This is a really well written press release. And I’m not just saying that because it was written by Consuming Louisville’s occasional Carnivorous Correspondent Jay Garmon. I’m saying that because it amused me and told me everything I need to know about the sci-fi convention here in Louisville this weekend. Thus I’m sharing it, in its entirety, with you.

ConGlomeration, Louisville’s own multimedia science fiction and fantasy convention, gets under way this Friday, April 9 and runs through Sunday, April 11 at the InnPlace Hotel & Conference Center on Bluegrass Parkway. And by through, we mean straight through; from noon Friday to 2 pm Sunday, the convention doesn’t stop. For a mere $40 you get 50 hours of uninterrupted family-friendly geekery — if you can handle it.

What do we mean by geekery? Glad you asked. First off, sci-fi author and professional armorer Michael Z. Williamson, prizewinning artist Steve Belledin, and revered costumers Scott Corwin and Sheila Lenkman will be leading our lineup of discussion panels and workshops. Learn to stitch a cloak, forge a broadsword, debunk sketchy TV forensics, publish your novel, or simply wax poetic about this season of Doctor Who. Over a dozen additional writers, artists, designers, scientists, scholars and entertaining know-it-alls will round out our presentation group.

But it’s not just the heavy-hitters we bring in that makes ConGlomeration so much fun.

We who are ConGlomeration pride ourselves on being a product of the local fan community, and for our convention’s family-friendly atmosphere. ConGlomeration is a convention for fans, by fans. Our entire staff is volunteer, and actually pays for the privilege of busting their humps to put on a great convention. Moreover, as a non-profit labor of love, once you pay for your admission, we don’t charge for additional features or activities. No “Gold Club” restricted access to guests; they wander the halls and hang in the Con Suite like every one else. No “exclusive” dance parties or autograph sessions; once you’re inside ConGlomeration it’s all-access, all the time.

Our Hospitality Suite is legendary not just for the free quality snacks (chocolate fondue fountain, anyone?) but for the unfettered access to our convention guests. Harry Turtledove has built diet-coke-and-Mentos fountains in the courtyard outside, and Walter Koenig seemed to subsist entirely on handfuls of Con Suite M&Ms. And we don’t impose these concessions on guests; the writers, artists, and celebrities that have visited ConGlomeration almost invariably thank us for the access and amicability our convention affords both them and our members.

Our Art Show is one of the largest and most respected in the region. Our Dealers Room is larger than a high school gymnasium and sells out with enthusiastic vendors every year. Our Masquerade takes over an entire ballroom and is the lynchpin our family-friendly activities. Our Game Room never closes; it’s open, staffed, and has hosted games 24 hours a day from the beginning of the convention until the end.

Admission to ConGlomeration is $40 for an all-weekend pass or $30 for a single day. The InnPlace Hotel and Conference Center, our host venue, is located at 9700 Bluegrass Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40299. Additional information, including a full roster of guests, a complete programming schedule, hotel rates, and contact information for the entire organizing committee, can be found at www.conglomeration.info.