View source for CONvergence

{{Short description|Fan convention in Minnesota, United States}}
{{about|the science-fiction convention|the Goth subculture festival|Convergence (goth festival)}}

{{Infobox Convention
| name       = CONvergence
| image      = 2014CONvergence.jpg
| slogan     = 
| status     = Active
| genre      = [[List of multigenre conventions|Multi-genre convention]]<br>[[Science fiction convention]]<br>[[Fantasy|Fantasy convention]]<br>[[Speculative fiction]]<br>[[Fan convention]]
| frequency  = Yearly
| venue      = [[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency Minneapolis]] in [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]]<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=CONvergence 2019 Will Be At the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Minneapolis |url=http://www.convergenceevents.org/2018/06/convergence-2019-will-be-at-the-hyatt-regency-in-downtown-minneapolis/ |website=Convergence Events, Inc.|date=16 June 2018 }}</ref>
| location   = Minneapolis, Minnesota
| coordinates= {{Coord|44.9712981|N|93.2773887|W|display=inline,title}}
| country    = United States
| years_active = {{age|1998|07|04}}
| first      = {{start date|1999|07|02}}
| last       = {{dts|2023|07|6|format=mdy}}
| next       = {{dts|2024|07|4|format=mdy}}
| participants = {{nts|3437}} ({{dts|2022|08|11|format=y}})
| budget     = {{nts|400000|prefix=approx.&nbsp;$}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Budgets and Reports |url=http://www.convergenceevents.org/departments/financial-reports-and-forms/budgets-and-reports/ |website=Convergence Events, Inc. |accessdate=11 July 2018}}</ref>
| organized  = Convergence Events, Inc.
| filing     = Non-profit
| website    = {{URL|http://convergence-con.org}}
}}

'''Convergence''' (stylized "CONvergence") is an annual [[list of multigenre conventions|multi-genre]] [[fan convention]]. This all-volunteer, fan-run convention is primarily for enthusiasts of [[science fiction]] and [[fantasy]] in all media.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/|title=Archive {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref> The [[motto]] is "where science fiction and reality meet". It is one of the most-attended conventions of its kind in North America, with approximately 6,000 paid members in some years.<ref name=":0" /> The 2023 convention was held across four days at the [[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency Minneapolis]] in [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]].<ref name=":1" />

==Attractions==
The convention is known for several attractions, which are available to members throughout the event.

=== Art and merchandise ===
[[File:Daren Dochterman draws the USS Enterprise.jpg|thumb|right|Daren Dochterman drawing ''Enterprise'']]
* The Convergence art show offers items created by artists around the country. Some are available for a live auction or silent auction.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/art-show/|title=Art Show {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref> 
* The artists alley provides space for artists to offer commissioned art.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/artists-alley/|title=Artists Alley {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref> 
* The dealers room features a larger number of vendors selling crafts, apparel, or collectibles.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/dealers-room/|title=Dealers Room {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref>
* The charity auction funds community activities provided by the [[Geek Partnership Society]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/gps-charity-auction/|title=GPS Charity Auction {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Official CONvergence merchandise is available with branded goods and commemorative event apparel.

=== Social attractions ===
[[File:Swamp Thing and Len Wein.jpg|right|thumb|The late Bob "Roadkill" Aiken dressed as Swamp Thing, with creator [[Len Wein]], at Convergence 2005]]
* The convention is known for its themed room parties<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/events/parties/ |title=Room Parties at Convergence |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124231245/http://www.convergence-con.org/attractions/parties/parties.php |archivedate=2009-11-24 }}</ref> hosted by community and fan groups. Each party room is unique from one another,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://arcanacon.com/convergence/Convergence_Panoramic_Photos.htm | title =Panoramic Photos of Garden Court and Room Parties at Convergence}}</ref> each with varied themes. The walls of the convention are usually plastered with [[advertisements]] for different parties.
* Space lounge presents a futuristic space-themed entertainment venue with music, entertainment, and sensory refreshments.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/connies-space-lounge/|title=Space Lounge {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Several spaces for [[game|gaming]] are available at Convergence, with options for [[board game]]s, [[card game]]s, and [[role-playing game|roleplaying games]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/gaming/|title=Gaming {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref> The gaming area offers [[LAN]]-based gaming, [[miniatures wargames|tabletop gaming]], and ''[[Artemis: Spaceship Bridge Simulator]]'', among other things.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/gaming/ |title=Gaming}}</ref>
* The Convergence teen room is available for members between 13 and 20 years old.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/teen-room/|title=Teen Room {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Programming areas ===

* Harmonic Convergence features live music, spoken word, burlesque, and comedy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/harmonic-convergence/|title=Harmonic CONvergence {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Cinema Rex is a couch- and sofa-filled movie room. Running popular movies, short films, and film festivals, Cinema Rex provides drinks, popcorn, candy, and other refreshments.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/cinema-rex/|title=Cinema Rex {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Theater Nippon presents a series of classic and modern [[anime]] with free drinks and candy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/things-to-do/theater-nippon/|title=Theater Nippon {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Hospitality ===
Members of Convergence have access to a con suite, with complimentary rice and soups throughout most of the day, and around-the-clock access to candies, veggies, fruits, and chips.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/services/consuite/ |title=Consuite}}</ref>

== Events ==
{{Expand section|date=July 2018}}
many parallel programming tracks are run at Convergence, filling several convention rooms simultaneously with panels, speeches, demonstrations, recognitions, and screenings.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Smith |first=Rod |title=Geek Chic |newspaper=[[City Pages]] |volume=23 |issue=1128 |date=17 July 2002 |url=http://citypages.com/databank/23/1128/article10568.asp |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930221200/http://citypages.com/databank/23/1128/article10568.asp |archivedate=2007-09-30 }}</ref>

=== Panels ===
[[File:CONvergence Panel.jpg|thumb|right|240px|A panel of experts (including cartoonist [[John Kovalic]], far left, and author [[Brian Keene]], far right), debate who would win in a fight: [[Frankenstein's Monster]] or [[Cookie Monster]].]]
Convergence panels are scheduled for each day, across a wide range of topics. Most panels are group discussions in front of an audience, while others are more interactive or performance-based.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/get-involved/panels/|title=Panels {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Main stage events===
The opening and closing ceremonies are held on a main stage, as well as live performances and other events that require a lot of space.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/events/mainstage/|title=MainStage {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Masquerade ====
The masquerade event is held Saturday night, displaying the best in costuming and [[cosplay]] creations, usually with short skits.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/events/masquerade/|title=Masquerade {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Music events ====
Live music sometimes occurs at the main stage. Dances and raves are often scheduled for the late hours in the main stage area.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-the-con/events/mainstage/dj-dancerave/|title=Dances & Raves {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Mascots==
[[File:CONvergence Wordmark with Connie.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]

The primary mascot of Convergence is the [[gynoid]] "Connie", who is occasionally opposed by Connie's scheming younger sister, "Connie Mk. II".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/at-a-glance/convergence-lore/|title=CONvergence Lore {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-17|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Guests of honor ==
[[File:Emily Hagins.jpg|thumb|right|Emily Hagins]]
Like most [[science fiction convention]]s, CONvergence selects a few special guests every year.

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+Convergence guests of honor
!Guest of honor
!class="unsortable" | Known for
!Years attended
|-
|[[Forrest J. Ackerman]]
|SF historian and collector
|1999
|-
|[[Pam Keesey]]
|Author of Vamps! and other fiction
|1999
|-
|[[Harry Knowles]]
|Movie critic and web entrepreneur, [[Ain't It Cool News]]
|1999, 2001, 2005, 2008
|-
|[[Jay Knowles]]
|Web entrepreneur, [[Ain't It Cool News]]
|1999, 2001, 2005, 2008
|-
|[[Gordon Purcell]]
|Comic book artist
|1999, 2018
|-
|[[Gary Russell]]
|Producer of the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' audio series
|1999
|-
|[[Neil Gaiman]]
|Author of books, comics and film
|2000
|-
|[[Peg Kerr]]
|Award-winning author
|2000
|-
|[[Regina Pancake]]
|Hollywood prop creator
|2000
|-
|[[Ruth Thompson (artist)|Ruth Thompson]]
|Fantasy artist
|2000, 2012
|-
|[[Keith Topping]]
|Author of ''[[Doctor Who]]'' novels and more
|2000
|-
|''Go To Hell! (cast and crew)''
|Adventure, comedy, horror film
|2000
|-
|[[Peter Mayhew (actor)|Peter Mayhew]]
|[[Chewbacca]] in ''Star Wars''
|2001, 2008
|-
|[[Michael Sheard]]
|British SF movie and television actor in ''[[Star Wars]]'', ''[[Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade|Last Crusade]]'', and many other projects
|2001, 2003
|-
|[[Eleanor Arnason]] 
|Award-winning science fiction novelist
|2001, 2018
|-
|Crist Ballas
|Movie makeup and physical effects artist
|2001, 2004, 2008
|-
|[[C.H. Morgan]]
|Sci-fi and fantasy artist
|2001
|-
|[[Diane Duane]]
|Popular author of books and television
|2002
|-
|[[Peter Morwood]]
|Sci-fi and fantasy author
|2002
|-
|[[Mark A. Altman|Mark Altman]]
|"Trekspert" and co-creator of ''[[Free Enterprise (film)|Free Enterprise]]''
|2002
|-
|[[Robert Meyer Burnett]] 
|Co-creator and director of ''[[Free Enterprise (film)|Free Enterprise]]''
|2002, 2008
|-
|[[Nene Thomas]]
|Popular award-winning fantasy artist
|2002
|-
|[[Daren Dochterman]] 
|Designer and illustrator for over 35 feature films
|2002, 2008, 2016
|-
|[[Adam 'Mojo' Lebowitz]] 
|Author and former lead animation supervisor for [[Foundation Imaging]]
|2002
|-
|[[Andrew Probert]]
|Production designer for ''[[Star Trek]]''
|2003, 2008
|-
|[[Eric Flint]]
|Author and editor of many books
|2003, 2006, 2008
|-
|[[John Kovalic]]
|[[Dork Tower]] and Dork Storm Press, [[Out of the Box Publishing|Out of the Box Games]]
|2003, 2007, 2008
|-
|[[Katherine Kurtz]]
|Author of the [[Deryni]] trilogies and stories
|2003
|-
|[[Denise Garner]]
|Romantic fantasy artist
|2004
|-
|[[David Gerrold]]
|Science fiction/fantasy author of many books
|2004
|-
|[[Larry Niven]]
|Author of many science fiction books, including the ''[[Ringworld]]'' series
|2004
|-
|[[Vincent Truitner]]
|Animator and CGI artist
|2004, 2008, 2018
|-
|[[Christian Colquhoun]]
|Physical effects artist
|2004, 2008
|-
|[[Len Wein]]
|Writer for comics and animation, creator of [[Swamp Thing]], [[Nightcrawler (character)|Nightcrawler]], and [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]]
|2005, 2008
|-
|[[Dr. Jim Kakalios]]
|[[University of Minnesota]] [[physics]] professor, author of ''The Physics of Superheroes''<ref>{{Cite book|title=The physics of superheroes|last=Kakalios|first=James|date=2009|publisher=Gotham Books|isbn=9781592405084|edition= Spectacular second |location=New York, N.Y.|oclc=318411479}}</ref>
|2005, 2008, 2018
|-
|[[Mercedes Lackey]]
|Author of many popular novels, including the [[Valdemar (fictional country)|Valdemar]] and Bardic Voices series and folk music lyricist
|2005, 2008
|-
|[[Larry Dixon (fantasy artist)|Larry Dixon]]
|Co-author of [[Mage Wars]] and Dariens Tale series, author of many short stories and game material and fantasy artist
|2005, 2008
|-
|[[Marv Wolfman]]
|Writer for comics and animation, creator of [[Blade (comics)|Blade]], [[Bullseye (comics)|Bullseye]], and [[Teen Titans|The New Teen Titans]]
|2005, 2008
|-
|[[J. G. Hertzler]]
|Actor on ''[[Star Trek]]'' as General Martok
|2006
|-
|[[Ken Hite]]
|Role-playing game author and designer
|2006, 2008
|-
|[[Bridget Landry]]
|Astronomer, [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] Engineer ([[Hubble Space Telescope|Hubble]], [[Mars Pathfinder]], and [[Cassini–Huygens|Cassini]] missions) and Master-level costumer
|2006, 2008, 2010, 2019
|-
|[[Robert O'Reilly]]
|Actor in many well-known science fiction TV series including ''[[Star Trek]]'' as [[Chancellor Gowron]]
|2006
|-
|[[Miles Teves]]
|Set designer
|2006
|-
|[[David Weber]]
|Author of military sci-fi
|2006, 2008
|-
|[[Greg Weisman]]
|TV and comic book writer, animation producer, ''[[Gargoyles (TV series)|Gargoyles]]''
|2006, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018
|-
|[[Emily Hagins]]
|Writer and director of the [[zombie]] movie ''Pathogen''
|2007
|-
|[[Brian Keene]]
|Author of ''[[The Rising (Keene novel)|The Rising]]'', ''[[Grave Conditions]]'', ''[[The Last Zombie]]''
|2007, 2009, 2011
|-
|[[Bernie Wrightson]]
|Comic book artist, co-creator of ''Swamp Thing''
|2007
|-
|[[Lois McMaster Bujold]]
|Sci-fi and fantasy author
|2007, 2017
|-
|[[Wally Wingert]]
|Voice actor with credits including ''Invader Zim'' (Almighty Tallest Red), ''Bleach'' (Renji Abarai), and ''[[The Garfield Show]]'' (Jon)
|2007, 2008, 2010
|-
|[[Trace Beaulieu]]
|[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]] ([[Dr. Clayton Forrester (Mystery Science Theater 3000)|Doctor Clayton Forrester]] and [[Crow T. Robot]]) and [[Cinematic Titanic]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/news/20080318a.php|title=CONvergence 2008 News|date=2008-03-18|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415075040/http://www.convergence-con.org/news/20080318a.php|archivedate=2008-04-15|url-status=dead|accessdate=2008-03-19}}</ref>
|2008, 2009
|-
|[[Mark Evanier]]
|Writer of comics and television shows
|2008
|-
|[[Joel Hodgson]]
|[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]] (Creator and on-air host [[Joel Robinson]], seasons 1–5) and [[Cinematic Titanic]]
|2009
|-
|[[Frank Conniff]]
|[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]] ([[TV's Frank]]) and [[Cinematic Titanic]]
|2009
|-
|[[Mary Jo Pehl]]
|[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]] ([[Pearl Forrester]]) and [[Cinematic Titanic]]
|2009, 2018
|-
|[[Kelly McCullough]]
|Author of ''WebMage''<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/webmage00kell|title=WebMage|first=Kelly|last=McCullough|date=2006|publisher=Ace Books|isbn=0441014259|edition=Ace mass-market|location=New York|oclc=70685248|url-access=registration}}</ref>
|2009, 2018
|-
|[[Dwayne McDuffie]]
|Creator of ''[[Static Shock]]''
|2009
|-
|[[Patrick Rothfuss]]
|Author of ''[[The Name of the Wind]]''
|2009
|-
|[[L.A. Banks]]
|Author of the [[The Vampire Huntress Legend Series|Vampire Huntress Legend]] series of novels as well as the Crimson Moon, Dark Avengers and Soul Food series
|2010
|-
|[[Jeremy Bulloch]]
|Actor with credits including ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]/[[Return of the Jedi]]'' ([[Boba Fett]])
|2010
|-
|[[Paul Cornell]]
|Writer for ''[[Doctor Who]]'' (television, novels, audio), novelist and writer for [[Marvel Comics]] (''[[Captain Britain]]'' and ''MI-13'')
|2010, 2013, 2018
|-
|[[Chuck McCann]]
|Veteran comedian, actor, and cartoon voiceover artist, voice of [[Sonny the Cuckoo Bird]]
|2010
|-
|[[Jason Carter (actor)|Jason Carter]]
|Actor, ''[[Dead Matter]]'', ''[[Babylon 5]]''
|2011
|-
|[[Edward Douglas (musician)|Edward Douglas]]
|Gothic horror Fantasy musician, [[Midnight Syndicate]]
|2011
|-
|[[Seanan McGuire]]
|Urban fantasist, ''[[October Daye]]'', ''[[InCryptid]]'', ''[[Newsflesh]]''
|2011, 2017
|-
|[[Paul and Storm]]
|Special musical performers
|2011
|-
|[[Lynne M. Thomas]]
|Librarian, author, editor of ''[[Chicks Dig Time Lords]]''
|2011
|-
|[[Anthony Tollin]]
|Historian, publisher, comics colorist, ''[[The Shadow]]'' and ''[[Doc Savage]]'' reprints
|2011
|-
|[[Catherynne Valente]]
|Novelist, poet
|2011
|-
|[[Brian Van Camp]]
|Actor, ''[[Dead Matter]]''
|2011
|-
|[[Bonnie Burton]]
|Writer
|2012
|-
|[[Jenifer Clarke Wilkes]]
|Game publications editor, [[Wizards of the Coast]]
|2012
|-
|[[Judith Walcutt]]
|Poet
|2012
|-
|[[Lyda Morehouse]]
|Writer
|2012
|-
|[[Sophie Aldred]]
|Actress
|2012
|-
|[[Sharyn November]]
|Editor
|2012
|-
|[[Tamora Pierce]]
|Writer
|2012, 2018
|-
|[[Charlie Jane Anders]]
|Writer and Blogger
|2013
|-
|[[Lou Anders]]
|Editor
|2013
|-
|[[Caitlin Blackwood]]
|Actress
|2013
|-
|[[Bill Corbett]]
|[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]] and [[RiffTrax]]
|2013
|-
|[[Kevin Murphy (actor)|Kevin Murphy]]
|[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]] and [[RiffTrax]]
|2013
|-
|[[John Picacio]]
|Artist
|2013
|-
|[[James Moran (writer)|James Moran]]
|Screenwriter ''[[Severance (film)]]'', ''[[Cockneys vs. Zombies]]'', and ''[[Tower Block (film)]]''
|2013
|-
|[[Melinda Snodgrass]]
|Author and Scriptwriter
|2013, 2018
|-
|[[Greg Guler]]
|[[Gargoyles (TV series)|''Gargoyles'']] character designer
|2014
|-
|[[Marina Sirtis]]
|Demona from [[Gargoyles (TV series)|Gargoyles]], and Deanna Troi from [[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]
|2014, 2018
|-
|[[Matthew Ebel]]
|Musician
|2014
|-
|[[C. Robert Cargill]]
|Internet film critic, author
|2014
|-
|[[Scott Lynch]]
|Writer
|2014
|-
|[[Amy Berg (writer)|Amy Berg]]
|TV producer, writer
|2014
|-
|[[Emma Bull]]
|Writer
|2014
|-
|[[Sarah Clemens]]
|
|2014
|-
|[[Wesley Chu]]
|
|2015, 2018
|-
|[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|Actress, writer
|2015
|-
|[[Chad Frey]]
|
|2015
|-
|[[Charlotte Fullerton]]
|Writer
|2015
|-
|Lee Harris
|Hugo-nominated editor
|2015, 2018
|-
|[[Jennifer Ouellette]]
|
|2015
|-
|[[Gordon Smuder]]
|
|2015
|-
|[[Toni Weisskopf]]
|
|2015
|-
|[[Bryan Thao Worra]]
|
|2015, 2019
|-
|[[Amal El-Mohtar]]
|Poet, writer
|2016, 2018
|-
|[[Amy Shira Teitel]]
|
|2016
|-
|[[Cam Banks]]
|
|2016
|-
|[[Christopher Jones (comics)|Christopher Jones]]
|Professional comic book artist, attendee, and co-founder; designer of Connie and the other mascots
|2016
|-
|[[Joseph Scrimshaw]]
|Comedian, actor, and playwright
|2016
|-
|[[Khary Payton]]
|Actor
|2016
|-
|[[Mark Oshiro]]
|
|2016
|-
|[[Ytasha Womack]]
|
|2016, 2018
|-
|[[Kristopher Carter]]
|Composer
|2017
|-
|[[Norman Cates]]
|
|2017
|-
|[[Eric Chu]]
|
|2017
|-
|[[Tracee Lee Cocco]]
|
|2017
|-
|[[Naomi Kritzer]]
|Speculative fiction writer
|2017
|-
|[[Jai Nitz]]
|
|2017
|-
|[[Ian Truitner]]
|
|2017
|-
|[[Saymoukda Vongsay]]
|Poet
|2017
|-
|[[Elizabeth Bear]]
|Novelist
|2018
|-
|Lindsay Ellis
|
|2018
|-
|[[Victor Raymond]]
|
|2018
|-
|[[Lisa Snellings]]
|
|2018
|-
|[[Michael "Knightmage" Wilson]]
|Sheriff deputy, stunt performer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://animecons.com/guests/bio/6135/michael-knightmage-wilson|title=Michael "Knightmage" Wilson {{!}} AnimeCons.com|website=animecons.com|access-date=2018-07-12}}</ref>
|2018
|-
|[[Information Society (band)|Information Society]]
|Band
|2018
|-
|[[Guy Consolmagno]]
|
|2019
|-
|[[Peter David]]
|Writer
|2019
|-
|[[Chuck Tingle]]
|Writer
|2019
|-
|Allen Turner
|Game designer, writer
|2019
|-
|[[The Doubleclicks]]
|Band
|2019
|-
|[[Elsa Sjunneson]]
|Writer
|2021
|-
|[[Laura Anne Gilman]]
|Author
|2021
|-
|[[T. Aaron Cisco]]
|Writer
|2021
|-
|[[Evva Karr]]
|Designer, Activision Blizzard Media, Riot Games
|2022
|-
|[[Matthew Kessen]]
|Writer, performer, director
|2022
|-
|[[Briana Lawrence]]
|Writer
|2022
|-
|[[Charles Urbach]]
|Illustrator
|2022
|-
|Jessica Walsh
|Author, Seamstress
|2022
|-
|[[Jack Zipes]]
|Professor, Storyteller
|2022
|}

==Timeline==
The idea for Convergence began at a room party held {{age|1998|04|12}} years ago at the [[Minicon]] 33 event, where 500 pre-registrations to Convergence 1999 were collected.<ref>{{cite web| title =CONvergence| publisher =MISFITS| date =2007-06-29| url =http://www.misfit.org/| accessdate =2007-07-09| url-status =dead| archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20050401233318/http://www.misfit.org/| archivedate =2005-04-01}}</ref> The planning team celebrated the one-year-to-go mark with a picnic on the weekend of {{dts|1998|07|04|format=mdy}}.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+Convergence timeline
!Date
!class="unsortable" | Event
!class="unsortable" | Theme
!Location
!Member attendance
|-
|{{dts|1999|07|02|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|1999|07|04|format=mdy}}
|''After All, It's Just a Party''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/1999-convention/|title=CONvergence 1999: After All, It's Just a Party {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|Inaugural convention
|[[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]] [[Radisson Hotels & Resorts|Radisson]] South Hotel
|{{nts|1398}}
|-
|{{dts|2000|07|07|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2000|07|09|format=mdy}}
|''No one can tell you what CONvergence is ... you have to experience it for yourself''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2000-convention/|title=CONvergence 2000: No One Can Tell You What CONvergence Is, You Have To Experience It For Yourself {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|''[[The Matrix]]'' and similar fiction
|[[Radisson Hotels & Resorts|Radisson]], Downtown [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]]
|{{nts|1533}}
|-
|{{dts|2001|07|06|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2001|07|08|format=mdy}}
|''Curioser and Curioser''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2001-convention/|title=CONvergence 2001: Curiouser and Curiouser {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland|Alice in Wonderland]] and similar fiction
|[[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]] [[Radisson Hotels & Resorts|Radisson]] South Hotel
|{{nts|1615}}
|-
|{{dts|2002|07|05|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2002|07|07|format=mdy}}
|''If Adventure Has A Name...''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2002-convention/|title=CONvergence 2002: If Adventure Has a Name... {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Indiana Jones]] and classic adventure themes in speculative fiction
|[[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]] [[Radisson Hotels & Resorts|Radisson]] South Hotel
|{{nts|1679}}
|-
|{{dts|2003|07|04|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2003|07|06|format=mdy}}
|''Time Flies''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2003-convention/|title=CONvergence 2003: Time Flies {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Time travel]]
|[[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]] [[Radisson Hotels & Resorts|Radisson]] South Hotel
|{{nts|1709}}
|-
|{{dts|2004|07|02|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2004|07|04|format=mdy}}
|''Out of the Shadows''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2004-convention/|title=CONvergence 2004: Out of the Shadows {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Mystery fiction|Mystery]] and [[Noir fiction|Noir]], the dark side of speculative fiction
|[[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] Minneapolis South<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2004_1st/Jan04_BloomingtonRadisson.html|title=The Radisson Hotel South in Bloomington, Considered a Flagship of the Radisson Chain, To be Rebranded Sheraton; Radisson Founder Curt Carlson Built the 565-room Hotel in 1970 / January 2004|last=Johnson|first=Richard L.|website=www.hotel-online.com|access-date=2018-07-12}}</ref>
|{{nts|2014}}
|-
|{{dts|2005|07|01|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2005|07|03|format=mdy}}
|''Snikt! Bamf! Thwip!''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2005-convention/|title=CONvergence 2005: Snikt! Bamf! Thwip! {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Super-heroes]] and [[comic books]]
|[[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] Minneapolis South
|{{nts|2283}}
|-
|{{dts|2006|07|07|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2006|07|09|format=mdy}}
|''Boldly Go.''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2006-convention/|title=CONvergence 2006: Boldly Go {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Space exploration]], such as [[Star Trek]]
|[[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] Minneapolis South
|{{nts|2434}}
|-
|{{dts|2007|07|06|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2007|07|08|format=mdy}}
|''Creature Feature''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2007-convention/|title=CONvergence 2007: Creature Feature {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Monster]]s, [[Extraterrestrial life|Aliens]] and inhuman characters
|[[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] Minneapolis South
|{{nts|2549}}
|-
|{{dts|2008|07|03|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2008|07|06|format=mdy}}
|''Ten Years 1999–2008<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2008-convention/|title=CONvergence 2008: Ten Years {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>''
|[[Anniversary]] of Tenth CONvergence
|[[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] Minneapolis South
|{{nts|3102}}
|-
|{{dts|2009|07|02|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2009|07|05|format=mdy}}
|''This Con Goes to 11''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2009-convention/|title=CONvergence 2009: This Con Goes to 11 {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Humour|Humor]] in Science Fiction and Fantasy, also the 11th CONvergence
|[[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] Minneapolis South
|{{nts|3894}}
|-
|{{dts|2010|07|01|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2010|07|04|format=mdy}}
|''Bring on the Bad Guys''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2010-convention/|title=CONvergence 2010: Bring on the Bad Guys {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Villain]]s
|[[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] Minneapolis South
|{{nts|4737}}
|-
|{{dts|2011|06|30|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2011|07|03|format=mdy}}
|''Tomorrow through the Past''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2011-convention/|title=CONvergence 2011: Tomorrow Through the Past {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Steampunk|Steam punk]] & retro Science Fiction
|[[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]] Minneapolis South
|{{nts|5031}}
|-
|{{dts|2012|07|05|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2012|07|08|format=mdy}}
|''Wonder Women''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2012-convention/|title=CONvergence 2012: Wonder Women {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[List of women writers|Female creators]] and characters of Speculative Fiction
|[[DoubleTree|DoubleTree by Hilton]] Bloomington
|{{nts|5864}}
|-
|{{dts|2013|07|04|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2013|07|07|format=mdy}}
|''British Invasion''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2013-convention/|title=CONvergence 2013: British Invasion {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[British literature|British creators]] and characters of Speculative Fiction
|[[DoubleTree|DoubleTree by Hilton]] Bloomington
|{{nts|6291}}
|-
|{{dts|2014|07|03|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2014|07|06|format=mdy}}
|''A Midsummer Night's Dream''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2014-convention/|title=CONvergence 2014: A Midsummer Night's Dream {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Urban fantasy|Urban Fantasy]], such as the [[Gargoyles (TV series)|Gargoyles]] TV series
|[[DoubleTree|DoubleTree by Hilton]] Bloomington
|{{nts|6118}}
|-
|{{dts|2015|07|02|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2015|07|05|format=mdy}}
|''DoublePlusGood''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2015-convention/|title=CONvergence 2015: DoublePlusGood {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Dystopia]]s
|[[DoubleTree|DoubleTree by Hilton]] Bloomington
|{{nts|6057}}
|-
|{{dts|2016|06|30|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2016|07|03|format=mdy}}
|''... And How Do We GET There?''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2016-convention/|title=CONvergence 2016: ...And How Do We GET There? {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Vehicle]]s and [[transport]]ation
|[[DoubleTree|DoubleTree by Hilton]] Bloomington
|{{nts|5693}}
|-
|{{dts|2017|07|06|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2017|07|09|format=mdy}}
|''To Infinity And Beyond''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2017-convention/|title=CONvergence 2017: To Infinity and Beyond {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Space opera]]
|[[DoubleTree|DoubleTree by Hilton]] Bloomington
|{{nts|6477}}
|-
|{{dts|2018|07|05|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2018|07|08|format=mdy}}
|''Natural Twenty''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2018-convention/|title=CONvergence 2018: Natural Twenty {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Anniversary]] of 20th CONvergence
|[[DoubleTree|DoubleTree by Hilton]] Bloomington
|{{nts|5785}}
|-
|{{dts|2019|07|04|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2019|07|07|format=mdy}}
|''The Next Celebration''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2019-convention/|title=CONvergence 2019: The Next Celebration {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2023-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Reboot (fiction)|Reboots]] and re-imaginings in Science Fiction
|[[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency]] Minneapolis
|{{nts|5571}}
|-
|{{dts|2021|08|05|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2021|08|08|format=mdy}}
|''The Stuff of Legends''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2021-convention/|title=CONvergence 2021: The Stuff of Legends {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2023-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Legend|Legends]] and [[Myth|mythology]]
|[[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency]] Minneapolis
|{{nts|2430}}
|-
|{{dts|2022|08|11|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2022|08|14|format=mdy}}
|''Your Reality May Vary''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2022-convention/|title=CONvergence 2022: Your Reality May Vary {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2023-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Parallel universes in fiction]]
|[[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency]] Minneapolis
|{{nts|2735}}
|-
|{{dts|2023|07|06|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2023|07|09|format=mdy}}
|''All Dressed Up''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.convergence-con.org/about/archive/2023-convention/|title=CONvergence 2023: All Dressed Up {{!}} CONvergence Convention|work=CONvergence Convention|access-date=2023-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
|[[Costume]] and [[Cosplay]]
|[[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency]] Minneapolis
|{{nts|3554}}
|-
|{{dts|2024|07|04|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2024|07|07|format=mdy}}
|''Everyone's Invited''
|[[Diversity, equity, and inclusion]]
|[[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency]] Minneapolis
|{{nts|4154}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcUeSlVHvVo&t=2692s|title=Closing Ceremony Presentation}}</ref>
|-
|{{dts|2025|07|03|format=md}}{{snd}}{{dts|2025|07|06|format=mdy}}
|''That's How We Roll''
|Gaming
|[[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency]] Minneapolis
|
|}

==Reception==
{{Graph:Chart
|width=600
|height=200
|type=area
|interpolate=monotone
|xAxisTitle=Year
|yAxisTitle=Membership
|xAxisMin=1998
|yAxisMin=0
|xType=date
|yType=integer
|x=1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2021,2022
|y1=500,1500,1533,1739,1806,1818,2086,2353,2460,2667,3232,3996,4737,5031,5980,6789,6369,6252,5928,6732,5980,5806,3500,3437
|y2=0,1398,1533,1615,1679,1709,2014,2283,2434,2549,3101,3894,4737,5031,5684,6291,6118,6057,5693,6477,5785,5597,2439,3437
|legend=Legend
|y1Title=Registered Members
|y2Title=Member Attendance
|colors=green, darkseagreen
}}
In 2008, CONvergence was voted "Best Fan Convention" by the [[City Pages]] arts/alternative newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Fan Convention |publisher=City Pages, LLC |year=2008 |url=http://www.citypages.com/bestof/2008/award/best-fan-convention-443768 |accessdate=2008-12-17 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122110716/http://www.citypages.com/bestof/2008/award/best-fan-convention-443768/ |archivedate=2008-11-22 }}</ref> It has appeared in "Best of the Cities" in each year afterward until 2011 (when no award was given for "best fan convention" or "best annual convention").

=== Transition to Minneapolis ===
Convention organizer Convergence Events, Inc. sent an announcement to Convergence members on {{dts|2018|06|16|format=mdy}}. The announcement indicated changes to the party rooms at the 2018 convention, due to concerns from the hotel management.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.convergenceevents.org/2018/06/convergence-2018-party-room-restrictions-from-the-doubletree-by-hilton/|title=CONvergence 2018 Party Room Restrictions From the DoubleTree by Hilton {{!}} Convergence Events|date=2018-06-16|work=Convergence Events|access-date=2018-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.citypages.com/arts/doubletree-harshes-convergences-buzz-banning-outside-alcohol-from-room-parties/487432651|title=Bloomington DoubleTree bans some alcohol at CONvergence 2018|last=Regan|first=Sheila|website=City Pages|access-date=2018-07-11}}</ref>

On the same day, Convergence Events, Inc. announced that the following year's convention would be hosted at the [[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency Minneapolis]] in downtown [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]], after being hosted in the same Bloomington location since 2001.<ref name=":1" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website|convergence-con.org}}

{{Multigenre conventions in North America}}

[[Category:Science fiction conventions in the United States]]
[[Category:Conventions in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Culture of Minneapolis]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Minneapolis]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1999]]