Such a huge part of attending any con—as I’m sure y’all know—is spending hours looking through all of the amazing exhibitors who bring their breathtaking work to us year after year. I’m sure we all agree that it’s one of our favorite ways to support independent creators.
While we can’t convene in person, we still fully intend to recreate that pivotal experience with our Virtual Expo Hall.
Launching in October, our virtual marketplace will play host to over 100 unique exhibitors. Our team is currently working hard to prepare a seamless digital browsing experience for all of us, so stay tuned for more updates as we near GeekGirlCONLINE.
[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.]
GeekGirlCon ’19 is in full swing, and we’ve packed so much into one weekend that it can be hard to see and do it all. BUT, if you’re a person who likes things of any kind, and you haven’t had the chance to pop up to the Exhibitor Hall on the fourth floor yet, you should absolutely check it out.
Not convinced? Here’s just a tiny look at everything you can see, do, & buy:
The first day of con has come and gone, and there are plenty of feels to go around.
Each year, my team covers various panels and events to write about for the GeekGirlCon blog—a truly daunting task, of course. This year we each wanted to write a short blurb about our experiences during the weekend of con to share with all of you: what panels we attended, our favorite exhibitors, and a little bit about what’s happening behind-the-scenes (you know, those important anecdotes about naps in the staff room and dad jokes that only we find funny).
#GGC18 may go down as one of our favorites yet, and we hope you’re having just as much fun as we are thus far!
From GeekGirlCon Manager of Editorial, Indigo Boock (me!)
Saturday morning started off with a pot of coffee delivered right to my hotel room door at 6:15 sharp. Oh, I could write ballads to that coffee, but no amount of caffeine would stand a chance to the hectic excitement that awaited me on the convention floor.
Appropriately, I started off my day at a panel that meant a lot to me and my relationship with gaming: 25 Years of Myst Fandom.
Back when I learned that Cyan would be joining us for GeekGirlCon 2018, I was floored. I immediately called my dad and geeked out over the news, and without a doubt I was primed and ready for the panel at 11:30 this morning. A conversation between Myst co-creator Rand Miller and super fans Melinda Rose and Eleri Hamilton, the panelists discussed the game and the truly unique community that has tirelessly slaved over its lore throughout the years. Though I have far less street cred than both Melinda and Eleri, Myst has a sneaky way of integrating itself into pivotal parts of my life, and that now includes my time working with GeekGirlCon.
During a little bit of down time, I finally had a chance to walk around the exhibitor hall—and I am genuinely shocked that my wallet is still in once piece (though it’s definitely not happy with me). I passed some familiar faces, added a few more t-shirts to my ever growing collection, and connected with an artist I hadn’t heard of before but whose work I instantly adored. Susana’s (@S2HEARTBunny) style meshed perfectly with my aesthetic: very pink and a little eerie. She even told me about a smaller, local event that she’s organizing in the coming months, illustrafest!
The exhibitors truly outdid themselves this year. I’m proud that I displayed at least a little self control and didn’t just buy everything for myself.
This year I was also joined by my mom, who periodically reported which panels she was excited about and the new friends that she was making. She really reminded me why I love this community, and also made me question my own genetics and introverted tendencies when she walked by with her newfound con-posse. My mom, who I’ve written about on the blog before, is still a little newer to the geeky side of life and definitely fresh to the convention scene. Initially a display of support for my work with the organization, her own interests have taken off and she’s really learned to open up and savor the experience. A geek in training yet, she’s proud so say that she has learned a lot and excited to keep going.
When your parental unit knows you so well that they buy you the same shirt you bought yourself. #GGC18pic.twitter.com/W9NH4yNIDX
The rest of my day was spent tucked away in various panels and stowed up writing in the staff room—definitely not gorging on donuts whilst whining about how sore my feet were thanks to my ill fated decision to wear high heeled boots. I fawned over the women of Dungeons & Dragons, who have been working on the franchise since I was in grade school, and the lovely team behind Magic: The Gathering Arena. I also stopped by the Women in Horror panel for a few good laughs (and some much needed profanity). All in all, it was an great day.
….and here’s to a second that’s just as amazing as the first!
The countdown is on to GeekGirlCon ‘18, and you can help us make it our best year yet! You have until 11:59 PST on April 30 to submit your exhibitor or programming application.
No matter what holiday(s) you celebrate this time of year, we all love to give something back to the people in our lives. Gifts that show our geeks that we care—that we support their interests and passions and love what makes them unique.
For many, this past year has presented difficult trials, and we will continue to conquer them in 2018. These trials will never dull or cease, but we should step back and look to our friends and family, to those who inspire us most. We need to look to our artists, who bring color into our lives. Our dreamers, who show us how magical each day can be. Our philosophers, who challenge what the world should be. And our scientists, who push the boundaries. The geeks in our lives deserve something special, a little something to express our love as we end 2017 and look beyond.
Without further ado, here is the GGC Gift Guide 2017:
Gifts for your Artist
Mudcloth Paper Journal
Beautiful, yes, but what makes these journals from Raven + Lily an amazing gift? They were handcrafted by artisans at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in Northern India. Raven + Lily works to empower women by employing artisans who otherwise had difficulty finding work, so that they can earn an income to support their families and community. I’d highly recommend taking a look at their mission statement and values while you scroll through their stunning pieces.
Lottie Doll
I came across this doll while watching Youtuber Jessica Kelgren-Fozard’s October Favorites video. Mia is a Wildlife Photographer. Inspired by a real nine-year-old girl, the description on the back of the box reads: From birds and butterflies to all kinds of creepy-crawlies, I’m just mad about wildlife. Everywhere I go, I carry my camera with me. Because who knows when—or where—a brilliant photo opportunity will pop up? A beautiful photo can tell its own story. I hope that my pictures will inspire other children to love wildlife as much as I do and to take good care of this wonderful planet of ours! Mia also has a cochlear implant, and it’s just a part of what makes her unique.
Darling Magazine
I started reading Darling a few years back myself, and I can’t sing enough praises for the magazine. Darling is self-proclaimed as “the art of being a woman,” but what initially caught my eye is that they are very vocal about not using Photoshop or other editing programs to alter women’s bodies and faces. The photographs used are beautiful and raw images of very real women. It focuses on a handful of women each issue and discusses their creativity and careers in a positive, supportive, and intellectual light.
As I am sure you know, GeekGirlCon ‘17 is just around the corner. And by just around the corner I mean 224 days away. That’s practically no time at all.
One of the first steps of any avid con-goer’s preparation is determining what their involvement will look like this time around. Maybe you’ve thought of exactly the panel or special event GeekGirlCon’s been missing. Perhaps you’ll join our team of Agents and sign up for this mailing list. Or maybe, just maybe, you’re interested in being an Exhibitor.
And, lucky you, Exhibitor applications are now open on our website. This is your chance to get your geeky artwork, plushies, cosmetics, games, socks, or whatever else you have to sell out into the world and into the hands of the most enthusiastic, welcoming, and all-around lovable crowd of nerds Seattle’s ever seen.
To get you into the exhibiting spirit, here’s a delightful collection of pictures from GeekGirlCons past. And don’t forget to check out the application!
My grandma first taught me to knit when I was five years old. Oh, I was terrible at it–every time I dropped a stitch, I had to start the whole thing over–but the basic skills took root strongly enough that nearly twenty years later when I had the urge to pick up the hobby again, it all came flooding back.
I got some strange looks as a twenty-something knitter living in a small town in Texas. Twenty-somethings were supposed to be tailgating, getting drunk, and lighting bonfires; it was constantly assumed that I was knitting baby booties.
To my surprise, when I moved to the city and started joining knitting groups, they were full of my fellow geeks. And not just knitting, but many different domestic arts. Sewing, baking, quilting–you name it, someone’s made a TARDIS out of it! The 21st crafty revolution is driven by nerds and geeks of all stripes; if you see someone knitting, they’re more likely than not to have purple hair and be reading a sci-fi novel as they purl. The reasons why are a subject for a much longer post, but for now let’s have a run-down of the crafty, nerdy types who will be plying their wares at GeekGirlCon ‘15!
From veteran graphic novel lovers to comic book beginners, there’ll be something for every reader at GeekGirlCon ‘14! Offering jokes, action-packed panels, and instant graphic-ation (get it??), comics make fantastic gifts and collector items. Several brilliant web comic creators will make an appearance, so you can get your hands on content that’s usually only online. Here’s a tiny, tasty sampling of the readable goodies you’ll find in the Exhibitors Hall.
Artist Aaron Diaz will be coming up from Portland to display Dresden Codak, his impressive series of web comics. The futuristic storylines include female protagonist Kimiko “Kim” Ross, tongue-in-cheek humor, emotional truths, and a dash of steampunk-esque costumes. Fans of robots and complex mysteries will love the intertwining plots and imaginative characters—such as a TV-headed cat!
The creative team behind Weregeek will be joining the fun as well. Canadian trio Alina Pete, Layne Myhre, and Todd Myhre craft tales of die-hard D&D-players, vampire fans, and of course, Weregeeks—people who “get a handful of dice and an unholy hunger for Cheetoes” whenever a full moon rises. Sound like you? Swing by their booth to check out these clever, nerdtastic comics.
You can also use your fan-powers for good by supporting independent publishers at GeekGirlCon ‘14. One such example is Corvid Comics, a family-run press that issues comic books for both adults and children. Whether you dig black and white comics, full-color kids’ books, or both, you’re sure to walk away with a stack of future favorites to read—especially since their prices are ridiculously reasonable.
The inimitable Northwest Press team will be present to capture hearts and minds again this year. In their own words, the minds behind the company are “dedicated to publishing the best lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender comics collections and graphic novels”. This ultra-important mission has supported the LGBT community in a variety of ways, including by bringing realistic, underrepresented characters and their stories into the public eye. This press is truly doing fantastic things for the world—stop by their table to see them in action and meet your next favorite character.
On top of all this awesomeness, many exhibitors from GeekGirlCon ‘13 are coming back again! Meet or reconnect with the makers of Little Vampires, Skin Deep, Soulless, Larsen Geekery, and many more. Support independent artists and keep up on beloved storylines by picking up all the latest issues you may have missed over the past year.
This mini-list is but a glimpse into the countless comics that will be present at GeekGirlCon ‘14 for rookies and longtime readers alike. Be sure to check out the many panels (pun intended) pertaining to comic books as well. Buy your passes today and pore over all the geeky goodness with us!
When I went to Star Trek conventions many years ago, they called it the “dealers room”. At Emerald City Comicon, they call them “exhibitors”. GeekGirlCon calls them “exhibitors” as well…and there are some AMAZING exhibitors coming, y’all! I don’t have room to tell you all of them here…but I’ve spotlighted a few for you, our dear GeekGirlCon devotees.
The first one to catch my eye is a vendor I’ve seen before called cutebricks. They make “up-cycled LEGO jewelry”, and I have been drooling over them since my first sighting. (Don’t worry, it was figurative drool–no cleanup necessary!)
Cascade Rainbow earrings, a dark blue chrome heart, and a Battlestar Galactica Viper!
The next vendor on my list–and one I’m saving up to buy something from as soon as GeekGirlCon ‘14 opens on Day 1–is Unicorn Empire. They make screenprinted t-shirts from various fandoms (Doctor Who, Supernatural, and Captain America to name a few!), pillows, paper dolls, and this exquisite clock that I have absolutely no real reason to own, but desperately want!
Do you have a magic wand? Do you need one? Of course you do! If you can’t get to London, Diagon Alley, and Olivander’s Wand Emporium, you can just come talk to the friendly keeper of the Hungarian Wand Shop. They have a selection of wands ready-made in various woods, and with different types of cores, depending on the type of magic you are most likely to be performing. And don’t worry–if they don’t have a wand on hand that responds to you (as a good wand should), they take special orders. You can have any kind of wand you want!
LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) was featured in an episode of Supernatural last year–and those of us who watched that episode (with guest star Felicia Day!) kind of geeked out about it. We saw knights, queens, faeries, and all sorts of other medieval people and creatures. Sinister Metalworks has everything you need to outfit yourself and all of your friends for your next LARP session. From metal crowns of all different kids to custom-made body armor, their work will help keep you safe from swords, axes, and magic spells of all strengths!
Butterfly Frillies has Steampunk costuming supplies–from outer garments to under garments and everything in between. A friend of mine is looking for a custom-made, over-bust corset, and I have sent her the website information; this is the kind of thing they do! They have a selection of ready-made apparel and jewelry, as well. The fabrics are amazing, and the craftsmanship is beautiful.
LuvCherie Jewelry has what you’re looking for in the “elegant geek fandom and nerd whimsy” category. Necklaces, charms, earrings, rings, and many more pieces will grace their booth in the vendors room. Here are a few examples that I can’t wait to see in person:
I’ve spent some time looking at FiveLeafClover’s Etsy shop, GeekStar Costuming, and I’ve got to say: I need glowing cat ears, if only to make my own cat jealous!
Looking back at this partial list of exhibitors for upcoming GeekGirlCon ‘14, I realize that I could be in some trouble: there are a lot of items I want to buy from these peeps. And this is only some of them. Here’s the whole list!! I may need a loan…