So, how many times have you looked at the ‘supporting memberships’ part of a convention membership form and wondered what it meant?

Probably none, but I’m going to tell you anyway 🙂

There’s a few ideas behind the supporting memberships. Some conventions use them to get people to sign up at a cheaper price with the promise that they can pay later but at the early-bird price. It gets money into the account, and also names to help you start programming. Some conventions see it as a way of building community, knowing who is out there supporting the convention but unable to attend. Generally, all supporting memberships get you access to all the convention publications, including the con book.

At Conflux 9 however, the $30 you spend on a supporting membership gets you more than just the publications. If you become a supporting member, you can:

  • Enter the short story competition, with a first prize of $500 (entries close August 31)
  • Get access to the livestreaming of interviews and some panels/events from Conflux 9
  • Vote in the 2013 Ditmar Awards AND the 2014 Ditmar Awards

So as you can see, a supporting membership at Conflux 9 offers a lot of value.

Regarding the livestreaming – we’re planning on doing interviews with our guests, and if we can show some aspects of the convention for those who love Conflux and want to be part but can’t attend. We love our Conflux family – the fabulous people who have attended Conflux in the past and want to come back again, and we’re going to do everything we can to make those who can’t come to Canberra feel like they’re taking part.

So sign up for your supporting membership now, to get the fullness of the benefits. Membership form is here.