Con men.

Last weekend Garth and I returned to Intervention Con, a small and mellow show that we’ve been attending for five years.  This weekend we’re making our first appearance at DragonCon, which (from what we’re told) is monstrous in size and insane in activity.  Two conventions in two weekends can be tiring, especially as you get older and travel wears you down, but contrasting conventions like these can offer a good perspective on the pros and cons of shows of both sizes.

Smaller conventions: + A slower, more relaxed pace. + Lengthier conversations with attendees. + No huge crowds to deal with. + Reasonable hours for the Artist Alley. – Less attendees equals smaller sales.

Bigger conventions: + A faster, more exciting pace. + More attendees equals more sales. + The people-watching is unforgettable. + You may end up on the news! + People who do one or two cons a year stick to these bigger shows, and their enthusiasm is infectious. – Huge crowds to deal with (everyone who “rides the elevator up to go down” can bite me). – Artist Alley hours can be exhausting. – You may end up on the news.

Garth and I enjoy doing both kinds of conventions.  We’ve been going to them for just about a decade.  Any size, any shape, any pace, we like coming out and meeting folks.  The travel can be tiring and the planning can be frustrating, but the experience is always worth it.