The Wodehouse Society Conventions

Binges on a Scale Calculated to Stagger Humanity

On July 16, 1982—two years after The Wodehouse Society was founded—thirteen members and three guests gathered at Delaware Valley College, Pennsylvania, for a celebration of P. G. Wodehouse. After a daytime business meeting at which a new constitution was approved, they assembled at a local inn to engage in some convivial browsing and sluicing as well as readings of Isaac Asimov’s foreword to Wodehouse on Crime and Wodehouse’s “Goodbye to All Cats.” There was also a talk from Wodehouse biographer David Jasen on the Master’s life and career.

The following year, on October 15—Wodehouse’s 102nd birthday—only nine members attended what was grandiosely labeled TWS’s “2nd International Convention” in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Yet from these modest beginnings there emerged increasingly larger, well-attended biennial binges that acquired a reputation for fun, frivolity, and friendships. As our conferences expanded, so did their popularity, and today members attend from all over the world, cementing that “international” designation in stone. Indeed, so integral have conventions become to the life of the society that only Plum Lines exceeds them in importance.

Convention traditions and activities have evolved over time as the location is moved around North America every two years. Those who attend TWS binges always receive a bag of “loot” and a pin featuring that convention’s specially designed logo. These days a typical three-day convention will entail an opening reception, a day filled with Riveting Talks, a grand banquet to which many members wear Wodehouse-themed costumes and finery, and a closing breakfast or brunch. Other activities may include a skit or reading; a sale of Wodehouse books and other items; music and songs; and extracurricular activities such as tours of area attractions, boat cruises, a trip to the horse races, a cricket match (when possible), games, and more. Inevitably, there are quizzes, usually a simple one and a “fiendish” one, and those who wear particularly inventive outfits to the banquet may win prizes in our traditional costume competition.

Since 1997, conventions have been bestowed with names (often very clever). Binges were held in odd-numbered years between 1983 and 2019, and they hosted by local chapters in 1987 and between 1993 and 2019. Covid forced the postponement of our San Diego convention from 2021 to 2022, and the decision was made to switch to even-numbered years thereafter. Additionally, organization of the conferences was taken over by The Wodehouse Society Convention Committee, whose charter can be read below.

See below for a list of our conventions to date, and be sure to visit our Gallery of Convention Photos.