InVention

(Did you mean conventions in Britain or Michigan?)

InVention was a hoax "invitational" convention which had the noses of some overly serious fans bent out of shape. As detailed in the The InVention Report perpetrated by Hal Shapiro and members of the MFS, it was an "exclusive" by-invitation-only convention held in Minneapolis, reports were written in detail about what the leading lights of the microcosm had said and done and the outrageous fun they had there. Those who didn't seem to rate an invite considered themselves snubbed, paying little attention to the double entendre of the convention's name or the fact that it was supposedly held on April 1, 1952.

The initial report was circulated at Midwestcon 3, where Harlan Ellison was reported to have taken great umbrage at not having been invited.

From Fancyclopedia 2, ca. 1959

(Elsberry) A convention held by a group of MFS members 1 April 1952. Name was given because admission was by invitation only. This weeding process made it easily the most brilliant fan gathering in history, marred only by the double entendre of the title. The thing was brainstormed at a one-shot by Elsberry, Boggs, Grossman, Shay and Shapiro; Elsberry did most of the writing on the report of this imaginary con, which was much enjoyed by frivolous fans.

From Fancyclopedia 2 Supplement, ca. 1960

Spelled InVention, like that. Shapiro pubbed both the Report and the later InVention ReVelation.

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Convention
	1952

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