I’m watching my partner in nerd, my co-founder Omar try to conquer a shaved ice from the Blerdcon BBQ event that’s larger than the mass of hair he has been growing out over the last few years. He’s losing. I chose a simple smoothie that I downed in about seventeen minutes. Lauren won this particular sweepstakes with some fruit blended medley that was neither mediocre, nor messy. This is my first time at Blerdcon (its second year of existence) but after a weekend there, it’s apparent this is a metaphor for the convention itself. Everyone can get something specific they are looking for. Sometimes you go simple. Sometimes you bite off more than you can chew. But its always on your terms.
After the success of Blerdcon’s launch last year, BNP invested heavily this year, hosting panels and sending more folks to cover it. The word was that Blerdcon exceeded expectations by providing space, an abundance for every kind of nerd, with a bend towards inclusion for marginalized voices. This year, it succeeds in that, in spades. There is no shortage of either content or personality on display.
For a new con, the setting of the Hyatt Regency in Alexandria, VA worked out well for accessibility to events, panels, etc. Even parking (the scourge for an outsider of DC like myself) was readily available for those traveling via car. And folks traveled in droves. What I imagined would be a well attended on a small scale con, and what I witnessed was a well-attended medium sized if not larger con. A true flocking of nerds not only attended events, but seem to represent well in plenty of panels and workshops. As the possibility of a con growing larger (especially one that had success in its inaugural year), the venue seems to be hugely accommodating for what the event that Blerdcon was this year and will be for the next couple of years at least.
Things to Do
There was a breadth of material at Blerdcon this year, mostly centered around panels more than most things. By the sheer number of panels, you’re going to get your great panels and not so great panels. This isn’t by the fault of Blerdcon by any way shape or form. As Blerdcon becomes more ambitious with even larger communal events, it may naturally trim down on the number of panels. Which hopefully will increase the quality and reduce the repetitive talks and workshops that might presently exist. We found some great vendors in artist alley, but it definitely felt like the least invested aspect where more artists could’ve been in attendance. Not knowing what the incentive programs or rates may be for artists, it would be nice to see even more vendors participating with even more diverse offerings.
Dama Cherepaha 