About Octocon
The National Irish Science Fiction Convention
The Gibson Hotel & Online, 7-8 October 2023
What is Octocon?
Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention, is a weekend celebration of our favourite stories from books, comics, TV, films and games; from science fiction, fantasy, horror and beyond; attracting artists, writers, film-makers and fans from across the human sphere of influence.
The first Octocon was held in 1990 with Terry Pratchett as our first Guest of Honour. Over the years, some of our guests of honour have included Anne McCaffrey, JG Jones, Tanith Lee, Mike Carey, George R.R. Martin, Gail Simone, Rhianna Pratchett, Pat Cadigan and Colleen Doran.
For one weekend in October, we gather together to talk about all the wonders we have read and watched over the year; to share our favorite moments from book, TV, comics and films; to delve into the unsung genres and curious concepts of speculative fiction; to take part in workshops, and listen to panel discussions and charming guest speakers; to see what ‘must haves’ are in the Trade Hall; to experience the fun which is Octocon.
Octocon 2020 and 2021 were both held online due to Covid-19, but in October 2022 we ran our first hybrid convention at Croke Park and Online. This year, we’re going Hybrid again: on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of October 2023 in The Gibson Hotel & Online.
Octocon 2023 is a hybrid convention.
As such, in addition to our in-person activities, we will also feature:
- A Discord server for socializing
- Zoom for facilitating workshops, talks, and socializing for those who prefer it to Discord
- YouTube for live-streaming panels and YouTube for hosting recordings for replay
As we do not expect all members to be familiar with all of these services, we have provided the following guides:
Octocon 2023 Committee & Team
Chairperson – Paul Carroll @writeranonymous – email
Treasury Team – Marguerite Smith @MargueriteS_IE and Ali Mack @alimack_13
Secretary – Maire Brophy @MaireBrophy
Memberships – MaryBrigid Turner @m2bbookworm
On-site Operations – [open]
Virtual Operations – Faranae https://habitrpgbooklists.wordpress.com/
On-site Volunteer Manager – [open]
Virtual Volunteer Manager – [open]
Venue Liaison – James Bacon
Head of Programme – Kat Dodd @TheKatDodd
Trade Liaison – Rowan Daly
Guest Liaison – Zoe Thompson
Accessibility Officer – Kat Dodd @TheKatDodd
Sponsorship – [open]
Graphic Artist – [open]
Publications Officer – [open]
Web Designer – Karina Steffens @KarinaSteffens
Web Admin and Programme Technology – James Shields @lostcarpark
General Committee – Janet O’Sullivan @Sharrow_irl
General Committee – Catherine Sharp @CSharpWords
Social Media Team (in alphabetical order) – Paul Carroll, Janet O’Sullivan
