NORTHAMPTON – When activities such as “gaming,” “cartooning” and “RPG’s” are mentioned, most of us generally think of them as hobbies enjoyed by men. But the annual Conbust convention that opens this weekend turns the stereotype on its head.
Conbust, which was became an official annual event around ten years ago, first began as the Smith Science Fiction and Fantasy Society, a college club sponsored by Smith College sometime in the 1980’s.
Although starting out as a small community, the club was inspired by a similar convention, OurCon, which took place on college campuses such as UMass and Vericon in Harvard.
Conbust then quickly evolved into something more expansive, turning into a three-day convention that allows several “geeks” from surrounding areas to come and share their interests with others, play games, and attend movie and anime viewings.
Conbust also received support from local groups and businesses. Modern Myths, a local comic book shop, is noted to be one of their supporters.
Of special interest is the main focus of the convention, whose first chairperson was a woman, named Beth Andres-Beck back in 2005.
“We try to make sure we stay true to our original mission statement,” said current chairperson Elizabeth Hillis, one of three women chairing the event. “focusing on women in often male-dominated, geeky industries like publishing, writing, cartooning and animating.”
Another feature of Conbust is the creative talent that features as guests. Although originally starting as a low-key event, Conbust now attracts talented creators such as fantasy author Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, Anthropologist Charles Dunbar, and novelist Annette Curtis Klause.
The wealth of creative talent, especially noted female creators, helps cement Conbust’s reputation as a very progressive convention.
“Since it started, it’s grown greatly in size.” said Hillis. “Last year we had about 850 attendees in total.”
Conbust is living proof that a wide variety of different people can be united by the same hobbies. If you would like to indulge your inner fantasy and game lover, Conbust just may be the place for you.
For more information on Conbust, its history, and the schedule of events for this weekend, visit their website at
