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.
Author A. L. DeLeon in 2024AI Panel from left to right: John Scalzi, Lynne Sargent, A. L. DeLeon, Jason Sanford in 2024 Masquerade in 2024Author Kelley Skovron in 2024
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.
The 2024 event, titled Labyrinth of ConFusion was held on January 19 - 21 at the Novi Sheraton in Michigan. The notable panelists included Mark Oshiro, Kurt Erichsen BluRaven C. Houvener. Authors included Kelley Skovron, A. L. DeLeon, Marie Vibbert and Jordan Kurella.
Events included authors and experts in fields such as Dungeons and Dragons, neurodiversity, climate change, and NASA's plans to visit asteroids. A panel on Artificial intelligence was held. There was a screening of a Sci-fi fan created film from 1978 called FAANs. Many authors participated in book readings and book signings. Masquerade (pictured to the right) is always a popular event with judges naming the top three winners in each category. A flash fiction session was held where authors created short fiction stories in a limited time span, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour.
Michigan
