For more than 50 years, Ben Yalow, a highly respected veteran fan in European and American sci-fi fan circles, has been participating in various sci-fi conventions and events. Even so, when facing the sincerity and enthusiasm of Chengdu people  to host the 2023 Worldcon, as the Co-chairman of the Worldcon, he repeatedly exclaimed, "This is something   I have never seen in my decades-long career."

Looking back on the development history of Worldcon, Ben Yalow tells that the party held by a group of New York teenagers has now grown, reaching every corner of the world.. He believes the charm of Worldcon lies in cultural exchange. Each time a new city wins the right to host the event, local cultural elements of the host city also blend with the original sci-fi fan base. Ben Yalow claims that what he desires most in Chengduis toconnect with more Chinese sci-fi fans, "I’m especially looking forward to exploring the new ideas sparked by the cultural collision between China and the West at the convention."

Ben Yalow

Particularly Satisfied with Venue Construction

Hosting Worldcon for the First Time Presents Both Opportunities and Challenges

Ben Yalow tells Red Star News that at the 2019 Worldcon held in Dublin, Ireland, he met the bidding representatives from Chengdu for the first time. "It was the first time in the history of the Worldcon that a large number of Chinese sci-fi fans showed up. It was a very different experience for us".

Even though the pandemic had hampered global cultural exchange, he claims, he was impressed by the enthusiasm, determination, and efficiency of the Chengdu bidders. Chengdu was able to win the trust of the voting members and successfully secure the right to host the event in 2023.

After visiting the Chengdu Science (Science Fiction) Museum by Jingrong Lake in Pidu District, Ben Yalow speaks highly of the design elements that have been incorporated into the construction of the museum and the surrounding scenery, "It will be a wonderful sight."

Talking about the upcoming 2023 Chengdu Worldcon, Ben Yalow mentions that at present, Chinese and foreign teams hold regular meetings, and the communication is going very well.. He understands the challenges of hosting the Worldcon as a newbie. For instance, previous Worldcons generally involved 100-150 experienced staff, but this is the first time that a Worldcon is being held in China, and there is no precedent to follow.

Meanwhile, Ben Yalow is very positive about the ability of Chengdu to handle pressure. He also cites Australia as an example, noting that the first Worldcon hosted in Australia took place in 1975, and since then, almost every convention has seen the participation of Australians.

"The Worldcon itself has a long cultural tradition, and sci-fi fans in each region also have their own subculture, while the host city also has its own culture. Therefore, I hope this Worldcon can create fusion and  exchanges between these three cultures," Ben Yalow says.

Looking forward to Meeting Chinese Sci-Fi Fans

Collision of Different Cultures Will Spark New ideas

Ben Yalow believes the upcoming Worldcon in Chengdu will be a win-win event for sci-fi fans in China and the West. On the one hand, western readers will have the opportunity to see China's huge sci-fi market and fan base, and they also can learn more about Chinese cultural elements through the convention. On the other hand, he also hopes that Chinese sci-fi fans will take this opportunity to connect with the like-minded peoplein other parts of the world.

In an interview with  Red Star news, Ben Yalow mentioned that his favorite sci-fi work is Roger Zelazny's Lord of Light. He said he also had read the famous Chinese sci-fi novel The Three-Body Problem, "It is different from other sci-fi novels I have read recently, although I am not familiar with the background culture, but it is really fascinating to read."

Ben Yalow says that he comes to Chengdu to participate in this Worldcon, and he wants to do the most is to meet and connect with more Chinese sci-fi fans, "I am looking forward to communicating with sci-fi fans to explore the new ideas sparked by the collision  of Chinese and Western cultures at the convention."

Ben Yalow was born into an academic family in New York City, USA.His mother was Rosalyn Yalow, the winner of the 1977 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. According to his recollection, his father was the "guide" who ushered him into the world of sci-fi. His first sci-fi reading was a 1912  juvenile book calledTom Swift and His Searchlight, written and given to him by his father.

Ben Yalow believes that reading has made him more actively think about the possible changes that may occur in the future society, "No matter how the world changes, we must remain curious to explore the future."