Fandoms Unite!
While some are arguably most famous than the other, there’s no denying that in recent years that nerd culture has become mainstream, paving the way for fans of comic books, video games, anime, cartoons and electronics to celebrate their chosen hobbies by means of large-scale gatherings. No matter the event, you can always count on vast amounts of cosplayers, celebrity guests and a whole lot of geeky merriment!
#5: Dragon Con
Celebrating all things fantastic, this Atlanta, Georgia-based convention serves as the perfect stronghold for all things elves, aliens, and dragons! Drawing in 57,000 visitors in 2014, this four day event spans across several hotels in the city, and features countless hours of panels and seminars dedicated to gaming, cosplaying commentary, and interaction with professionals from every corner of the fiction realms. What makes Dragon Con stand out are the intensive-writing workshops, in-house fan-art contests, and parade marches which encourage committed participation from guests.
#4: Tokyo Game Show
If you’re looking for the latest from Capcom, Namco Bandai or Sony, you’re bound to find it in this gaming paradise. Smaller than Germany’s Gamescom but also open to the public, TGS emphasizes Japanese games, but is well-rounded in that it endorses independent developers at international levels – so don’t expect to find only your latest Tekken or Resident Evils here. What makes it stand out further is its reputation to keep chaos at a minimum, separating exhibitions based on categories like business-related, public demonstrations, and merchandise purchasing, so getting lost will take a little more effort.Â
#3: Consumer Electronics Show
Also known as the CES, this international trade show has seen it all, and has been debuting the latest in technology since 1967. Everything from the VCR, to the CD player, the plasma TV, or the Blu-ray – if it’s gadget or gizmo related, it was introduced here. Appropriately held at the start of each year, this private Vegas-based event has grown to have as many as 3,600 exhibitors participate in its festivities, with as many as 170,000 guests getting first-looks and hands-on dibs on thousands of new products.
#2: Electronic Entertainment Expo [aka E3]
Known to most as E3, this gaming gala is the place to be for firsthand test-runs on all the newest and upcoming releases from all the big names in video games. Connecting nearly 50,000 developers and press-members in the Los Angeles Convention Center, E3 showcases upcoming game titles, new technologies and never-before-seen products that won’t be in the market for years. Though frowned upon for its exclusivity and industry-only status, the convention has gotten nods for its constant professionalism and big-shot guest appearances – including the CEOs and other bigwigs from all the mainstream publishers.
#1: San Diego Comic-Con International
Taking the top spot on our list is the only place where you’ll find Vader, Frodo, and all the Avengers in the same room. Honoring all things pop-culture, this four-day event is calling all! From film buffs, to TV-show enthusiasts, gamers of all formats, and, of course, comic fans, if you’re following anything, you’re sure to find something at this universal mash-up of universes! Held at the San Diego Convention Center and its surrounding buildings, this assemblage of celebrity panels, cosplay showdowns, and merchandise booths sees as many as 130,000 visitors each year. So stormtroopers, elven warriors, and resistance fighters, gear up! This is one crazy convention you can’t be too prepared for!
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Gaming Conventions Around the World.
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