The Glasgow Worldcon kicks off in eight days, and even though it’s in the future, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic … because it will mark the 50th anniversary of my first Worldcon, which I attended in Washington, D.C. in 1974.

You probably weren’t at that one, but if you’re going to be at this one, here’s where you can find me … when I’m not off hunting for donuts, recording episodes of my Eating the Fantastic podcast, or sitting in on panels absorbing the wisdom of others, that is! —

My First Time at Worldcon
Thursday, August 8, 2024, 2:30 p.m. (Argyll 2)
We have selected some fandom veterans, as well as recent Worldcon attendees, to share their stories of how they prepared for and how they experienced their first Worldcon. We hope you will get inspired for your first time at Worldcon.
with Emily January, Alan Fleming, Claire Brialey, and España Sheriff

The Art of the Interview
Thursday, August 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m. (Academy M4)
Many podcasts rely on interviews with creators, fans, and other interesting people. What makes a great podcast interview, and how do you learn the skills you need to put your guest at ease and make an entertaining podcast? And how should you approach being a podcast guest?
with Randee Dawn, Adrian M. Gibson, Janet Forbes, and Wendy Van Camp

Podcasts and Big Business
Thursday, August 8, 2024, 8:30 p.m. (Dochart 2)
Podcasts started as a niche hobby, ballooned into a media empire, and now we’re seeing stories that the business of podcasting is in decline. How has the rise of the podcasting industry affected the individual podcaster? Do you run your podcast as a small business or as a hobby you can monetise, and how do you keep your podcast finances sustainable? What are the benefits of joining a podcasting network, or do you prefer to do your own thing?
with Alan Bailey, Dan Moren, Marguerite Kenner, and Mur Lafferty

The Difficult Second Album
Friday, August 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m. (Alsh 1)
So you’ve started a podcast! You’ve got microphones and editing software and even a few listeners! What’s next? How do you keep your podcast exciting and build an audience? How do you measure success or failure? Does every podcaster want to keep growing their audience, or are you happy in your small niche?
with Ali Baker, Alison Scott, Luke Elliott, and Marguerite Kenner

Table Talk
Friday, August 9, 2024, 1:00 PM (Hall 4)

Stroll with the Stars
Monday, August 12, 2024, 9:00 a.m. (Outside Crowne Plaza)
Join your fellow convention members, and perhaps some big names, for a gentle stroll (1.3 miles/2km) around Festival Park, across the river from the SEC, led by Farah Mendlesohn and Mike Scott. The route is wheelchair-accessible, and we will adjust our pace to match the abilities of the slowest walkers. Sign up at the Registration Desk by 18:00 the previous day, and meet at 09:00 outside the Crowne Plaza hotel’s main entrance.

I hope to see you there!