Bouchercon Bites the Dust, Too

Given all of the uncertainly surrounding the world’s novel coronavirus pandemic, and how long our current social-distancing practices might have to last, it comes as no surprise to hear that this year’s Bouchercon—which had been scheduled to take place in Sacramento, California, from October 15-18—has been cancelled. The news came in a note posted on the convention’s Web site by co-chairs Rae James and Michele Drier. It reads, in part:

We’re terribly sad to tell you this, but out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our community, we are canceling Bouchercon 2020.

We have no way of knowing what the balance of this year holds for groups of people gathering, nor can we tell what the state of travel will be.

While we are canceling the actual Bouchercon convention, we are working to develop a different format for some of the Bouchercon events and activities such as the Anthony Awards, the short story anthology and the General Membership meeting. Nominations will continue to be open until June 5 for the Anthony Awards.

For those of you who had registered or provided sponsorships, we will be issuing full refunds. …

Although the members of the Local Organizing Committee who have worked on this for the last five years are saddened, we know this is the right step to take to keep all safe. And we know that there will be future Bouchercons where we can gather again to celebrate the world of mystery.

Bouchercon 2021 will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, in August of next year. (Really, August? Bring your lightest attire, ’cause the weather will likely be scorching.)

POSTSCRIPT: For the record, the planned lineup of special guests for Bouchercon 2020 can be found here.