The ConventionsFanderson conventions
Alphacon
The ConventionsIn 1990 Fanderson had two full 2-day conventions, their first general Anderson event in 4 years, Fanderson 90 in May, followed by a Space: 1999 specific convention, Alphacon, in November. This was the second Space: 1999-focussed convention, after 1987's Mini-con.
The convention was held in the Griffin Hotel in Leeds. This had been the location of the Secret Service convention in 1988; other Leeds conventions (Fanderson 81 and the following year's Fanderson 91) were held at the Dragonara Hotel.
The convention chairman (and chairman of Fanderson) Neil Swain died in June, and Andrew Staton stood in.
The convention book was unusually A5 on glossy paper (almost all other books were A4; the only other A5 convention book was for Sector 25 in 2005). Previous convention books were designed for collecting signatures, with guest biographies and perhaps episode lists. This booklet introduced more original content, with informative articles. It was written and designed by Chris Bentley, who would transform future convention books, and turn the club fanzine Fanderson News into FAB. The print quality, with difficult to read typewritten text and murky black and white photos, doesn't match the ambition, but it signalled a major improvement in convention books.
In addition, attendees all got a large Destination Moonbase Alpha poster, and most got a set of front of house stills and a Short Information Publicity Brochure.
The convention book is 24 pages, including the colour covers.
The colour cover of the convention booklet, exterior and interior.
The identity badge, and a metal badge, given to attendees.
The programme.
The status report from end August 1990.
The status report from end October 1990.
