Conventions are shifting back to in-person Southern California! As someone who’s a mélange of the aforementioned feelings, including reservations after a negative convention experience, DesignerCon 2021 absolutely exceeded all expectations! Emotions on the matter run the spectrum, ranging from folks chomping at the bit to just experience conventions again, to folks that are understandably cautious and perhaps even absolutely against the idea.
Firstly, let’s talk about the Health and Safety Protocols that were in place for the convention. To attend the event, attendees were required to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative rapid antigen or PCR lab COVID-19 test to enter. Then, convention staff checked these proofs at the entrance to the building, and for the convenience of everyone, provided on-site rapid testing right next to the main fountain. All of this information was well laid out on the website for months prior to the event.
Once verified vaccinated or negative by convention staff, folks were given an orange, waterproof wristband for the entirety of the event. No additional checks or tests were required. Then, it was off to pick up badges and start enjoying the convention, which was a breeze without any long lines or passing out from heat exhaustion.
Furthermore, DesignerCon adhered to the mask mandates enforced by the state of California. Thankfully, there didn’t seem to be any pushback on any of these protocols.
In fact, vendors and attendees alike brimmed with excitement to be back on the convention floor. Commentary on how everyone’s learning how to socialize in person again seemed to happen in almost every conversation. Plus, even through the abundance of masks in the nicely spread out convention center, smiles were visible in every aisle.
There’s just a certain energy that in-person events have that can’t quite be replicated online. However, many platforms have done a wonderful job bridging the gap during this still ongoing pandemic.
One such platform is PopShop Live. Otherwise known as PSL, it’s a mobile app that allows sellers to easily host live sales shows from their mobile devices. Without in-person conventions, many artists and vendors lost an important revenue stream, but PopShop Live bridged that gap for many small businesses. Created in 2019, the startup partnered with DesignerCon in 2020 to bring the convention live to its attendees virtually. In fact, it’s still bridging that gap by growing its network of users, supporting its sellers on an unprecedented level relative to existing platforms. Their booth this year was such a welcoming and informative corner of the convention.
Attending DesignerCon in 2019, the sheer volume and variety of art pieces on display and for sale was overwhelming. For scale, take Artist’s Alley at even larger conventions and super-size it. Even going into this year’s event with that experience, caution had to be taken in regard to keeping to a budget.
Still, the great thing about DesignerCon is that there’s always something for everyone. There were interactive displays with the EYEJACK app, premium digital NFTs of many large fandoms with VeVe, and of course, many limited editions and DesignerCon exclusive art pieces. There was even an insanely detailed, fully functional 24” Ecto-1 glass piece by @hoobsglass that absolutely blew minds. Pun intended.
Not looking to drop large dollars on some of the limited edition art that DesignerCon had to offer? There was a myriad of smaller artists to support with everything from prints to fandom oven mitts. Though the personal favorite at this show was many of the smaller enamel pin creators.
Many were excited at the return of the DesignerCon Art Show, titled Gold Timey this year. Carmen Acosta, who has been the Creative Director of the new SoFi Stadium for the past couple of years, curated the show. The collection was meant as a nostalgic ode to the original cartoons that inspired many within pop culture fandom.
It’s been a week and folks still aren’t over the wonderful experience that was DesignerCon 2021! Meeting wonderful people in an organized, safe convention was exactly what many needed, even if the wallet protests. Hopefully, this is the trend that continues through the convention season. Looking at you WonderCon, Star Wars Celebration, and D23!
