LAcon V is delighted to announce an exciting array of exhibits ranging from traditional Worldcon staples such as the Worldcon History Organization with the trademark WSFS banner and past Hugo awards on display, to classic Battlebots and modern art by members of the Art Directors Guild (local 800) with a Science Fiction theme. These include a display of older and classic costumes from master costumers that have not been exhibited in decades.
The Art Show has a wide variety of art on display and for sale by silent auction as well as special displays by LAcon Guest of Honor Tim Kirk of art never before seen, done for but never used on Harlan Ellison’s last unpublished collection in the “Dangerous Visions” series. There is a retrospective on a giant of the field, Frank Kelly Freas, featuring portraits of the Original Star Trek bridge crew that have to be seen to be believed. The man was simply the best portraitist of his time. Finally, fan favorite Vince Villafranca of Hugo base fame is putting on a retrospective of past and new bronzes including art from private collections never before publicly shown. Check out the full list on the con’s website.
On top of all that, over a hundred dealers are in our Dealers Room, selling everything from slime to rare books are waiting to sell you their wares. Check out the full list of dealers in advance on that page.
Various fannish organizations from FANAC to the 501st Legion have fan tables where you can meet and interact with their members, maybe even join their organizations. There will also be a Fanzine Lounge where you can read and scan in fanzines, and three ‘recharge areas’ for tired feet and aching backs, where you can sit down and ‘speed friend’ with people you have never met before.
Some other great stuff to see:
- A natural history exhibit in a travelling wagon will transport you to California’s prehistoric past.
- Every Guest of Honor has a booth where you can learn more about them.
- There are representatives of several local museums that have SF and F collections.
- There are examples of the prop makers’ art from backdrop painters to actual robots.
- There are science displays from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the IEEE as well as the Southern California Droid Builders.
- Don’t forget to see the LAcon V MakerSpace upstairs, and visit the Build-A-Blinky tables to build your own limited edition convention logo/badge.
Check out the Freebies tables out in the front ground level lobby with literally thousands of free items from the latest books to gems from many generous donor’s personal collections. You won’t know what you will find unless you visit and do some digging. (And don’t forget the Freebies Book Lounge too!)
And last but not least, there is the biggest interactive exhibit a Worldcon has ever had: in over 1,200 square feet, Limitless Telepresence will give you a chance to drive prototypes of their remote controlled moon rovers in simulated lunar and other environments that, with luck, will be available in 2028 to remotely control from the Earth to the Moon and beyond. Mind the 2.56 second round trip delay (Light speed is sooooo limiting!) and watch out for falling Space-X rocket parts.
We have done our best to make sure there is something for everyone and surprises, games, and fun around every corner. Adventure Awaits!
