Penguicon | |
---|---|
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]