It’s time for another Seriously Geeky Sunday brought to you by the creative Heather at geeking-by.net!
When I saw today’s prompt, I laughed (in a good way!) because I have a different perspective on conventions than most people would have. A huge part of my job is working at them! For anonymity’s sake, I’m not going to say which conference(s). I will say this: nothing huge like SDCC or NYCC.
There is so much that goes into planning conferences before they come to life: logistics, event registration apps, badges (including designing every last color and word), organizing the sessions/panels, and much more. It takes a small army to accomplish this, and I am happy to be a part of it.
Without further adieu, here is my unique perspective on today’s questions!
July 26th – Conventions
It was supposed to be San Diego Comic-Con weekend this weekend. So many conventions have been cancelled this year so we’re living vicariously this week as by talking all things conventions.
Have you been to a convention and if so, how many?
Due to my unique perspective, I’ve lost count!
Because I’ve lost count, I’ll use this opportunity to give you some advice.
Be kind to the person at Registration. Be kind to the person directing you to a certain area. Be kind to anyone with a Staff badge–There is a ton of work that goes on behind the scenes, we’re working long hours, and we don’t have any control over the prices or rules. <3
Always complete the feedback surveys emailed after the event. Always! That is your chance to make suggestions! We take those surveys seriously.
What was the last convention you went to?
In February (when you see me posting travel pictures; 99 percent of the time, it means I’m working at a conference). February revisited one of my favorite venues (the hotel LOVES us, and I love them because they don’t blast the AC–yes, this is a problem in the winter at most hotels). I love them for other reasons too, but I always look forward to them because I know I won’t be shivering under my jacket as I check people in, ha ha!
I love it when we get lucky and have some free time to explore the city!
What is your favourite convention memory?
There are so many of them! I can’t just name one, so I’ll name a few.
One of our attendees pranking me (I just about jumped 10 feet in the air, and burst out laughing!)
There was a time when I saw an attendee posing a stuffed animal near one of our signs. I watched them snap a picture of it, and I had a certain hunch. I waved them over and asked if they’d like me a badge for their stuffed animal. I’ll never forget the sheer excitement on their face as they exclaimed,
“Yes! I really wanted to ask for one but was so afraid!” I made a badge for it, and gave them pointers on taking selfies with it and where the best signs were, ha ha!
Getting to see Smith’s building in Vancouver
I dress in rockabilly vintage style dresses, sometimes with bright, outlandish colors. There was this one panelist who was in this fabulously bright vintage suit, and we laughed and complemented each other on our outfits. It turns out we both dressed in brightly colored vintage style clothing all the time.
Walking around Denver when it was 12 F (-11 C) outside and getting lost multiple times trying to find the Mint with a coworker. When we finally found it, it was closed because it was a banker’s holiday. It was one of those things that we just laughed at.
The entire crazy final evening in Philly one time…man, where do I start with that one? It was like an episode right out of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I might have to come back to this one in another post because I’d have to tell the entire story. Just know there was chaos, laughter, and ???.
Which convention would you love to go to?
I’ve always wanted to go to SDCC or NYCC because the High Castle cast would always be there; now that the show is over, I’d still like to go to one and dress up!
Who are you hoping to see at a convention next?
The regulars. I always look out for them. Some of them have no idea I exist (unless they’ve been in my line), but their faces are so familiar that I keep an eye out for them.
Oh look, Purple Tie Guy is here! *
* Not an actual attendee.
This sounds strange, but it’s always good to see them. The regulars I talk to (including the prankster), are always a riot! I even decorate my station with fun stuff because I know Prankster and others love it.
What is your favourite purchase from a convention?
Do I go with life saving or fun? Why not both!
How I got it in my head that Denver was warm, I will never know. I did not pack the right jacket (a mistake I will never make again), so I ended up getting a Broncos hoodie from one of the local shops, and man. That thing has kept me warm for a few winters! I always take it with me now.
I like collecting miniature statues, keychains, and patches from my travels, so they are another favorite item!
I decided to start collecting travel patches in 2019 My growing collection of trinkets
