39th World Science Fiction Convention
39th Worldcon (1981)

The 39th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as Denvention II, was held on 3–7 September 1981 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, Colorado, United States.
The chairmen were Suzanne Carnival and Don C. Thompson.
Participants
Attendance was 3,792.
Guests of honor
Clifford D. Simak (pro)
C. L. Moore (pro)
Rusty Hevelin (fan)
Ed Bryant (toastmaster)
Awards
The World Science Fiction Society administers and presents the Hugo Awards, the oldest and most noteworthy award for science fiction. Selection of the recipients is by vote of the Worldcon members. Categories include novels and short fiction, artwork, dramatic presentations, and various professional and fandom activities.
Other awards may be presented at Worldcon at the discretion of the individual convention committee. This has often included the national SF awards of the host country, such as the Japanese Seiun Awards as part of Nippon 2007, and the Prix Aurora Awards as part of Anticipation in 2009. The Astounding Award for Best New Writer and the Sidewise Award, though not sponsored by the Worldcon, are usually presented, as well as the Chesley Awards, the Prometheus Award, and others. In 2021, the Nommo Awards began presenting at Worldcon.
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