KiScon - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KiScon?

KiScon is a not-for-profit convention for fans of the Kirk/Spock slash relationship. Because of the nature of this fandom, members must be a minimum of 18 years of age to attend. It is staffed completely by volunteers. Membership fees, and money raised from raffle ticket sales, art auction fees, and donated art sales go towards running the convention, with any remainder being split between a) saving towards the run of the next convention, b) giving to a charity nominated by members at the convention.

Who is running KiScon?

KiScon is run entirely by fans, for fans. The committee is made up of people who read, write, draw, and vid K/S. In 2023 the committee consists of:

Larissa Bernstein (T'Lara) – con-chair; vid show curator
starshiplillian – con-chair; Registrations, Logistics & Communications.
Trekker – PR, wrangler of Finances
Linda – Communications, PR, main admin of the KiScon Facebook group
1lostone – Tech expert, PR

Plus a crew of several volunteers and miracle workers (zine, art show, panels, moderators).

When/where is KiScon?

KiScon 2021 had to be cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. We work to bring it back as a hybrid (in-person & online) event in 2024.
The first entirely online KiScon took place in 2022 and was a great success. Therefore we will host another online KiScon in 2023; save the date: 3-5 Nov 2023!

How can I register for KiScon 2023?

You can sign up for our virtual KiScon 2023 directly on Conline.

Please note: registration is a 2-step process: 1) click “Join” to enter the KiScon area on Conline, then 2) click “Registration” to sign up for our 2023 convention. For a detailed explanation with screenshots, you can download this handy How-To (pdf).

We recommend that you use a fannish name for your Conline profile, ideally your badge name (if you usually put both your real name and your fannish name on convention badges, only use the fannish part). We have also prepared a detailed guide for setting up or editing your Conline profile.

If you need help with setting up a Discord account and joining our KiScon Discord server, please see our Discord walkthrough with screenshots (pdf).

What time will KiScon start and end?

We will post more information on the schedule soon. As an online convention comes with the new challenge of timezones, we have decided to go with Eastern Standard Time (New York) for the main events, and to make sure that there will be activities that are also catering to other timezones. We will post a detailed overview with timezone conversion so that you can easily find your favourite panels and activities.

What is there to do at KiScon?

KiScon has lots of activities to cater for every fan. Please see our website for up to the minute information regarding our program. Activities include:

Opening Ceremony, with videos, and ice-breaker games

Two streams of panels catering to both fans of TOS and Reboot

K/S vid shows and contest

Art show for fan-made K/S artwork

Art auction of some of the items displayed in the art show

Saturday night party

Cosplay contest

A virtual Video Room for anyone wanting to watch episodes, movies and other K/S and Shatner and Nimoy related videos

Dealer's Room for zines, and other Trek-related items

Closing Ceremony, with videos, and announcement of competition winners

How much does it cost to attend KiScon?

In order to attend KiScon, you need to purchase a KiScon membership. The rate for KiScon 2023 (which will be entirely online) is USD 25. Dealer memberships are USD 35 and authorise you to offer and sell goods to our members.

What does a KiScon membership get me?

Your online KiScon membership allows you to attend all panels, discussions, the vid shows, art show and art auction, and any other activities that will find their way into our programming. Part of your membership fee will go towards the con charity which we’ll vote on during the Closing Ceremony.

Are there single day tickets to KiScon?

Since KiScon is membership-based and non-profit, there are no single day tickets to the convention. Everyone who attends KiScon is a KiScon member and can attend the convention on all three days.

I have an awesome idea for a panel, game, or other fannish activity...

That's great and we would love to hear it. Send us a message via the contact form or by email: conchairs @ kiscon . org

I have never been to a convention before and plan to come alone. Help, will I feel awkward if I don't know anyone?

KiScon is a warm and welcoming place with attendees from all over the globe. Some have been around since the earliest days of K/S, others only discovered K/S through the reboot movies, some found us via Tumblr. Con newbies are very welcome and can expect a lovely and diverse community without peer pressure. If you still feel unsure, get in touch with the concom and we will find you a con buddy among our members.

Can I still support the con even if I can't make it to the event myself?

Yes, you can get a Supporting Membership for USD 10. This not only helps us run this convention as smoothly as possible, but also means you get the virtual goodie bag with the vid show, the con zine, and other lovely things. Admittedly, that's not quite as awesome as being at the con, but you can be assured of our gratitude and appreciation. If you would like to be mentioned on the website / in the con zine on our list of supporting members, please let us know under which fannish name.
However, while we offer supporting memberships also for KiScon 2023, we hope that its format as online event will enable more people to attend the convention in the virtual space.

Can I bring my child?

Even if KiScon 2023 is an entirely virtual event, the same rules apply as for in-person KiScons: we can't allow children at the convention. Please don't bring people under 18 into our Zoom discussions, vidshow streams, or social channels. We don't want to get into legal troubles. Nor do we want to censor content at the convention: all fanworks are welcome at KiScon and all topics of discussion; this might include sensitive or explicit content. Therefore we can't allow people under the age of 18 at the con.

Where can I find and follow you on social media?

KiScon is represented on Tumblr, Facebook, and Twitter. We also post our updates and progress reports on Dreamwidth and in various K/S communities, and – of course – on our own Discord.

I only signed up for your newsletter recently. Where can I read the issues I missed?

Here are the KiScon newsletters that were published in 2022:
KiScon Announcement (February 2022)
Progress Report #1 (March 2022)
Progress Report #2 (May 2022)
Progress Report #3 (June 2022)
Progress Report #4 (July 2022)
Progress Report #5 incl. Program Survey (September 2022)
Progress Report #6 (October 1st, 2022)
Progress Report #7 (October 11th, 2022)
Progress Report #8 (October 16th, 2022)
Progress Report #9 (November 2nd, 2022)
Post-con Newsletter (November 24th, 2022)

And here are the newsletters (now renamed The K/S Gazette) we sent out in 2023:
The K/S Gazette – January 2023
The K/S Gazette – March 2023
The K/S Gazette – July 2023
The K/S Gazette – August 2023

I enjoyed the print zine library at KiScon last time. Where can I get my hands on more zines?

The fanzines you found at KiScon 2019 were a selection of Judy's personal collection, shlepped to the hotel because no matter how digital modern fandom is, the feel of a print zine in one's hands will always rock. For borrowing out-of-print zines you can get in touch with the Kirk/Spock Library that works by snail mail. The European branch is manned by one of our con-chairs and has its full catalogue online! We also recommend you get in touch with fellow fen and zine publishers Alayne and Dr. Beth — support print zines by buying them!