Capricon 2018

I’ve attended some large conventions – Origins, DragonCon, GenCon – and they’re certainly fun, but when it comes down to it, the smaller conventions, like Capricon, are my favorites.  While the large conventions focus more on seeing the big names and meeting many of your fan favorites, the little conventions are about interacting with other geeks and getting to know them.  And because geeks are such a diverse mix, there are many different ways of doing that at a convention.  For example, here are some of the options from last weekend’s Capricon:

  • Panels – these are a great way to join topics or activities about esoteric geeky (is that redundant?) topics, such as learning Circular Gallifreyan, discussing computers before computing, or even a coloring workshop for adults.
  • ConSuite – smaller conventions like to make sure people eat during the weekend, and provide assorted food options, along with space to socialize.
  • Gaming – an opportunity to meet people in a casual setting, where you can play a short game (Loonacy or Fluxx, for example) or settle in for something longer (like Terraforming Mars).  You learn a lot about a person when you play a game or two with them.  And you might find some new games you like.
  • Parties – the effort geeks put into party themes is fairly impressive.  One party group was handing out surveys Thursday and Friday nights to prepare for a Saturday night Family Fandom Feud, with questions related to assorted fandoms.  Whether you’re interested in drinking, dancing, trivia, books (& beer), or just talking, there’s a party for that.
  • Plush gray cat, riding on my shoulder
    Faramir, my cute shoulder cat, riding on my (surprise!) shoulder.

    Dealers’ Hall – oh, the shopping!  Blissfully smaller than the dealers’ areas at big conventions (you really need at least a day to get through GenCon’s), the dealers’ hall at local conventions tends to showcase a good variety of fandom wares without being overwhelming.  That’s not to say there aren’t too many choices, there’s always more options than I have space or money to bring home.  This time, I brought home a cute shoulder cat from the fabulous ladies at Bast’s Garden.  And because I like crossing my fandoms, I named him Faramir.  The vendors are friendly and outgoing, and you’re likely to join random conversations with people about what you see.

While the large conventions are good fun, the little ones – this was just over 1,100 people – are the place to go to see friends and generally appreciate your own geekiness.