Layla Zulfa
By James Bacon
The closing ceremony of Metropolcon, the 2026 iteration of Eurocon, was more than just a formal conclusion to a weekend of speculative fiction festivities; it was a testament to the enduring power of fan culture. As the sun set on Berlin, the Kuppenhalle was transformed into a vibrant epicenter of celebration. With its 17-meter-high pyramid-shaped mansard roof and historic octagonal terrazzo flooring, the venue provided a majestic backdrop for the hundreds of fans, writers, and professionals who packed the hall, filling even the balconies to witness the final hours of a convention that had, by all accounts, been a triumph of organization and spirit.
A Triumph of Coordination: The Metropolcon Committee
At the heart of the event’s success was Chair Claudia Rapp. Her leadership was evident not only in the smooth logistics of the weekend but in the visible pride of her committee. When the entire organizing team was brought onto the stage during the closing ceremony, the audience’s response was electric. The thunderous applause was a recognition of the sheer grit required to run a world-class event.
Convention organizing is a labor of love—a delicate balance of passion, commitment, and relentless problem-solving. The Metropolcon team managed this with an ease that masked the underlying intensity of their work. Rapp specifically highlighted the indispensable role of the volunteers, whose energy fueled every facet of the convention, from badge-checking and program coordination to the vital, often unseen, logistical tasks that ensure a smooth experience for attendees. The volunteer cohort, which notably included Rapp’s own supportive daughters, set the tone for the event: helpful, bright, and genuinely enthusiastic.
Honoring Excellence: The ESFS Awards
A key feature of the Eurocon is the presentation of the European Science Fiction Society (ESFS) awards, which this year carried particular weight. The recognition of German fan Thomas Recktenwald with the ESFS Grand Master Award was a highlight of the ceremony. Recktenwald, a fixture in the community for decades, has been a tireless contributor to both Worldcons and Eurocons, and his accolade was met with heartfelt approval from the audience.
Furthermore, Constanze Hofmann was honored with the Andreas Kuschke Prize. Named for the late German fan who worked quietly and reliably in the background of many conventions, this award serves as a vital reminder that the "ordinary" helpers—room managers, table movers, and logistics staff—are the true lifeblood of the genre community.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Lisbon
The ceremonial passing of the ESFS flag to Maria Inês Santos and Rogério Ribeiro, the chairs of the upcoming Forum Fantastico Eurocon in Lisbon, marked the transition of the Eurocon spirit to Portugal for 2027. The energy of the Portuguese team was infectious, bolstered by a promising lineup of guests and, perhaps most enticingly, a venue located at the Unicorn Factory Lisboa in the Beato Innovation District.
The venue itself features Browers Beato, an operational microbrewery that promises a unique cultural experience for fans. With 15 craft beers on tap—ranging from a robust Brown Ale to a delicate Belgian-style Blanche—the Portuguese team has certainly set a high bar for hospitality.
Programmatic Success and the "Curated" Experience
With 188 individual program items, Metropolcon offered a robust, carefully curated experience. The program was marked by a "wonderful problem"—the dilemma of choice, as fans were frequently torn between high-quality panels occurring simultaneously. Despite the density of the schedule, the flow was managed so expertly that no room, with the exception of the closing ceremony, ever exceeded its capacity.
One program participant, who had traveled five hours specifically to contribute to the event, noted the palpable enthusiasm of the attendees. This sentiment was echoed across the venue, illustrating how Claudia Rapp has successfully cultivated a community where professionals and fans intersect with genuine mutual respect.
Global Connectivity: The Berlin Hub
Berlin’s status as a central nexus for European rail travel provided a poignant backdrop to the convention. For many, the journey to Metropolcon was an exercise in the interconnectedness of Europe. As attendees prepared for their departures, the Berlin Hauptbahnhof—a marvel of modern infrastructure—symbolized the ease with which the fan community now traverses the continent.
From direct trains to Prague, Amsterdam, and Paris, to more ambitious connections reaching toward Budapest, Stockholm, and even the border of Ukraine, the convention underscored the reach of modern fandom. The dedication of fans who travel thousands of miles to connect with like-minded individuals remains a driving force in the longevity of the Eurocon movement.
Resilience and Recognition: The Ukrainian Presence
The most moving segment of the convention was undoubtedly the recognition of the Ukrainian delegation. In a climate where many fans are struggling to maintain their creative lives under the threat of war, the presence of these writers and professionals was a powerful statement of resilience.
The film U Are the Universe won the ESFS Best Dramatic Presentation prize, and the festival All Mor was awarded Best Event. These recognitions were not merely tokens; they represented a deep, collective appreciation for the courage required to continue artistic and community work under existential threat.
The works of Valeriia Savotina, particularly her urban fantasy novel Vandalism, and the poignant essays of Nataly Matolinets, provided a visceral, human connection to the realities of the war. Matolinets’ essay, "How Are You?", serves as a haunting, necessary reminder of the daily life of those living under air-raid alerts. Her work, alongside the efforts of cultural figures like Alona Silina, demonstrates the vibrant, ongoing life of Ukrainian speculative fiction. The community’s support for organizations like "Come Back Alive" highlights the practical, empathetic engagement of fans who refuse to let the distance of borders diminish their support for their Ukrainian colleagues.
The Future of European Fandom
The spirit of Metropolcon was defined by a forward-looking optimism. Discussions regarding future events, such as SMOFcon 43 in Lisbon and the long-term prospects of a future Worldcon in Europe, dominated the informal conversations. Fans are increasingly looking for ways to replicate the successes of recent European conventions in their own countries.
The enthusiasm for new bids, coupled with a healthy, realistic understanding of the hard work involved, suggests that the European fan community is in a period of significant growth. The "quiet chats" witnessed in the corridors—fans sharing venue photos and discussing the logistics of hosting—point to a bright future for the Eurocon brand.
Intellectual Heritage: The Fanzine Culture
Metropolcon also served as a showcase for the enduring vitality of the fanzine. Publications such as Drink Tank 464 and Unreliable Narrator #5 underscore that while the medium has evolved, the tradition of rigorous, bilingual, and richly illustrated discourse remains central to the hobby. The collaboration between international editors to produce dual-language content is a microcosm of the Eurocon itself: a bridge between cultures, languages, and perspectives.
Conclusion: A Successful Weekend
As the closing ceremony reached its crescendo, the gratitude directed toward Claudia Rapp was palpable. The thunderous applause was not just for a well-run weekend, but for the creation of a space where human emotion, professional development, and pure, unadulterated joy could coexist.
Metropolcon proved that when a community is led with dedication and supported by a robust network of volunteers, the result is more than just a convention—it is a community milestone. As the attendees dispersed, heading to trains that would carry them across the continent, they left with more than just memories of a weekend in Berlin. They carried with them the reinforced belief that even in difficult times, there is a place for the fantastic, the supportive, and the celebratory.
Danke, Berlin. The standard for Eurocon has been set high.
Jia Lissa
Azzam Bilal Chamdy
