YOUR GUIDE TO POP-CON 2024

If you’re even a little plugged into nerdy pop culture, you probably know about mega conventions like Comic-Con, Gen-Con, or Dragon Con. But did you know that Green Bay has its very own annual pop culture convention?

If not, then let us introduce you to Pop Con!

Pop Con is an annual multi-genre pop culture convention bringing together fans of everything from comics to video games, sci-fi to fantasy, role-playing games to illustration, and so much more. Every year, Pop Con brings in fans from all over the region to listen to guest speakers, learn new stuff at workshops, show off cosplay, check out local artists, and meet fellow nerds.

If any of that sounds like your kind of fun, then you’re in luck. Pop Con is back at the Brown County Central Library this fall, and you’re invited!

So stock up on extra-hold hairspray, grab your foam buster sword, and keep reading to get the lowdown on what to expect at this year’s Pop Con.

WHEN & WHERE IS POP CON?

Saturday, October 5th, 2024, from 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Brown County Central Library.

WHO IS POP CON FOR?

Everybody! Pop Con is an all-ages, family-friendly event. Whether you’re a comic book aficionado, a board game buff, or maybe just consider yourself nerd-adjacent, all are welcome!

FEATURED SPEAKER

Pop Con’s featured guest this year is Raina Telgemeier, award-winning author and graphic novel illustrator. She is best known for her New York Times bestsellers like Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, and Guts, as well as for adapting and illustrating four graphic novel versions of Ann M. Martin’s Baby-Sitter’s Club series and contributing work to many anthologies.

You’ll have two chances to see Raina at this year’s Pop Con. First, enjoy a live podcast recording with Raina in conversation with Dr. Bryan Carr for his podcast Serious Fun. The conversation kicks off at 10:15am in the Central Library auditorium, and doors open at 9:30am.

Raina will also be leading a second keynote event titled “Turn Your Life Into a Comic,” where she’ll dive into the art of transforming personal stories into graphic novels. This ticketed event is a must for aspiring comic creators and writers. Tickets are free but limited, so grab yours starting September 16 at local library locations (Central, East Branch, Kress Family Branch, Weyers-Hilliard Branch). The doors open at 12:15 p.m., and you’ll want to be there to catch every bit of the magic.

EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, & MORE

In addition to Raina’s appearances, Pop Con is brimming with other cool activities.

Check out performances by Treble Alliance throughout the day and see what being a cosplaying Irish dance troupe is all about (yes, you read that right). See a preview of their performances on their YouTube channel!

Dive into the Artist Alley and meet local creators selling art, stickers, pins, and more. You can also stop by UW-Green Bay’s booth showcasing the university’s Center for Games & Interactive Media and learn more about the unique Game Design track in the Writing & Applied Arts BFA program.

If you’re a gamer (or game-curious), check out the gameplay area sponsored by Gnome Games and test out some new board games. Hungry? Local food trucks Grounded on the Go and La Tacoyota will be outside from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving up tasty bites to keep you fueled throughout the day.

And for those who love a bit of friendly competition, don’t miss the Cosplay Contest! Dress to impress in a family-friendly costume and compete for fun prizes.

Not sure where to start with your cosplay journey? Attend the “Cosplay 101” session at 11:00am to get tips from seasoned cosplayers and level up your costume game. If roleplaying games are your thing, jump into a session of Dungeons & Dragons or Fallout. Games will be running from 10:30am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Spaces are limited, so call ahead to reserve your spot.

Other panels, workshops, and activities throughout the day include:

• 10:00am – 2:00pm | Comic Making Station, presented by SAGE

• 11:00am | Roleplaying Games for Beginners

• 12:30pm | Be a Con Pro: Convention Survival and Advice from Seasoned Experts

• 2:00pm | Friends, Foes, and Frenemies: The Greatest Duos in Popular Culture

Lastly, if you’ve got kiddos, start celebrating Pop Con early on Friday, October 4th from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Brown County Central Library at Pop Con Junior! Kids ages 5 to 10 will have the opportunity to do crafts and activities and meet cartoonist and illustrator Robb Mommaerts who will lead a draw-along demo and share work from his newest book The Monstrous Adventures of Mummy Man & Waffles.

TIME TO GEEK OUT!

Nerdy goodness awaits at Pop Con! Grab your cape and assemble the squad! Learn more about Pop Con by visiting the Brown County Library website. We’ll see you October 5th!

Source: YOUR GUIDE TO POP-CON 2024