For the 2021 Eastercon called ConFusion see the 2021 Eastercon

ConFusion
Left to right: John Scalzi, Karl Schroeder, Justine Larbalestier, Scott Westerfeld and James Frenkel on a panel at ConFusion 2008
Status	Active
Genre	Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fandoms
Venue	2016 - Present: Novi Sheraton, Michigan 2013–2015: Dearborn Doubletree, Michigan 2003–2012: Troy Marriott, Michigan
Location(s)	Michigan
Country	United States
Inaugurated	1974
Attendance	800–1000 attendees annually
Organized by	Ann Arbor Science Fiction Association
Website	confusionsf.org

ConFusion is an annual science fiction convention founded in 1974 by a University of Michigan science fiction club known as the Stilyagi Air Corps,^[1] and is currently run by the Ann Arbor Science Fiction Association,^[2] a not-for-profit group. Typically, it is held during the third weekend of January. It is one of the oldest science fiction conventions in Michigan.^[3] ConFusion is a regional, general science fiction convention similar to Windycon and Lunacon. The programming consists of panels on science fiction and fantasy, literature, media, science, fandom, art, comics, music, costuming, etc. with discussions by authors, scientists, fans, and artists. There is a large music track, board games and roleplaying games, KidFusion — a track of programming specifically for kids —and a masquerade or costume contest.

ConFusion has a consuite, as well as room parties hosted by other conventions, WorldCon bids, and local clubs.

History

The Ann Arbor Relax-i-con was founded in 1974. Based on its success, the Stilyagi Air Corps^[4] named the new convention Condom as a takeoff of the word fandom. The chairman, Ro Nagey, was absent for the meeting about the name change and convinced them to use the name ConFusion instead. The name turned out to be prophetic as the first science Guest of Honor was the owner of local technology spin-off company KMS Fusion.

Because the first convention run by the organization was not actually named ConFusion, they are generally counted starting with ConFusion 13 in 1975 or with the A Squared Relax-I-Con (one of many intentionally confusing names voted on by the membership). The 1980 convention was aptly named Confusion 6 &/or 7, and ConFusion XXX in 2004 could be considered the 30th convention of that name, or 31st Stilyagi convention.

The Stilyagi Air Corps, named after a group in Robert A. Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, is a loose, informal group. Lifetime membership is free for anyone interested in science fiction who attends a single Stilyagi party, meeting, or event. The sponsoring organization, AASFA, is a Michigan nonprofit corporation board elected from Stilyagi who have volunteered to work on running ConFusion.

ConFusion Panel 2023

Catherine Stein

Storm Humbert

Patrick Tomlinson

Years of ConFusion

ConFusion has been active from 1974 until present. The table below lists the year, name and Guests of Honor (GOHs) for each convention. ^[5][6]

References

External links

• Official website
• Ann Arbor Relax-icon 1974