Many of you will be familiar with what follows, but we would like to tell everyone who might be interested just what exactly our plans for 2026 are, and what that means:
The team behind MetropolCon is bidding to host Eurocon 2026 in Berlin. The decision will be made in a few weeks at this year’s Eurocon in Rotterdam, Erasmuscon, which takes place from August 16-19: Two years in advance, the delegates of the European countries present at the Business Meeting of the ESFS, the European Science Fiction Society, vote on these bids. MetropolCon is the only bidder for 2026.
You can find out more about the ESFS, past and future Eurocons, the ESFS Awards, the ESFS statutes and the requirements for a Eurocon at https://www.esfs.info/
So, what is a Eurocon?
Like other conventions organized by fans for fans, Eurocons look different every year because each team or committee has a different focus. But what you can expect from every Eurocon is a lively exchange with fans, writers, artists, nerds, and scientists from all over Europe. In addition, much of the program, communication, and advertising for these conventions will be in English, because it’s the lingua franca in Europe, and this is how the most people can be reached and can participate. For example, we plan to offer at least 75% of our program in English in 2026.
Usually, the focus of Eurocons is on literature, i.e. science fiction, fantasy, and horror, but as with MetropolCon 2023, the speculative in any other media is almost always part of the deal as well, whether art & music, games, or film & TV & audio/radio plays … and of course science, which has a lot to do with SF – as a source of ideas, in research as well as in analysis – but also with the other speculative (sub)genres.
As usual, the program is the star of the show. You can expect panels, lectures & keynotes, workshops, interviews and performances, but there will also be more casual, fannish program items such as meetups for different fandoms and interests, guided tours to (nerdy) highlights of the respective host city, as well as round tables for crafting, handicrafts, filking, etc. The mix of experts, creatives, and “mere fans”/enthusiasts ensures an exchange on par, and the inspiring feeling of community and togetherness that we all appreciate so much about this type of event.
Become a member
As is common for international conventions by fans for fans, you don’t purchase a ticket for a Eurocon, but a MEMBERSHIP. You become part of a community that makes the whole thing possible and fills the event with life, meaning, and content – even if only for a few days. After Eurocon, you can go home inspired and tired, let what you’ve experienced sink in, read newly acquired books and hang cool illustrations on the wall … or forget most of it again. For many members of such a pan-European gathering, however, a lot more remains: new friendships and perspectives, different points of view, book recommendations for years to come, a rekindled desire to travel, perhaps even new appreciation and gratitude for being part of the European project … well, and that much-vaunted and currently often hard-to-find sense of community.
At a Eurocon, people with similar interests and numerous differences come together. We are united by our enthusiasm for science fiction, fantasy, and horror. An interest in science, backgrounds, explanations. Curiosity. The desire for exchange, understanding, togetherness.
All this is also expressed in the term “Membership.” Those who come to Eurocon become part of a community. Everyone is a member; nobody gets left out. Let’s play with the term for a moment: We spend a few days on this fascinating ship (whether it’s an SF spaceship, a steampunk airship, a horror ghost ship, or an elven-winged fairytale ship) and sail together across the seas of our imagination. A colorful, multinational crew that makes this very special journey possible. Will you come aboard?
Get your membership here. Sales start August 17, 2024, at 5 p.m.