Virtual 3D-con 2020,
this years American 3D convention,
is online Thursday through Sunday

Our 3D colleagues in America always put on a great convention lasting almost a week, with hours of 3D show projection, workshops explaining the latest 3D cameras and digital 3D techniques. A large trade fair with many dealers with table after table of historical stereo cards and fun photographic excursions to the local attractions. Due to COVID19 Pandemic this years physical convention planned to take place in Tacoma, USA has obviously had to be cancelled. But the organisers have been working extremely hard in transferring as much of the 3D entertainment and education to online activities taking place over the next 4 days (Thursday 13th August through to Sunday 16th).

The 3d-con.com schedule is full with workshops, Special Interest Groups (SIG) and speakers, mostly on Zoom; 3D Theater via YouTube, etc. See the website for updated schedules and other information, look under the "Virtual Convention" tab on the left of the Home Page for links to the latest LIVE event starting on Thursday.

Note that the published times are in PDT – Pacific Daylight Time (Tacoma/LA USA). 8 hours behind British Summer Time (BST).  So the 1pm PDT start on Thursday is 9pm BST for those of us in the UK. (Just Google the time you are interested in to make sure you are getting it right. E.g. "1pm PDT to BST" .)  Be prepared for some late nights to join all the fun, although some of the activities will be recorded and available to watch at a more convenient time over the weekend - such as the 3D Theatre shows.

Registration is strongly encouraged, and is open throughout the convention, but sooner is better. Registering will allow organisers to make email contact before and during the convention, if needed. Basic registration is FREE, but with paid options including the goody bag packet (which will now be mailed after the convention) or also with a years discounted membership of the National Stereoscopic Association (NSA) which includes six issues a year of their fantastic Stereo World magazine with many historical stereo card articles. Online registration is via the "whos coming" site, and you will find this link near the bottom of the Registration page.

Several of our members have 3D shows in the 3D Theatre which will be broadcast over YouTube over several days. There will be a separate link for an Anaglyph version or 3D TV squeezed side-by-side version. These presentations should be available to watch at your convenience for the remainder of the convention weekend.

There is also a special section of talks on HISTORY OF STEREOSCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHY, these will only be available as LIVE talks at the publicised time. Several of our members are presenting from the UK.

On Saturday there are Keynote talks again as LIVE only events by Denis Pellerin of London Stereoscopic Company and Suzanne Lloyd - granddaughter of Harold Lloyd, silent movie star and prolific 3-D photographer.

Workshops teaching the latest techniques or discussing the latest equipment make up a large part of the schedule along with Special Interest Groups (SIGs) where you can join in on a live chat with like minded 3D enthusiasts on a variety of topics from View-Master to VR.

Also keep on eye out for the unveiling of the Virtual 3D Art Gallery and 3D Trade Fair.

To get involved in the social side of the event keep an eye on the web site and ask to join the Virtual 3D-Con Facebook group.

So put the kettle on, put your feet up and sit back for 4 days (nights) of 3D education and entertainment.