The 20th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known unofficially as Chicon III (less frequently, Chicon II), was held on 31 August–3 September 1962 at the Pick-Congress Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Because the second Worldcon held in Chicago was officially called, in its publications, the 10th Annual World Science Fiction Convention (and once as the "10th Annual Science Fiction Convention") and not Chicon, the next Chicago Worldcon held in 1962 was occasionally referred to as Chicon II, though Chicon III is the generally accepted and preferred nomenclature.
Following the convention, Advent:Publishers published The Proceedings: Chicon III, edited by Earl Kemp.[3] The book includes transcripts of lectures and panels given during the course of the convention and includes numerous photographs as well. Events at the convention included an address by Willy Ley.[4]
The World Science Fiction Society administers and presents the Hugo Awards,[5] the oldest and most noteworthy award for science fiction. Selection of the recipients is by vote of the Worldcon members. Categories include novels and short fiction, artwork, dramatic presentations, and various professional and fandom activities.[5][6]
During his Guest of Honor speech, Theodore Sturgeon expressed regret that Hugo Award winner Robert A. Heinlein could not attend. Heinlein, at that moment, walked into the ballroom, in a white tux, saying that Ted's regret for his nonattendance was premature. He went to the podium, and Sturgeon offered him a sip from a water glass, asking Heinlein to share water with him (a reference to Stranger in a Strange Land.) Heinlein and Sturgeon shared water.
Before the convention, in 1961, chairman Earl Kemp wrote to Isaac Asimov relaying that someone had jokingly suggested that Asimov deliver a pseudo-lecture on the theme "The Positive Power of Posterior Pinching" and offered that the convention would "furnish some suitable posteriors for demonstration purposes."[8] At that time Asimov was well known, but not ostracized, for groping female congoers.[9] Asimov responded, "I have no doubt I could give a stimulating talk that would stiffen the manly fiber of every one in the audience." However, he noted, "I will have to ask the permission of various people who are (or would be) concerned in the matter. If they say 'no', it will be 'no.'"[8] The suggested pseudo-lecture did not occur.
^
Sturgeon, Theodore (2006). "Guest of Honor Speech". In Resnick, Mike; Siclari, Joe (eds.). Worldcon Guest of Honor Speeches. ISFiC Press. pp. 89–101.
^
Kemp, Earl (1963). The Proceedings: Chicon III. Advent:Publishers.
^Cromie, Robert (1962-09-16). "The By-stander". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. E6. Archived from the original on 2012-11-06. Retrieved 2011-03-12. Rocket expert Willy Ley zoomed in and out of town a few days ago [...] to address the 20th annual convention of the World Science Fiction Writers association.
^ ab"Article 3: Hugo Awards". WSFS Constitution. World Science Fiction Society. 2008. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
