ConClave was an annual, weekend-long

science fiction convention Science fiction conventions are gatherings of fans of the speculative fiction subgenre, science fiction. Historically, science fiction conventions had focused primarily on literature, but the purview of many extends to such other avenues of ex ...

in southeastern/central Michigan, which drew approximately 600 people. ConClave attendees shared an interest in science, science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. The ConClave convention was held each year from 1976 to 2016, with the exception of 2012. In 2017, the convention was rebranded as The Continuum. While remaining true to its literary roots, ConClave celebrated

fantasy Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that involves supernatural or Magic (supernatural), magical elements, often including Fictional universe, imaginary places and Legendary creature, creatures. The genre's roots lie in oral traditions, ...

and

science fiction Science fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or abbreviated SF) is a genre of speculative fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts. These concepts may include information technology and robotics, biological manipulations, space ...

in all its myriad forms, including art, music, theatrical performance, and film. Displays included animation, television, fantasy role-play, and renaissance reenactment. Participants included gaming enthusiasts, writers of fiction, pilots of spaceships, Rennies, and Furries. ConClave was an all-ages event.

Attractions

ConClave had several established traditional attractions, most notably a well-supplied Convention Hospitality Suite, a Saturday Night Costume Ball, a merchandise area, several tracks of programming of interest to its membership, and a loyal following of staff and panel participants. Programming tracks include writing/literature, SF/Fantasy, Science/Space, Music, and Gaming. Recent additions to Conclave retinue have been a video room that screens rare anime and fan-created SF/Fantasy shorts, astronomical observing, and prep workshops for those interested in participating in NaNoWriMo.

Past conventions

ConClave I was held in 1976 in the student union on the campus of

Eastern Michigan University Eastern Michigan University (EMU, EMich, Eastern Michigan or simply Eastern) is a public university, public research university in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1849 as the Michigan State Normal School, it was the fourth normal ...

Ypsilanti, Michigan Ypsilanti ( ), commonly shortened to Ypsi ( ), is a college town and city located on the Huron River in Washtenaw County, Michigan, Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the city's popu ...

. The convention chair was Tom Barber. Guests of Honor were authors Clifford D. Simak and

James Gunn James Francis Gunn Jr. (born August 5, 1966) is an American filmmaker. He began his career as a screenwriter in the mid-1990s, starting at Troma Entertainment with ''Tromeo and Juliet'' (1996). He then began working as a director, starting wi ...

. Other notable guests included Lloyd Biggle, T. L. Sherred, Joan Hunter Holly,

Stanley Schmidt Stanley Albert Schmidt (born March 7, 1944) is an American science fiction author and editor. Between 1978 and 2012 he served as editor of ''Analog Science Fiction and Fact''. Biography Schmidt was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from th ...

, and Dean McLaughlin. ConClave II was held in 1977 in

Romulus, Michigan Romulus is a city in Wayne County, Michigan, Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 23,989 at the 2010 United States Census, 2010 census. Romulus is a western suburb of Metro Detroit and is also considered part of the Dow ...

. The convention co-chairs were Tom Barber and Steve Simmons. Guest of Honor was

Ben Bova Benjamin William Bova (November 8, 1932November 29, 2020) was an American writer and editor. During a writing career of 60 years, he was the author of more than 120 works of science fact and fiction, an editor of ''Analog Science Fiction and Fac ...

. The Fan Guests of Honor were Bob and Anne Passovoy. The Special Guest of Honor was

Robert A. Heinlein Robert Anson Heinlein ( ; July 7, 1907 – May 8, 1988) was an American science fiction author, aeronautical engineer, and naval officer. Sometimes called the "dean of science fiction writers", he was among the first to emphasize scientific acc ...

. ConClave III was held in 1978 in Romulus, Michigan. The convention co-chairs were Steve Simmons and Mary Ann Mueller. Guest of Honor was

Theodore Sturgeon Theodore Sturgeon (; born Edward Hamilton Waldo, February 26, 1918 – May 8, 1985) was an American author of primarily fantasy fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and Horror fiction, horror, as well as a critic. He wrote approximately 400 ...

. The Fan Guest of Honor was Elizabeth Pearse. ConClave IV was held in 1979 in Romulus, Michigan. Guest of Honor was A. E. van Vogt. The Fan Guest of Honor was Mary Anne Mueller. ConClave V was held in 1980 in

Toledo, Ohio Toledo ( ) is a city in Lucas County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. It is located at the western end of Lake Erie along the Maumee River. Toledo is the List of cities in Ohio, fourth-most populous city in Ohio and List of United Sta ...

. The convention chair was Dan Story. Guest of Honor was Joan D. Vinge. The Fan Guest of Honor was Delphyne Joan Woods. ConClave VI was held in 1981 in Romulus, Michigan. Guest of Honor was John Varley. The Fan Guests of Honor were Jon and Joni Stopa. ConClave VII was held in 1982 in Romulus, Michigan. The convention chair was Terry Harris. Guest of Honor was

Algis Budrys Algirdas Jonas "Algis" Budrys (January 9, 1931 – June 9, 2008) was a Lithuanian-American science fiction author, copy editing, editor and critic. He was also known under the pen names Frank Mason, Alger Rome in collaboration with Jerome ...

. The Fan Guest of Honor was Jeff Duntemann. ConClave VIII was held in 1983 in

Ann Arbor, Michigan Ann Arbor is a city in Washtenaw County, Michigan, United States, and its county seat. The 2020 United States census, 2020 census recorded its population to be 123,851, making it the List of municipalities in Michigan, fifth-most populous cit ...

. The convention co-chairs were Tom Barber and Anna O'Connell. Guest of Honor was Marta Randall. The Fan Guest of Honor was Bill Maraschiello. ConClave IX was held in 1984 in

Plymouth, Michigan Plymouth is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A western suburb of Detroit, Plymouth is located roughly northwest of downtown Detroit, and northeast of Ann Arbor. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 9,370. ...

. The convention chair was Tara Barber. Guest of Honor was

David Brin Glen David Brin (born October 6, 1950) is an American science fiction author. He has won the Hugo Award, Hugo,

. The Fan Guests of Honor were Juanita and Buck Coulson. ConClave X was held in 1985 in Plymouth, Michigan. Guests of Honor were Karen and

Poul Anderson Poul William Anderson ( ; November 25, 1926 – July 31, 2001) was an American fantasy and science fiction author who was active from the 1940s until his death in 2001. Anderson also wrote historical novels. He won the Hugo Award seven times an ...

. The Fan Guest of Honor was Mark Evans. ConClave XI was held in 1986 in Plymouth, Michigan. The convention chair was Tara Barber. Guest of Honor was

Greg Bear Gregory Dale Bear (August 20, 1951 – November 19, 2022) was an American science fiction writer. His work covered themes of Interstellar_war, galactic conflict (''The Forge of God, Forge of God'' books), parallel universes (''The Way (Greg Bear ...

. The Fan Guest of Honor was John and Joanne Hall. ConClave XII was held in 1987 in

Southfield, Michigan Southfield is a city in Oakland County, Michigan, Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. An inner-ring suburb of Detroit, Southfield borders Detroit to the north, roughly northwest of downtown Downtown Detroit, Detroit. As of the 2020 Uni ...

. The convention chair was Chris Clayton. Guest of Honor was

Gene Wolfe Gene Rodman Wolfe (May 7, 1931 – April 14, 2019) was an American science fiction and fantasy writer. He was noted for his dense, allusive prose as well as the strong influence of his Catholic faith. He was a prolific short story writer and no ...

. The Fan Guest of Honor was Joey Shoji. ConClave XIII was held in 1988 in Southfield, Michigan. The convention chair was Rebecca Price. Guest of Honor was

Gordon R. Dickson Gordon Rupert Dickson (November 1, 1923 – January 31, 2001) was an American science fiction writer. He was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2000. Biography Dickson was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1923 ...

. The Artist Guest of Honor was Todd Cameron Hamilton. The Fan Guest of Honor was T. J. Burnside. ConClave XIV was held in 1989 in Plymouth, Michigan. The convention chair was Anna O'Connell. Guest of Honor was Christopher Stasheff. The Music Guest of Honor was

Michael Longcor Michael Longcor is a folk and filk singer. His songs span a range of topics including military history, Indiana history, and humor. He has won six Pegasus Awards and has been nominated for six others. His music has appeared on Dr. Demento an ...

. The Fan Guests of Honor were

Chip Chip may refer to: Food * Chip (snack), thinly sliced and deep-fried gastro item ** Potato chips (US) or crisp (UK) * Chips (fried potato strips) (UK) or french fries (US) (common as a takeout side) * Game chips, thin chip/French fries * Choco ...

and Janice Morningstar. ConClave XV was held in 1990 in Southfield, Michigan. The convention chair was Elizabeth Huffman. Guest of Honor was

. The Fan Guests of Honor were Bill Higgins and Barry Gehm. The Special Guests of Honor were Bill and Brenda Sutton. ConClave XVI was held in 1991 in Southfield, Michigan. The convention chair was David Stein. Guest of Honor was Lawrence Watt-Evans. The Fan Guest of Honor was Professor Edward Stasheff. ConClave XVII was held in 1992 in Southfield, Michigan. The convention chair was Tara Barber. Guest of Honor was

Lois McMaster Bujold Lois McMaster Bujold ( ; born November 2, 1949) is an American speculative fiction writer. She has won the Hugo Award for best novel four times, matching Robert A. Heinlein's record (not counting his Retro Hugos). Her novella '' The Mountains of ...

. The Fan Guests of Honor were Barry and Sally Childs-Helton. ConClave XVIII was held in 1993 in Southfield, Michigan. The convention co-chairs were Doug Houseman and Anna O'Connell. Guest of Honor was

Roger Zelazny Roger Joseph Zelazny (May 13, 1937 – June 14, 1995) was an American fantasy and science fiction writer known for his short stories and novels, best known for '' The Chronicles of Amber''. He won the Nebula Award three times (out of 14 nominatio ...

. The Artist Guest of Honor was

Frank Kelly Freas Frank Kelly Freas (August 27, 1922 – January 2, 2005) was an American artist known for his work in science fiction and fantasy, with a career spanning more than 50 years. He was known as the "Dean of Science Fiction Artists" and he was the s ...

. The Fan Guests of Honor were Laura and Dick Spellman. ConClave XIX was held in 1994 in Southfield, Michigan. The convention co-chairs were Elizabeth Huffman and David Stein. Guests of Honor were Lloyd Biggle, Dean McLaughlin, and Ted Reynolds. The Artist Guests of Honor were

and Laura Brodian Freas. The Fan Guests of Honor were Rene and Carol Gobeyn. The Special Guests of Honor were Todd Johnson and Mary Burke. ConClave XX was held in 1995 in

Lansing, Michigan Lansing () is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of Michigan. The most populous city in Ingham County, Michigan, Ingham County, parts of the city extend into Eaton County, Michigan, Eaton County and nort ...

. The convention chair was Tom Barber. Guest of Honor was

Timothy Zahn Timothy Zahn (born 1951) is an American writer of science fiction and fantasy. He is known best for his prolific collection of ''Star Wars'' List of Star Wars books, books, chiefly the Thrawn trilogy, ''Thrawn'' trilogy, and has published several ...

. The Fan Guests of Honor were

David David (; , "beloved one") was a king of ancient Israel and Judah and the third king of the United Monarchy, according to the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament. The Tel Dan stele, an Aramaic-inscribed stone erected by a king of Aram-Dam ...

and Marsha Brim. The Special Guest of Honor was Dr. Demento (Barret Hansen). ConClave XXI was held in 1996 in Lansing, Michigan. The convention chair was Elizabeth Huffman. Guest of Honor was

David Weber David Mark Weber (born October 24, 1952) is an American science fiction and fantasy author. He has written several science-fiction and fantasy books series, the best-known of which is the Honor Harrington science-fiction series. His first nov ...

. The Fan Guests of Honor were Anne Brett, Lee Carol, and Tom Dow. ConClave XXII was held in 1997 in Lansing, Michigan. The convention chair was David Roach. Guests of Honor were Karen and

. The Science Guest of Honor was Christian Ready. The Fan Guest of Honor was Sarah Zettel. ConClave XXIII was held in 1998 in Lansing, Michigan. The convention chair was Elizabeth Huffman. Guest of Honor was Esther Friesner. The Fan Guests of Honor were Garth Barbour and Michele Smith-Moore. The Special Guests of Honor were Juanita and Buck Coulson. ConClave XXIV was held in 1999 in Lansing, Michigan. The convention chair was Elizabeth Huffman. Guest of Honor was James Hogan. The Artist Guest of Honor was Erin McKee. The Fan Guest of Honor was Marian Skupski. ConClave XXV was held in 2000 in Lansing, Michigan. The convention chair was Tom Barber. Guest of Honor was

. The Artist Guest of Honor was Todd Cameron Hamilton. The Fan Guests of Honor were Cindy and David Manship. The Music Guest of Honor was

. ConClave XXVI was held in 2001 in Lansing, Michigan. The convention co-chairs were Shelley Dougan and Elizabeth Huffman. Guest of Honor was L. Warren Douglas. The Fan Guests of Honor were

and Janice Morningstar. The Special Guests of Honor were Christian Ready and Jeri Smith-Ready. ConClave XXVII was held in 2002 in Lansing, Michigan. The convention co-chairs were Joshua Wong and Allen Bernstein. Guest of Honor was

Larry Niven Laurence van Cott Niven (; born April 30, 1938) is an American science fiction writer. His 1970 novel ''Ringworld'' won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, Hugo, Locus Award, Locus, Ditmar Award, Ditmar, and Nebula Award for Best Novel, Nebula award ...

. The Artist Guest of Honor was Susan Van Camp. The Fan Guest of Honor was Peg Huffaker. ConClave XXVIII was held October 17–19, 2003, at the Holiday Inn South – Convention Center in Lansing, Michigan. Literary Guests of Honor were Michael Kube-McDowell and

Jody Lynn Nye Jody Lynn Nye (born 1957) is an American science fiction writer. She is the author or co-author of approximately forty published novels and more than 100 short stories. She has specialized in science fiction or fantasy action novels and humor. H ...

. Artist Guest of Honor was Michael Arcana. Fan Guests of Honor were Bill and Brenda Sutton. ConClave XXIX was held October 22–24, 2004, at the Holiday Inn South – Convention Center in Lansing, Michigan. Author Guest of Honor was

Tanya Huff Tanya Sue Huff (born 1957) is a Canadian fantasy author. Her stories have been published since the late 1980s, including five fantasy series and one science fiction series. One of these, her ''Tanya Huff bibliography#Blood series, Blood Books'' ...

. Artist Guest of Honor was Heather Bruton. Fan Guests of Honor were Barry and Sally Childs-Helton. Special Guest of Honor was Marty Fabish. ConClave XXX was held October 7–9, 2005, at the Holiday Inn South – Convention Center in Lansing, Michigan. Author Guest of Honor was Wen Spencer. Artist Guest of Honor was Butch Honeck. Science Guest of Honor was

Steve Collins Stephen Collins (born 21 July 1964) is an Irish former professional boxer who competed from 1986 to 1997. Known as the Celtic Warrior, Collins is the most successful male Irish boxer in recent professional boxing history, having held the WBO ...

. Fan Guest of Honor was Uncle Kage (aka Dr. Samuel Conway). Music Guest of Honor was Tom Smith. ConClave XXXI was held October 6–8, 2006, at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, Michigan. Literary Guest of Honor was

Catherine Asaro Catherine Ann Asaro (born November 6, 1955) is an American science fiction and fantasy author, singer and teacher. She is best known for her books about the Ruby Dynasty, called the Saga of the Skolian Empire. Biography Catherine Asaro was b ...

. Artist Guest of Honor was

Voltaire François-Marie Arouet (; 21 November 169430 May 1778), known by his ''Pen name, nom de plume'' Voltaire (, ; ), was a French Age of Enlightenment, Enlightenment writer, philosopher (''philosophe''), satirist, and historian. Famous for his wit ...

. Fan Guests of Honor were Rene and Carol Gobeyn. Music Guest of Honor was Emerald Rose. Other notable guests included Tom Smith, Dr. Samuel Conway, Rochelle Weber, and Kathryn Sullivan. Scheduled guests

Nick Pollotta Nick Pollotta (August 26, 1954 – April 13, 2013 in Chicago) was an American author. He is best known for his humorous novels, including the science-fiction novel, ''Illegal Aliens'' (with Phil Foglio) and the fantasy novels ''Bureau 13'' and '' ...

and Timothy Albee were unable to attend. ConClave XXXII was held October 12–14, 2007, at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, Michigan. Literary Guest of Honor was Kim Harrison. Artist Guest of Honor was

Don Maitz Don Maitz (born June 10, 1953) is an American science fiction, fantasy, and commercial artist. He has twice won the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist, science fiction's highest honor for an artist. His peers in the Association of Science F ...

. Fan Guest of Honor was

Richard Tucholka Richard Tucholka (February 9, 1954 – April 27, 2017) was a writer, game designer and publisher, best known for his work in the creation of the role-playing games '' Fringeworthy'' and '' Bureau 13: Stalking the Night Fantastic''. Career In 19 ...

. Other notable guests included Janny Wurts, 2 the Ranting Gryphon, Space Time Theater, Tiffany Aaron, Raven Bower, Michael Andaluz, and the musical stylings of Wild Mercy. ConClave XXXIII was held October 3–5, 2008, at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, Michigan. Literary Guest of Honor was Michelle West. Artist Guest of Honor was Theresa Mather. Fan Guests of Honor were Lee Carroll and Anne Brett. ConClave XXXIV was held October 9–11, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, Michigan. Literary Guest of Honor was Dr. Travis S. Taylor. Science Guest of Honor was Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, S.J. Fan Guest of Honor was Dr. Barry Gehm. Other notable guests included Tom Smith, Bill and Gretchen Roper, Space Time Theater, Dr. Samuel Conway, Lee Carroll and Anne Brett, Toyboat, and Erica Neely. ConClave XXXV was held October 8–10, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, Michigan. Literary Guest of Honor was S.M. Stirling. Omnibus Guest of Honor was Juanita Coulson. Artist Guest of Honor was Peri Charlifu. Fan Guest of Honor was L. Warren Douglas. Other guests included Bill Higgins, Steve Climer, Tim Curran, Darwin Garrison, Lois Gresh, Daniel J. Hogan, William Jones, M. Keaton, Ferrel "Rick" Moore, Stewart Sternberg, Charles P. Zaglanis, Mark Bernstein, Mike Longcor, Ellen "Blade" McMicking, Tom Smith, Dr. Halina Harding, Dr. Robert Passovoy, and

Bill and Brenda Sutton Bill(s) may refer to: Common meanings * Banknote, paper cash (especially in the United States) * Bill (law), a proposed law put before a legislature * Invoice, commercial document issued by a seller to a buyer * Bill, a bird or animal's beak Pla ...

. ConClave XXXVI was held October 7–9, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, Michigan. ConClave was not held in 2012. ConClave XXXVII was held October 11–13, 2013, at the Doubletree By Hilton Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. The Author Guest of Honor was

Allen Steele Allen Mulherin Steele, Jr. (born January 19, 1958) is an American journalist and science fiction author. Background Steele was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 19, 1958. He was introduced to science fiction fandom attending meetings o ...

. ConClave XXXVIII was held October 10–12, 2014, at the Doubletree By Hilton Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. The Author Guest of Honor was Kelly McCullough. ConClave 39 was held on October 9–11, 2015, at the Doubletree By Hilton Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. The literary Guest of Honor was

with Special Guest M. Keaton. ConClave 40 was held on October 7–9, 2016, at the Holiday Inn Detroit Livonia Conference Center in Livonia, MI. Guests of Honor were Jacqueline Carey and Michael O. Varhola.

Current status

ConClave 40 was the last instance of ConClave. The convention was replaced in the calendar by Continuum. Continuum was all new leadership and their first took place from October 13–15, 2017, and the second from October 5–8, 2018. Continuum was not held in 2019.

References

{{Reflist

External links

ConClave Home pageContinuum Home page
Science fiction conventions in the United States Conventions in Michigan