In the time I’ve been attending comic conventions, I’ve only ever gotten one photo op with a celebrity. It was last year with Eliza Dushku, someone I have been a fan of for years. I usually go to conventions to show off my cosplay and network with other writers and artists, as well as check out panels on writing.
This year, I had amazing friends who let me jump in on their photo op with Chris Evans. I also was lucky enough to attend his panel. I am a huge fan of Captain America, both in the comics and in the movies, so it was an amazing experience to fill my Saturday with these events.
Salt Lake Comic Con held a lottery for tickets to the panel. My husband and I won one entry between us, and he was happy to let me go and see one of my favorite actors. I know a lot of people were frustrated with the lottery system, but it I think it was better than many people camping all night and from what I heard all of the people who joined the standby line were able to get in. Also, gracious fans that were not going to use their tickets were all over the SLCC Facebook page ready to share and trade their tickets, for free (one person did attempt to sell their pass, but they were quickly set upon by a horde of people telling them how rude that was).
Chris discussed both the movies and his issues with anxiety. My favorite thing he mentioned was focusing on gratitude and being thankful for the things you have. He also spoke about quieting your mind and taking time each day to do so. As someone with anxiety, it was amazing to hear him share some of his struggles and triumphs. It also made meeting him for a few moments later in the day all that special. When I said “Thank you so much” for the photo op, he replied with “Thank you” as well with a smile on his face. His sincerity was very touching.
I got to spend a lot of my time at this convention with new friends and some old friends. Honestly, that is what made it so much fun for me. Connecting with people. I recognized a Kate Bishop cosplay and she immediately ran up and hugged me. Because the convention was better organized and overall better done than the previous two years, I think it made for an easy way to have fun. Each day was a blast and I could not of had more fun.
I’ve seen posts complaining about lines and crowds, but any time you have an event with literally a hundred thousand people, these issues are going to arise. Try to keep a good attitude, bring some friends with you, and just have a blast.
I would absolutely recommend this convention if you are looking to attend a larger convention with a focus on pop culture. They don’t have quite the emphasis on actual comic books (Writers, artists, etc) that I have seen at other cons, so I may not attend for that, but they do have a wonderful Artist Alley section filled with people either in the industry or trying to break in.
What was your favorite thing about the convention if you attended? Is there anything else you’d like to know about it? Let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to provide you with anymore info I have.
The Taming of the Muse 