The free Virtual Eaton Symposium is taking place over Zoom on January 8, 2025. 

Coordinated by Dr. Phoenix Alexander, the Jay Kay and Doris Klein Librarian for Science Fiction and Fantasy, in collaboration with colleagues from Special Collections & University Archives, this year’s event offers a fresh perspective on a long-standing tradition.

First established in 1979, the Eaton Conference was created to complement the Eaton Collection of Science Fiction and Fantasy, the largest publicly accessible speculative fiction archive in the world. Over the years, the conference has brought together scholars from across the country to present research and explore themes within science fiction.

“This is a tradition that has gone on for many, many years,” Phoenix explains. “After a few years’ hiatus—I believe the last one was in 2013—we’re really excited to present an online Eaton Symposium.”

While past Eaton Conferences focused primarily on academic presentations, the 2025 Symposium takes a more expansive approach. “My idea with this symposium was to bring in the wider community,” says Phoenix. “Not just scholars and academics, but fans, authors, editors—people who are at the forefront of the industry now and the creators who are crafting the classics of the future.”

The event will feature panel discussions, keynote speakers, and conversations that reflect on the rich history of the Eaton Collection while exploring the present and future of science fiction publishing.

By bridging the gap between academia and the broader speculative fiction community, the Eaton Symposium continues its legacy of celebrating the impact of science fiction and fantasy.

Registration is free! Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds and most creative voices in the field.

The Symposium is the prelude to an in-person conference, featuring panels from established and emerging scholars, which will be held at the University of California, Riverside from April 4-5, 2025. Stay tuned for more details on the in-person conference and register today for the Virtual Symposium.