Nine Worlds has been different since its inception. First, the organizers partially funded it with a Kick Starter campaign, doubling their funding goals. Second, the organizers were inspired by the greatest comic con events in the United States, but they designed their science fiction convention to be fan-driven and based in London. Third, Nine Worlds collected top UK organizers and more than 20 fandom organizations to get Nine Worlds Geekfest up and running completely with volunteers.
The event was planned to include many popular content streams:
- Doctor Who & Torchwood, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Star Trek
- Game of Thrones, Tolkien, Josh Wheden and Discworld
- Steampunk, Robotics, Indie Comics, Fanfic and Skeptics
- Open Source Culture, Feminist Sci-Fi and Fantasy, Anime & Japanese Media Culture, Queer Fandom
- Occult and Paranormal, Indie video games, social gaming and role play gaming
- Costuming, creative writing, board games, a film festival, and much more
The first three Nine Worlds Geekfest conventions were held in hotels near Heathrow Airport in London.Then the event moved to Hammersmith, London. Founders Dan, Erich and Ludi brought a wealth of fan experiences and business acumen to the project. It is currently described as a multi-genre, multi -media, pop culture, residential convention.
As the Nine Worlds logo indicates, with its happy Frost Giant,Ymir, the soul of the inclusive convention is taken from Norse mythology, where there are nine worlds which are held within the roots and branches of Yggdrasil, the world tree. Convention organizers liked the mythology as it implies many worlds making up a complete universe, and this holds true for the modern Nine Worlds Geekfest, as well. The many strands of geekdom come together at convention, and fans have noted the social bonding which occurs there.
But, the most important element of Nine Worlds is that it has, at its core, a commitment to inclusion, accessibility, communication, diversity and safety. These commitments are supported by sets of carefully crafted guidelines for each core commitment:
– Inclusion is inherent in the multi-themed convention, and the organization has a detailed anti-harrassment policy which describes positive ways to respect diversity and enhance participant inclusion in convention activities. The policy also delineates ways to make Nine Worlds safer by respecting people’s boundaries, using non-oppressive language, and adopting anti-racism behaviors and language.
– Accessibility information details where to find accessible toilets, gender neutral toilets, designated quite space, step-free access, content friendly to kids, and car parking. A dedicated Access coordinator intakes access survey information to help meet participant requirements. Attention is given to less often supported conditions such as sensory processing, neurodiversity and photosensitivity.
– Communication preferences are addressed with the use of participant lanyards which have interchangeable clips in Red, Yellow and Blue. These clips are frequently used at Autistic conferences and indicate the wearer’s current level of ability to talk with others.
– Nine Worlds also participates in Con or Bust, which welcomes people of color in fandom and at conventions.
– Other thoughtful details include providing pronoun badges for all in attendance so that gender assumptions are not made. These badges allow attendees to write in their preferences. Dedicated theme tracks discussing aspects of diversity, such as LGBTQ themes, culture and race are also included.
What makes Nine Worlds a step above others of its kind? It embraces cosplay, fan academia, books and fanfiction with great fan interaction. Of course, there are plenty of book signings, celebrity guests, performances and the hugely popular Saturday night Cabaret with its poetry, comedy, dance performances and music. There’s also the following Disco; filled with music of geek themes.
But, what makes all the cosplay, gaming, anime, literature, films and parties so much fun? Fans are discovering new friends in an environment created for a radical new geekdom; where guests are accepted without restrictions, and barriers are held at bay with strong policies and welcoming procedures. Nine Worlds is geek obsessions and cool stuff…for everyone.
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