FAQ

Penguicon is a three-day community event where we all learn from each other (as well as from our Guests of Honor) about Open Source software, Science Fiction and Fantasy media and books, DIY projects, hacking, soldering, food, painting miniatures, gaming, coding, building universes as creators of all kinds, and so much more.

Our two pillars are Science Fiction and Open Source, but we cover as many diverse nerdy interests as possible. We have a ConSuite with soda, coffee, and snacks that are free with your membership, which makes it easier on your budget. You can find nerdy T-shirts, books, and custom artwork, and non-commodity crafts in our large and active community Maker Market.

Geek proms, masquerades, costume contests, and World of Warcraft-style questing? We are all over it. Each year is unique, so check the schedule! Expert Guests of Honor in their field? Come to Penguicon to see them in panels, readings, demonstrations, and performances.

At night, you can expect many suite parties with various nerdy themes, as well as late-night gaming and anime watching, with soda available in the con suite all night long.

All of this is arranged by unpaid volunteers – at the end of the day, we are all building this experience together as a community.

To find out more, check out our About page.

Thank you for choosing to join us!

Things people do to prepare for Penguicon

• Register in advance or pay at the door. There is generally a discount for registering ahead of time.
• Reserve a hotel room in our arranged block. This is optional but extremely helpful both to you and to the convention, as we contract a minimum number of hotel rooms in order to have our convention space.  Many people want to participate in late-night programming, conversations, and room parties without worrying about getting home.
• Volunteer – ConCom, Staff, Volunteers, Presenters – everyone plays a part in making Penguicon special as participants. If you’d like to give your time or expertise to your fellow attendees, please reach out ahead of the event or stop by the Volunteers table at the con.

The best way to feel like you are a part of the Penguicon family is to volunteer some of your time, either before, after, or during the convention. If you decide that you would like to volunteer, please contact the ConChair or the volunteer coordinator.

Additionally, we’d love to hear from you on our Facebook group, where you can introduce yourself and keep abreast of social events throughout the year.

Once you arrive, you may see volunteers sitting under a Penguicon banner – that’s our Greeter Desk, and those folks are there to answer your questions and point you toward the fun you’re looking for (and often have stickers and other swag, too!)

We have open socializing spaces as well as gaming areas, and our attendees are friendly and welcoming, especially with new attendees.  A great way to get to know folks is to pick out a game and ask if anyone wants to play!

Penguicon is an event presented by PenguiCorp, a 501c3 non-profit organization. Every organizer – volunteers, year-long Staff, ConCom, Chair, and Board of Directors – donates their time for free to the convention.

Registration pays to meet our contract with the Hotel (including lighting and sound tech and a required food budget), physical storage, ConSuite food and drink (free with your membership), print materials (annual signage, Souvenir Books, schedule books, etc), fees for services like Eventbrite and Sched, our Post Office Box, and our tax accountant, among other things. It also pays for materials used during our programming events, as well as accommodations and travel for our Guests of Honor, who are otherwise uncompensated.

We do not charge Guest of Honor signing fees, and do not have VIP memberships of any kind.

We try very hard to make sure that once you’ve paid your registration you don’t have additional unexpected costs at the event.

We do not accept harassment of any kind during Penguicon. Please take a look at our Code of Conduct, and contact the ConChair or the Board of Directors if you have any questions.

Penguicon only exists because of people like you who love the event and step up to volunteer. We need planners and organizers throughout the entire year. We welcome your help, whether you are new or a long-time attendee. Each year is unique as people step up to take over aspects of the event they love and bring their unique vision to that part of the con. Bring your ideas, we’re ready!

Before the convention, we need help in planning and logistics, from track heads who encourage people to submit programming to Maker Market vendor liaison to ConSuite planning and management. Come to one of our monthly convention meetings and help Penguicon blossom into the con you envision.

We also need hands-on volunteers from the Thursday before the convention through the Monday after. This vital team sets up and tears down convention signage and other features, as well as staff ongoing services like the ConSuite, Logistics, Gaming, Operations, and Registration.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people who care about the con, make friends, and integrate yourself into the fabric of the convention. If you already have a bunch of friends who come to Penguicon, think about volunteering as a group – you can chatting while setting up chairs or handing out registration packets.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the ConChair or Volunteer coordinator.

Penguicon happens in Southeast Michigan between late April and early May. It is unlikely that there will be snow, but we cannot totally rule it out, it’s happened before. Consider bringing an umbrella, walking shoes, a sweater to throw on if you get cold while walking outside, a pair or two of shorts and pants/skirts, warm socks, and a few items of clothing that can be layered. All convention programming is indoors.

One of our original co-founders says, “I had the name Penguicon, which could as easily come from Monty Python’s “and now it’s time for the Penguin on top of your television set to explode” as from Linux’s Tux mascot.” It is meant to represent our roots as both an open-source software convention and a sci-fi convention.

Penguins are joyful and inquisitive, which matches well with our attendees. We’re delighted to have a penguin on a rocket ship as our logo.

Penguicon is an event presented by PenguiCorp, a 501c3 non-profit organization. Every organizer – volunteers, year-long Staff, ConCom, Chair, and Board of Directors – donates their time for free to the convention.

Registration pays to meet our contract with the Hotel (including lighting and sound tech and a required food budget), physical storage, ConSuite food and drink (free with your membership), print materials (annual signage, Souvenir Books, schedule books, etc), fees for services like Eventbrite and Sched, our Post Office Box, and our tax accountant, among other things. It also pays for materials used during our programming events, as well as accommodations and travel for our Guests of Honor, who are otherwise uncompensated.

We do not charge Guest of Honor signing fees, and do not have VIP memberships of any kind.

We try very hard to make sure that once you’ve paid your registration you don’t have additional unexpected costs at the event.