RavenCon facts for kids

RavenCon is a super fun yearly event in the USA where fans of science fiction and fantasy get together! It started in 2006 and usually happens in Richmond, Virginia. The name "RavenCon" was chosen to honor a famous writer named Edgar Allan Poe, who once lived in Richmond.

Past RavenCon Events

RavenCon has been happening for many years, bringing together authors, artists, and fans. Here's a look at some of the past events and their special guests:

Early Years in Sandston, Virginia

• RavenCon 2006 was held from April 21–23. The main author guest was Terry Brooks, and the artist guest was Tom Kidd. It took place at the Doubletree Inn near the Richmond Airport in Sandston, Virginia.
• RavenCon 2007 happened from April 27–29. Robert J. Sawyer was the author guest, and Steve Stiles was the artist guest. This event was also at the Doubletree Inn in Sandston.
• RavenCon 2008 was held from April 25–27. Guests included author C.S. Friedman and artist Stephen Hickman.

Moving to Richmond and North Chesterfield

• RavenCon 2009 took place from April 24–26. Jack McDevitt was the author guest of honor.
• RavenCon 2010 was held from April 9–11. The author guest was Rachel Caine, and Steve Long was the gaming guest. This convention moved to the Holiday Inn Koger Center in Richmond, Virginia.
• RavenCon 2011 happened from April 8–10. John Ringo was the author guest, and Kurt Miller was the artist guest. It was also at the Holiday Inn Koger Center.
• RavenCon 2012 was held from April 13–15. Glen Cook was the author guest of honor.
• RavenCon 2013 took place from April 5–7. Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta were the author guests of honor.
• RavenCon 2014 was held from April 25–27. Elizabeth Bear was the author guest. This event was at the DoubleTree by Hilton Richmond-Midlothian in North Chesterfield, Virginia. This hotel used to be the Holiday Inn Koger Center.
• RavenCon 2015 happened from April 24–26. Allen Steele was the author guest of honor. Frank Wu and Brianna Wu were also special guests. This event was at the DoubleTree by Hilton Richmond-Midlothian.

RavenCon Moves to Williamsburg

After RavenCon 2015, the hotel where the convention was held asked for a much higher price. Because of this, RavenCon decided to move to a new city. Future events would be held in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg.

• RavenCon 11 (the 11th RavenCon) was held from April 29 to May 1, 2017, in Williamsburg, VA.
• RavenCon 12 took place from April 28–30, 2017, also in Williamsburg. Mercedes Lackey was a main author guest. Other guests included Larry Dixon and Chuck Gannon.
• RavenCon 13 was held from April 20–22, 2018, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg.

A Special Smaller Event

In 2018, there was also a smaller event called RavenCon 13.5. It was held from September 21–23, 2018, at the Four Points Sheraton Richmond. This event was smaller and focused more on music. R. S. Belcher was the writer guest of honor, and there were several music guests like MC Lars and George Hrab.

Recent and Future Events

• RavenCon 14 was held from April 5–7, 2019, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg.
• The RavenCon 2020 event had to be canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• RavenCon 15 is planned for April 16–18, 2021, at the Virginia Crossings Hotel in Glen Allen. Terry Brooks is expected to return as the author guest of honor, and Rhiannon's Lark will be the music guest of honor.