We are a not for profit, 100 percent fan run science fiction, fantasy and gaming convention that is put on by the Des Moines Science Fiction & Fantasy Society. The convention is held annually in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area and this is our 37th year.
We are very different (much better!) than large, corporate conventions. To get started, we recommend reading our FAQ for a quick overview. Then explore the rest of the website at your leisure!
Featured Guests
Schedule
The full schedule will be published late March or early April, 2026.
2:00 PM – Registration opens; Art Show, Dealer Room, and Gaming Rooms open
6:00 PM – Art Show and Dealer Room closed
7:00 PM – Opening Ceremonies & TICC Performance
9:00 PM – Hospitality Suite and Room Parties open
10:00 AM – Art Show and Dealer Room open
4:00 PM – Guest of Honor Discussion
5:00 PM – Art Show closed
6:00 PM – Art & Charity Auctions; Dealer Room closed
8:00 PM – Masquerade & Cosplay
8:00 AM – Art Show opens
10:00 AM – Dealer Room opens
12:00 AM – Art Show closes
2:00 PM – Dealer Room closes
3:00 PM – Closing Ceremonies and Prize Giveaways
Have a panel or other programming idea? We'd love to here it! Submit your ideas by March 1, 2026.
Sometimes we have panels or programming that need additional panelists. Are you interested in sitting on a panel? Let us know here!
If you would like to be considered as a professional guest, or if you know a professional that we should invite to DemiCon 37, please fill out this form to let us know.
DemiCon is an interactive adventure with all sorts of amazing ways to be involved. We have three ways to view the overall convention schedule:
- Events schedule sorted by day, time and room so you can plan what do do at a specific time. People often refer to this view as the "program grid."
- Schedule of all events sorted alphabetically by title of the panel/activity so you can look for a specific activity or read about all the activities.
- Schedule sorted alphabetically by panelist name and time so you can find where to see Guests of Honor, professional guests, and others panelists.
News, updates, and highlights
Important Dates and Deadlines
| February 1, 2026 | Deadline to apply to be in the Author Showcase. |
| February 1, 2026 | Deadline to apply to be a vendor in the Dealers' Room. |
| March 1, 2026 | Deadline to submit your ideas for panels and other programming. |
| April 1, 2026 | Discount for early registration ends. All convention memberships now regular price. |
| April 8, 2026 | Room block registration deadline. |
| April 20, 2026 | Writing Contest deadline. |
| April 29, 2026 | Must arrive by date for any art being mailed to the art show. |
Purchase your official convention t-shirt before April 8
We have opened online sale of the official DemiCon 37 convention t-shirt.
Stay comfortable and stylish in this versatile unisex tee! Made from a premium 60/40 blend for the perfect mix of softness and durability, these t-shirts are crafted in sweatshop-free factories, ensuring ethical production. Featuring a Heather Purple base with crisp white lettering, it's a classic yet bold choice for any wardrobe. Available in sizes Small to 4XL, this tee offers a relaxed, inclusive fit for everyone.
You must pre-purchase your shirt online by April 8, 2026. Shirts are pre-order only. We will not be selling this year's shirt at the convention if you haven't pre-purchased in advance.
Return of the Writing Contest
There will be four different categories for the writing contest this year: haiku, short story, one-off campaign, and news article.
Inspiration for your writing may include:
- Cowboys vs. Aliens
- Extraterrestrial Creatures
- Space Invasion
- Military Deployment
- Humanity vs. Inhumanity
- Isolation
Submissions are due April 20, 2026. See our Contests section for full rules and submission details.
No longer accepting applications for the Author Showcase & Dealers' Room
Dealers' application
The application process to be a vendor in our Dealers' Room closed on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
If you didn't get selected this year, we encourage your to apply to be a vendor next year. Applications for DemiCon 38 in 2027 will open in May 2026.
New this year: Author Showcase
In addition to the Dealers' Room we have added a new, dedicated space just for authors. The Author Showcase provides authors the opportunity to connect with fans, share their work, and sell books in a lively, welcoming environment—without needing to purchase a dealers’ room table or commit to the full weekend.
Due to overwhelming response, we are no longer accepting new applications to be in the Author Showcase this year. Check back in May 2026 for details about next year's Author Showcase.