Baltimore-Washington Area Worldcon Association, Inc. (BWAWA) is a charitable organization devoted to the promotion of the science fiction and fantasy genre in all of its forms. We were established in the mid-1990s as Baltimore Worldcon 1998, Inc. to bid for and host the 1998 World Science Fiction Convention. Our subsequent name change was intended to reflect our broader mission (and cue the evil laughter).

In addition to hosting Bucconeer, the 56th Worldcon, in 1998, BWAWA has hosted Nebulas, SMOFcons, and a World Fantasy Convention. BWAWA works both locally and globally to promote the science fiction and fantasy genre by providing assistance to science fiction and fantasy organizations in the Baltimore-Washington area and to organizations bidding for the right to host the Worldcon outside of the United States. For nine years, BWAWA conducted a Science Fiction & Fantasy Story, Art and Science Essay contest for K-12 students in conjunction with the seated Worldcon.

BWAWA has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax‑exempt organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Charitable donations are tax-deductible.