This past weekend, I went to the International Steampunk Symposium in Cincinnati (take a listen to issue 100 for background, as well as this week’s issue to find out more). I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I’ve been into steampunk for a long time, before it actually had a name. I was into the alternative history stories, books and movies since I was young. And about a decade ago, when the genre was picking up steam (so to speak) and becoming more of a culture of its own, I started seeking it out at conventions. 

The Symposium is one of many steampunk-specific cons in the US. If you think you know cons because you’ve been to comic or pop culture conventions, you’d be surprised what a steampunk con is like. For one thing, unlike the degree of cosplay at those conventions, the vast majority of attendees at a steampunk event dress the part. So much so, that people who show up for just a day and walk around in jeans and a tee look seriously out of place!

It’s also a generally older crowd, which shouldn’t be too surprising. And then there are the activities. Yes, like most conventions, there is a costume contest. But at what other cons do you get a moustache competition? Or dirigible and tea pot races? Or umbrella fencing and tea dueling? I’m not kidding – these are real events! And they are so much fun! Plus, musical entertainment from steampunk musicians and DJs. Steampunk conventions are so much more immersive than other cons.

One thing I’ve always known about steampunks that still holds true is how polite we are. It’s based, in part, on the fact that a large part of the culture is based on the Victorian lifestyle. It’s not just about how to dress, it’s also about how to act. There is a lot of “please”, “thank you”, “pardon me”, “if I may” and gentlemanly gestures. Even the cursing is old school (if at all). The interesting thing is how noticeable this is to those “on the outside”. Speaking with one of the few vendors at the Symposium who was not a steampunk (she was from a local bookstore), she commented on how polite and nice everyone had been. Apparently she does a lot of shows and this was the most pleasant experience she had ever had.

If you are into steampunk or curious about it, a convention is well worth attending. It doesn’t take much to dress the part and it’s a great way to live the culture for a few days. Plus, if you’re new to it, a convention is a great way to get introduced to the books, music, games… the entirety of the culture. The International Steampunk Symposium takes place at the end of April every year. But if you’re not near Cincinnati, check out the event lists the Airship Ambassador posts for events around the world.