While there are always plenty of conventions around the country, finding small, intimate cons has become more difficult. RenCon is a new, local convention in Renton, Washington (close to Seattle), that promises to be small and intimate, yet full of great guests and things to see and do. RenCon will be held October 28 – 30, 2016.
So what makes RenCon so special? Besides being a local, fan focused convention, RenCon is putting cosplay front and center. Not only is there going to be a great cosplay contest with youth, beginner, and advanced groups, but there are going to be a bunch of great cosplay special guests at the convention including Punished Props, Coregeek Creations, and Ryan Wells–all of whom I’ve written about before here on GeekDad.
There are also going to be artists (like Tom Cook and Zach Fischer), authors (like Kate Marie Collins and Chris Perkins), film and tv folks (like Lisa Coronado and Juan Mas), and scientists (like Steven Smith and the Lindbergh Robotics Team 3588) attending as special guests. There will be tabletop gaming and tournaments, panels, a Burlesque Show, a Halloween dance party, LARPing, and an exhibitor hall. The panel schedule just went up today and there is a ton of great programming including some really awesome cosplay panels!
Pricing ranges from $100 for a VIP all weekend pass that includes a Saturday night VIP mixer, a Zach Fischer Collector’s pack of all 10 badge designs and a 8 x 10″ art print, VIP lounge access (which includes food and drinks), early access and reserved seating in panels, and VIP seating at the Burlesque Show to $50 for a regular full-weekend pass or $20 for a day pass for any given day. Kids ten and under get in free!
If you’re tired of big, crowded, impersonal conventions, come give RenCon a try. The team has put a lot of work into kicking off this brand new convention and it’s sure to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to attend. I may even participate in my first cosplay contest! Get your tickets now! And if you do go, say hello if you see me. I’m sure I’ll be there as Ashitaka and Keith at least some of the time.
