potlatch n. (1) A ceremonial feast among certain Native American peoples of the northwest Pacific coast ... at which the host distributes gifts requiring reciprocation [Chinook & Nootka: patshatl, to make a potlatch gift]. (2) A gathering of the writers and readers of literary science fiction and fantasy at which participants exchange ideas.

Potlatch, the convention, is an all-volunteer, non-profit, literary event for the readers and writers of speculative fiction. At Potlatch, people talk to each other and participate in panel discussions about reading and writing speculative fiction. You'll find conversations at the program events, in Nanoprograms (spontaneous member-generated programming), in writers' workshops, in the consuite, in the halls, and in elevators. Proceeds from Potlatch benefit Clarion West—an intensive six-week workshop for writers who are preparing for professional careers in science fiction and fantasy. Check out our Auction page for news about this year's Clarion West Scholarship Auction, an event that's traditionally held at each year's Potlatch.

Potlatch 19 will be held at the Deca Hotel in Seattle, Washington.

To get an idea what Potlatch discussions are like, check out these links to past Potlatch panels and Books of Honor.

Latest News

October 21: Potlatch 19 Progress Report 1 has been e-mailed. Please contact registration@potlatch-sf.org if you would like to be added to our mailing list.

September 19: We have chosen Roger Zelazny's LORD OF LIGHT as this year's Book of Honor. We're looking forward to some excellent programming around this book. If you have ideas or suggestions for this or other program items, please contact programming@potlatch-sf.org.

July 8: Hotel Registration is now open. Reserve your room at the Deca now!

July 8: Potlatch 19 Progress Report 0 will be e-mailed out in early July, 2009. Please contact registration@potlatch-sf.org if you would like to be added to our mailing list.

July 8: Convention Registration is now open!

Visit the Potlatch Livejournal Community.

 

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