July 2, 3, 4, 1999
Radisson Hotel South
Bloomington, Minnesota

Theme

"After All, It's Just a Party"
In our inaugural year, we wanted to throw a big party to celebrate the beginning of what we hoped would be a new tradition for local fandom. It was a big party, and everyone was invited!

Notes

In 1998, the largest and longest-running science fiction convention in the Minnesota region was Minicon. After plans to dramatically change Minicon (refocusing the convention on it's literary roots) were announced, many long-time attendees were upset. Not one but two new conventions arose in efforts to fill the perceived void. One of these conventions was Marscon, and the other was CONvergence.

The intent of CONvergence was never to replace the Minicon of old, but rather to provide a home for displaced elements of Minicon while also creating something new that we hoped would be even more fun and exciting. When we first began planning CONvergence 1998, we started with an attendance goal of 500. After taking over 400 pre-registrations at our room party at Minicon 33, we revised that goal upwards.

CONvergence 1999 was budgeted to break even with an attendance of 1,000. Thanks to an overwhelmingly positive response from the fan community, we exceeded even that goal in spectacular fashion.

The first year of CONvergence was very much a learning experience for all of us involved. We were very fortunate to have had a unique blend of experience and fresh ideas, and the fact that CONvergence was profitable and such a success in our first year is a testament to the commitment, hard work, and talent of a great, many people.

Guests

• Forrest J Ackerman - SF historian and collector
• Pam Keesey - Author of Vamps! and other fiction
• Harry and Jay Knowles - Aint-It-Cool-News
• Gordon Purcell - Comic book artist
• Gary Russell - Producer of the Doctor Who audio series

Registration Totals

Hotel Occupancy

Budget

Monies In:
	Registration:	$
	Advertisement:	$
	Art Show:	$
	Dealers Room:	$
	Concessions:	$
	Other Income:	$
	Total Income:	$
Monies Out:
	Hotel, Operations, Insurance & Security:	$
	Guests:	$
	Publications, Postage & Misc. Communications:	$
	Mainstage & Music:	$
	Consuite, COF2E2:	$
	Cinema Rex & Theater Nippon:	$
	Masquerade:	$
	Purchases:	$
	Other Expenses:	$
	Total:	$

Demographics

SAMPLE SIZE:
Total Convention Attendance (warm body count):	1398
Surveys Completed and Turned In:	268	(19.1%)

GENDER:
Male:	49%
Female:	48%
No Response/Other:	3%

AGE:
0-12:	2%
13-17:	3%
18-20:	5%
21-30:	24%
31-40:	37%
41-50:	24%
51+:	4%
No Response:	1%

CVG 1999 Survey General Comments

"Thank you!"

"Incredible rocking con. Wonderful time, great people. CAN'T WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR!"

"I had a wonderful time at my first con ever! I look forward to CONvergence 2000!"

"I think this is the best con I have ever been to."

"I liked the broad range of things to do and see, the diversity of the programming and functions. Good job!"

"I am soooo happy you all created this con!!! ... Will come forever as long as it stays big and continues to grow! Thanks - it was a blast!"

"Comment I heard most throughout the weekend: 'It just felt right.'"

"You did a great job. It was wonderful to feel welcome by the con."

"Really appreciate being together for a good and memorable time with like-minded folks - like the family you may/may not have. It's also nice to be appreciated for your interest in sci-fi - I costume and I feel I can freely share my work. Thank you!"

"Great job you guys - especially for a first year."

"Just remember this was your first year and it was very successful. Like marriage, problems occur after 3-5 years that will make this year nostalgic."

Programming / Events

Photos and Artwork

	This is the original cover to CVG 1999 PR1.
	This is a full-color version of the artwork that was on the cover of CVG 1999 PR1.
	This is the original cover to CVG 1999 PR2.
	This is a full-color version of the artwork that was on the cover of CVG 1999 PR2.
	This is the original cover to CVG 1999 PR3.
	This full-color poster was based on artwork originally conceived of as the cover art for CVG 1999 PR3.
	This is the original cover to the CVG 1999 Programming Guide.
	This is the original cover and inside front cover to the CVG 1999 Post-Mortem Report.
	Here are the images in color.
	CONvergence is Imminent T-shirt Artwork
	CONvergence 1999 At-Con T-Shirt artwork.
	CONvergence 1999 Volunteer T-Shirt artwork.
	"Connie Presenting" is the earliest drawing of Connie. A number of details of her design changed after this.

Additional 1999 Artwork