Penguicon 6.0

To those of you familiar with the Linux and Free/Open Source community

Think of a weekend long Linux Users Group meeting with hundreds of other geeks, which also just happens to have nationally acclaimed guests, its own wireless network, hotel room parties, lots of folks talking about Science Fiction and Fantasy, a place to buy cool t-shirts and buttons and such, amateur singing, anime, a costume contest, and free caffeine and snacks always available.
To those of you familiar with Science Fiction conventions

Imagine all the convention features you know and love, with the addition of wireless internet access, computer gaming, people who know about online publishing / books on demand / digital art, a programming track involving computing topics and another one focusing on the crossover between Science Fiction and computing.
Eric S Raymond once wrote in "Conventions at Light Speed: What Hackers Can Learn From SF Fandom", about technical conferences, "If people just dissipate after dinnertime for lack of a place to find conversation, that's a sin and a waste." Penguicon is the solution.

In past years, Tech guests have included Eric S. Raymond, Rob “CmdrTaco” Malda, John “maddog” Hall, Jeff “Hemos” Bates, Nat Torkington, Peter Salus, and Chris DiBona.
Imagine seeing your favorite creative visionaries meet the innovators who are creating the future you read about in SF. Penguicon is so exciting because it brings together people with similar interests, but totally different skills. Then wonderful things happen when they get talking.

In past years, author guests have included Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Cory Doctorow, Charlie Stross, and Joan D. Vinge. Gaming guests have included Steve Jackson, Kevin Siembieda, and Looney Labs. Web comics guests have included Pete Abrams, Randy Milholland, and J.D. “Iliad” Fraser.

And what else is there at Penguicon? There is a Dealers Room. There is a Masquerade, and a rocking Dance. There are reading and signing sessions from our guest authors. There is 24-hour board/card/roleplaying gaming. There is a Linux Installfest, Birds of a Feather sessions, computing and programming tutorials, and info kiosks. A 24-hour Anime Room provided by the local anime convention Youmacon. In the complimentary hospitality suite, which is open to all attendees, we serve coffee, beer, the famed “Water Joe”, OpenCola, and ice cream made with liquid nitrogen! We do technical presentations and seminars. There is a writing workshop. There are science fiction singalongs and comedy music concerts. There are homemade robots.

Bubble machines. Starfleet Tux. Hardware hackers setting up Pringles cans as wireless antennas. Friendly authors beaming free science fiction stories to the PDAs of their fans. Experts on nanotechnology, biotech, A.I., and the Singularity. Human-speakable languages based on computer logic. A constructable marble rollercoaster. Board games played on Hoberman spheres.

All of this on a three day weekend. We’re looking forward to seeing YOU there!

New this year: Artist's Alley, Multiplayer Computer Game Room, Giant Singing Tesla Coils!

"Weirdly opposite an event like PC Forum but every bit as fun." -- Cory Doctorow

"When you've been awake for 24 hours, Penguicon is like walking around the internet in real life." -- Jorge Castro

"Why get a life when you can go to Penguicon instead? The perfect playground for your inner geek..." -- Eric S. Raymond

"Penguicon 5.0 was the most fun I've had at a convention in years!" -- Charlie Stross

"Penguicon is arguably the best convention in all time and space." -- Steve Jackson

For more of a taste, we offer audio recordings of our sessions, video clips, and pictures.