Frequently Asked Questions
Check our FAQ below, and if we don't have the answer there, shoot us a message.
221B Con is a fan-run convention celebrating Sherlock Holmes (in all his incarnations, eras, versions, and media) as well as related fandoms (defined as “things our attendees also like”). It’s held in Atlanta, Georgia, every April.Â
For more, please see the Con History page.
While the subjects of our panels and programming vary widely, a majority of the topics are Sherlock Holmes-related. That means discussions that cover the Great Detective and media he’s appeared in, or panels about his setting, related characters, or his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We also include space for creative endeavors, such as writing workshops and panels on art, fanfic, and crafts, as well as panels on being a fan and other fandoms. In the past that’s included such topics as Good Omens, Heated Rivalry, Our Flag Means Death, and Jaws.Â
Both refer to an oddity in the flooring of the convention hotel. There is a piece of stone that looks like bacon. Finding the floor bacon is part of any first-timer’s visit. If you’re new, ask anyone to help, and it’s also a great way to start a conversation.Â
We label the restrooms (aka bathrooms or toilets) as gender-neutral to ensure everyone has a facility easily available. Our hotel fully supports this change for the weekend. If this bothers you, this is not the convention for you.Â
Various groups and people may create and bring ribbons to attach to the bottom and sides of the badge to promote a project or share a fandom or joke.Â
Waffle House was founded in Georgia. A number of Sherlockians from areas where Waffle Houses are uncommon make sure to visit the 24-hour restaurant when they come to con. They have created a group, the 221st Southumberland Waffleers, to mark this interest, cause Sherlockians love their societies.Â
Panelist applications are now closed, but we’re excited to see you attend! Please subscribe to the newsletter or watch this website for news of when panel applications open for the 2027 show. We aim to open those applications in Fall 2026.Â
Yes. After panels have been approved and panelists assigned, we send out an email to all of the panelists that allows for you to talk and plan ahead. If you do not wish to have your email shared with the rest of your panel please email prog [at] 221bcon.com to let us know.
When we are sure it is stable. We want to post the schedule as soon as possible, but we don’t want there to be any mistakes. The schedule for 221B Con 2026 is due to be posted in late February 2026. We’ll put a news item in Watson’s Journal when it’s available.Â
Registration usually opens around 3PM. The first panels begin at 5PM on Friday and 10AM Saturday and Sunday. Saturday programming will run until about 1:30AM, and the Con will shut down at 5PM on Sunday. These times could change, so keep an eye on the website and our social media for the schedule.
We have had several people email asking what the Con is going to be like. In order to give you an idea, we are posting this generic description of how a panel will run.
Most panels will have 3-4 people sitting on them. We have worked hard to choose panelists with an expertise in their assigned topics. They will each have an opportunity to speak about the assigned topic and discuss it amongst themselves, then the room will be opened for questions. The panelists can query one another or audience members can ask a question or contribute their thoughts.
Please let us know ASAP at prog [at] 221bcon.com if your panel will need a projector for a presentation. Not every panel room is set up with AV equipment. You can always bring things like books, actual pictures, and other things that you can carry in to the panel yourself. Keep in mind there are other people on the panel and you will be sharing time with them.
Contact Us
Didn't find what you were looking for? Got questions about something else? Reach out!