Fan Studies Network North America (FSNNA) is an organization for fan scholars, scholar fans, and everyone in between. Through initiatives like our annual FSNNA conference, we work to create a supportive, welcoming community for developing and sharing research in the interdisciplinary area of fan studies.
Inspired by our UK-based colleagues in the original Fan Studies Network, the first FSNNA conference was held in October 2018 at DePaul University in Chicago.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been holding our conferences online, using a range of platforms from Discord to Zoom to Gather to continue our mission of creating an accessible venue for fan studies scholars from around the world to share their work.
FSNNA 2025 Conference
October 23-26, 2025 • Virtual Event
As participation in fandom has broadened, changing fan experiences and fan cultures, many reckon with questions about what it means to be in fandom and to be a fan today. While most seem to embrace and accept the idea that fandom can be fun, there’s a shared sense that it is also so much more. But what does that entail? Is fandom a form of activism? Slacktivism? Representation? Social justice work? Moral stance? Popularity contest? Some combination thereof?
As we consider the shifting understandings and reputations of fandom(s), fan studies has much to offer. Who holds the most influence? Who wields what kinds of power? How do social, subcultural, and financial capital intersect with grassroots activity and forms of production? And how does all of this change fandom in turn?
Richland Community College
Penn State Harrisburg
University of North Texas
University of Southern California
Carleton College
University of Calgary
University of Amsterdam
LIM College
Stanford University
University of Leeds
Jonathan A. Rose • Paul Booth • Kristina Busse • Lori Morimoto • EJ Nielsen • Sarah Sinwell • Louisa Stein • Lesley Willard • Benjamin Woo • Jacinta Yanders
FSNNA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Want to make sure you don’t miss any FSNNA conference announcements? Subscribe to our newsletter for periodic updates from the organizing committee.
© 2025 FSNNA. All Rights Reserved. Site Designed by PB Berge.
