Katie Kawa - A Modern Nerds Guide to Conventions

Words in the glossary appear in bold type the first time they are used in the text.

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Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Kawa, Katie.

Title: A modern nerds guide to conventions / Katie Kawa.

Description: New York : Gareth Stevens Publishing, 2020. | Series: Geek out! | Includes glossary and index.

Identifiers: ISBN 9781538240106 (pbk.) | ISBN 9781538240120 (library bound) | ISBN 9781538240113 (6 pack)

Subjects: LCSH: Comic books, strips, etc.--Congresses--Juvenile literature.

Classification: LCC PN6702.K39 2020 | DDC 741.5--dc23

First Edition

Published in 2020 by

Gareth Stevens Publishing

111 East 14th Street, Suite 349

New York, NY 10003

Copyright 2020 Gareth Stevens Publishing

Designer: Sarah Liddell

Editor: Abby Badach Doyle

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CONS ARE COOL!

Its cool to be a nerd! Nerds, or geeks, are people who care a lot about things theyre interested in. Everyone is a nerd about somethingwhether its comic books, Star Wars movies, music, or even sports.

Imagine being in a room full of other nerds who love your favorite superhero, TV show, or actor as much as you do. Thats what happens at a convention! Fan conventions, or cons, are events where people get together to share their love of similar interestsfrom video games to Harry Potter books. Theres a lot to know about conventions before you go to one, so lets get started!

FUN FOR ALL AGES

Its important to always go to conventions and other big events with a trusted adult. Theres plenty for both kids and adults to do, so everyone will have fun! Conventions can get very crowded, so make a plan before you go for what to do if you get separated or lost.

There are many kinds of cons all over the world. Some people travel to famous cons in big cities, while others like to go to smaller conventions in their town.

FAMOUS FIRSTS

Fans have been gathering to talk about the things they love for many years. In 1936, fans from the New York City area gathered to share their love for science fiction. This conventionPhilconis one of the oldest science fiction conventions in the world, and its still held today.

As time went on and people found new things to love as fans, more conventions were created. The first official comic book convention in the United States was held in New York City in 1964. After that, comic cons became more popular in the United States and around the world.

GOING GLOBAL

Conventions arent just in the United States. In fact, the biggest convention in the world is held twice a year in Japan. This event, known as Comic Market or Comiket, is a gathering for fans who often create their own magazines, art, and video games. More than 500,000 fans go to Comiket!

Some conventions center on a specific TV show or movie. The first Star Trek convention was held in 1969. Star Trek conventions are still popular with fans today!

THE STORY OF SDCC

Many fans dream of going to Comic-Con International: San Diego, which is one of the most famous cons in the world. Its often called San Diego Comic-Con or SDCC. Hundreds of thousands of fans travel to San Diego, California, every year to attend!

SDCC was first held in 1970. Since then, its become very popular and tickets are hard to get. Many famous actors, writers, and creators of TV shows and movies attend to meet their fans and talk about their work. The con has more than 700 events, including costume contests, awards, and film screenings. Some people spend years planning their trip to attend!

Many of the most popular events at SDCC take place in a room called Hall H. Some people line up for Hall H events more than a day before they take place!

SLEEPING IN LINE

Some events at SDCC are so popular that people wait in line for hours to make sure they get a seat. In 2015, fans waited overnight to see the actors in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. J.J. Abrams, who directed the movie, bought doughnuts for the fans waiting in line!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Fans of all kinds gather at SDCC. It covers many nerdy interests from comics to sci-fi and lots in between. Other conventions offer something for everyone, too. These general geeky cons include New York Comic Con (NYCC), which is held every year in New York City, and Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) in Seattle, Washington. The largest fan convention in CanadaFAN EXPO Canadais held in Toronto, Ontario.

Many local cons also cover all kinds of interests. If you cant travel to one of these big conventions or if you dont like crowds, check to see if you have a smaller con near you!

GIRLS ARE GEEKS, TOO!

Conventions arent just for boys and men. Many girls and women proudly call themselves nerds, too. Still, sometimes girls can feel picked on or left out. In 2011, a convention started in Seattle just for them. GeekGirlCon helps nerdy girls feel at home in the world of fandom.

Some people plan vacations around a big-city convention like NYCC. They take extra days to explore the city where the convention is held.