For the past 17 years, Dragon Con has been a staple in my life. Held in downtown Atlanta every Labor Day weekend, this pop-culture extravaganza is something I eagerly look forward to. But trying to explain Dragon Con to someone who hasn’t experienced it is like describing color to someone who’s never seen it—there’s nothing quite like it. Some people affectionately call it “Nerdi Gras,” and with good reason. Over five days, around 70,000 fans flood the city to celebrate everything from comics and movies to TV shows, anime, and beyond.

Recently, I’ve found myself in conversations with people who’ve suggested I might be “too old” for Dragon Con. Sure, I’m not the same age as when I first started attending, but here’s the thing: joy doesn’t have an age limit. Dragon Con continues to be a highlight of my year, and 2024 was no exception. Let me share why.

Sharing the Excitement

Last year, I took a big step: participating in my first-ever fan panel. I enjoyed it so much that I did it again this year. These non-celebrity panels span various “tracks” for related genres and feature fans discussing their favorite topics. I volunteered with the relatively new Theater and Performance track and was part of a panel on the quirky British film Anna and the Apocalypse—a zombie Christmas musical! Talking about the movie with other fans and introducing it to new people was a rewarding experience.

One of the best parts of Dragon Con is sharing your passion. Whether by joining a panel or simply enjoying the company of thousands of other like-minded fans, there’s an infectious energy in knowing you’re among people who “get it.”

Cosplay and Photoshoots

A huge part of Dragon Con is cosplay, where fans dress up as their favorite characters. For the uninitiated, “cosplay” is a blend of “costume” and “play,” and it’s a central part of the Dragon Con experience. From the biggest blockbuster franchises to niche interests, if you can think of it, someone’s cosplaying it.

This year, I participated in a Broadway costume photoshoot hosted by the Theater and Performance track, where I dressed as Persephone from the musical Hadestown. It was an incredible experience, and what I love most about Dragon Con’s cosplay community is its inclusivity. No matter your shape, size, or age—there’s no judgment. You can embody any character that brings you joy.

Celebrity Sightings

While Dragon Con may not be the industry titan that San Diego Comic-Con is, there are still plenty of celebrity appearances. These big names will participate in panels or sign autographs on the Walk of Fame.

This year, we stayed in a different hotel, one that also housed many of the celebrities. We had fun, casual run-ins with stars like Anson Mount from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, John Cleese, Brent Spiner, Alan Tudyk, Manny Jacinto, and Nathan Fillion. While celebrity panels aren’t my main draw, these unexpected sightings made this year’s convention extra special.

Time with Friends

At its core, Dragon Con is about connection. I attend with a close-knit group of friends from across the country every year. We’ve got Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, and California represented in our squad. This year, we had to split up into two hotels, but we’ve already booked our rooms for next year, and we’ll all be back together again.

Beyond my core group, Dragon Con has introduced me to countless other fans who share my passions. Over the years, I’ve made lifelong friendships by striking up conversations with strangers who love the same things I do. It’s an incredibly welcoming community.

Share Your Joy

Dragon Con is more than a convention—it’s an opportunity to celebrate joy in its purest form. Whether or not you’re into “nerd culture,” you can appreciate the power of sharing what makes you happy. As a business owner, this lesson is just as important. When I was involved in the tiny home community, I found that sharing my passion for intentional living at conferences and street fairs built community and opened new opportunities for growth and connection.

The same principle applies to your business. Passion is contagious. When you’re enthusiastic about what you do, it shows and draws others in. Like Dragon Con, where fans come together over shared interests, you can bring that same energy to your brand. You can inspire loyalty and grow your business by showcasing your excitement and connecting with your audience through well-crafted websites and engaging marketing.

So, no, there’s no age limit on joy. And if you find something that brings you happiness, whether it’s pop culture or your profession, never stop sharing it with the world.

Are you looking to share your joy?

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