We get it – conventions can be overwhelming, especially for someone with limited con experience. That’s what makes RippleCon so wonderful: it’s the perfect opportunity for those both new and seasoned to dip their feet into the fandom world. Plus, it’s all FREE to attend! To get a sense of what RippleCon has to offer, I’ve broken down each major component and provided a quick explanation on what it entails. So get ready, dear library user, for some RippleCon 101.
Panels & Workshops
Convention panels are discussions or presentations on specific topics within any given fandom, often held and attended by fans or industry experts. Panels with convention guests or celebrities include a Q&A that is conducted by a panel host and are sometimes open to audience questions. Workshops are where you might learn about and get the chance to try a new skill, such as minifigure painting. Here at RippleCon, all our panels & workshops are and will always remain free to attend!
Vendor Alley
Looking for some artwork, craftwork, or other fun nerdy memorabilia to buy? How about a book written by a local author? Vendor Alley is the perfect place to shop and browse! Local crafters from far and wide have set up tables to sell their wares. This is a great place to go if you want to find something special to have signed by a convention guest, or if you’re looking for a gift for a friend who loves a particular fandom – you never know what you might find in Vendor Alley! As a special bonus, you’ll also be supporting a local small business.
Meet & Greets
A big draw for any convention is the talent or guests that are invited to host a table for meet & greets, where they chat with fans and sign materials for a fee. At RippleCon, every attendee gets one free signature from any guest. Meet & Greets are also a great place to ask any burning questions you might have or to express gratitude for an actor’s work, so don’t be shy – take this rare opportunity to have an amazing, memorable conversation! At this year’s RippleCon, you can meet actors Ben Stegmair (Solo Leveling: ReAwakening / Kaiju No. 8), Celeste Perez (Kaiju No. 8 / Dragon Ball Daima), and Nia Celeste (Solo Leveling: ReAwakening / Dragon Ball Daima).
Cosplay Contest
Cosplay is the art of dressing up as a character from a show, book, or movie. Some cosplayers take this as an opportunity to even perform as that beloved character. Want to show off your own cosplay? RippleCon is the perfect opportunity! We encourage cosplayers of all skill levels, and we even have a cosplay contest that is free to enter. All you need is a costume and the willingness to show it off!
This is only a quick peek of what you’ll find at RippleCon this year. Still have questions or want more information? Feel free to reach out to me directly at nicole.byers@rva.gov with any RippleCon questions you might have!
