NerdCon: Stories is on the horizon!

Last year we were lucky enough to attend NerdCon: Stories in Minneapolis, MN. That’s where we filmed our Fox In Socks Stretch Goal kickoff for the 2015 fundraiser. This year, we’re going again, and if you missed out last year, you HAVE to come this year!

Why? Because stories are important.

Super bonus: If you register before September 25th, your name will go into a lottery for a chance to get together with one of your favorite NerdCon guests for a kaffeeklatsch. What’s this wonderful thing? Why, it’s an hour-long get-together with one of NerdCon’s featured guests (quite a few of whom are participating) and a dozen attendees where everyone gets to have coffee or tea and chat about whatever they like. It’s definitely more intimate than a full-blown panel, and seating is limited. They’re doing it all lottery style so everyone has a chance to attend one, but the deadline for the lottery is September 25th so they have some time to finalize the schedule.

It’s tough to describe NerdCon: Stories, but here goes. Hank Green and Pat organize it, and it’s a fan-focused con that involves round-the-clock entertainment via the main stage as well as tons of panels on everything from writing and art to marketing yourself and the business side of the creative industry. And more. The focus is storytelling, but they specifically highlight how storytelling winds throughout a variety of professions. Their guest list is staggering.

Folks organize impromptu panels in the halls and waiting areas. There are sing-alongs, information dumps, and involved followup discussions scattered thorughout the venue. It’s a very relaxed con, but still has so much stuff to do, and you’ll definitely want to. If you want to hear about the writing industry, the panels are information-rich and crazy fun. If you’re more interested in the creative process in general, there are panels for that as well, and a lot of the creators attending the con are gracious enough to make themselves available when they’re not on active panels (please ask first, though–they might really have to pee). If you’re just there to see some of your favorite authors, musicians, comedians, podcasters, dancers, game designers, cartoonists, and gadabouts take to the main stage for no other reason than to entertain you, spend the day at the main stage for mock debates, large discussions, stories, puppet shows, you name it.

And the stories are astounding.

NerdCon: Stories is at the same time crazy and low-key. It’s one of the most relaxing cons we’ve been to, but there are always at least three official programs running at once, and who knows how many more spontaneous gatherings to get involved in around the convention center. It’s open and inviting. It’s always interesting and surprising. This is the kind of con that will send you home with a ton of stories of your own.

We had a great time last year, and we’ll have a great time this year. Treat yourself to NerdCon: Stories, and when you’re there, stop by and say hi!