What is Octocon?

Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention, is a weekend celebration of our favourite stories from books, comics, TV, films and games; from science fiction, fantasy, horror and beyond; attracting artists, writers, film-makers and fans from across the human sphere of influence.

The first Octocon was held in 1990 with Terry Pratchett as our first Guest of Honour. Over the years, some of our guests of honour have included Anne McCaffrey, JG Jones, Tanith Lee, Mike Carey, George R.R. Martin, Gail Simone, Rhianna Pratchett, Pat Cadigan and Colleen Doran.

For one weekend in October, we gather together to talk about all the wonders we have read and watched over the year; to share our favorite moments from book, TV, comics and films; to delve into the unsung genres and curious concepts of speculative fiction; to take part in workshops, and listen to panel discussions and charming guest speakers; to see what ‘must haves’ are in the Trade Hall; to experience the fun which is Octocon.

Octocon 2020 and 2021 were both held online due to Covid-19, but in October 2022 we ran our first hybrid convention at Croke Park and Online, and in 2023 at the Gibson Hotel and Online.

This year, we’re going Hybrid again: on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of October 2024 in The Gibson Hotel & Online.

Octocon 2024 is a hybrid convention.

As such, in addition to our in-person activities, we will also feature: 

• A Discord server for socializing 
• Zoom for facilitating workshops, talks, and socializing for those who prefer it to Discord 
• YouTube for live-streaming panels and YouTube for hosting recordings for replay 

As we do not expect all members to be familiar with all of these services, we have provided the following guides: 

• Octocon Online Accessibility Guide
• Account Creation Guide 
• Webcam Alternatives for Participants 

Octocon 2024 Committee & Team

Chairpersons – Paul Carroll and Kat Dodd – email

Secretary – Maire Brophy

Membership Officer – MaryBrigid Turner

Treasurer – Alex McKenzie

Programme Director – Kat Dodd

Guest Liaison – Catherine Sharp

Newsletter Manager – MaryBrigid Turner

Programme Tech – Catherine Sharp

Social Media Manager – Mark Kielty

Publications Officer – Cristina Diamant

Website Manager – Karina Steffens

Graphic Artist – Conor Carroll

Accessibility Officer – Kat Dodd

Venue Liaison – Alex McKenzie

Fan Table Liaison – David Green

Trade Hall Manager – David Green

Virtual Ops Manager – Faranae

On-site Ops Manager – Colm Dodd

On-site Stream Producer – Daire

Volunteer Manager – Kat Dodd

Web Team:

• Web Designer – Karina Steffens
• Web Content – Cheryl Harding
• Web and Tech Administrator – James Shields

Accessibility Team:

• Head of Accessibility – Kat Dodd
• Daniella Bella
• Declan Meenagh
• Faranae

Programme Team:

• Programme Director – Kat Dodd
• Programme Tech – Catherine Sharp
• Daniella Bella
• David Green
• Declan Meenagh
• Entity
• Faranae
• James Brophy
• Paul Carroll
• MaryBrigid Turner