The seasons, they are a-changin’! As we move from a (strange, confusing) summer to a (also strange, also confusing) fall, I’m feeling conflicted. Saying goodbye to summer means less time to spend (masked!) outside, and even more time spent inside comfort-watching Avatar: The Last Airbender in its entirety. It means that I’ll have to stop exclusively wearing denim cut-offs and start looking into sun lamps to combat the S.A.D.
But even though this summer to fall transition is bittersweet, there are so many things to look forward to. A few of those things are listed on our Geek About Town events calendar, where we feature the upcoming (and, now, mainly virtual!) events that we’re most excited for!
The mood I’m trying to cultivate. [Image description: A gif of Pooh Bear flinging a handful of autumn leaves out his open window. He looks very, very happy that it’s autumn. Overlaid text reads “It’s the first day of autumn!” Source: Giphy]
if you’re looking for a few great events to fill some of that white space in your schedule, be sure to check out the full calendar. In the meantime, here are just a few of the events that are making this between-season time a bit brighter for me:
Events looks pretty different these days than they ever have before. We’re hanging out with friends over Zoom and avoiding public spaces we used to love (oh how I miss you, concerts and movie theaters!). We’re tuning in to an endless stream of Instagram lives (may I recommend Ziwe Fumudoh’s genius live show on Thursdays and also every IGTV Sonya Renee Taylor has ever made?!). And, of course, many of us are protesting against anti-Black racism and police brutality, and spending our nights speed-dialing our electeds (P.S. here’s a cool tool to find your reps!)
So it’s no surprise that our most recent round up of upcoming events looks a little different than normal too. From virtual talks to drive in movies, check out our full Geek About Town events calendar to find out about all of the online (or physically-distanced in-person) events coming up that may just help you feel a little bit better about the strange, sad, confusing, and exhausting times we’re living in.
A real quarantine mood. [Image description: A black and white gif of Demi Lovato singing the song “Let It Snow” from Frozen. The lyrics “a kingdom of isolation it looks like I’m the queen” are overlaid on the image. Source: Giphy]
Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the upcoming events I’m most excited for:
[Image description: a vendor smiles at two people who have stopped to look at their booth in the GeekGirlCon Exhibitor Hall. Photo by Sayed Alamy.]
I think I can safely say that one of the highlights of many people’s experience at GeekGirlCon is the Exhibitor Hall.
It’s hard to resist! Where else can you find all of the artwork, books, games, clothing, pins, plushies, and stickers you could ever want from the most talented group of geeky creators around? It’s a magical place full of people forming connections over shared fandoms, finding just the right gift for their loved ones (or themselves!), and supporting incredible creators from across the region.
If you happen to be one of those incredible creators, you’re in luck – exhibitor applications are now officially open! We will be accepting submissions through Friday, May 15 at 11:59pm PST. (All applications submitted after May 15 will be automatically moved to the waitlist.)
Before you apply, here are a couple of useful resources to get you started:
Once you’ve reviewed that information, you’re ready to apply! Thank you for your interest in exhibiting at GeekGirlCon ’20. We can’t wait to see you (and your wonderful creations/items) there!
[Image description: two GeekGirlCon attendees in cosplay look at art prints in the Exhibitor Hall. Photo by Sayed Alamy.]
Have an idea for an awesome panel or interactive workshop that you’ve been mulling over? Want to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow con-goers? Have a game that you would like to demo on the gaming floor?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, we want to hear from you! From now until Thursday, April 30 at 11:59pm PST we are accepting applications and submissions for:
Panel Submissions Each year, our panels are wide-ranging, diverse, compelling, and unique. Have a topic you’d like to discuss? A perspective you just HAVE to share? We want to hear from you!
Panelist and/or Moderator Application Apply to be considered as a panelist or moderator on any panels that need additional participants! Our team will work to match you with a panel that fits your interests.
Performance & Event Submissions From musical performances to variety shows, game shows to DJ sets, we can’t wait to receive your submissions for performances and events.
Workshop Submissions Workshops are some of the most interactive and educational elements of GeekGirlCon – and some of the most fun! Submit your idea for a hands-on presentation, class, or tutorial and share your know-how with all of us!
Tabletop Game Host Applications Have you created (or are you in the process of creating) a game, either independently or with a studio? Submit your proposal to demo it on our gaming floor
A child plays a computer game while an adult leans over to watch. Photo by Torrin Maynard.
Psst! When submitting your programming proposal, be sure that it is:
Mission-aligned Be sure to check out our mission and values before you submit to make sure that your programming submission aligns with our vision – to celebrate and honor the legacies of under-represented groups in science, technology, comics, arts, literature, game play, and game design. We do this by connecting geeks worldwide and creating an intersectional community that fosters the continued growth of women in geek culture. We’re looking for programming ideas that help us provide a safe space to spark conversations around social justice while encouraging unabashed geekiness.
Timely We love to receive submissions that are relevant to what is happening today and that discuss timely issues in interesting new ways.
Relevant When submitting your ideas, be sure to keep your audience in mind. What would GeekGirlCon attendees be interested in and excited about?
If you have any questions about submitting your programming idea, please reach out to us at programming@geekgirlcon.com.
Our GeekGirlCon team is busy creating our best convention yet, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it. Happy panel submission season!
It’s winter. It’s cold, it’s wet, and the vitamin D supplements are flowing freely.
During these long, dreary months, I tend to adhere to the “hibernation is best” policy. When darkness begins to fall at 4:00pm, I rapidly lose all motivation to turn off The Witcher, drag myself from the pile of blankets in the corner of my couch, put down whatever YA fantasy book I’m re-reading for comfort at any given time, and venture into the outer world.
So it’s a true testament to the quality of the upcoming events on the Geek About Town Calendar that even I am carving out some room in my busy schedule of making large pots of soup and admiring Geralt’s flowing white hair to explore some of the exciting offerings that the city has in store.
That sinking feeling when you have to leave your apartment. (Image description: Gif of Geralt from The Witcher walking towards the camera with his head bowed down. There are strands of white hair hanging in his face, and he’s wearing a dark tunic with a silver pendant necklace. His face is dirty and bloody and he does not look happy. Source: Giphy)
Be sure to check out the full calendar here, and in the meantime, here is a sneak peek of a few of my favorites:
Is it hard for anyone else to believe that GeekGirlCon was a full two weeks ago? Maybe it’s because the daily routine of work, sleep, and Con-less days has set in; maybe it’s because this fall has felt like it’s lasted about two second, but I for one am already feeling nostalgic for the whirlwind of panels, workshops, cosplay contests, DIY Science Zone-ing, Exhibitor Hall-perusing, merch-purchasing days of the Con.
The perfect solution to the post-Con blues? Looking through all of the awesome photos from the #GGC19 photobooth! Taken by veteran GeekGirlCon photographer Sayed Alamy, the full photobooth album is up on Flickr now.
While I highly recommend looking through them all to fully relive the Con magic (and get excited for next year!), here are just a few of my favorites:
Image Description: Three people cosplaying as Hogwarts students.Image Description: Two people cosplaying as ghostbusters.Image Description: Two people cosplaying as Belle and Gaston from Beauty and the Beast.Image Description: Four people cosplaying as the Heathers, from Heathers.Image Description: Two people cosplaying as Princess Bubblegum and Marceline.Image Description: A person wearing a beanie, denim jacket, glasses, and a t-shirt that reads “Black Girl Magic.” They are holding their hands on their hips.Image Description: Three people cosplaying as King Trident, Ursula, and Ariel from The Little Mermaid.Image Description: A person cosplaying as General Leia Organa.
There are so many ways to start your GeekGirlCon ’19 weekend off right: double-checking your schedule for the weekend, making space on your walls for your inevitable Exhibitor Hall purchases, planning your look for each day. The list goes on and on.
The most important way to start the convention off right? Coming to the annual Kick Off Party, of course!
Get all the details below, and mark your calendars for an event you won’t want to miss.
Image Description: A gif of a person dancing in front of a light pink background. Source: Giphy
Where: Pacific Science Center
When: Friday, November 15th from 7:00 – 10:00pm
What: food, a cash bar, crafts, games, music, geeky madlibs, and so much more!
Why: fun, friends (new and old!), and general merriment! Let’s get the #GGC19 party started!
P.S. If you have already received your badge, please bring it with you to the party. If you don’t have your badge, you can pick it up at the party!
It’s that time again! Specifically, the time to introduce you all to Hafsah Faizal, an incredible Featured Contributor who you’ll have the opportunity to hear speak during the panel Rising Stars: Q&A and Book Recs from Publishing’s Most Exciting Newcomers, and meet at not one but two meet and greets over the course of the weekend. (For full details, click here.)
Hafsah Faizal
Not only is Hafsah is the author of the New York Times bestselling fantasy novel We Hunt the Flame, but as the founder of Icey Designs she is a website and brand designer. (Ever checked out the websites of V.E. Schwab, G. Willow Wilson, and Catherynne Valente? All Hafsah’s work!)
I wish that GeekGirlCon had been around when I was a kid for lots of different reasons: the inspiring panels, the awesome exhibitor hall, the general sense of geeky camaraderie and joy. But the number one reason is that I would have been all over the DIY Science Zone.
Packed with experiments, experts, and opportunities to get your hands dirty, the DIY Science Zone is an absolute treasure trove for science-minded geeks. Spend any amount of time in the zone during the con, and you’re guaranteed to walk away with the sense of wonder and possibility that only comes with watching science enthusiasts of all ages revel in the joy of making a cool connection, experiencing something for the very first time, and learning from scientists who are passionate about what they do.
In a time when youth-led movements are changing the conversation around climate change and young people are making incredible leaps in scientific discovery, supporting empowering, informative, and joyful spaces like a DIY Science Zone is more important than ever.
If you haven’t yet, it’s not too late to donate to the DIY Science Zone, both to ensure that we can bring in scientists, educators, and experts, and that we can keep the zone stocked with plentiful supplies.
Let’s make this year’s DIY Science Zone the best one yet! You can make your donation here, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact diyscience@geekgirlcon.com.
Image Description: A kid holds an animal in their hands, while another kid looks on and an adult holds out their hands. All three people are smiling. Photo by James McDaniel.
If you haven’t applied to become an Agent (GeekGirlCon speak for “convention volunteer”) at GeekGirlCon ’19 yet, now is the time!
The deadline to submit your application is coming up in just 3 days, on this Sunday, September 8 at 10pm PST.
Here Are The Details:
Date: GeekGirlCon ’19 will be held November 16th and 17th
Location: Washington State Conference Center, located at 8th and Pike in downtown Seattle (across the street from the Convention Center)
Commitment: By applying, you commit to being available to work at least 2 shifts (4-5 hours each)
Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years of age to be an Agent
Here’s Why You Should Apply:
Join an incredible team of fellow geeks
Receive a free pass to the Con
Gain access to our Agent Headquarters
Get a behind the scenes look at how we put on such an amazing convention
Volunteering as an Agent is a wonderful opportunity to level up your commitment to GeekGirlCon. So don’t wait, apply now!
Image Description: A gif of singers, actors, and sisters, Chloe and Halle Bailey, pointing and mouthing the words “You Got This,” which are also written on the screen. The background is a pink and blue pastel gradient.
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