In 2023, we launched a new convention in Berlin: We envisioned a cross-media event that would present and discuss the speculative in its dazzling entirety and in all its media forms. We drew inspiration from the classic convention format with the individual fandoms in Germany that are still alive and thriving, as well as from the diverse impressions we gathered at international conventions and other events.
The first MetropolCon in May 2023 attracted 500 participants, and the program was an exuberant cornucopia of panels, lectures, workshops, concerts, live podcasts, and readings. We had people from science, gaming, film, and TV – and, of course, all the readers, writers, artists, publishers, and curious minds who celebrated their shared passion for science fiction, fantasy, and horror with us.
The success of the first edition inspired us to bid for Eurocon 2026 in Berlin. And here we are now, in the midst of planning and organizing precisely that: because European and international exchange across all borders, perceived and real, is a matter close to our hearts, is our motivation. The coming together, the experience of community, the conversations, connections, and collaborations that can be initiated at such an event – we want to provide a stage for that, to be a playground of possibilities and futures.
In addition to literature, we will feature radio plays, comics, music, games, and more. We will have a small but excellent academic track, as well as a big meetup for networking and project planning for more inter-European translations and publications. And of course, there is lots of space for entertainment and community spirit: live music, a pub quiz, an evening disco, it’s all happening! Not to forget the Kurd Laßwitz Prize and ESFS Awards ceremonies, and MetropolCon 2026 is also SFCD-Con, the annual gathering of the German Science Fiction Club. Last but not least, the German network of speculative fiction writers PAN e.V. will be presenting its own program track over three days.
The MetropolCon committee is aware of the challenges involved in hosting such a diverse event in Germany. Together with the team at our venue, we are working towards an inclusive, accessible, diverse, and sustainable event. We want to foster exchange, discussion, networking, and all-around inspiration based on mutual respect, openness, acceptance, and consideration.
We adopt the membership concept that is common at international conventions. For those who are not familiar with that, it’s a “by fans, for fans” approach: You don’t buy a ticket, but rather a membership, which means that you are a part of the community, and as such, make the event possible.
This is our motto for 2026: Come together for a European Festival of Imagination, Fiction, and Friendship!
