A Worldcon where Everyone is Welcome
In a global time where we are as divided as we have ever been, its important we find opportunities to bring everyone together. Australia is just the place to do that, and that’s why we are creating the most welcoming, inclusive Worldcon yet.
Worldcon 2028 will be built on a clear commitment: everyone is welcome. We are creating a convention that respects and includes people of all genders, identities, sexualities, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. In a time when the world can feel uncertain, we want our Worldcon to be a steady, safe, and supportive space where every attendee feels comfortable, valued, and able to participate fully.
Our Statement on Inclusivity and Accessibility
The Brisbane 2028 bid team is going into this process with inclusivity and accessibility as our two highest priorities. We will be reaching out to both First Nations and accessibility groups in the hope of having representatives of both (and as many other marginalised groups as we can) in our convention committee to ensure we make the best Worldcon we can.
We will be putting in place hard targets for diversity in programming, from the Hugo ceremony to each panel, and we intend to produce an affordable digital stream to provide a fully accessible program.
Specifically regarding the Hugos, we intend to frame the awards as a celebration of the now and a look to the future, and take the time to honour the finalists, from the great contributions of fan artists and writers through to best novel, for everything they do to enrich our community.
Our committee is proud to have C.Z. Tacks (Inclusive Programming) and Dr Yaritji Green (First Nations Programming) to oversee these goals and ensure our convention is inclusive, accessible, and well-represented. The conrunners on this bid committee are confident and experienced in delivering inclusive conventions, and it is close to our hearts to make this a success for all.
We are very open to engaging with the community and welcome any suggestions or concerns you wish to raise with us, or any topics we haven’t covered here. We will expand on this statement as this bid develops, and keep you up to date through our website and social media channels.
Venue Accessibility
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
As well as our provision of virtual access to the convention, we are pleased to be able to host Worldcon in a venue with detailed accessibility options, such as:
Accessible unisex toilets
Stairs, ramps, and lifts
Wheelchair and companion seating locations
Undercover parking lot and accessible carpark spaces.
Hearing loops (activated in exhibition halls upon request)
Find further details about accessibility at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre here, or download their Access Guide below.