Imagicon Review
This full scale Sci-fi and Fantasy convention was held in Birmingham AL, a three hour drive from Atlanta and my home town. Hoping that the pouring rain was not a harbinger of how the weekend would turn out, we loaded up the car and hit the road. Luckily, for us, it appears to only rain in Georgia.
Registration was held at the McWane Science Center. This was one of two offsite locations for convention activities. Once registered and bag in hand, we checked out the fan tables and then the programming grid to see what was happening. I have to say that the grid left much to be desired. It was hard to read due to the overlapping design.
The convention events were broken out like this: the art show, dealer’s room, walk of fame and most panels were being held in the McWane. The blood drive, anime panels, more vendors and some of the late night events were being held at the Old Car Heaven, the other offsite location. While ImagiCon did have a shuttle that would drive between the two host hotels, the McWane Center and Old Car heaven, the wait for the shuttle varied. Sometimes it was just easier and faster to make the 10-15 minute walk to the McWane. Unfortunately, the Old Car Heaven was across downtown Birmingham and car or shuttle was the only way to go.
Like most full conventions, the panels ranged from Costuming, Star wars, Star Trek, Anime, Paranormal, and Steampunk. There was lots of local media attention too. The dealer’s room was spacious as was the walk of fame area. After hours boasted a Steampunk Soiree, a Pirate Party and a TriWizard Ball. Plus, held at The Nick, was a special event , Heavy Metal Karaoke, which was hosted by Rock U Birmingham along with Con*Tourage. And, this was just Friday night.
Saturday was another glorious day to be at the convention. Today, Old Car Heaven was my goal. I caught the shuttle and was off. The Old Car Heaven is a good venue for the convention. It is too bad it was just so far away from the rest of the activities. The interior is a large warehouse-like room that was sectioned off. There were vendors, a stage with non-stop performances, a tea room, a human size chess game, movie and panel rooms upstairs and more. Old Car Heaven was also the site for several late night parties including Con*Tourage’s 80’s Revolution Party.
Sunday wrapped up with some final panels and packing the car. My first ImagiCon was over. Compliments to the convention staff. The volunteers were helpful and friendly. Where the grid failed, the staff excelled. But as good as the staff, the venue itself left a lot to be desired. I have attended other conventions that use multiple facilities to contain all the events. But , I have never attended one in which you must drive across town just to get there. ImagiCon has lots of potential to grow. It has a good foundation. But, for me to return, the venue needs to be changed.
Traci Tant is the co-founder of GirlsOfTheCon.com, a website dedicated to convention girls and bringing the creativity and Inspirational fashion and design of the sci fi, fantasy, gothic, steampunk, horror, and alternative cultures and genres to the eyes of the often over critical mainstream. Contact Traci at GirlsOfTheCon.com