GUFF is the Get Up and Over Fan Fund. This fund sends a delegate to a major convention (sometimes to more than one) at the other side of the world.

Jukka Halme came to Australia early in 2016, representing European fandom. CSFG’s own Gillian Polack represented Australasia at Loncon, Liburnicon and other conventions in 2014.

This year, GUFF is selecting a delegate to travel to WorldCon 75, which will be held in Finland (9-13 August 2017). The length of the trip varies from year to year, and winners often visit fans before or after the WorldCon.

Delegates are chosen by fans, through a competitive ‘race.’ The first stage of this is nominations, followed by voting. Nominations are now open for the northbound race. They will remain open until 17 November 2016. Anyone active in fandom who lives in in Australasia may nominate.

To stand, you need three Australasian and two European nominators (who will each need to confirm their nominations), a platform of no more than 100 words and a non-refundable sum of £15/€20/AU$25 as a guarantee you will attend the 2017 Worldcon if you win.

Again, if you’re not sure who would be appropriate to nominate you, talk to Gillian Polack. If you’re not certain that you’re eligible or have other questions, again talk to Gillian (see below for contact details).

Voting will run from the moment nominations close until 1 April.

Once the winner has returned home, they take over shared administration of the fund for two cycles (one southbound and one northbound, in this case), complete their trip reports, and share the task of replenishing the fund for the next round.

For more information:

  • The GUFF Site: More information about the fan fund in general, its history and where to buy trip reports by previous delegates. (James Shields’ report is an excellent place to begin, as he explains the way the fund works and how the delegate fits within it as well as telling of his Australian adventures).
  • Details on the 2016 Northbound Race
  • Ask Gillian directly for more on her experience and how you can participate.