For immediate release

For Further Information contact:
Kimm Antell
Phone: 512-989-5585
e-mail: dillochair@armadillocon.org

Find Your Inner Alien

Since 1979, people from around the world have congregated in Central Texas in search of intelligent life. They meet in a local hotel and huddle in groups both large and small discussing various mysteries of the universe. While they may not be UFO seekers who couldn't get all the way to Roswell, they are die-hard science-fiction fans who will come to Austin this August to celebrate the 28th annual ArmadilloCon.

"ArmadilloCon is a great place for science-fiction, fantasy and horror fans to meet and talk about the newest, oldest and greatest writings in the genre," said Kimm Antell, chair of the convention. "We also have gamers upstairs playing Steve Jackson Games, role playing games, board games... you name it. Sometimes for 24 hours straight!"

The convention also offers a venue for discussions on science, space exploration, world building and, of course, King Kong.

“Every year we have a panel on King Kong. It is one of the most popular panels of convention and the laughs alone are worth it!” said Antell.

The Fandom Association of Central Texas (F.A.C.T.) felt there was a need for a science-fiction convention back in the late 1970s. Drawing on their experiences from conventions such as WorldCon, AggieCon and WesterCon, several rabid fans created an Austin tradition that has drawn guests from as far away as Australia.

Are you interested in meeting some of the in vogue names in the genre? ArmadilloCon offers everyone a chance to rub elbows be they author, artist or just a dedicated fan.

This year, fans can look forward to meeting guests of honor Julie Czerneda, James P. Hogan, Esther Friesner, Ellisa Mitchell, Diana Gill and Grant Kruger. Also attending as participants are Joseph Abbott, David Lee Anderson, Kurt Baty, Paul Benjamin, Jayme Blaschke, Scott Bobo, Elizabeth Burton, Lillian Stewart Carl, Bill Crider, Scott Cupp, Aaron de Orive, Bradley Denton, Rhonda Eudaly, Mark Finn, Brad Foster, John Gibbons, Beverly A. Hale, Joan Upton Hall, Scott A. Johnson, Julie Kenner, Katharine Eliska Kimbriel, Rick Klaw, Joe R. Lansdale, Lee Martindale, C. J. Mills, Elizabeth Moon, John Moore, Chris Nakashima-Brown, Gloria Oliver, Cary G. Osborne, Lawrence Person, John Picacio, Alan Porter, Jessica Reisman, Carrie Richerson, Chris Roberson, Josh Rountree, Patrice Sarath, Rie Sheridan, Willie Siros, Mikal Trimm, Howard Waldrop, Lynn Ward, Martha Wells, Wendy Wheeler, Sherlock and John Quarterman.

Proceeds from ArmadilloCon 28 will go to Capital Area Reach Out and Read, a non-profit pediatric literacy program that promotes early literacy by bringing into the pediatric exam room new books and advice about the importance of reading aloud to children.

If you are a casual fan of the genre, enthusiastic geek looking for love or just someone who enjoys curling up by a video fire and reading a good online book, ArmadilloCon is an experience that you can't miss!

ArmadilloCon is August 11 - 13, 2006 at the Doubletree Hotel in North Austin. To purchase a membership or to find out more, visit www.armadillocon.org.

About ArmadilloCon
ArmadilloCon is a science fiction convention held annually in Austin, with several hundred attendees. The primary focus of ArmadilloCon is literary science fiction, but that's not all we do -- we also pay attention to art, animation, science, media, and gaming. Every year, dozens of professional writers, artists and editors attend the convention.
www.armadillocon.org

About F.A.C.T.
The Fandom Association of Central Texas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization dedicated to the promotion of science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. They sponsor many activities aimed towards furthering the cause of literacy and the enjoyment of the genres. Also on the calendar this year is World Fantasy 2006.
www.fact.org

###