5–7 RavenCon 14 Melinda M. Snodgrass - author, Nikole McDonald-Jones - artist, the Library Bards - music
2021 August 8 RavenCon 14.5 Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center Glen Allen, Virginia Mikey Mason, Dimensional Riffs, Chuck Parker, Dirty Metal Lefty, Dr. Shock and the Electrodes -performers
2022 April 29–May 1 RavenCon 15 Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center Glen Allen, Virginia Terry Brooks - author, Rhiannon's Lark - music
2023 April 21–23 RavenCon 16 Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center Glen Allen, Virginia Esther Friesner and Charles Pellegrino - authors Count Gore de Vol - special.[15]
2024 April 26–28 RavenCon 17 Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center Glen Allen, Virginia Ellen Datlow - editor, Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher - author
2025 TBD RavenCon 18 Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center Glen Allen, Virginia TBD

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Humes, Pete (April 21, 2006). "Their interests are out of this world; Chesterfield couple share a passion for make-believe". Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. D1. Retrieved March 28, 2010.[dead link‍]
  2. ^ a b McKelway, Bill (April 24, 2006). "Next generation of fans near; Sci-fi aficionados gather to game, play roles and talk shop". Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. B1. Retrieved March 28, 2010.[dead link‍]
  3. ^ "Nevermore News Issue 004". Mailchi.mp.
  4. ^ "Gaming". Ravencon.com.
  5. ^ "Costuming/Cosplay". Ravencon.com.
  6. ^ "Escape Room". Ravencon.com.
  7. ^ Korsgaard, Sean (June 9, 2016). "Some claim high prices are driving longtime events out of county". Progress-Index.com. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
  8. ^ "Con Listings 2007". International SF Convention Listings. Archived from the original on March 9, 2010. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
  9. ^ Sawyer, Robert J. (May 1, 2006). "GoH at RavenCon in Richmond, Virginia". sfwriter.com. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
  10. ^ Waugh, Dionne (April 18, 2008). "Richmond This Week". Richmond.com. Retrieved March 28, 2010. [dead link‍]
  11. ^ "Raven Con 2010". Official Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved March 28, 2010. [dead link‍]
  12. ^ Hughes, Korey (April 4, 2013). "RavenCon aimed at sci-fi, fantasy fans". Midlothian Exchange. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
  13. ^ Korsgaard, Sean (April 25, 2015). "No Gamergate, THIS is about Ethics in Journalism". korsgaardscommentary.com. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
  14. ^ "RavenCon - Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention in Williamsburg, VA • April 28-30, 2017". Archived from the original on 2017-04-09.
  15. ^ "RavenCon returns for 16th annual sci-fi, fantasy event in Richmond area". Wric.com. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
[edit]
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