And some of you thought "Conventions? Nerd!"
Yep! And I don't give 2 figs that some of you have just judged me and maybe even stopped reading. You are maybe the people that hear the word "convention" and think of the stereotype images of what happens at a convention and the types of people that go to them.
Allow me to enlighten you.
There are many different types of conventions, but it's fair to say they can be roughly categorised into 2 - the weekend conventions and the signing events. The signing events tend to be larger (such as Collectormania, Sci fi weekender or London Film and Comic Con). They also tend to have a larger selection of guests for you to go along and meet. They are a lot of fun and an equal amount of queueing! The weekend conventions (run by companies such as Starfury and Massive Events in the UK) tend to specialise in one tv show in particular or a certain genre. My personal preference is for the weekend conventions as they have fewer guests and as they focus on one show/genre, I know that all the guests are going to be people I want to meet. But that's just me.
So at a convention, there are autograph signings, photoshoots with and talks by the guests. I particularly like the talks as you can ask questions and hear anecdotes from your favourites tv shows. The guests are normally very honest and relaxed. I still can't believe some of the people I've been lucky enough to meet - George Takei, Patrick Stewart, James Marsters, J August Richards, Nicholas Brendon, Adam Baldwin, Patricia Quinn, Alex Winter, etc. Talented and SO pretty!!
But the guests are only part of the reason that I love conventions.
From my first convention 4 years ago for Veronica Mars to my latest, Inva3ion, I have made some amazing friends. I don't just mean acquaintances. I mean FRIENDS. People that have shown me true kindness and support. Last year, for the first time, I was even brave enough to attend 2 conventions by myself, purely because I knew my friends would be there.
These are people that also fully accept my full on, squeeing, fangirl side! And why? Cos they're as bad as me! It is a fantastic feeling. To know proper friendship with people and to know they aren't judging me.
And don't forget, what happens at the con, stays at the con!
All photos property of me and not to be used without my express permission. Ta
I couldn't agree more with everything you've said here! I went to LFCC last year which was my first convention and absolutely loved it! I didn't meet any guests but the atmosphere alone is a good enough reason to go, I love knowing I'm in a room full of people that love everything I love. I'd love to go to the Scifi weekender one day :)
ReplyDeleteI was at LFCC too. Was fantastic! And Sci Fi weekender is well worth going to, especially at the new venue.
ReplyDeleteI love that I can just say to someone "So what's your favourite episode of Buffy?" or "Don't you love *certain actor*?" and people know what you mean :D
Last year I was at the VampireBall3 mostly to see James Marsters. This year I'm attending VB4 just to see the friends I met and dance my bootie off. There are a few guests that interest me, but no one I'm a fangirl of. I'm moving this summer and my plane ride will be ten times longer, but I am determined to make it every year no matter where I live. That weekend was the first time in a long time that I felt comfortable being my geeky self.
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic! this is why I love cons! I'm going to Vb4 too :)
Delete