For me the best thing was that I got to get together with friends I see only once or twice a year. I'm assuming that most readers do not know about science fiction conventions (cons from now on). Along with getting to meet and talk with favorite sf authors and artists, there are lots of other things to do. Panels are just what they sound like. A group of four or five people talk about a subject of interest. Some are experts, others are just interested in the subject. Subjects vary. I've attended panels on how to start writing, how to write a query letter to a publisher or agent, small unit infantry tactics, the effect of materials science on weaponry, exotic pets and medicine in space. That is just in the last year or two.
In addition to panels, there are readings by authors. Some writers know how to read aloud very effectively. John Dalmas held a group of about 30 spellbound by reading from a first draft of one of his novels. Usually on panels and at readings, there is a question and answer period afterwards. That usually continues after the panel is over and the group has to give up the space for another panel. Fen just naturally follow the people they want to hear into the hall and it goes on until someone has to leave for another panel or reading.
Most cons host an art show. This can consist of available prints, but many have original works by everyone from juvenile artists to professional. Some of the art done by professionals sells in the tens of thousands of dollars. But there is quite a bit which is both attractive and affordable. In my opinion, some of the good art is sold for less than the frame is worth.
Almost every con has a dealer's room, often called hucksters. Depending on the size of the con, there will be from a dozen to hundreds of people selling all kinds of things that are of interest. Off the top of my head, there are costumes (sf and medieval), weapons (everything from swords to ray guns), new books, old books, comic books, books on tape... all kinds of books, not just sf and fantasy. You can buy tapes and DvDs of movies and TV shows, jewelry, gadgets like blinking light pins and electronic signs you program yourself, and stuff that is just neat.
There is often a masquerade. These are shows put on by the con and the participants compete with fabulous costumes or skits. Some of the costumes are very complex and can take over a year to conceive and finish. A group of judges with experience in costuming preside over the event and award prizes to the best, the funniest, the cutest (hard decision when a bunch of adorable, little kids show up in constume)
and the best workmanship. Some fen like dressing up. They wear hall costumes that can be anything from a sexy outfit to a full suit of armor (even space suits). My very first con was one in St. Louis. I had heard of worldcon (thought you had to be someone like Isaac Asimov to attend) and knew nothing of the local cons. What attracted me was the sight of a van stopping in a hotel parking lot and a group of five or six Jawas (remember the little robed guys who kidnapped the "droids" in Star Wars?) running into the lobby. I parked and followed. My life hasn't been the same since.
In the evening there are parties. The site of each worldcon is chosen two years in advance. Cities bidding for a worldcon throw parties to show fen just how much fun their city can be. Other folk host parties because they like parties. A third category is the 'thank you' party that is hosted by a former worldcon city to thank fen who supported them. Ah yes, among the parties that are thrown by people who are just party animals is the "faux bid" party. These are for places that don't exist, like Oz or Utopia and for places that exist but are very hard to reach, like Mars or the moon. Quite a few of these parties offer drinks, both alcoholic and non as well as snacks.
Many cons host a con suite where you can get a free soda (or a beer if you're of legal age), a place to sit and talk or sometimes a dance floor. The parties and suite are no charge. But plenty of them have a kitty where you can stick some cash to help defray the host's expenses.
Worldcon and some others publish a newsletter. These can be daily or just once during the con. They contain changes in the programming schedule, gossip, information on the hotels and restaurants in the area. One delightful newsletter consists of just snippets of conversations overheard at the con. Of course, these are free as well.
Once you begin attending cons, you realize that there are regulars who show up every year. Some of them help organize the con, others just like the atmosphere and parties. It doesn't take long to make friends who can last many years (30 and counting for a couple.)
Oops, almost forgot GAMING. There are two basic kinds of games: board games like "Dungeons and Dragons" and live action role playing games (LARP). Board games and computer games have progressed far beyond D&D. There are some multi-million dollar game publishers. LARP started from a short story called "The Tenth Victim," about a society where murder was permitted so long as you signed up for it. An assassin was assigned a victim who knew that he was the target. The object of the whole business was to survive, either as assassin or victim while killing the other guy. After winning ten of these games, the player became somewhat famous.
At first, these games were played without costume. The weapons were pointed fingers and the rules somewhat vague. More recently, they have been organized, with headquarters and costumes. Vampire LARP is not the most popular. Some of the costumes are quite well done. Mundane (non-fan) hotel guests may be surprised by finding a realistically made up corpse in a hallway or stairwell who gives anyone passing information on what the crime scene looks like. At one con, a body outline was sketched on the floor with masking tape.
That is a basic outline of the science fiction convention. Don't forget that sf contains many sub-genres such as fantasy and horror, just to mention two of lots and lots.
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