The South Florida Science Fiction Convention
Sponsored by the South Florida Science Fiction Society (SFSFS)
The South Florida Science Fiction Convention
Sponsored by the South Florida Science Fiction Society (SFSFS)
Esther M. Friesner was educated at Vassar College, where she completed B.A.s in both Spanish and Drama. She went on to Yale University, where within five years she was awarded an M.A. and Ph.D. in Spanish. She taught Spanish at Yale for a number of years before going on to become a full-time author of fantasy and science fiction. She has published twenty seven novels so far. Most recent titles include The Psalms of Herod and The Sword of Mary from White Wolf and Child of the Eagle from Baen Books.
Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in Asimov's Fantasy and Science Fiction, Aboriginal SF, Pulphouse (the Hardback Magazine), Amazing, and Fantasy Book as well as in numerous anthologies. Her story Love's Eldritch Icor was featured in the 1990 World Fantasy Convention book.
Her first stint as an anthology editor was Alien Pregnant by Elvis, a collection of truly gonzo original tabloid SF for DAW Books. Wisely, she undertook this project with the able collaboration of Martin H. Greenberg. Not having learned their lesson, they also co-edited Chicks in Chainmail, an anthology of Amazon comedy for Baen Books, Blood Muse, an anthology of vampire stories for Donald I. Fine, Inc., and are currently working on Did You Say "Chicks"?, the long awaited sequel to Chicks in Chainmail.
Ask Auntie Esther was her regular column of etiquette advice to the SFlorn in Pulphouse Magazine. Being paid for telling other people how to run their lives sounded like a pretty good deal to her.
Ms. Friesner won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story of 1955 for her work Death and the Librarian and the Nebula for Best Short Story of 1996 for A Birthday which was also a Hugo Award finalist for that year. Her novelette Jesus at the Bat was on the final Nebula ballot in the same year that Death and the Librarian won the award. In addition, she has won the Romantic Times award for Best New Fantasy Writer in 1986 and the Skylark Award in 1994. Her short story All Vows took second place in the Asimov's SF Magazine Readers' Poll for 1993 and was a finalist for the Nebula in 1994. Her Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel Warchild made the USA Today Best-seller list.
She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, two rambunctious cats, and a fluctuating population of hamsters.
For a bibliography of Ms. Friesner's work, courtesy of the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase (Copyright © 1997 ISFDB Team), please CLICK HERE
Toastmaster is one of those jobs that requires a quick wit, unending enthusiasm, and more stories than the New York Public Library. Ms. Sherman's short fiction runs the gamut of fantasy tales. From witches to ghosts, to genies and their lamps, Joseph has been able to weave their stories into all new forms. At Tropicon expect to find her in the middle of a circle, whether it's filking or story telling, Josepha will join in. If we are real good, we may get to hear some traditional folk tales or, an original spin on one. But watch out, you may find yourself wrapped up in the stories before you know it.
Ms Sherman's works include Castle of Deception (with Mercedes Lackey), The Chaos Gate, Child of Faerie, Child of Earth, and Forging the Runes.
For a more complete bibliography of Ms. Sherman's work, also courtesy of the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase, please CLICK HERE
Our other guests include Ben Bova, Adam-Troy Castro, Hal Clement, Barbara Delaplace, Charles Fontenay, Joseph Green, Jack C. Haldeman II, Daniel Keyes, Randy Miller, Mike Resnick, Bob Tucker, and Rick Wilber.
If you have any suggestions or requests for programming, or if there is some program that you think that we should avoid, please drop a line to our PO Box or send e-mail to tropicon§scifi.squawk.com.
The Tropicon Member Sales table, located in the Dealer's Room, is the place to get your official Tropicon XVI T-Shirt. We will also have, at bargain prices, some of the Tropicon T-Shirts from prior years, featuring art by Gail Bennett, Vincent DiFate, Mary Hanson-Roberts and others.
Thanks to the buying power of the SFSFS Book Division, we will also have available a wide selection of new books by our Tropicon Guests. SFSFS members will receive the usual 30% discount, and we are offering a 10% discount to all others attending Tropicon. Stop by to pick up books for signings - and don't forget that a signed book will make a great gift for the Holidays!
Tropicon will again be held at the luxurious Doubletree Guest Suites on Cypress Creek Road in Fort Lauderdale (within sight of I-95). The room rates are $84.00 single/double, $94.00 triple/quad, which is very reasonable in South Florida in the early part of tourist season.
Every room in the hotel is a two-room suite so be prepared to relax in your own living room when you are not running around the con. Each suite has a wet bar with a refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave. There is a television with a VCR in the living room (in addition to the one in the bedroom) and telephones in both rooms with computer connections. Each sofa in the living room converts to a full-size double bed so you can have an additional, separate sleeping room if needed. Bedrooms have either two double beds or a king size bed. Of course, non-smoking and smoking rooms can be requested.
The Doubletree is a lavish 8-story property with a large tropical garden in its central atrium. For additional information about this fine hotel please visit their Web page.
For reservations, please call (800) 222-TREE ((800) 222-8733) (locally (954) 772-5400 or Fax (954) 772-5490) or contact them by mail using the Hotel Reservation form.
In order to get these rates, be sure to mention that you will be attending TROPICON XVI, sponsored by the South Florida Science Fiction Society.
Directions:
In the Doubletree, Ferguson's is a great place for a relaxed lunch or dinner. You can even eat in the tropical atrium.
If you need to get away from the convention for a while, there is a wide choice of food nearby. Bennigan's is next door and you can stroll to the likes of Chili's and other places. Within walking distance are fast food places like Burger King, Miami Subs, etc. Within about a mile is a wide variety of restaurants including a British pub, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants, a NY-style deli, as well as some upper class restaurants. A detailed list will be available at registration along with some sample menus.
The current rate for three days of hamster filled fun and excitement is a mere $24.00 until October 16th. After that date and at the door, it will be $28.00. As always, children 8 years old and under are free with an adult membership.
To Register or for more information, including Dealer's Room or Art Show Show information, please write:
TROPICON XVIor send an e-mail message to Judi Goodman.
c/o SFSFS
P. O. Box ×××××
Fort Lauderdale, FL ×××××-××××
(×××) ×××-××××
Please make checks payable to SFSFS.
For a TROPICON XV Registration Form please CLICK HERE.
As an additional incentive, the first 150 folks (that's one hundred and fifty sapient beings with opposable thumbs ... not birds, not iguanas, not imaginary friends, and, no, not lemurs either) to preregester will receive a hand assembled (aka "homemade"), limited edition (we promise to identify them a such!) tote as a special "thank you" from the Registration Staff.
Registration Desk Hours:| Friday: | Noon to 9:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Sunday: | 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM |
Tropicon's Dealer's Room, Art Show, and Video Room will be open starting at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 7th.
No convention can be run without the warm, living bodies of Staff and Gophers. The South Florida Science Fiction Society appreciates the great help we had at Tropicon XV. This year, we invariably will need help in all areas: Registration, Operations, Con Suite, Art Show, Set-up and Tear-down, Gaming, and Video. If you are interested in giving us a hand, even if it s just for a few minutes (every little bit helps), please contact Melanie Herz at (407) 724-9581. Melanie may also be reached by e-mail on AOL or Compuserve.
No, nein, nej, non, nee, ei, okhee, nei, nie, nao, nyet, ne, lo, neyn, and NO WAY JOSE!!!!!! Get the idea? The only sharp things you'll need at Tropicon are your wits. There is only one exception to this policy. Some weapons may be allowed as part of a costume but they MUST be peace-bonded. There is no exception to this requirement.
Please continue to watch this space for information regarding TROPICON XVI. We will be posting the latest and greatest news here as our plans develop.
Constructive suggestions for programming, panel discussions, and the like will be gratefully received.
This automatic registration service comes courtesy of NetMind's URL-minder.
TROPICON XVI is sponsored by the South Florida Science Fiction Society, a nonprofit literary society recognized by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3).
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Copyright © 1997, The South Florida Science Fiction Society
GALLERIE TROPICON -- Each year the Tropicon Art Show staff seeks out new artists to display and sell their work in our show, and this year they've outdone themselves. Artists from around the U.S. are sending some of their best pieces to tantalize your eyes. And don't forget to bring a pen to write down those bids. From fan favorites to promising newcomers, you'll see their work on display in the art show.
For artists wishing to exhibit their work in the show, the prices are:
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OPENING NIGHT WAS NEVER LIKE THIS -- What do you get when you mix fans, pros, casino style gaming and a silly end of evening auction? Why the Alien Casino / VIP Party of course! Don't worry about losing your shirt, we supply the credits. Mix, mingle, gamble and have fun -- the night is just beginning. You may find yourself betting that Godzilla can beat Captain Kirk in a race around our track, but watch out for that sneaky tribble that always seems to catch up at the end. Have fun winning credits at our three gaming tables, then get ready to bid high and fast, you never know what will show up in our alien auction. So don't forget Friday night, join the crowds in the garden and and really kick off the weekend of fun.
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PICK A KEY AND SING ALONG -- Acoustic guitars, an occasional zither and as many voices as we can muster; that's what make a goo filk. Come along and join come along and join these late night revelers as they sing old favorites and mayhaps a new tune or two. If you have a song that you just can't remember, someone here is sure to know it. So join in the circle and sing along. And don't worry, all fans sing in the same key.
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SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND FOR ANY OTHER REASON -- The unusual, the unique, that one of a kind item, that's what you'll find in the Tropicon Dealer's Room. Jewelry to filk tapes, masks to comic books, this is your one stop holidays shop. Our dealers represent the range of interests of our attendees, so if you're game we'll have something for you. And don't forget the reason that we exist, BOOKS! Hard to find or special firsts, our dealers have them waiting. And don't forget to buy a few books for autographs! T-shirts, buttons. and toys, the list is just endless. You will just have to drop in and see for yourself.
For those of you who wish to join our unique band of entrepreneurs, it is really quite simple. Prices for individual tables are $40.00 for the weekend and include one (1) membership to the convention. One (1) additional membership for an assistant is available for just $15.00. Just drop a note to our PO Box or contact us at tropicon§scifi.squawk.com.
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COME AND BREAK BREAD -- Sunday morning, join us as we have brunch with our guests. The menu includes croissants and danish, eggs and breakfast meats, fresh fruit, a selection of cereals, toast, juice, coffee or tea, and many other tasty treats. You get all you can eat for a mere $18.00. Plus, that entitles you to prime seating for the fun to follow. Our Toastmaster and Guest of Honor get their chance to open up and let us have it. So get your brunch reservations early because seating is limited.
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SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE TIME -- The Tropicon programming staff takes great pride in presenting a wide variety of programming to stimulate and fascinate. Expect programs ranging from a discussion on "Science Fiction to Fact: Science Makes It Happen" to a panel chat on "Folk and Fairy Tales: Myths and Other Monsters", with programs on mysteries, natural history, comics, UFOs, sports in SF, and alien artifacts along the way. Fandom is not forgotten as we remember our roots in "Advance Fandom: What is the next step?". And, for those trying to break into writing we have a panel on getting published.
And don't forget our traditional Tropicon events; the Trivia contest where each correct answer is worth a wooden nickel (good for 10¢ in our dealer's room), and our Charity Auction benefitting the SFWA Emergency Fund and the South Florida Science Fiction Society Building Fund.
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GAMING THE WAY IT'S MEANT TO BE -- Once again this year, our gamesmaster has gone out of his mind to bring you the best in current gaming challenges. We're told he has shaken down -- ahem, we mean "asked" certain big name companies to not only donate a few prizes for our on-site tournaments; but possibly sponsor and sanction a few of the games. So whether your passion lies in card games, role-playing games, board games, strategy games or any of the other variations on game playing, join us in our gaming suite. Late night games will be available.
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THE PLACE TO STOP AND SMELL THE COFFEE... -- Ahhh, there is nothing more enticing after a day of conventioneering than a soft sofa, a cool beverage, and entertaining conversation ... or is there? This year's Con Suite is more than just a place to recharge your batteries, it is also the site for some of our special events. Try your hand at domino building, we want to see if we can build through the weekend and then knock it down Sunday night. Or maybe you know just what a station on Mars should look like. Show us in our annual model building competition. And lest we forget, Cheeblecon South is also being held in our Con Suite. Whew! With all that going on, don't forget the the Con Suite is the place for a quick light snack. Surprises are in store as our hostess, Melanie Herz, plans on treating us to tastes from around the world. And after that, the Con Suite is also the late night gathering spot to wind down and discuss, oh, just about anything.
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MEDIA STILL LIVES AT SOUTH FLORIDA CONVENTION -- Despite nasty rumors to the contrary, there is media life at Tropicon. Our media staff has come up with programming for every fan's fun. Do you long for the simple children's shows from Saturdays past? Check out the psychedelic Saturday morning schedule. Miss the action and suspense (and the excellent English dubbing) of the Chinese imports? Friday's Hong Kong film fest is for you! Friday night will feature cult favorites we all know and love. Saturday night we're hosting a live and in person presentation of a famous cult film. If you've not experienced this show with a live ensemble, you haven't experienced it at all! So you can see it; IT LIVES!!!!
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We are pleased to announce that Cheeblecon South will be held on Saturday night. What is that you ask? Well, Cheeblecon is a con within a con that is often held where Esther Friesner is present. It is only appropriate that we hold one here! There will be much laughter and excitement as all attendees are invited to participate in silly contests, like "Hamsters in SF/F/H, artistic renderings of "Hamster Limericks", and other such goings on. There will be prizes awarded for the most creative endeavors in each contest that we can think up! Oh, and if you want to know what "cheeble" stands for, you'll just have to attend Cheeblecon South for the explanation!
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GIVE TO HELP OTHERS -- Keeping with tradition, we will once again be sponsor the Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Blood Drive on Sunday at Tropicon. Virginia Heinlein has authorized the use of her husband's name in memory of the importance he placed on donating blood. Members are urged to donate year round but our special time will be at Tropicon XVI in November. (Tropicon account codes for later donations can be obtained at the convention.) The bloodmobile will be parked outside and there will be special goodies for those who contribute.
The blood supply in our country is becoming an endangered species as it is so dangerously low. Pints check out but they don't check in the way they used to. This is especially needed in South Florida in November as we enter the winter season and the many visitors increase the need for blood in local hospitals. Giving blood is safe and easy. Donate a pint at Tropicon (or even afterwards) and give the gift of life.
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AND ON THE SUBJECT OF GIVING -- Charity may begin at home, but you get to take home some neat stuff from our annual charity auction. Bid high and bid fast for those hard to find, and possibly one of a kind items. The auction staff have been combing the country to find items that are not readably available. Autographed books and manuscripts, hard to find firsts, they've come up with these surprises and more. Rumors have surfaced of a special X-Files package of items ready for auction.
This year the proceeds of our auction will be divided between the SFWA Emergency Fund and the South Florida Science Fiction Society Building Fund. The SFWA Emergency Fund provides help to members unable to help themselves due to medical or other crises situations. these monies often mean the difference between life and death for the recipients. SFSFS recently acquired a clubhouse and is need of funds to recoup from the cost of moving. Donations are also accepted at registration, just tell them to earmark it for the charity that you choose.
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Copyright © 1997, The South Florida Science Fiction Society