Media conventions are great places to meet other fans, participate in discussion panels about your favorite show and pick up fanzines for your reading enjoyment. The atmosphere is informal and there's always plenty of room parties! The following conventions usually have a sizable U.N.C.L.E. presence:

SPYCON

Not strictly a media convention but one that is high on any U.N.C.L.E. fan's list because it is run by U.N.C.L.E. Headquarters and almost everyone who attends is a devotee of the show or the spy genre! SPYCON is usually held once every two years in the fall and typically there's a mini-SPYCON in the off year. The 1998 convention was held in Chicago and attracted about 40 attendees. The organizers broadened its focus to become even more fanzine-friendly than before, though collectibles and memorabilia still plays a great part. It is expected that the mini-con in 1999 will be on the East Coast, though no firm plans have been announced.

In past years. SPYCON has attracted guests such as Norman Felton and George Lehr, the creative geniuses behind the show. Surely a not-to-be-missed event for U.N.C.L.E. fans.

For more information, please contact Sue Cole, president of U.N.C.L.E. Headquarters.

Media West

Probably the most well-known media convention in the nation. Every Memorial Day, 900 fans descend in Lansing, Michigan for a three-day gathering to engage in fannish activities. There are tons of discussion panels, more zines than you can imagine, and an extraordinary art auction notable not only for the quality and quantity of the artwork available but also for its entertainment value. The auction has been known to run for more than three hours on Sunday night! The entire host hotel, which has been at Holiday Inn South for more years than many can remember, is taken over by fans during the entire long weekend. Want to get a sense of what it's like being at Media West? Think of a three-day non-stop dorm party!

Visit Media West's official website for more information.

• Anne Collins Smith has written a review of the 1997 Media West convention.

Eclecticon

Held generally during the first weekend of November, Eclecticon has a smaller attendance as compared to Media West (about 300 ) and is preferred by some fans precisely for the same reason. Kathy Agel, the main organizer, aims to create a friendly atmosphere and she has succeeded very well. There's a dealer room and four tracks of programming. The con-suite, in particular, is amazing in terms of its food offerings. Email Kathy or visit the official website for more information.

• Another review by Anne Collins Smith, this time on the 1996 Eclecticon weekend.

Connexions

Connexions is a slash media convention that takes place in Baltimore in April of each year. It has a relatively short history - the first Connexions was held in 1998, but it was a huge success with about 150 attendees. This has probably a lot to do with the expertise and experience of the organizers who have been active in fandom for a combined total of more than 50 years - chairing conventions and publishing/writing slash, etc. Attendance is strictly limited to 150 people. There are panel discussions, an art show and many other activities.

British UNCLE Mini-Con

The British UNCLE Mini-Con, or 'The Arundel Affair' (as coined by Norman Felton), is held annually in Arundel, West Sussex, England. It is held over a weekend (all day Saturday and Sunday morning) but many of the participants arrive on Friday for an evening meal and drinks together. It typically attracts about 20 UNCLE fans from around Britain, and we have also welcomed cousins from mainland Europe and the USA. The atmosphere is fun and friendly. We watch a selection of UNCLE videos, and videos of other work done by Robert Vaughn and David McCallum. In between we have a quiz and and play silly games with an UNCLE theme. There is also plenty of 'free time' to chat and share experiences. A raffle is drawn on Sunday and the winning caption in the Caption Contest is chosen. For information on the next Mini-Con, email Jacqueline.