Imagine getting together with a few friends from all over the world to talk about something you all love: science fiction (SF) and fantasy. Many of the authors, artists, editors, and others involved in the creation of the genre we all appreciate will also participate. All of you read the books, see the movies, watch the stuff on TV and/or play the games. You've got a lot in common. And when you all get in one place you count heads and find out there are five to eight thousand of you. What do you call it? A World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), of course. In 1998, Bucconeer, the 56th Worldcon, will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Five days to:
Talk about SF day and night. Bucconeer's Guests of Honor C.J. Cherryh, Milton A. Rothman, Stanley Schmidt, and Michael Whelan will be there along with Special Guest J. Michael Straczynski and Toastmaster Charles Sheffield. Programming includes panels, readings, favorite new books, world building, movie discussions, science programs, introduction to Worldcons (SF convention culture), how to sell what you've written, and much more. Attending the Hugo Awards Ceremonies (SF's equivalent to Hollywood's Oscar Awards) is a special part of the program. Get autographs at sessions scheduled all day and go to special events each night. The Masquerade is an elaborate science fiction and fantasy costume competition. (Some members participate by wearing costumes throughout the convention in a "hall costume" contest.) Entertaining performers wander the convention juggling, filking (SF for folk singing), etc.

Cast your vote for the site of the Worldcon three years in the future. Bucconeer members will select the location for the 2001 Worldcon. The last four Worldcons have been held in Winnipeg, Glasgow, Los Angeles, and San Antonio. Aussiecon Three, the 1999 Worldcon, will be held "down under" in Melbourne, Australia and the 2000 Worldcon, Chicon 2000, will be held in Chicago, Illinois. Shop in the Dealers' Room. You'll find hundreds of tables with various goods, such as new, rare, and used science fiction books, magazines, comics, interesting jewelry, art prints, videos, laser discs, funny fan buttons, fan writings, and just plain great (or weird) stuff.

Explore the history of the science fiction community, including special exhibits where photographs of professionals in the science fiction community will show you what your favorite authors look like. (That way you'll be able to buy them a drink in the bar.) The souvenir (program) books from all of the previous Worldcons will be exhibited, along with displays from science fiction fans from around the world.

See SF and fantasy art created by many of the major SF and fantasy artists in the Worldcon Art Show. Many are for sale both by written bid during the exhibition or voice bid during the Art Auction. You'll also be able to purchase signed and numbered lithographs and prints. Visit special interest areas. Video and film rooms, gaming areas, costuming workshops, and the debut of the Analog Mafia Ragtime Band are a few of the special activities at Bucconeer.

When and Where Bucconeer Begins Wednesday, August 5, 1998 through Sunday, August 9, 1998. It will fill the entire brand-new section of the Baltimore Convention Center, as well as five hotels near Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Convention activities begin around 10 a.m. and many people stay up and talk into the wee hours of the night. At the Inner Harbor, you can find the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center; as well as hundreds of shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Baltimore is only a few hours drive from historic Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay; Washington, D.C.; Gettysburg and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Ocean City, Maryland; Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; and historic Norfolk and Williamsburg, Virginia.

Who Are We? Bucconeer is produced and presented by volunteers from the SF community and Baltimore Worldcon 1998, Inc., an incorporated nonprofit organization founded by members of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society and the Washington Science Fiction Association. Together, we have hosted Balticons for the past 32 years, Disclaves for over thirty years, and three local Worldcons in the past three decades.

Bucconeer: A Worldcon to Treasure