Reynand Wu
By James Bacon
The second day of Metropolcon, held at the atmospheric Silent Green venue in Berlin, served as a masterclass in the delicate balance between the formal rigors of international fandom governance and the joyous, informal exchange of ideas that defines the European speculative fiction community. Bathed in unusually warm Berlin sunlight, the convention grounds acted as a hub for both high-level decision-making and creative celebration, proving that even as the community expands, its core strength remains rooted in grassroots participation.
The Morning Ritual: Fueling the Fandom
The day began with a culinary detour to Yore Bake and Food, a Turkish café situated just 450 meters from the Wedding S-Bahn station. A convention is as much about the local experience as the panels, and the Gozleme—a savory, hand-made flatbread—proved the perfect sustenance. Following the recommendation of the staff, I opted for the sucuk (spiced Turkish beef sausage) and Gouda variant. It was a humble, delicious reminder that even in the high-tech, speculative world of science fiction, the human element—the shared meal, the local conversation—is the bedrock of the fan experience.
Governance in Action: The ESFS Annual General Meeting
The primary business of the day was the European Science Fiction Society (ESFS) Annual General Meeting (AGM). For a long-time observer who has not attended a business meeting since 1995, the process was a revelation in transparency and accessibility.
The Delegate Dynamics
A point of fascination was the determination of national delegates. Unlike the often rigid or highly codified systems of other international organizations, the ESFS process is remarkably organic. In the UK, for instance, representation is often a matter of "those who are in the room." This year, the UK delegation was comprised of Allen Stroud and Naveed Kahn. Similarly, the Ukrainian delegation was represented by Valeriia Savotina and Alona Silina, receiving a thunderous, standing ovation from the assembly—a poignant moment of solidarity and recognition.
The Irish approach, by contrast, offers a model of democratic engagement. Carol Connolly, a former ESFS board member, leads an annual crowdsourcing effort via social media to identify speculative fiction works of merit. Irish attendees at the Eurocon then meet to deliberate and select their delegates. This year, the mantle fell to Brian Nisbet and Marguerite Smith, co-chairs of the Dublin 2029 Worldcon bid. Their willingness to sacrifice precious convention hours to participate in the bureaucratic machinery of the society is a testament to the dedication required to keep the international fandom thriving.
Constitutional Deliberations
The meeting was notably devoid of the parliamentary "gaming" often seen at larger Worldcon Business Meetings. Instead, it was marked by clear communication and a spirit of collaboration. The most significant item on the agenda involved Section 17 of the ESFS Constitution, which dictates the exclusion of specific countries from nominations, bids, and delegate representation.
The current Appendix 5, which excludes Russia and Belarus following the 2023 vote, remained the subject of debate. Following a formal process, the assembly voted 33 to 4 to maintain these exclusions. While the process was efficient, it underscored the reality that fandom does not exist in a vacuum; geopolitical tensions inevitably ripple through even the most imaginative communities.
Nominations and the European Landscape
Following the constitutional business, the floor opened for national presentations regarding ESFS Award nominations. The variety of work on display was staggering. From the "Achievement Awards" to the "Hall of Fame" and the prestigious "Chrysalis Awards" for emerging talent, the presentations highlighted the breadth of European creative output.
The UK nominations, presented by Allen Stroud and sourced via the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA), focused on high-profile events, including the 2025 World Fantasy Con in Brighton. It was a fascinating look at how established bodies like the BSFA are utilizing the Eurocon platform to amplify domestic achievements.
Ukraine’s presentation was a highlight, specifically their championing of The Legendarium of City Wonders, a collection of urban fantasy stories that reimagine traditional fairy tales within the context of modern Ukrainian cities. Similarly, the nomination of the YouTube channel Vlad the Story Teller as a "Best Internet Publication" highlighted how digital-native storytelling is becoming an integral part of the European speculative landscape.
Intellectual and Creative Horizons
Beyond the boardroom, the programming remained robust. The panel "Worlds Worth Living in – Utopian Visions in the Work of Becky Chambers" drew a packed room. Joined by Anette Schaumlöffel, Aiki Mira, and Nicole Lieger, Chambers led a nuanced discussion on the potential for speculative fiction to model non-violent conflict resolution, radical diversity, and queer possibilities. The high attendance rate suggests a genuine hunger within the community for literature that does more than reflect our current crises—it seeks to provide blueprints for a better future.
In the dealers’ room, the diversity of the European scene was on full display. I had the privilege of engaging with comic professionals Linda and Stjepan Šejić, and Jai Undurti. The panel discussion on the graphic novel medium—chaired with aplomb by Claudia Rapp—delved into the challenges of depicting controversial topics. Learning about the specific legal and cultural pressures facing comic creators in India, specifically regarding Jai Undurti’s Lovecraft in India, provided a sobering and enlightening perspective on the global nature of censorship and creative freedom.
The Dublin 2029 Party: Momentum and Ambition
As the sun dipped behind the Berlin skyline, the focus shifted toward the future. The Dublin 2029 Worldcon bid party was a resounding success, serving as a masterclass in event management. By 8:00 PM, a long queue had formed, but thanks to the swift coordination of the promotional team—including Radek and JC—the crowd was quickly served.
The inclusion of both alcoholic and 0.0% Guinness options, alongside a curated selection of Irish whiskeys, set a welcoming tone. But the party was more than just refreshments; it was a display of organizational maturity. With over 900 members already in the fold, the energy surrounding the Dublin bid is palpable. It is clear that the team is not just selling a convention; they are building a community. Throughout the night, I witnessed numerous conversations that will undoubtedly translate into future volunteer commitments and pre-registrations.
Implications for the Future of Eurocon
Metropolcon 2026 is, at its heart, a study in the growth of international fandom. As the organization faces increasing complexity, it has managed to maintain the intimacy that makes these conventions special.
- Accessibility of Governance: The move toward a more streamlined delegate system has lowered the barrier to entry, encouraging younger or less "established" fans to participate in the society’s future.
- The "Eurocon Effect": The cross-pollination of ideas—such as the Irish method of crowdsourcing award nominations—is creating a more cohesive European fan identity.
- Professionalism and Passion: The success of the Dublin 2029 party illustrates that the transition from a fan-led event to a professional-grade international convention is possible without losing the "soul" of the hobby.
As the day concluded, the atmosphere remained vibrant. Whether it was the late-night discussions over drinks or the quiet reflection on the day’s panels, one thing was certain: the speculative fiction community in Europe is not merely surviving—it is thriving, innovating, and, most importantly, inviting everyone to participate in the vision of a shared, imaginative future. Everything is running smoothly, and the excitement for what lies ahead is only growing.
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