Of course, they weren't completely organized this go round. They were often making quick changes to the schedule and location of events and poorly communicating those changes. They’d do an announcement in the ballroom, but that didn’t benefit those that weren’t in there to hear it. Also, the handling of tickets and seating was an issue. I especially heard a lot of griping from people in the row behind me on the third day. These people had come in just for the day and didn’t understand with all the empty chairs (the con was far from a sell out) why it was so tough to get seated. I had similar problems getting checked in on Saturday morning with my gold ticket, since I arrived too late for registration on Friday. They didn’t have the gifts there yet, so I had to come back. By the time I did, there were two lines that weren’t marked and there were a lot of people confused about who should be in which line.
Having said that though, Creation managed to pull a memorable event together despite all their last minute mishaps; like the star attraction cancelling and having to schedule four new guests. For one, this con was easily half the size of Chicago, maybe less. It was far less of a circus. Also, I noticed in Chicago that many of the fans were repeat attendees. Here, those attending for their first time outnumbered those who had been to a Supernatural convention before. The reason for that is that this event was the first con ever to be held on the east coast, and there were plenty of local fans ready to share the love without having to travel to Chicago, Dallas, Orlando, or LA.
Because the makeup of the crowd was different in both numbers and type of attendees, that likely translated into a more personal experience for everyone. In Chicago, the groups were more clustered, brought together by online names more than interest in the show (probably necessary for a con that size). In Cherry Hill, a fan was a fan and there was plenty of open conversation with all. I was constantly talking with people; during breaks, in the bars, at the events, in the lobby, in the elevator, etc. All were excited to be there and willing to get to know other fans. I met plenty of fans in Chicago, but didn’t get to know them like I did in Cherry Hill.
Article comments
1 - Deej1957
Sounds like you had a great time.
The professors who are writing the book: have they never seen any other fandoms? Stargate, for one. Supernatural isn't any different than its predecessors even down to the character one VS character two wars! Just as much screaming at cons, just as big when they were starting out. Supernatural fandom is just the latest in a long line of fannish shows.
The Creation breakfasts are usually the way you saw them in NJ with the guests going from table to table. It's only with Jared and Jensen that they stay on stage rather than mingle; it's a contractual thing with them as they have some exceptionally manic fans.