Words From the Chair, December 1995

The Second Occasional LoneStarCon Science Fiction Convention and Chili Cook-off, Variously known as the 55th World Science Fiction Convention and LoneStarCon 2, the 1997 Worldcon, To be held from August 28th through September 1st, in the year 1997, in San Antonio, Texas.
Words From the Chair, December 1995

Reprinted from LoneStarCon 2's Progress Report #2

ords From the Chair, December 1995
by Karen Meschke

hen I walked into the offices of the 1985 NASFiC in Austin, I never dreamed what the science fiction community and WorldCon would do to my life. I can remember walking in the halls during the convention and seeing writers whose work I had read and being unable to speak to them - even for an autograph. At the 1986 WorldCon in Atlanta the next year, I overcame a few fears, made some new friends, and started the journey of WorldCon.

While atending this past WorldCon in Scotland, I began to understand the "world" in WorldCon. The sounds of several languages being spoken at once, ideas that flowed out of parties and into the hallways, were an education in themselves. I enjoyed watching the children in the play area at the convention center. Though so many barriers could have hindered their play, their enthusiasm and smiles spoke louder than any words. The diversity of the people who assembled for Intersection was infectious. When we did not share a common language, we communicated our love of science fiction and how it shape our lives by mime and sign language. I also discovered two very comforting aspects of Fandom at Intersection: chocolate and Legos transcend age and language.

While atending this past WorldCon in Scotland, I began to understand the "world" in WorldCon.

My thanks to everyone who helped with our membership table and party at Intesection, you are greatly appreciated.

Our first year has been filled with planning, negotiations, preparing our budget, and adding to our ever expanding ensemble of volunteers. The work toward San Antonio 1997 continues with the contracts signed and dated for both the San Antonio Convention Center and the Marriott Rivercenter/Marriott Riverwalk. Now the real job of space allocation and fufilling our dreams becomes our current task. It's almost like having an empty house to fill and arrange to entertain a few thousand of your closest friends, and it's only yours for a few precious days.

I will never look at WorldCon again in the same way I did my first one.

Our committee is continuing to grow and focus. The many volunteers it takes to plan, prepare and follow through for this undertaking is amazing. I will never look at WorldCon again in the same way I did my first one.

Special thanks to Laura Domitz and Brooks Griffith, those hard-working, dedicated folks who came to the office every Wednesday night, as well as the extras who frequent the office with their laughter and ideas.

Now about that white horse and cowboy for LAConIII . . . .

Karen Meschke

A strong Texas presence was felt in Glasgow Scotland, thanks in part to the efforts of Kathy Richardson, Diana Thayer, Teddy Harvia (above) & Fred Duarte, Jr. (right)

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