For the first time in its seventeen-year history, The World Horror Convention is being held outside the United States.

With a theme exploring "The Diversity of Horror", World Horror Convention 2007 will take place over March 29-April 1 in the heart of downtown Toronto, Canada.

"I am absolutely delighted that the 2007 convention has been awarded to Toronto," says Chairperson Amanda Foubister. "Toronto is a major international city – like London, Paris and New York–and holding it here will have all the benefits of those locations. Our programme will be multinational, but we will also bring a uniquely Canadian flavour to the World Horror Convention."

The first Guest of Honour to be announced is British writer Michael Marshall Smith, the multiple award-winning author of such novels as SPARES, ONLY FORWARD, ONE OF US and the best-selling THE STRAW MEN trilogy (under the byline "Michael Marshall"). His acclaimed short fiction has been collected in the International Horror Guild Award-winning MORE TOMORROW & OTHER STORIES. "I've always wanted to visit Toronto," says Smith, "and this will be a fantastic opportunity."

More guests from both sides of the Atlantic will be revealed in the coming months, when the membership rates will also be set.