It’s convention season! Lock up your wallet, hide the car keys, and do not — under any circumstances — approach the cosplay cupboard!
Jokes aside, it has been about two long years of drought, yet, despite lingering concerns over Covid, conventions are opening again to sell-out crowds (but not crowds of sell-outs). We’re finally gathering together again to celebrate our favorite fandoms, act like the big kids we are, spend frivolously, and have a good time.
Covid has changed the convention landscape, but we’ve adapted to the circumstances. We got better. Stronger.
https://twitter.com/JListPeter/status/1552884381592821760
Right now, I’m waiting for a GenCon panel to start. I’m sitting at my desk, at home, on the other side of the world, but it’s okay. I won’t miss it. It starts in 9 hours or so. The snacks are in the fridge. Parking is free, and I’ve got a good Internet connection.
I might sound like a grumpy old hermit that loves his nerd bunker, but current convention trends indulge me. Today, companies are willing to put more effort and dollars into the convention experience for those who won’t attend, presenting online panels and sales offers to all, even if you don’t have a convention ticket.
I remember my first convention experiences — including following a wizard to find the convention hall — when online activity complimenting the physical convention was rarer than dust on a Senpai-san figure. Social media has impacted that, but the most significant change has been from streaming. YouTube and Twitch bring the convention into your home, without the crowds or commute.
I’m not saying that the home-con experience beats being in person. I just love the accessibility cons provide online. Especially since getting to where most of the conventions are happening would mean flying halfway around the world. Everyone wins if geek-related vendors keep leveraging their online clout during con season.
How about you? Which kind of con are you enjoying most, real con or online? Do you think there’s more space for online growth? How about online-only cons? Should that be more of a thing?
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