MidSouthCon is an annual multi-day fan convention in the Mid-Southern United States.
MidSouthCon began in 1982.[2] Run by Mid-South Science and Fictions Conventions Inc., the annual multi-day fan convention focuses on anime, comic books, fantasy media, films,[1] medieval weaponry, role-playing games, and science fiction. The con's wide gamut of celebrated subjects has been recognized as one of its draws.[3]
In 2004, MidSouthCon 22 and DeepSouthCon 42 were jointly held in Memphis, Tennessee that March 26–28; Amy H. Sturgis was a featured guest.[4] 2007's MidSouthCon 25 was held at the Memphis Holiday Inn from March 23–25; tickets at the door were US$45 (equivalent to $66.12 in 2023),[5] and featured guests included Terry Pratchett and Mark Waid.[3] MidSouthCon 27 was held from March 21–22, 2009 at the Whispering Woods Conference Center in Olive Branch, Mississippi; both days cost $45 (equivalent to $63.91 in 2023), and featured guests included Vincent Di Fate, Stanton T. Friedman, Mike Resnick, and Ann VanderMeer.[6]
In 2010, MidSouthCon 28 hosted about 1300 attendees[1] from March 12–14 at Whispering Woods.[7] From March 25–27, 2011, MidSouthCon 29—at the Hilton Memphis—was expected to have 1500 attendees; tickets at the door sold for $45 (equivalent to $60.95 in 2023), and featured guests included Kurt Busiek, Monte Cook, Mary Robinette Kowal, and Nene Thomas.[1] MidSouthCon 30 returned to the Hilton Memphis from March 22–25, 2012; Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Andy Looney, Ethan Siegel, and Michael A. Stackpole were among the featured guests, and the four-day event cost $45 (equivalent to $59.72 in 2023).[8] In 2015, MidSouthCon 33 hosted 2146 attendees. MidSouthCon 34, held in 2016 from March 18–20 at the Hilton Memphis, featured Christie Golden, Bob McLeod, and Ethan Siegel as guests.[9] At the Hilton Memphis from March 9–11, 2018's MidSouthCon 36 expected 2300 attendees alongside featured guests Mike Carlin, Ellen Datlow, and Mike Resnick; the three-day pass cost $55 (equivalent to $66.73 in 2023).[10]
MidSouthCon 39 was scheduled for March 22–24, 2024 at the Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center in Olive Branch, Mississippi; featured guests included Elizabeth Bear, Andy Looney, and Sheree Renée Thomas.[2]
At 2017's MidSouthCon 35, $10,000 (equivalent to $12,430 in 2023) was raised for Literacy Mid-South and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America's emergency medical fund.[10]
The convention brings three days of geeky fun.