In order of amounts of fun had:
1. Magfest – Music and gaming festival which hosts a giant room full of old school and rare arcade games thats open 24/7.
2. NY Comic Con 2007, 2008, and 2009 – General comic book and gaming convention that got taken over and glorified by hollywood so now it’s overcrowded and boring and generic.
3. I-Con (Connecticut) – General gaming and comic convention with a large anime-fan turnout. I felt like it was too small and boring.
4. Steampunk World’s Fair (first year) – Good try but I got bored really fast and left after a couple of hours.
I’ve never been to but have heard awesome things about: GDC and PaxEast.
Comic conventions. We plan to go to Comic Con in San Diego and Emerald City in Seattle this year. There’s nothing like being surrounded by thousands of other dorks.
GALA Choruses Festival. GALA stands for Gay and Lesbian Association (of choruses). Every four years, we flood some unsuspecting city with gays and their music. In 2004, I went to Montreal, in 2008, it was Miami, and this year: Denver.
Yes, Conclave in Minneapolis where a bunch of Midwestern radio programmers, DJs, and record people commingle.
It was amusing and I learned a little, but the best parts were the band showcases (new acts trying to make on radio, occasionally older acts trying to recapture their star). Also great were pairing up with a record company promoter where they’d pay for your meal & drinks.
Most memorable part was having “Breakfast with Styx” and a luncheon conversation symposium with Willie Nelson.
I photographed an exhibit at a big plastics show and it was quite the cloak and dagger affair, as the exhibitor was forbidden to use an outside vendor instead of the convention hall’s guy (who of course was outrageously overpriced). Battery operated studio strobes, lookouts, and working fast carried the day. Very special ops.
I used to go to the San Diego Comic-Con all the time, but then suddenly being a “nerd” was cool and everyone goes. I stood in a 3 hour line to see a few movie previews, then decided that it was no longer worth my time.
I went to a comic book convention once when I was younger. Got to see Forrest Ackerman and Issac Asimov together, wander around a little, but didn’t stay too long. Beyond that, just for work, selling books.
Worked and attended a number of Doctor Who conventions during the 80′s. Have also done a few comic conventions in my time. Other than that, mostly the occasional work thing.
Went to a SciFi convention in Brighton (England) way back ( when?) Foerst Ackerman was there too; and Gerry (Thunderbirds) Anderson; Doris Lessing, who was writing ScFi then. I sat next to Clive Barker!
Also I’ve been to a couple of
Unconventions
. Those were run by
Fortean Times
—a publication that I don’t have much time for, these days, but which impressed me then
I-CON in Stonybrook: Sci-Fi ish. Sometimes called International Convention of Nerds
Chiller Convention in NJ: Horror movie related. Lots of great hob-nobing with stars
Blobfest in Phoenixville PA: A whole convention dedicated to the movie the Blob. It even takes place in the actuall movie theatre that was attacked in the movie
A couple of comic book conventions: Mid-Ohio Con (Columbus) and MegaCon (Orlando).
SETC and URTA–both theatre conventions, and the Arnold Sports Festival, where I worked at a booth that sold cosmetic/theatrical make-up (mostly appealing to fitness models and cheerleaders).
I went to Blog World Expo in 2010. It was a waste of time, outside of being able to say I’ve been to Las Vegas now. But back in the 1980s, when I was married to a Star Trek nerd, I went to several Star Trek and science fiction cons. In costume, even.
NAMM – National Association of Music Merchants. Worked in a guitar repair shop and was a musician so NAMM show (Anaheim, CA) was always a fun trip to see the latest musical innovations, toys, and performances by some great musicians.
Macworld – I think this was probably in the Mac II years.
There were a few other tech conferences over the years but now I can’t remember what they are.
I’ve been to a few Web-related trade shows for work. And also to many, many science fiction conventions. My dad used to sell replica props, and I’ve been in more dealer’s rooms than I can count. Plus my husband and I try to hit WorldCon every couple of years.
Try to catch the Philadelphia Comic Con (formerly Wizard World Philly) every year. I always come home with an armful of trade paperbacks and something else entirely unnecessary that requires an explanation to the wife.
Too many to count but most of them not as fun as the ones mentioned above. Next week, RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance, Authorization Required) Users’ Group in Gold Coast, Australia.
The missus and I are going to ‘Hyper Japan’, the UK’s biggest event dedicated to J-Culture later this month. We’re both fascinated with Japanese culture, and are planning a trip there at some point. It sounds a fun event and part of the proceeds are going to the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund.
AnimeBoston for the past few years. Arisia and Boskone (sci-fi) back in the ’80′s. My first was a Star Trek convention in Boston back in ’76. Then there are the work ones (AALL & SLA–librarian conventions).
I’ve been to a lot of comic-cons. So great to have the people I admire be so accessible. The experiences I really remember are when I met Michael Dorn (Worf from Star Trek) and some of the dragon ball z voice actors. It was surreal to hear those distinctive voices come out of unfamiliar faces.
I’m at a convention right now. It’s the BICSI convention in Orlando, FL. It’s for work and it’s not a lot of fun. It’s all about in-building comm networks.
I’ve been to Anime Evolution in Vancouver and Cos & Effect, the anime convention that was organized after A.E. had financial problems and had to cancel.
Well-timed QOD, actually. I came back from Nashcon two weekends ago. It was in the Gaylord Opryland hotel, which, if you have never heard of/seen/visited, is a Really Fucking Big™ hotel in Nashville. It has multiple jungles in the ground floor. Like, full-sized, banana-tree-containing jungles. With rivers.
Anyway so Nashcon was primarily for Supernatural, which is a not-very-popular TV show that we love a lot. Apparently the Opryland is so freaking large that it can host multiple conventions at the same time, which it was at the time we were there. So like, there were tons of women in their twenties, walking around in vaguely pagan or historically geeky swag, but there were ALSO old men walking around in legitimate, actual cowboy boots and Stetsons and crap, because the other convention going on was a cattle-breeders convention.
I could not make this shit up.
But yeah it was really fun and we got excessive footage of Matt Cohen taking his shirt off. That counts as a success, in my book.
Comments
38 Comments so far. Leave a comment below.Just for work – Microsoft TechEd conferences, great for developers and deployers of MS products.
Like or Dislike:
2 
1
In order of amounts of fun had:
1. Magfest – Music and gaming festival which hosts a giant room full of old school and rare arcade games thats open 24/7.
2. NY Comic Con 2007, 2008, and 2009 – General comic book and gaming convention that got taken over and glorified by hollywood so now it’s overcrowded and boring and generic.
3. I-Con (Connecticut) – General gaming and comic convention with a large anime-fan turnout. I felt like it was too small and boring.
4. Steampunk World’s Fair (first year) – Good try but I got bored really fast and left after a couple of hours.
I’ve never been to but have heard awesome things about: GDC and PaxEast.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Comic conventions. We plan to go to Comic Con in San Diego and Emerald City in Seattle this year. There’s nothing like being surrounded by thousands of other dorks.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
I’ve always wanted to go to a comic-con, but I probably never will.
Like or Dislike:
2 
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Went to a couple of AIESC conventions when I was in college. Mainly for the chicks and booze.
Like or Dislike:
0 
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GALA Choruses Festival. GALA stands for Gay and Lesbian Association (of choruses). Every four years, we flood some unsuspecting city with gays and their music. In 2004, I went to Montreal, in 2008, it was Miami, and this year: Denver.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Yes, Conclave in Minneapolis where a bunch of Midwestern radio programmers, DJs, and record people commingle.
It was amusing and I learned a little, but the best parts were the band showcases (new acts trying to make on radio, occasionally older acts trying to recapture their star). Also great were pairing up with a record company promoter where they’d pay for your meal & drinks.
Most memorable part was having “Breakfast with Styx” and a luncheon conversation symposium with Willie Nelson.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I photographed an exhibit at a big plastics show and it was quite the cloak and dagger affair, as the exhibitor was forbidden to use an outside vendor instead of the convention hall’s guy (who of course was outrageously overpriced). Battery operated studio strobes, lookouts, and working fast carried the day. Very special ops.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in Vegas – Biggest TV gear and equipment trade-show in the world.
All America Cities – Recognizing cities that have innovative programs to overcome problems.
CAPIO – California Association of Public Information Officers
3CMA – Marketing for cities, counties and the like.
I’ve also been to Lebowskifest – does that count?
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0 
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I used to go to the San Diego Comic-Con all the time, but then suddenly being a “nerd” was cool and everyone goes. I stood in a 3 hour line to see a few movie previews, then decided that it was no longer worth my time.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I went to a comic book convention once when I was younger. Got to see Forrest Ackerman and Issac Asimov together, wander around a little, but didn’t stay too long. Beyond that, just for work, selling books.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Worked and attended a number of Doctor Who conventions during the 80′s. Have also done a few comic conventions in my time. Other than that, mostly the occasional work thing.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Went to a SciFi convention in Brighton (England) way back ( when?) Foerst Ackerman was there too; and Gerry (Thunderbirds) Anderson; Doris Lessing, who was writing ScFi then. I sat next to Clive Barker!
Also I’ve been to a couple of
. Those were run by
—a publication that I don’t have much time for, these days, but which impressed me then
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I-CON in Stonybrook: Sci-Fi ish. Sometimes called International Convention of Nerds
Chiller Convention in NJ: Horror movie related. Lots of great hob-nobing with stars
Blobfest in Phoenixville PA: A whole convention dedicated to the movie the Blob. It even takes place in the actuall movie theatre that was attacked in the movie
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
A couple of comic book conventions: Mid-Ohio Con (Columbus) and MegaCon (Orlando).
SETC and URTA–both theatre conventions, and the Arnold Sports Festival, where I worked at a booth that sold cosmetic/theatrical make-up (mostly appealing to fitness models and cheerleaders).
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Only for work…
- Comdex
- Networld
- RSA
– etc.
Never just for fun, but now that I’ve learned about Lebowskifest (thanks, Danno!)….
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Man, everyone is going to all these fun conventions. My last one was Engineers Without Borders, my next one is a Women in Engineering horror show.
Like or Dislike:
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SD Comicon
AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs)
Like or Dislike:
1 
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I went to Blog World Expo in 2010. It was a waste of time, outside of being able to say I’ve been to Las Vegas now. But back in the 1980s, when I was married to a Star Trek nerd, I went to several Star Trek and science fiction cons. In costume, even.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
NAMM – National Association of Music Merchants. Worked in a guitar repair shop and was a musician so NAMM show (Anaheim, CA) was always a fun trip to see the latest musical innovations, toys, and performances by some great musicians.
Macworld – I think this was probably in the Mac II years.
There were a few other tech conferences over the years but now I can’t remember what they are.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’ve been to a few Web-related trade shows for work. And also to many, many science fiction conventions. My dad used to sell replica props, and I’ve been in more dealer’s rooms than I can count. Plus my husband and I try to hit WorldCon every couple of years.
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Yes. It was an assembly of people meeting for a common purpose, but that’s not important right now.
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Boy mine sound so much more exciting then all of yours:
American Society for Quality – Quality Congress, a few times and the National Association of Chemical Distributors OPSEM a couple of times.
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The closest I’ve come is seeing Obama speak back in ’08 when he was campaigning. That’s sort of a convention, I guess.
I plan to go to RushCon (Rush the band, not Rush the loudmouth) in 2013 if they’re still having them then.
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Try to catch the Philadelphia Comic Con (formerly Wizard World Philly) every year. I always come home with an armful of trade paperbacks and something else entirely unnecessary that requires an explanation to the wife.
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Ouch! Can it be treated with antibiotics?
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Hah! If that were the case I’d be too dead to explain!
Nah, it’s usually some piece of sketch art that I’d take a fancy to but have no place for. That sort of thing.
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I went to a Dr. Who convention here in Houston many years ago and got to talk with John Pertwee. A very cool man indeed.
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I went to a Star Trek convention in Vancouver around ’93-’94. The guest of honor was Michael Dorn.
Like or Dislike:
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I go to at least two RPG (Role-Playing Game) conventions per year. One’s coming up this weekend.
Like or Dislike:
3 
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Too many to count but most of them not as fun as the ones mentioned above. Next week, RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance, Authorization Required) Users’ Group in Gold Coast, Australia.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The missus and I are going to ‘Hyper Japan’, the UK’s biggest event dedicated to J-Culture later this month. We’re both fascinated with Japanese culture, and are planning a trip there at some point. It sounds a fun event and part of the proceeds are going to the Japan Society Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund.
Like or Dislike:
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Oh, and I do the Fright Fest every year – the UK’s biggest horror movie festival. Already got the holiday booked for this year.
If I had the money and time I’d fly to Toronto for the TIFF, as that’s the one I’d most want to do of all the festivals out there.
Like or Dislike:
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AnimeBoston for the past few years. Arisia and Boskone (sci-fi) back in the ’80′s. My first was a Star Trek convention in Boston back in ’76. Then there are the work ones (AALL & SLA–librarian conventions).
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’ve been to a lot of comic-cons. So great to have the people I admire be so accessible. The experiences I really remember are when I met Michael Dorn (Worf from Star Trek) and some of the dragon ball z voice actors. It was surreal to hear those distinctive voices come out of unfamiliar faces.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’m at a convention right now. It’s the BICSI convention in Orlando, FL. It’s for work and it’s not a lot of fun. It’s all about in-building comm networks.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’ve been to Anime Evolution in Vancouver and Cos & Effect, the anime convention that was organized after A.E. had financial problems and had to cancel.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Well-timed QOD, actually. I came back from Nashcon two weekends ago. It was in the Gaylord Opryland hotel, which, if you have never heard of/seen/visited, is a Really Fucking Big™ hotel in Nashville. It has multiple jungles in the ground floor. Like, full-sized, banana-tree-containing jungles. With rivers.
Anyway so Nashcon was primarily for Supernatural, which is a not-very-popular TV show that we love a lot. Apparently the Opryland is so freaking large that it can host multiple conventions at the same time, which it was at the time we were there. So like, there were tons of women in their twenties, walking around in vaguely pagan or historically geeky swag, but there were ALSO old men walking around in legitimate, actual cowboy boots and Stetsons and crap, because the other convention going on was a cattle-breeders convention.
I could not make this shit up.
But yeah it was really fun and we got excessive footage of Matt Cohen taking his shirt off. That counts as a success, in my book.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0