Eurocon 2026: A Vision for the Future of European Fandom Takes Shape Amidst Unprecedented Enthusiasm

BERLIN, GERMANY – [Date of Article, e.g., June 1, 2024] – The second day of Metropolcon 2026, serving as this year’s Eurocon, buzzed with an electrifying energy, dedicating its core agenda to the future of European science fiction conventions. From decisive votes on upcoming Eurocons to enthusiastic bids stretching into the next decade, the European Science Fiction Society (ESFS) meeting underscored a vibrant and ambitious fandom. Delegates from across the continent, including Valeriia Savotina and Alona Silina from Ukraine, converged to shape the landscape of future events, celebrating both literary excellence and community spirit. The day also featured compelling discussions, author signings, and a spirited evening of camaraderie, affirming the robust health and forward momentum of European speculative fiction.

The atmosphere at Metropolcon, held in Berlin, was one of palpable excitement and collective purpose. Despite the early start on a mild morning, attendees, fortified by warm coffee, arrived with a clear focus on the crucial decisions ahead. The meticulous planning and smooth execution of the convention thus far set a positive precedent for the discussions, reinforcing the sense that European fandom is not just surviving but thriving.

Charting the Course: The ESFS Meeting and Future Eurocon Destinations

The day’s proceedings commenced promptly at 9 AM with the second ESFS meeting, a critical forum for determining the trajectory of future Eurocons. The room was packed, radiating an infectious enthusiasm that hinted at the significant outcomes to follow. Though the initial moments of the meeting were missed, comprehensive notes ensured that all developments were captured, painting a picture of a proactive and engaged community.

A Decisive Vote for 2028: Zagreb’s SFeraKon 50 Triumphs

The first major agenda item was the vote for the 2028 Eurocon. The Croatian bid, spearheaded by the team behind Zagreb’s venerable SFeraKon, presented a compelling case. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, SFeraKon’s proposal to host the Eurocon resonated deeply with the delegates. The vote proceeded seamlessly, culminating in an overwhelming endorsement. Zagreb’s SFeraKon 50 was officially declared the host for Eurocon 2028, a testament to its long-standing history and the community’s trust in its organizing capabilities.

Following the successful bid, Ivan Kranjcevic, a key figure in the Croatian team, proudly announced the initial Guests of Honor for SFeraKon 50 Eurocon. The lineup already boasts an impressive roster of international talent: acclaimed Scottish author Ian McDonald, known for his richly imagined science fiction; American fantasy writer Robert Jackson Bennett, celebrated for his intricate world-building; Autumn Purser, a rising voice in speculative fiction; and Croatian artist Tomislav Tonic, whose visual contributions are sure to enrich the convention experience. The promise of more guests to be announced further heightened anticipation for what is set to be a landmark event.

Fórum Fantástico Eurocon 2027: A Glimpse into Portuguese Hospitality

Attention then shifted to Fórum Fantástico, the confirmed host for Eurocon 2027 in Portugal. Rogério Ribeiro provided an update, painting a vivid picture of the preparations underway. He unveiled four new Guests of Honor, adding to an already distinguished list that includes British author Adrian Tchaikovsky. The newly announced guests reflect a diverse and international scope: Mafalda Santos, a prominent Portuguese novelist, bringing local literary flair; Sara Felix, an American artist, promising visual richness; Brjáinn Sigurgeirsson, a Swedish game producer, expanding the convention’s reach into interactive entertainment; and Seran Demiral, a Turkish author, further broadening the cultural tapestry. This impressive lineup underscores Fórum Fantástico’s commitment to a broad and inclusive celebration of speculative fiction.

Beyond the literary and artistic luminaries, Ribeiro detailed exciting planned activities. A historical tour to a local Gothic cemetery promises a unique cultural experience, blending the fantastic with Portugal’s rich heritage. Adding a touch of local flavor and conviviality, it was later revealed that the convention site boasts an on-site microbrewery, with a detailed selection of available beers to be confirmed. This blend of intellectual engagement, cultural immersion, and social enjoyment exemplifies the comprehensive vision for Eurocon 2027.

Bidding for 2029: Poland and Bulgaria Emerge as Contenders

The horizon for Eurocon 2029 saw the emergence of two strong contenders, whose proposals will be rigorously evaluated over the coming year. This dual interest speaks volumes about the growing desire among European nations to host this prestigious event.

Mikolaj presented Poland’s bid, proposing Warsaw as the host city in either June or early July. He assured delegates that venue investigations were well underway, leveraging the team’s recent success in organizing a massive 7,000-person convention. This prior event impressively integrated literature, gaming, and various other facets of the fantastic, demonstrating a proven track record in large-scale event management. The Polish bid emphasized a commitment to building on this experience, promising a well-organized and diverse Eurocon.

Hot on Poland’s heels was Sofia, Bulgaria, whose bid was championed by Joro. His presentation highlighted the significant milestone this would represent: the 25th anniversary since Bulgaria last hosted a Eurocon. This historical resonance, coupled with the prospect of showcasing Bulgaria’s vibrant contemporary fandom, formed a compelling narrative. The bid also outlined practical benefits for attendees, such as complimentary travel cards for public transport, enhancing accessibility and affordability. Both the Polish and Bulgarian teams expressed commendable flexibility, indicating their willingness to consider bidding for a different year if their 2029 aspirations did not materialize, signaling a deep-seated commitment to hosting Eurocon regardless of the immediate outcome.

The 2030 Landscape: UK, Italy, and Serbia Eyeing Opportunities

The discussions for Eurocon 2030 revealed a dynamic and competitive landscape, with several countries expressing keen interest. Copenhagen, Denmark, initially considered a bid for 2030 but decided to step back, indicating a potential bid for 2032 instead, demonstrating a strategic approach to future hosting opportunities.

The UK bid for 2030, presented by Allen, stood out for its professional presentation and strategic vision. It was framed as a tripartite effort involving Eastercon, Eurocon, and the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA). The BSFA’s explicit goal to increase membership and foster growth through hosting a major convention formed the core of their pitch. The bid’s success hinges on approval through the distinct systems of each of the three participating entities, a logistical challenge that the team appeared well-prepared to navigate. A clear objective was to establish a productive vision of growth, with the BSFA awards serving as a guiding light for program expansion. This initiative aimed to leverage the Eurocon platform to elevate British speculative fiction and its community.

Flora, representing Italy, put forward a bid for 2030 centered around an annual event in Fiuggi. This location, renowned for its close ties to the Italian space agency and its four-star hotel facilities, boasts a strong pedigree, having successfully hosted two previous Eurocons. Fiuggi’s proximity to Rome, just an hour away, was highlighted as a significant advantage, offering attendees the best of both worlds: a relaxed convention experience alongside the cultural riches of the Eternal City. The promise of "great food, cheap wine, authors, film stars, and a relaxed lovely time" painted an enticing picture of Italian hospitality.

Serbia also voiced its interest, initially considering 2030 but acknowledging the increasingly crowded field. Recognizing the strong competition, particularly if Poland or Bulgaria were to shift their bids, Serbia indicated a flexible approach, signaling interest in hosting Eurocon 2031. This willingness to adapt and compete underscores the widespread enthusiasm and the growing pool of potential hosts for Eurocon. Indeed, observing countries suggested that many more European nations are in various stages of hoping, thinking, and planning bids for future Eurocons, demonstrating a healthy and expanding ecosystem for speculative fiction events.

The Broader Implications: Fandom’s Growth and Worldcon Aspirations

The collective energy surrounding these future Eurocon bids speaks to a profound and positive shift within European fandom. There is a clear and widespread interest in hosting, a recognition that successfully running a Eurocon is a significant achievement, offering both a new experience for attendees and a platform for national fandoms to shine.

One Eurocon chair, with a touch of humor, noted the often-discussed aspiration: "Eurocon is a step towards a Worldcon, theoretically!!!" This quip, while light-hearted, highlights a deeper truth. Eurocons serve as crucial proving grounds and incubators for the organizational talent, community engagement, and international networking necessary to even contemplate a Worldcon bid. The positive spirit pervading the discussions, both formal and informal, suggests a growing ambition. Many conversations in the convention bars revolved around the hope of Worldcon bids coalescing from European groups. This aspirational talk was often juxtaposed with good-natured "individual denial" about the personal commitment required to lead or chair such a monumental undertaking, showcasing the blend of idealism and pragmatism within the community.

This healthy and positive scene, where "the seeds are down," strongly suggests that more European countries will indeed bid for Worldcon in the coming years, building on the experience and momentum gained from hosting successful Eurocons.

A Day of Engagement: Program Highlights and Reflective Moments

Beyond the strategic planning of future conventions, Metropolcon 2026 offered a rich and diverse program that captivated attendees throughout the day. The pleasant weather encouraged many to utilize the green areas surrounding the venue, fostering spontaneous conversations and relaxed socializing. Tobes Valois, a prominent figure in fandom, was observed making the most of the city’s historical offerings, a reminder that conventions are also opportunities to explore host cities.

Honoring a Legacy: The Ian Watson Tribute

A poignant moment of the day was the tribute to author Ian Watson, whose recent passing was deeply felt across European fandom. Watson was remembered as a prolific writer and a strong champion of international speculative fiction, having given immense contributions to the community. An originally planned interview with his translator Bernhard Kempen about Watson’s newly published collection, "Mythen, Monster und Manien – Fantastische Geschichten aus einem anderen Deutschland" (Myths, Monsters, and Manias – Fantastic Stories from Another Germany), by Memoranda, was transformed into a heartfelt presentation. Publisher Hardy Kettlitz and Bernhard Kempen shared insights into the book, Watson’s life, and their personal friendship, allowing attendees to reflect on his enduring legacy.

Packed Panels and Popular Signings

The convention program continued to draw large crowds, with particular sessions experiencing significant popularity. The talk on Space Opera featuring acclaimed authors Al Reynolds and Peter F. Hamilton was exceptionally well-attended, followed by a bustling signing session. Similarly, Becky Chambers, a beloved author known for her empathetic science fiction, had another highly popular signing session, with queues winding up the ramp. The strong international popularity of these guests underscored the convention’s success in attracting diverse and celebrated voices, resonating with a broad spectrum of attendees.

"Everything is Running Smoothly": A Dynamic Program in Action

A humorous, yet telling, moment occurred with an update to the "Everything is running Smoothly" sign. Far from indicating turbulence, this update signified a dynamic response to success. The popularity of certain informal meet-ups led to the addition of extra sessions, transforming a "problem of success" (high demand) into a "positive opportunity" for further engagement. This adaptability and responsiveness highlighted the organizational prowess and commitment to attendee satisfaction, truly living up to the "very smooth, very smooth indeed!" mantra.

Vincent Docherty, a respected voice within fandom, offered resounding praise for the convention’s program, calling it "very good." Indeed, the schedule was thoughtfully curated, leveraging the international engagement to introduce novel elements. Highlights included "With Love, Queer Finland," a panel exploring Finnish speculative short fiction, new voices, and stories where identity and love challenge established norms, offering a fresh perspective on queer narratives in speculative fiction. Another unique offering was the "Musical history of Swedish Fandom," delving into the cultural expressions of a national fan community. The promise of an international panel on fanzine making on the following day further illustrated the program’s depth and breadth. The overall consensus was that the program was "well thought out, had some serious work done, and had done together really well," a credit to the tireless volunteers and the engaging participants and moderators who entertained, shared, educated, and provoked thought.

James Bacon’s Presentation: "The Holocaust in Comics"

A significant and deeply impactful moment of the day was James Bacon’s presentation, "The Portrayal of The Holocaust in Comics," co-assisted by political scientist and comics fan Dirk van den Boom. The panel, held in the heart of Berlin, tackled a challenging yet profoundly important subject.

Vincent Docherty, in his commentary for File 770, eloquently articulated the impact of the session: "It’s an important and timely subject, which James delivered well and which clearly engaged the large audience. I was struck by how many in the room didn’t realize the extent of the material which had been published, particularly on the concentration and extermination camps, from quite early during WWII, or how graphic the content was, even when being marketed to children."

Docherty further elaborated on critical insights shared during the presentation: "James also shared other important matters, such as the post-war (self)censorship by many publishers, and the influence of the Comics Code Authority – important lessons for our time. I hope James continues his research on this topic, including material from other countries, as a number of audience members suggested." This feedback underscored the panel’s resonance and its potential for ongoing academic and historical contribution.

Bacon himself reflected on the experience, noting that his research, spanning over sixty publications from WWII, was built upon the foundational work of many others, particularly inspired by We Spoke Out: Comic Books and the Holocaust by Rafael Medoff and Neal Adams, with an introduction by Stan Lee, and edited by Craig Yoe. He admitted to a slight initial apprehension regarding the challenging nature of the subject matter given the German location, but found it "unnecessary." He expressed gratitude for the audience’s respectful engagement, which included a moment of silence, thoughtful questions, and active participation. The panel served as a powerful reminder of the role of speculative and visual media in confronting difficult historical truths.

Evening Celebrations: Worldcon Party and Dancefloor Dynamics

As evening descended, the convention shifted gears from intellectual engagement to vibrant celebration. Dinner was followed by the Brisbane in 2028 Worldcon party, an energetic event that allowed attendees to socialize and look forward to another major global gathering. The revelry then transitioned to the dance floor, where convention chair Claudia Rapp delightfully took on the DJ duties. Her enthusiastic performance ensured the dancefloor remained bustling well past midnight, defying initial expectations of its busyness.

This commitment and engagement from the Metropolcon team were palpable throughout the day, extending into the late-night celebrations. Their delight in the tasks, their volunteerism, and Claudia’s infectious enthusiasm from the DJ booth underscored the dedicated spirit driving the entire event.

Conclusion: A Brilliant Saturday, Paving the Way Forward

Saturday at Metropolcon 2026 proved to be another long but brilliant day, a stunning testament to the vitality of European fandom. From the strategic decisions made during the ESFS meeting that mapped out future Eurocons, to the engaging program that fostered intellectual discussion and emotional reflection, and culminating in a joyous evening of community celebration, the day was a resounding success. The forward momentum is undeniable, with strong bids for future conventions and growing aspirations for Worldcons. The spirit is overwhelmingly positive, and the "smoothly running" nature of Metropolcon itself serves as an inspiring example for the future of European speculative fiction events.