Heading to Worldcon Today

This afternoon I head to Chicago for the 70th World Science Fiction Convention (and the 7th to be held in the Windy City). For me, it will be my first and I am pretty darn excited about it. Having been going to conventions now for the last five years (since I sold my first story), I’ve found that the best part for me is the people: getting to see those friends I’ve made the in the SF world; getting to meet those heroes whose work I’ve read so much; and getting to meet friends in person that I’ve only–until now–met online.

The convention is being held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago and that’s where I’ll be staying. I’ll be on three panels, and attending all of the major conference events. I’m trying not to over-do it (I’ve done that at Readercon in the past) and so I’m not booking myself solid, but leaving plenty of time and room to make ad hoc decisions about what I’d like to do.

As I always try to do when I’m at a convention, I’ll be blogging about the day’s events in the evenings (or early mornings) when I can find the time. If you are interested in what I happen to be doing or where I happen to be (especially if you are going to be at the convention), I’ll be posting on Twitter. In addition to the panels I’ve been assigned, here are some of the events I plan to attend while at Chicon:

• Thu, 3pm: Opening Ceremonies
• Fri, 8pm: Analog Party
• Sat: 9am: SFWA Business Meeting
• Sat: 2pm: SF Signal Meetup
• Sun: 9am: SF Signal Contributor Meetup
• Sun: 8pm: Hugo Award Ceremony

Outside of these fixed events, and the panels I’m on, I’ll be popping in and out of a variety of panels and workshops, roaming the dealer’s room, and hanging at the bars. Best way to get in touch with me is via Twitter (if you don’t have my phone number). I’ll be re-enabling my notifications while I am at Worldcon (I disabled all notifications on my iPhone during my Internet Vacation) so I shouldn’t miss anything.

I hope to be at the hotel by about six this evening and I head back home late Monday morning.  Look forward to seeing everyone there.