Dragon Con 2017: Panels, Parade, Cosplay, Crowds and Escalators!

George visits dragon con 2017

Dragon Con 2017: Panels, Parade, Cosplay, Crowds and Escalators!

Dragon Con is a science-fiction and fantasy convention that takes place every Atlanta over Labor Day weekend. The conference has attained legendary status and is one of the largest volunteer-based cons in the world. Every year, 80,000 – 100,000 people descend on the four hotels of Dragon Con to take in panels, show off costumes and just people watch.

Dragon Con 2017: George’s Video

Over the five days of Dragon Con, you can’t see everything nor should you try. With panels from 10:00 A.M. till midnight, there is something for everyone. Saturday hosts an hour-long parade that draws in people from all over Georgia and there are autograph sessions and more. The vendor hall is overwhelming and usually takes up three floors of the AmeriaSmart building.

dragon con
Debbie Viguie, Dr. Scott Viguie and I present a panel on the history of the Magic Kingdom for the Kaleidoscope Track.

I presented three different panels during the conference and had a great time. Being a panelist is sort of like podcasting or doing a YouTube video; it’s like talking directly to people about your passions.

dragon con 2017 parade
The 10:00 A.M. Saturday parade is extremely popular and free! You don’t have to have a badge to watch the parade (just a parking space).

One of the biggest parts of Dragon Con is simply checking out all of the amazing costumes and cosplayers. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can take a photo; people spend a lot of time, money and effort on their costumes and they love showing off.

dragon con 2017
Often groups will cosplay together, like these fans of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Dragon Con is a lot of fun, but it’s also exhausting. You are walking, standing and on the lookout for decent food. DragonCon Crud is real, so make sure to wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer.

dragon con 2017 lines

And have fun!

Have you visited Dragon Con in Atlanta?

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