GraphiCon—the mini-comic-con inside 2013 ALA Annual Conference

CHICAGO - For the second year, GraphiCon will inspire ALA Annual Conference attendees to innovate and raise the profile of graphic novels and comics in their library or school. A range of programs and author events, plus “Artist Alley,” the Graphic Novel Pavilion and Graphic Novel Stage in the exhibit hall will offer information and creative inspiration, as well as chances to ask questions and discuss ideas.  To identify relevant events, look for the “GraphiCon” cluster in the conference scheduler.

Highlights include:

In the exhibits

“Artist Alley”—the artists and illustrators who create or illustrate comics, games, graphic novels and books, including: Dave Roman and John Green, Gene Yang, Raina Telgemeier, Chris Giarrusso, Faith Erin Hicks, Jacob Chabot, Paul Pope, Alexis E. Fajardo, Matt Dembicki, Matt Phelan, Christopher Herndon, Matt Kindt, Paul Pope, Darren J. Gendron, Jason Horn, Jerzy and Anne Drozd, Sean O'Neill, and Anthony Del Col and Michael Mendheim.

Graphic Novel Stage—authors, illustrators and creators of the hottest graphic novels, including author talks, creator sessions, giveaways and more.

Graphic Novel Pavilion—a wide range of new and favorite materials on display from specialist publishers.

Author events

Civil Rights Movement legend Congressman John Lewis on "March," his autobiographical three-volume project in comic book format from Top Shelf Comix.

Bestselling author Khaled Hosseini, whose "Kite Runner" had a graphic novel adaptation. 

Great writers on Quirky Books for Quirkier Librarians--including Josh Hanargame, John Scalzi and Abby Stokes, talking about their geeky – and often out in left field – topics.

On the program

Busting the Comics Code: Comics, Censorship, & Librarians. Hear about the checkered history of comics, libraries, censorship and the teens who spoke out eloquently in their defense. Learn about recent challenges, and how to help keep comics for all ages on our library shelves.

Get Graphic in the Library: Celebrate timeless superheroes and villains of Graphic Novels and the art of ensuring their timelessness throughout the ages. A panel discussion between librarians and graphic novel creators on the importance of making their timeless characters relevant to modern readers while still respecting what came before.

Krosoczka! TenNapel! Telgemeier! Graphic Novels Your Kids Love By Names You Can’t Pronounce. Jon Scieszka leads a panel of best-selling graphic novelists - Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Doug TenNapel and Raina Telgemeier - covering visual literacy and offering an introduction to the format that’s hooking reluctant readers.

Let's talk comics. A roundtable discussion, a wild free-for-all (guided and moderated by librarian Mike Pawuk) with a stellar line up of comics creators and professionals, librarians and others who want to understand how to create engaging graphic novels and comics in today's diverse industry.

2013 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition. Transforming our libraries, ourselves.

Register and book housing now.

Ways to stay in touch, make plans, get updates, and join the conversations include alaannual.org; Twitter: #ala2013; the Conference Scheduler; the Facebook Event; the Pinterest page; and the conference Tumblr.