potlatch n. (1) A ceremonial feast among certain Native American peoples of the northwest Pacific coast ... at which the host distributes gifts requiring reciprocation [Chinook & Nootka: patshatl, to make a potlatch gift]. (2) A gathering of the writers and readers of literary science fiction and fantasy at which participants exchange ideas.
Potlatch, the convention, is an all-volunteer, non-profit, literary event for the readers and writers of speculative fiction. At Potlatch, people talk to each other and participate in panel discussions about reading and writing speculative fiction. You’ll find conversations at the program events, in Algonquins (spontaneous member-generated programming), in writers workshops, in the consuite, in the halls, and in elevators. Each year, Potlatch donates proceeds to literacy and literary organizations, including Clarion West—an intensive six-week workshop for writers who are preparing for professional careers in science fiction and fantasy.
Potlatch 21 will return to the Best Western Executive Inn, during February 24-26, 2012. Online registration is now closed, but registration will be available at the door for $70.