I-CON May Relocate to Hofstra University in 2013

Though no official arrangement has been shored up, organizers at the annual I-CON science fiction, fantasy and anime convention – typically held at Stony Brook University each year – published a notice in this year's convention schedule that indicated it will be held at Hofstra University in 2013.

An I-CON spokeswoman said a move is necessary, at least for 2013, because Stony Brook's indoor sports complex will be under renovation at that point in time and will thus be unavailable for use during the convention. One of the largest attractions at I-CON, the Dealer's Room, is usually held at the indoor sports complex.

"Since our number one priority is to preserve and present the best possible experience for our members, we have been actively looking at several possible venues across Long Island," Katrina Lovett, vice chair for marketing, said in an email to Patch. "Our official venue and dates have not been announced yet because, well, there's some amazing options on the table and we're exploring them all to the fullest so that we can make the best possible choice for our members."

Officials at Hofstra could not confirm the move; Stony Brook officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Fans at this year's convention had mixed thoughts on the possible move.

"It's inconvenient and kind of far. I might not be coming back," said Corri Levinton of St. James.

"I don't think it matters where it is," said Dylan Irizarry of Commack. "I think [the draw] is the people that come, seeing random fans and artists."

Dean Garbis, a Hofstra alumnus who now lives in Maryland, said the move would be "pretty cool." "I think the Hofstra campus is a little better organized and so it will be easier to navigate," he said.

I-CON, which stands for "Island Convention," is a volunteer-run operation put together by ICON Science Fiction, Inc. and the I-CON Student Organization. In all but one of its 31 years in existence it has been held at Stony Brook University; in 2009, it was held at Suffolk Community College because facilities at Stony Brook were under construction.