Mission Pack
The original research brief and mission package that initiated the Norwescon research project. A 24-page, three-stage document — Vision, Research Reference, Mission Package — covering the full pipeline from convention intelligence gathering to structured execution.
Source Documents
The mission pack comprises a 1,034-line TeX mission document covering the complete Norwescon 48 research scope: 48-year convention history, five Guest of Honor profiles, seven Philip K. Dick Award nominees, 30+ programming tracks, logistics and attendance planning, and community infrastructure analysis. Squadron activation profile with 12 roles and 26-test verification plan.
Research Scope
- History & Origins: Founded 1978 by PNW fans for a Worldcon bid. Six venue migrations. Theodore Sturgeon as first GoH. COVID cancellation and virtual year. 48 years of continuous operation.
- Guests of Honor: Writer GoH Ursula Vernon / T. Kingfisher (Hugo, Nebula, Mythopoeic). Artist GoH Geneva Bowers (Hugo-winning illustrator). Science GoH Summer Ash (astrophysicist, Stanford/Cambridge). Spotlight Publisher Orbit Books. Special Guest Dutch Bihary (body art, SFX).
- Philip K. Dick Award: Seven nominees for 2026. Ceremony Friday April 3, 7:00 PM PDT. Hosted at Norwescon since 1983.
- Programming: 30+ tracks including Writing, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Science, Technology, Biology, Space, Art, Costume, Gaming, Music. Writing Workshop (Milford method). Speculative Film Festival. CATAN Qualifier. Three themed dances.
- Venue & Logistics: DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport, SeaTac WA. Room block, cashless policy, transportation (air, light rail, car, shuttle). Guidebook app.
- Community: 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization. Oasis lounge, BIPOC & AAPI lounge, speed friending, meetups, volunteering. Code of Conduct, accessibility, charity (Page Ahead).
Key Connections
Norwescon connects to the broader Research series at multiple structural points: LNV (Larry Niven as GoH), GRV/PJM (Seattle creative community parallels), BRC (convention as temporary community infrastructure, volunteer model, gift economy), FFA (masquerade and costume tradition), WAL (Rosetta Stone — translation between creative communities), DDA (cult community persistence across decades), TIBS (cultural knowledge transmission through volunteer mentoring).