The Newsletter of LAcon V
Issue One: Thursday August 27, 2026: AM Edition
The Fuzzy Pink Papers is the daily newsletter of LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention. Edited by Sam Lubell and published throughout the convention. More issues of the Papers can be found here throughout the weekend.
You Have the Write Stuff
The Fuzzy Pink Papers depends on con-goers like you for its contents. We are looking for reports on what you saw at the con, restaurant reviews, recommendations about things to see at the convention and throughout LA, your art, photos, anything that might interest or inform L.A.conners. Many of you are writers. Here’s a chance to show you have the Write Stuff (or the Art Stuff) and give yourself a bit of name recognition. Email newsletter@lacon.org or drop off written content in the Fuzzy Pink Papers box outside Hilton Mezzanine 12.
The Legend of Fuzzy Pink
Fuzzy has been named in honor of our friend and colleague in fandom, Marilyn “Fuzzy Pink” Niven, a long-time participant in Southern California and American fandom, and the wife of celebrated science fiction author Larry Niven. Fuzzy, as everyone called her, passed away in December 2023, leaving behind a legacy of friendship and service to fandom that can never be replaced. We could think of no greater tribute to her than to bring her spirit along with us on our adventure, and we are very grateful to Larry for his blessing.
Welcome to LAcon V
by Joyce Lloyd, Chair
Adventure awaits!, and now it’s here. It’s hard to believe that it’s been four years since we began this journey to what would become LAcon V: the seventh Worldcon in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and the fifth to bear that name. It was a journey that began with our sponsoring organization, the Southern California Institute for Fan Interests (SCIFI) Inc., and a select group of bid committee members that came together as LA in 2026. You might remember our bid website, featuring the photo of a man atop a cliff looking at the infinite vastness of space above him… that’s how we all felt, staring into the abyss, knowing what we wanted to do, and where that journey might take us.
We spent 2023 and 2024 on the road, traveling to conventions across America and around the world, culminating in being awarded the convention at the 2024 Glasgow Worldcon. We knew the responsibility we were being granted, we had high hopes and big dreams. The convention we’ve managed to put together is something very special, something we are very proud of. But it hasn’t been an easy journey, and none of us could have predicted what would unfold from Glasgow to today. Because of this, many of you will not be joining us here in person; please believe me when I say that I understand, and support your decision… But we did some pivoting and we are excited to welcome you to our expanded Virtual Convention, or as we affectionately call it, our Robust Virtual Program so you can continue to be part of the fun!
That’s what Worldcon is for: bringing everyone together, no matter your social status, political ideology, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or deeply-rooted faith. What we share is far bigger than what divides us. We passionately love stories of the future, journeys through space, travels into the past, civilizations documented as they rise and fall. We love swords and sorcery, supernatural frights and cyberpunk odysseys, and all those journeys to times long ago in galaxies far, far away. We play games, we attend science seminars, we read books, we watch films, we binge television series, we research new frontiers… and we do it both on our own, as well as with our families and friends. Most importantly, we strive to set examples for the generations to follow.
It may not be the LAcon V we originally anticipated, but what we’ve created is so much more and very much a product of love. I am so proud of the hundreds of volunteers who have come together to bring you a Worldcon. One we are excited for, a Worldcon that speaks to everyone. I hope you have a wonderful time!
Today’s Program Highlights
Early risers who want to start the day with a bit of exercise should meet in the Hilton Lobby at 9 AM for “Stroll with the Stars.” This will be a daily adventure with different guests each day. See the Program Guide.
Orient yourself with a Convention Tour. Meet at 10 AM in the Hilton Lobby.
Celebrate the start of modern American science fiction and fandom, “100 Years Later: The Impact of Amazing Stories Magazine.” 259 (ACC North) at 1:30 PM.
“Barbara Hambly’s Birthday Tea Party” Everyone is welcome to help celebrate Guest of Honor Barbara Hambly’s birthday! Pacific Ballroom C (Hilton) at 3 PM.
Be welcomed to L.A.Con V. At Opening Ceremonies Convention Chair Joyce Lloyd welcomes you all at the official opening of LAcon V. Arena, 7:30 PM
Dance your Thursday night away. Dublin 2029 Céilí Dance (Featuring Stepwise). A Céilí, also known as a ceilidh, is an evening of music, dancing, laughter, and community. Stepwise is a traditional Celtic folk band who will perform a mixture of traditional Irish songs with tight vocal harmonies and traditional Irish tune sets. Pacific Ballroom A (Hilton) 7 PM until late.
Handy Links You Should Know
Program Guide – https://guide.lacon.org
Member Portal – https://portal.lacon.org
Locations, Hours of Operation and FAQs – https://www.lacon.org/faq/
Member Discord information – https://www.lacon.org/discord/
Keep On Trucking
L.A.Con is partnering with several food trucks to feed hungry fans. The food trucks will be available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 7:00pm, on Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and on Monday from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Confirmed participants are Barcelona On the Go, Tropical Island Grill, Rolling Sushi, and Cali Delights. Not every truck will appear every day, and trucks may change at any time. More details on the Dining Options page.
Fuzzy Makes Convention Accessible!
In need of accessible seating for hearing and vision needs? Look for Fuzzy in the front row! If you need an end-of-row seat, find him in the front and mid-room.
If you don’t need these accommodations, please leave the seats available for those who do until the program item begins. Your fellow members appreciate it!
Podcasters, Not Pod Racers
Balboa B is available for any podcast recording. Please contact the Press Room in Balboa A. There will be a sign up sheet. Balboa B is located on the fourth floor of the Hilton.
Convention Previews
In the final weeks leading up to this year’s Worldcon, we’ve published a number of feature articles previewing some of the great stuff you’ll see at this year’s convention. Check out the following:
- Programming Preview Part One and Part Two, with a selection of the very best LAcon V has to offer from the perspective of the team that created this year’s program
- Exhibits Preview, with some of the best stuff you’ll see in our Exhibits Hall, Dealers Room and Art Show
- Our Complete List of Program Participants this year, both in person and online, with biographies of each participant
- The LAcon V Film Festival including our 2026 Film Festival Winners
- Specific programming events including the Makerspace, XPrize at LAcon V, Star Trek is 60, and the Friday Blood Drive
Remember: you’ll want to have the LAcon V Member Portal and Program Guide at your fingertips, especially on your mobile phone at the convention… these two sites will help you throughout your convention experience.
LAcon Visuals
We are not just live, we are online. See our You Tube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@lacon-online Hint: You will be able to watch the Hugos here.
Kiddie Care: Drop-off Childcare at LAcon!
Want to get a chance to see the Hugos without worrying about your kid? Avoid the “I get to see the Masquerade this year, and you get to babysit this time” conversation. Childcare, provided by
KiddieCorp, a company with years of experience, will be provided at LAcon V, costing $12/child/hour.
Childcare for children 1-12, conveniently in the Hilton, will be available:
Friday, August 29 – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (South Side Symphony Anime Juke Jam)
Saturday, August 30 – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Masquerade)
Sunday, August 31 – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Hugo Awards Ceremony)
Other events taking place during that time include the LAcon V Film Festival, and many, many panels.
You could have dinner with your friends… Did I mention dancing?
Children can be dropped off for an hour, or two, or even eight, if that fits better into your schedule. Meals can be ordered for your children, coordinated by the KiddieCorp staff.
Parents who used the service at last year’s Worldcon, say they were happy with the care and the activities for their children.
Check with the Info Desk at either the Hilton or the ACC-N for exact location. Need more information? KiddieCorp is available to answer any questions. Feel free to contact
KiddieCorp by phone at (858) 455-1718 or by e-mail at info@kiddiecorp.com.
Water, Water Everywhere
It is very important to stay hydrated in all this L.A. heat. Please bring refillable water bottles (or use an empty soda bottle) and fill it frequently. Look for water filling stations at the ACC North (Convention Center North) and the hotels (see the images below for the locations of stations in the ACC North building; water stations are the blue circles on both maps.) Remember your desert island rules!
The Fuzzy Pink Papers: Issue One
Thursday August 27, 2026, AM Edition
The Daily Newsletter of LAcon V: The 84th World Science Fiction Convention
Edited by Sam Lubell
Fuzzy illustrations by Teddy Harvia, used with permission
Published by Shaun Lyon
Copyright © 2026, The Southern California Institute for Fan Interests (SCIFI) Inc. All rights reserved.
