CoastCon

CoastCon is Mississippi's oldest and largest science fiction, fantasy and gaming convention. It is the main sponsored event of CoastCon, Inc., a non-profit literary organization run by a ten-member volunteer board who give their time during the year to develop events and gatherings to promote reading, education, fellowship, and of course science fiction, fantasy and gaming in all its many media formats across the Southern United States. The organization and its convention have been thriving in the region for over thirty-three years. The next CoastCon annual convention, CoastCon 34, will be held March 11-13th, 2011, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi, MS.

Events
Besides the largest genre-themed vendor's room in the state, the art show and auction, a charity auction, and Saturday costume contest and evening dance party, each year members and attendees of CoastCon can participate in three days of events including over 72 hours of panels, seminars, demonstrations, and workshops on topics that include activities on writing, art, anime, gaming, Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature, comic books, costuming, hard science, online media, fandom, genre film and television, table-top, card and miniatures gaming, robotics, and filk, to name only a few.

Guests
CoastCon brings new guests and returning fan-favorites to its convention each year. CoastCon past guests include stars of many areas of interest to fandom. A short list of past guests include (In no particular order):


 * Actress: Nicki Clyne
 * Author: David Drake
 * Author: David Weber
 * Artist: John Picacio
 * Actress: Virginia Hey
 * Actress: Gigi Edgley
 * Actor: Peter Mayhew
 * Game Designer: Mike Mearls
 * Author: Michael Moorcock
 * Actor: Peter Jurasik
 * Actor, Producer: James Cawley
 * Author: Deborah LeBlanc
 * Author: Sharon Green
 * Actress: Noel Neill
 * Game Designer: Dave Arneson

Check the CoastCon official website for the most up-to-date information including the current guest list.

Charity
In the effort to make the greatest impact in the community, CoastCon's Board of Directors choose charities each year that fulfill its goals of community involvement, promoting education and supporting its non-profit mission. For 2010/2011 CoastCon Inc. has choosen the Humane Society of South Mississippi as its main charity.