DucKon: The Chicago Area’s Premier Regional Science Fiction Convention

DucKon stands as one of the most beloved and influential regional science fiction conventions in Midwest history, serving the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond from 1992 to 2014. Named for its origins in DuPage County, this convention created a unique identity that blended traditional science fiction programming with innovative entertainment, memorable performances, and a distinctive duck-themed atmosphere that endeared it to fans across multiple generations.

Chapter 1: Origins and Founding Vision

The genesis of DucKon emerged from the vibrant Chicago-area science fiction community’s recognition that the region needed a dedicated regional convention that could serve fans who might not be able to attend larger, more distant events like Worldcons or major metropolitan conventions. In the early 1990s, Chicago area fans identified an opportunity to create something uniquely their own, building on the success of other regional conventions while developing distinctive characteristics that would set their event apart.

The founding vision was the brainchild of Helene O’Neill, whose creative insight led to the convention’s memorable name and thematic identity. O’Neill recognized that “DuPage County Convention” could be cleverly abbreviated to “DucKon,” creating both geographical specificity and an instantly memorable brand identity that would prove essential to the convention’s marketing and cultural impact.

The selection of DuPage County as the convention’s home base reflected careful consideration of practical factors including venue availability, transportation accessibility, and cost considerations that would make the convention viable for both organizers and attendees. The suburban Chicago location provided adequate facilities while remaining accessible to fans throughout the greater metropolitan area.

The founding committee brought together experienced fans and convention organizers who understood both the opportunities and challenges of creating a successful regional event. Their collective expertise in areas ranging from programming coordination to logistics management provided the foundation for what would become a twenty-three-year tradition of excellence in regional science fiction convention programming.

The decision to incorporate as Super-Con-Duck-Tivity reflected both the playful spirit that would characterize DucKon throughout its history and the practical necessity of creating a legal entity capable of managing the financial and contractual obligations involved in mounting annual conventions. This corporate structure also provided the framework for the convention’s later involvement with the Golden Duck Awards.

From its earliest planning stages, DucKon was conceived as more than just another science fiction convention. The founders envisioned an event that would serve as a cultural center for the regional science fiction community, providing programming and experiences that would educate, entertain, and inspire attendees while building lasting connections within the fan community.

The inaugural planning process involved extensive consultation with other convention organizers, venue managers, and potential guests to ensure that DucKon would meet professional standards while developing its own distinctive character. This careful preparation would prove essential to the convention’s immediate success and long-term sustainability.

Chapter 2: Convention Structure and Programming Evolution

DucKon’s programming philosophy emphasized diversity, accessibility, and innovation, creating a convention experience that could appeal to both longtime science fiction fans and newcomers to the genre. The programming committee worked consistently to balance traditional elements like author readings and panel discussions with more experimental offerings that took advantage of emerging trends and technologies within science fiction culture.

The convention’s size, consistently maintaining membership levels around 700 attendees, proved optimal for creating an intimate, community-oriented atmosphere while still attracting notable guests and providing diverse programming options. This scale allowed for meaningful interaction between attendees and guests while maintaining the logistical manageability that enabled consistent quality and organization.

Literary programming formed the core of DucKon’s offerings, with author appearances, panel discussions, and workshops that showcased both established masters and emerging voices in science fiction and fantasy literature. The convention’s guest selection process emphasized accessibility and engagement, choosing authors who were known not only for their literary achievements but also for their ability to connect with fans through presentations and personal interactions.

Science and technology programming reflected DucKon’s commitment to the educational and speculative aspects of science fiction, featuring presentations by working scientists, engineers, and researchers who could provide insights into real developments that influenced science fiction speculation. These presentations helped maintain the genre’s connection to actual scientific advancement while inspiring both creators and fans.

Media programming evolved significantly over DucKon’s history, initially focusing primarily on literature but gradually expanding to address the growing importance of science fiction in film, television, and digital media. This evolution reflected broader changes in science fiction culture while maintaining DucKon’s core commitment to literary values and serious engagement with the genre.

Gaming programming became an increasingly important component of DucKon’s offerings, providing space and support for tabletop gaming, role-playing games, and later computer gaming activities. The convention’s gaming rooms provided venues for both organized tournaments and informal play, creating communities within the larger convention community.

Art programming showcased the talents of science fiction and fantasy artists through exhibitions, demonstrations, and sales opportunities. The art show became a significant attraction for both artists and collectors, while artist demonstrations provided educational value for attendees interested in developing their own creative skills.

The evolution of furry programming represented one of DucKon’s most significant programming developments, beginning in the convention’s third year and eventually growing to represent over one-third of the attendee base by the eighth year. This programming track reflected the convention’s openness to emerging fan communities while maintaining its broader science fiction focus.

Chapter 3: The Golden Duck Awards Connection

DucKon’s association with the Golden Duck Awards represented one of the convention’s most significant contributions to the broader science fiction community, providing a platform for recognizing excellence in children’s science fiction literature. This partnership elevated DucKon’s profile within the professional science fiction community while supporting an important but often overlooked segment of genre publishing.

The Golden Duck Awards filled a crucial gap in science fiction recognition by focusing specifically on children’s literature, an area that had been underrepresented in major genre awards despite its importance for developing new readers and expanding science fiction’s audience. DucKon’s sponsorship of these awards reflected the convention’s commitment to supporting the entire spectrum of science fiction culture.

The annual announcement of Golden Duck Award winners at DucKon created anticipation and excitement that drew both professional attention and media coverage to the convention. While the actual award presentations typically occurred at subsequent Worldcons, the announcement ceremony at DucKon provided the convention with a unique role in the annual science fiction awards cycle.

The awards program required DucKon organizers to develop relationships with publishers, authors, and industry professionals involved in children’s science fiction publishing. These connections enriched the convention’s programming while providing networking opportunities that benefited both the convention and the broader community of creators working in children’s literature.

The judging process for the Golden Duck Awards involved science fiction professionals, educators, librarians, and others with expertise in children’s literature. DucKon’s role in coordinating this process demonstrated the convention’s organizational capabilities while contributing to the credibility and prestige of the awards program.

The awards categories evolved over time to reflect changes in children’s publishing and the expanding range of media through which science fiction reached young audiences. DucKon’s administration of this evolution showed flexibility and responsiveness to changing conditions within the genre and publishing industry.

The Golden Duck Awards also provided DucKon with educational opportunities, as award-winning works and nominated titles were often featured in convention programming through author appearances, book discussions, and presentations for educators and parents interested in science fiction for young readers.

The professional relationships developed through the awards program often led to guest appearances by children’s book authors and illustrators at DucKon, enriching the convention’s programming while supporting creators working in this specialized field. These appearances provided valuable exposure for both the authors and their work.

Chapter 4: Furry Programming and Community Development

The development of furry programming at DucKon represented a fascinating case study in how science fiction conventions could adapt to emerging fan communities while maintaining their core identity and mission. The growth of furry participation from its introduction in DucKon’s third year to representing over one-third of attendees by the eighth year demonstrated both the convention’s flexibility and the growing significance of furry fandom within the broader speculative fiction community.

The initial introduction of furry programming reflected DucKon organizers’ recognition that anthropomorphic characters and themes had become increasingly prominent in science fiction and fantasy literature, art, and media. Rather than treating furry interest as separate from traditional science fiction, the convention worked to integrate furry programming within its broader speculative fiction framework.

The growth of furry attendance brought both opportunities and challenges to DucKon’s programming and logistics. The convention needed to expand its offerings to serve this growing community while maintaining balance and appeal for other attendee segments. This balancing act required careful planning and ongoing adjustment of programming ratios and content.

The furry community’s enthusiasm and organizational skills contributed significantly to DucKon’s energy and success, with furry attendees often taking active roles in convention operations as volunteers and programming participants. This involvement demonstrated the positive potential of embracing diverse fan communities within regional conventions.

The eventual spin-off of furry programming to form Midwest FurFest in 2000 represented a mature recognition that the furry community had grown large enough and developed sufficient organizational capability to support its own dedicated convention. This transition was handled collaboratively, with DucKon organizers supporting the new convention’s development rather than viewing it as competition.

The relationship between DucKon and Midwest FurFest after the spin-off remained positive and mutually supportive, with some attendees participating in both conventions and programming coordination occurring when appropriate. This relationship demonstrated how regional conventions could work together rather than competing destructively for limited audiences.

The furry programming model developed at DucKon influenced other science fiction conventions’ approaches to emerging fan communities, showing how established conventions could embrace new groups while maintaining their own identity and mission. This model proved valuable for convention organizers facing similar demographic and cultural changes.

The success of furry integration at DucKon also contributed to broader recognition of furry fandom as a legitimate component of speculative fiction culture, helping to reduce stereotypes and misunderstandings that had sometimes created barriers between different fan communities.

Chapter 5: Zeusaphones and Performance Innovation

One of DucKon’s most memorable and distinctive features was its adoption of Zeusaphones beginning at DucKon 16, creating spectacular outdoor performances that combined science education, entertainment, and pure spectacle in ways that no other science fiction convention had attempted. These musical Tesla coils, which produced lightning bolts synchronized to music, became signature attractions that defined DucKon’s reputation for innovative programming.

The Zeusaphones represented the collaboration between DucKon and a group of high-voltage engineers who would eventually become known as the Masters of Lightning. This partnership exemplified DucKon’s commitment to showcasing real science and technology alongside traditional science fiction programming, creating educational entertainment that demonstrated the spectacular possibilities of scientific knowledge.

The outdoor performances in hotel parking lots created unique logistical challenges that DucKon organizers met with creativity and careful safety planning. The spectacular nature of the performances required coordination with hotel management, local authorities, and safety officials to ensure that the events could proceed without endangering attendees or property.

The educational value of the Zeusaphone performances extended beyond mere entertainment, as the engineers provided explanations of the scientific principles involved in Tesla coil operation and high-voltage electrical phenomena. These presentations combined serious science education with thrilling demonstration in ways that exemplified science fiction’s mission of making scientific concepts accessible and exciting.

The popularity of the Zeusaphone performances contributed significantly to DucKon’s reputation and growth, attracting attendees who might not otherwise have been drawn to science fiction conventions while providing existing fans with experiences they could not find elsewhere. The performances became anticipated highlights that attendees planned their convention schedules around.

The technical complexity of the Zeusaphone performances required extensive preparation and specialized equipment, demonstrating DucKon’s commitment to production values and willingness to invest in programming that distinguished the convention from other regional events. The successful execution of these performances over multiple years showed the organizational sophistication that DucKon had developed.

The Masters of Lightning’s association with DucKon helped establish their reputation within both the science fiction community and the broader world of science education and demonstration. This relationship provided mutual benefit, with DucKon gaining distinctive programming while the Masters of Lightning found audiences who appreciated both the scientific and entertainment aspects of their work.

The legacy of the Zeusaphone performances influenced other conventions and science education programs to consider how spectacular demonstrations could enhance programming and create memorable experiences that combined education with entertainment.

Chapter 6: Venue History and Geographic Impact

DucKon’s venue history reflects both the practical challenges of mounting annual conventions in the expensive Chicago metropolitan area and the convention’s evolution in size, scope, and programming needs over its twenty-three-year run. The progression of venues tells the story of a convention adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining its essential character and mission.

The inaugural DucKon at the Marriott Oak Brook established the convention’s suburban Chicago identity while providing adequate facilities for the programming and attendance levels that the organizers anticipated. The Oak Brook location offered convenient access to major transportation routes while maintaining the suburban character that would define much of DucKon’s subsequent venue selection.

The multi-year residence at the Hyatt Lisle near Naperville from DucKon II through DucKon V demonstrated the value of venue stability for both convention operations and attendee planning. The Lisle location became familiar to regular attendees while providing adequate space and facilities for the convention’s growing programming needs and attendance levels.

The move to the Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus for DucKon VI represented an experiment with a different type of venue, as the corporate campus setting offered unique facilities while maintaining the suburban accessibility that had characterized previous locations. The corporate campus environment provided interesting contrasts with traditional hotel convention spaces.

The transition to the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Rosemont for DucKons VII and VIII reflected the convention’s need for larger spaces and different facilities as attendance and programming grew more complex. The Rosemont location provided improved transportation access, particularly for attendees arriving by air, while offering expanded space for dealers’ rooms, programming, and social activities.

The subsequent moves among various suburban venues demonstrated DucKon’s adaptability while also reflecting the ongoing challenges that regional conventions face in securing appropriate venues at reasonable costs. Each venue selection required balancing factors including space requirements, cost considerations, transportation accessibility, and hotel accommodation availability.

The geographic distribution of DucKon venues throughout the Chicago metropolitan area reflected the convention’s commitment to serving fans throughout the region rather than concentrating in any single suburban area. This approach maximized accessibility for different segments of the regional fan community while spreading economic impact across multiple communities.

The venue selection process also reflected changing conditions in the hotel and conference industry, as properties changed ownership, underwent renovations, or modified their policies regarding science fiction conventions. DucKon’s organizers became expert at evaluating venues and negotiating arrangements that would meet the convention’s specialized needs.

Chapter 7: Guest of Honor Program and Literary Focus

DucKon’s Guest of Honor program reflected the convention’s commitment to showcasing both established masters and emerging voices within science fiction and fantasy literature, while maintaining an emphasis on accessibility and fan interaction that distinguished regional conventions from larger, more formal events. The guest selection process balanced literary achievement with personality factors that would ensure positive experiences for both guests and attendees.

The inaugural guest lineup of Lois Tilton, Mary Lynn Skirvin, Todd Johnson, and Diane Johnson established DucKon’s pattern of featuring multiple guests who could provide diverse perspectives on science fiction literature and culture. This multi-guest approach allowed for varied programming while ensuring that attendees would have multiple opportunities for meaningful interaction with professional creators.

The inclusion of Hal Clement as a guest at both DucKon III and DucKon VII demonstrated the convention’s ability to attract major figures in science fiction literature while also showing the respect and affection that established authors developed for DucKon. Clement’s repeat appearances reflected his appreciation for the convention’s atmosphere and the quality of its organization.

Other notable guests like C.J. Cherryh, Gene Wolfe, Catherine Asaro, Margaret Weis, Joan D. Vinge, Tanya Huff, Eric Flint, Julie E. Czerneda, Jo Walton, Alan Dean Foster, Elizabeth Bear, Jim Butcher, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, Tamora Pierce, Robert J. Sawyer, and David Gerrold represented a who’s who of contemporary science fiction and fantasy literature, demonstrating DucKon’s prestige within the professional community.

The guest programming typically included formal presentations, panel discussions, autograph sessions, and informal interactions that maximized opportunities for fan engagement. DucKon’s size and atmosphere encouraged more casual interaction between guests and attendees than might be possible at larger conventions, creating memorable personal connections.

The convention’s support for emerging authors was evident in its inclusion of newer writers alongside established masters, providing exposure and career development opportunities for creators who might not yet have achieved sufficient prominence to be featured guests at larger conventions. This mentorship aspect contributed to DucKon’s reputation within the professional community.

International guests, while not frequent, brought valuable perspectives on global science fiction culture and demonstrated DucKon’s connections within the broader international science fiction community. These appearances enriched programming while exposing attendees to authors and works they might not otherwise encounter.

The guest selection process also reflected evolving trends within science fiction literature, with later conventions featuring authors working in emerging subgenres, media tie-in fiction, and cross-genre works that reflected the expanding boundaries of contemporary speculative fiction.

Chapter 8: Community Building and Regional Impact

DucKon’s impact extended far beyond its immediate convention activities to encompass significant contributions to the development and strengthening of science fiction culture throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and broader Midwest region. The convention served as a focal point for fan activity while supporting related organizations, publications, and cultural initiatives that enriched the regional science fiction community.

The convention’s consistent annual schedule provided stability and continuity that allowed long-term relationships to develop among attendees, creating a community that extended beyond the convention weekend itself. Regular attendees often formed friendships and creative collaborations that persisted throughout the year, with DucKon serving as an annual reunion and celebration.

Local science fiction clubs and organizations used DucKon as a recruiting and networking opportunity, with many groups maintaining information tables and hosting hospitality suites that introduced their activities to potential new members. The convention thus served as a central marketplace for fan organizational activity throughout the region.

Educational outreach represented another significant aspect of DucKon’s regional impact, with convention organizers and attendees frequently participating in library programs, school visits, and other educational activities that promoted science fiction literacy and appreciation. The Golden Duck Awards connection particularly supported educational initiatives focused on children’s literature.

The convention’s economic impact on host communities provided another form of regional contribution, with attendees patronizing local hotels, restaurants, and businesses during convention weekends. This economic activity helped demonstrate the value of science fiction conventions to municipal and business leaders who might not otherwise appreciate the cultural significance of fan gatherings.

DucKon also served as a training ground for convention organizers who would go on to create or support other fan events throughout the region. The experience gained through DucKon volunteer activities provided practical education in event management, guest relations, and fan community leadership that benefited numerous subsequent conventions and organizations.

The convention’s emphasis on inclusivity and community building helped establish cultural standards and expectations that influenced other fan organizations throughout the region. DucKon’s approach to handling diversity, conflict resolution, and community building provided models that other groups could adapt to their own circumstances.

Media relations and public representation helped improve the general public’s understanding and acceptance of science fiction fandom, combating stereotypes while promoting appreciation for the educational and cultural value of science fiction literature and community. DucKon’s professionalism and positive community impact contributed to broader acceptance of fan culture.

Chapter 9: Challenges and Transitions

Like all long-running conventions, DucKon faced numerous challenges throughout its twenty-three-year history that required adaptive responses and strategic decision-making to maintain quality and sustainability. The convention’s success in navigating these challenges demonstrated the resilience and commitment of its organizing community while also illustrating the broader difficulties that regional conventions face in contemporary fan culture.

Venue challenges represented ongoing concerns as hotel costs increased, facilities changed ownership or policies, and competition for appropriate convention spaces intensified throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. DucKon organizers became expert at evaluating venues and negotiating arrangements that balanced cost considerations with programming needs and attendee expectations.

Membership fluctuations required careful attention to programming budgets and guest selection, as the convention needed to maintain quality and appeal while adapting to changing attendance patterns. The consistent membership levels around 700 attendees reflected successful management of these fluctuations, but required ongoing attention to marketing and community relations.

Competition from other conventions, both regional and national, required DucKon to continually evolve and improve its offerings to maintain its distinctive appeal. The growth of media-focused conventions, gaming conventions, and other specialized events created both challenges and opportunities for traditional literature-focused science fiction conventions.

Technological changes affected both convention operations and programming content, requiring DucKon organizers to adapt to new communication methods, registration systems, and programming technologies while maintaining the personal interaction and community focus that defined the convention’s appeal.

Generational transitions within both the organizing committee and attendee base required careful management to ensure continuity while welcoming new ideas and perspectives. The challenge of maintaining institutional memory while embracing change affected all aspects of convention planning and execution.

Financial pressures from inflation, venue cost increases, and changing economic conditions required ongoing attention to budget management and revenue generation. DucKon’s organizers worked consistently to control costs while maintaining the quality and scope of programming that attendees expected.

The spin-off of furry programming to create Midwest FurFest represented both a loss of attendance and an opportunity to refocus on DucKon’s core mission. The convention successfully navigated this transition while maintaining positive relationships with the new organization and its community.

Health and accessibility concerns became increasingly important as both organizers and attendees aged, requiring attention to venue accessibility, programming accommodation, and support services that had not been necessary in earlier years.

Chapter 10: Legacy and Final Years

The conclusion of DucKon after twenty-three successful years represented the end of an era for Chicago-area science fiction fandom while leaving a legacy of community building, programming innovation, and cultural contribution that influenced the broader development of regional convention culture. The convention’s final years and eventual termination provide valuable lessons about the life cycles of fan organizations and the challenges of sustaining volunteer-driven cultural institutions.

DucKon 23 in 2014 represented both a celebration of the convention’s achievements and a recognition that changing circumstances made continuation increasingly difficult. The announcement of the convention’s termination reflected the organizing committee’s realistic assessment of their ability to maintain the quality and sustainability that had characterized DucKon throughout its history.

The attempts to organize further DucKons following the 23rd iteration demonstrated the continuing appeal of the convention concept while also highlighting the practical difficulties that prevented successful continuation. These efforts showed both the dedication of the fan community and the complexity of the organizational, financial, and logistical challenges involved in mounting annual conventions.

The preservation of DucKon’s legacy through archived websites, photographs, convention reports, and personal memories ensured that the convention’s contributions to science fiction culture would not be lost. These historical materials provide valuable documentation of regional convention development and fan community evolution over more than two decades.

The professional relationships and friendships developed through DucKon continued beyond the convention’s termination, with former organizers, attendees, and guests maintaining connections that enriched other fan activities and conventions. The human networks created by DucKon represented perhaps its most enduring legacy.

The organizational expertise developed by DucKon volunteers found application in other conventions and fan organizations throughout the region, with former committee members applying their skills to support other cultural initiatives. This knowledge transfer helped strengthen the broader fan community infrastructure.

The programming innovations pioneered at DucKon, particularly the integration of spectacular science demonstrations and the successful management of diverse fan communities, influenced other conventions and demonstrated possibilities that might not otherwise have been explored.

The Golden Duck Awards program continued beyond DucKon’s termination, with other organizations stepping forward to support this important recognition of children’s science fiction literature. DucKon’s role in establishing and supporting these awards represented a lasting contribution to the professional science fiction community.

Educational initiatives and community outreach programs that began at DucKon continued through other organizations and individual efforts, extending the convention’s impact on science fiction literacy and appreciation throughout the region.

The cultural memory of DucKon’s distinctive atmosphere, programming quality, and community spirit continues to influence expectations and standards for regional science fiction conventions. Former attendees who organize or participate in other events often reference DucKon as a model for what regional conventions can achieve when they successfully balance professional programming with genuine community building.

The economic and cultural impact that DucKon had on its various host communities demonstrated the positive potential of science fiction conventions as cultural and economic development tools. The convention’s professional approach and positive community relations helped establish precedents that benefited subsequent fan events in the region.

Perhaps most importantly, DucKon’s twenty-three-year run demonstrated that regional science fiction conventions could achieve lasting success through commitment to quality, community, and innovation while maintaining the volunteer spirit and fan enthusiasm that make such events possible. The convention’s legacy continues to inspire and inform efforts to create and sustain fan communities in an increasingly complex and competitive cultural landscape.

DucKon’s unique combination of literary programming, spectacular entertainment, community building, and cultural contribution established it as one of the most beloved and successful regional science fiction conventions in Midwest history. Though the convention ended in 2014, its influence on fan culture, programming innovation, and community standards continues to enrich science fiction fandom throughout the region and beyond.