Events

The programme of events for Au Contraire 2013 is currently in development, and will feature multiple streams of panels, presentations, workshops, and games. Some preliminary details are available below, but are subject to change. Stay tuned for updates, or make suggestions in the forums.

Special Events

CON 101

If you've never been to a fan-run SF/F convention before, come along to CON 101 at 7pm Friday and learn what it's all about.

Opening Ceremony

The convention officially opens at 8pm Friday, though there will be events during the day as well. Introduction to the GoHs and ConCom and general welcome to the con.

The Floating Market

A swap meet for all kinds of SF/F merchandise, new or used, professional or fan-produced, including books, games, videos, toys, models, etc. Table space is free to members, and there will also be commercial dealers in attendance. Unlike the rest of the convention, this event is open to the general public at no charge.

Rocky Horror Audience Participation

Fishnet time!

The Auction

A chance to bid on various special items of merchandise.

The Quiz

Get in to teams and compete to come up with the most correct (or failing that, most entertaining) answers to questions spanning the whole range of science fiction and fantasy in different media from classics to recent hits.

The Masquerade

Saturday night's is the big opportunity for costumers to show off their work on stage. Other performances are also welcome! See the entry form for more details.

Guest of Honour Presentations

Hear from Jennifer Fallon on Saturday, and Anna Klein on Sunday.

SFFANZ AGM

11am Sunday, the official business session of the Scienc Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand.

The Sir Julius Vogel Awards

New Zealand's awards for professional and fan achievements in the fields of SF/F, named after the former Prime Minister who also wrote NZ's most well know early SF novel, are presented on the Sunday evening.

Closing Ceremony

After the Awards, we vote on bids for the 2015 National SF/F Convention, the con is wrapped up, prizes are given out, and the baton passed on to the 2014 NatCon.

Filking

Every night after the main programming is over, filkers gather to sing into the wee small hours.

Art Show

A collection of SF/F themed works by Kiwi artists will be on display during the convention. See the competitions page.

Writing Workshops

We're working with SpecFicNZ, NZ's SF/F writers' organisation to put together a great programme of workshops and presentations for writers. Many of the country's best genre writers are expected to be in attendance, and we'll have items of interest both to aspiring writers and those who're already successful but would like to develop specific areas of their craft further, and addressing the practicalities of the industry as well as writing techniques. Places for workshops will be limited; stay tuned for more details.

Gaming

Gaming is going to be a bigger feature of Au Contraire than has been typical of recents cons. There will be dedicated space set aside for board and card gaming for most of the convention - bring your own games, or check out our library; we expect to have popular titles on offer like Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Dixit, Carcassonne, Munchkin, and many others. There'll be beginners sessions for those who'd like to learn something new, and the opportunity for more seasoned players to meet up for a challenge. Role playing games will also be run over the weekend, both tabletop and live action, for those looking into finding out what this RPG thing is all about, and for experienced players looking for fun. There'll also be some gaming-focused panels in the main schedule, inlcuding tips on how to write and run good RPGs and LARPs.