Global InformationPenguicon information
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| Penguicon | |
|---|---|
 Tux visits the Penguicon Consuite | |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Science fiction/Linux User Group |
| Venue | Westin Southfield Hotel, Southfield, MI (since 2014) |
| Location(s) | Southeastern Michigan |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | 2003 |
| Attendance | 1550 (2016)[1] |
| Organized by | Penguicon Staff |
| Filing status | Non-profit |
| Website | http://penguicon.org |
Penguicon is a convention in southeastern Michigan designed originally to mix the communities of the science fiction fandom and Linux user groups.[2] In addition to educational panels on science fiction in the media, attendees participate in professional and beginner-level panels on Linux and open-source software. Penguicon takes its name both from a Monty Python sketch and from Tux, the penguin mascot of Linux.[3]
Penguicon is held in the spring in the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area. The venue, a hotel, has changed from year to year, but since 2014 the event has been held at the Westin Southfield Hotel in Southfield, Michigan.[4]
Since its founding, Penguicon has expanded its focus to include panels and events for foodies, cosplay, filk music (the folk music of science fiction fandom), gaming, and makerspaces.[5] Penguicon has been described as a place where "hackers, makers, foodies, open source software junkies, anime buffs, and science fiction fans of all ages and backgrounds come together in a hotel for a weekend and totally blow the roof off."[6]
Along with the panels, the convention has hosted Artemis spaceship bridge simulations, biohacking presentations, retrogaming rooms, and a life-size Operation game board.[7]
Working alongside local makerspaces i3Detroit and All Hands Active, Penguicon has offered instruction in learning to solder electronic components, which allowed attendees to create their own LED badges.[8]
Over a thousand participants have attended past conventions, which have featured Guests of Honor from Neil Gaiman[9] and John Scalzi[10] to Jon "maddog" Hall and Eric S. Raymond.[11]
- ^ "Penguicon 2016 Wrap-up". 2016.penguicon.org. Penguicon. 8 May 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ Landley, Rob (6 October 2009). "History of Penguicon, from one of the co-founders, Part I". The Conversation Pit. Archived from the original on 19 August 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
- ^ "FAQ". Penguicon 2018. Penguicon. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ "Penguicon Venues". Penguicon.info. Penguicon. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ Sands, David (26 April 2012). "Penguicon Convention 2012 Mixes Science Fiction, Linux, And DIY Exploration". HuffPost. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ Phillips, David (11 February 2015). "Episode 78: Penguicon, Bebop Art, Kosmic Kasey". IT in the D. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ Hall, Christina (30 April 2016). "Penguicon convention full of science fiction fans". Detroit Free Press. USA Today Network. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ Worman (5 May 2016). "Thanks Penguicon!". All Hands Active. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ Gaiman, Neil (15 May 2004). "If this is Saturday it must be... where the hell am I anyway?". Neil Gaiman's Journal. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ Scalzi, John (29 April 2012). "And Now, My Penguicon Guest of Honor Bio". Whatever. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ "Previous Events". Penguicon 2018. Penguicon. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2018.