Saturday, August 07, 2021

Bouchercon’s Fallback Plans

Following news, this last Wednesday, that Bouchercon 2021—scheduled to take place in New Orleans from August 25 to 29—was being cancelled due to growing concerns over COVID-19’s aggressive delta variant, many criticisms were aimed at convention organizers, who seemed to have prepared no online events as an alternative to what should long have been recognized as an uncertain in-person gathering.

Earlier today, however, Bouchercon committee members delivered word that they’ve arranged a two-night, Web-exclusive “extravaganza” to make up for the original convention’s non-existence. And those activities will take place within the con’s previously set dates. Here’s the most crucial part of the announcement:
We couldn’t let Blood on the Bayou: Postmortem vanish into thin air. So we found a way to offer something everyone will remember forever. We are creating two extraordinary online/virtual events, free and open to everyone.

On Friday, August 27
7 pm ET / 6 pm CT / 5 pm MT / 4 pm PT / Midnight GMT:

Bouchercon 2021 presents Alafair Burke in conversation with James Lee Burke, hosted by Heather Graham and introductions from Rachel Howzell Hall.

On Saturday, August 28
7 pm ET / 6 pm CT / 5 pm MT / 4 pm PT / Midnight GMT:

We are excited to bring you the 52nd, 2021 Anthony Awards Ceremony! Only previously registered attendees will receive an Anthony ballot.

On August 28, join us online for a spectacular evening (black tie optional…or watch in your PJs!) featuring the Anthony nominees and our Award Presenters, Michael Connelly, Tess Gerritsen, Dennis Lehane, Caroline (Charles) Todd, Charles Todd, Jonathan Maberry, and a special welcome from Craig Johnson.
The nominees for this year’s Anthony Awards are here.

It’s good to see that Bouchercon 2021 won’t simply be written off as another casualty of the still-not-fully-contained pandemic. Convention organizers say they’ll send out, via e-mail, details on how the aforementioned events can be viewed. But obviously, those transmissions will be directed at Bouchercon registrants, and not everyone who might be interested in this month’s virtual events. So The Rap Sheet will post updates as they become available.

2 comments:

Kevin R. Tipple said...

As one who criticized their lack of planning, I am glad they came up with this. I am also glad they made it open and free to the public.

LJ Roberts said...

Well done, Bouchercon committee, and thank you.