by Jen
 | I’ve almost recovered from spending last weekend at DragonCon, which means there’s only one thing on my mind - planning for next DragonCon! I consider myself quite fortunate to have the largest science fiction/fantasy convention in the Southeastern United States so geographically close to me, but even if it was farther away it would still be worth traveling to attend. |
DragonCon is the largest fan-run con in the country, and it truly has something for every fan to get excited about. It’s not just the celebrity panels, although those are fantastic in their own right – who doesn’t want to listen to celebs like John Barrowman (2012 and 2013), Karl Urban (2014), and Wil Wheaton (2011) talk about what it was like to work on some of our favorite shows and movies? But if standing in line for an hour (or more) to see a celebrity isn’t your deal, there is plenty of other fun to be had! With more than thirty programming tracks, you can find panels on everything from costuming to gaming, from paranormal to science and technology, from animation to filk, and everything in between!
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If panels don’t interest you, take a stroll through the Walk of Fame to gape at celebrities and maybe even get an autograph or two. Check out the amazing talent at the Art Show, which features artists displaying the best of their wares - be it comics, prints, t-shirts, or other collectibles. The Vendor Hall is truly intimidating, but where else can you see such a variety of light sabers, geeky t-shirts, and corsets, not to mention books and games!
It’s all I can do not to run through that place at full tilt screaming, “Shut up and take my money!”
If you find yourself overwhelmed with the sheer variety of the events offered, have a seat in one of the hotel lobbies (or better yet, at the bar) and watch the insanely creative cosplayers go by. You will literally see things you never could have imagined - from Muppet Storm Troopers to Steampunk Freddie Krueger, to amazing pop culture references of yesteryear (Max Headroom, or Josie and the Pussycats), the quality and variety of cosplay at DragonCon never ceases to amaze me.
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Television and film personalities aren’t the only celebs to be found at DragonCon. I’ve had the chance to meet some of my favorite authors, from Jim Butcher (who was signing books for free in the Vendor Hall before his panel this year!) to Diana Gabaldon (who I met in the lobby of the Westin in 2011, and after I finished babbling like the insane fangirl that I am, was still nice enough to let me take a picture with her). You may even find some of the celebs having a drink at one of the hotel bars in the evening – one of my friends found herself sharing drinks with two stars from Battlestar Gallactica a few years ago!
I could go on and on, but I still need to finish unpacking from this year’s DragonCon and go make a hotel reservation for next year. Hope to see you there!
I could go on and on, but I still need to finish unpacking from this year’s DragonCon and go make a hotel reservation for next year. Hope to see you there!
