Posted in: Comics, Denver Comic Con, Recent Updates | Tagged: Bruce MacIntosh, convention, cosplay, denver comic con, entertainment

Spotlight On Denver Comic Con: Why Cons Need Evening Events And The Actual Wedding Of Batman And Daenerys

Last week, we spoke to Denver Comic Con about their extensive programming, and the ways in which it specially catered to children and teens to make sure the con experience is "for" them as much as for adults and also to bring an educational component to all programming rather than just basing a convention experience on celebrity spotting. That is, unless the celebrity wants to read to your children! And DCC does just that every year, as well.

Today, I want to look at the relatively unusual phenomenon of Denver's full slate of evening "programming" social events that are open to everyone who holds con passes rather than requiring tickets or special access, and the "Opening Ceremonies" are even open to those who have passes for other days of the con. Many cons have show or film screenings at night, but few have such dedicated events meant to bring fandoms together for a continued con experience into the evening hours. DCC even has a real honest to God cosplay wedding taking place on the final evening of the con–between Batman and Daenerys Targaeryen. Denver Comic Con manages to be both chock full of programming but a continuous party at night, one that serves a purpose of building up the geek community.

I spoke with DCC's Director of Programming, Bruce MacIntosh about the whys and hows behind Denver Comic Con's evening events:

Hannah Means-Shannon: What do you think it adds to a convention experience to hold evening events and social events outside of normal programming?

Bruce MacIntosh: As always, Denver Comic Con is all about providing a unique, entertaining and educational experience for our fans, as well as reflecting the vibrant and active community in Denver and the Rocky Mountain region. We want to spoil our attendees, so that Denver and DCC stand out above all the rest of the corporate cons across the country that are just out there to make a buck; after all, every one of our evening events is included in the price of admission, so we're doing it completely for the positive fan experience.

Plus, we want to make sure that when they look back on the weekend, our fans say, 'That was the best weekend of my life – I've never had so much fun!' and will want to come back every year.

Besides, what could be cooler than seeing a rock opera of Mega Man 2, a reunion of the cast of an iconic 80s movie, or a geek wedding? We want to see these things, too!

HMS: What exactly are Denver's "Opening Ceremonies"? Who are they open to and how is it designed to kick off the convention?

BMcI: Opening Ceremonies is our evening event on Friday, May 22, before the con even opens on Saturday morning. Anyone with any DCC badge, any day, can get in to the OC on Friday evening. That means, for example, if someone buys a day badge for Monday, May 25, they can get into Friday night's event, no additional charge. Of course, 3-day badges, any day-badge, even exhibitors and DCC volunteers are welcome. But seating is limited to about 2100 in the Main Events room and 1400 seats in "Mini-Main" where the event will be simulcast, so it's first-come, first-served – so fans should line up on Friday, before the doors open at 6:30 and the festivities start at 7pm.

The Ceremonies will start with some opening acts, an address by Denver's Mayor Hancock, and an introduction to Pop Culture Classroom, our 501(c)(3) literacy program. It's important that our fans know that every dollar they spend at DCC goes to support our non-profit programs to benefit kids and adults with our educational programs.

After an intermission, where fans can check out DCC merchandise in advance of the con, buy the limited-edition Hard Rock Café DCC pin, and CDs of our main musical acts, those acts will take the stage again for a full concert with MC Lars and The Protomen. Again, the concert is included with the admission – so all fans need is a valid 2015 badge or receipt.

HMS: How did DCC come to develop the musical aspects of events? Do you think that music helps to bring diverse aspects of fandom together?

BMcI: It's all in our name, Pop Culture Classroom, and music is naturally one of the foundations of pop culture! But these aren't just any musical acts, because we've gone for unique bands rooted in geek culture. For the Opening Ceremonies, we've brought in MC Lars, English Lit. Ph.D and teacher-turned "post-punk laptop rapper", and the Protomen, creators of "rock and roll fable" such as their rock opera of the story to Mega Man 2, widely considered to be one of the best original Nintendo video games.

We intentionally chose these acts, because they appeal to a broader spectrum of "geekdom"; we want fans of rock, rap, and video games, to try out Denver Comic Con even if they don't read comics (yet), and experience all the things we are about.

We're also doing something new this year, which is having musical acts play throughout the entire weekend on our 5280 Stage. In prior years, we had the Stage on the show floor and presented a variety of acts, but this year we're focusing on local and guest musical acts, like Chemistry Club and the DoubleClicks. We're running these acts all day and into the night, hoping that teens and adults alike will come watch when they have some down time or are just looking for something to do at night.

HMS: It seems like having geek-themed social events actually might be quite important, culturally. Many people live in areas where it's hard to find fan communities, much less socialize and feel like they "belong". Is this about providing that experience that might be hard to come by?

BMcI: At the risk of belaboring the point, DCC is all about community – and it's all in our Mission Statement:

Denver Comic Con promotes education and community, educating children and the general public through pop culture, comics and bringing together the diverse people and interests of our community regardless of age, race, gender or background. By focusing on education and providing guests, programming and events that encourage diversity, we strive to promote tolerance and empower the members of our community.

It's not just about our fans' physical location, but their interests: Many people feel alienated because they don't know anyone with similar backgrounds or interests; DCC is a place where we hope everyone feels welcome and can meet others who like the same things!

HMS: Can you tell be about this fabulous and very special actual wedding taking place at the convention? How did that come about??

BMcI: A few months ago, a couple contacted us to ask if we minded that they got married nearby, during the con; we assured them that not only did we not mind, but we wanted to hold the celebration in our Main Events room in the last session of the weekend! So the wedding – which we are calling our "Closing Ceremonies" – will be open to anyone attending the Con on Monday, May 25. We want this to be a memorable event not only for the happy couple, but for everyone in attendance: The groom will be dressed as Batman and the bride as Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons from Game of Thrones, and among other things we're providing ushers dressed as Star Wars storm troopers. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and fans will not want to miss it!

HMS: When we spoke previously, you mentioned there was something new coming up you might be able to announce. Are you ready to spill the beans?

BMcI: Yes! On Saturday, our Special Event is a Weird Science 30^th Anniversary Reunion! Anthony Michael Hall (Gary), Ilan Mitchell-Smith (Wyatt), and Kelly LeBrock (Lisa) will all get together for a one-time reunion in our Main Events Halls, where they'll discuss the creation and legacy of one of the iconic John Hughes comedies of the 80s. This is the only place and time that this reunion will ever take place; it's unique to Denver Comic Con and we set it up especially for Denver fans. This is another example of how we are always working to set ourselves apart from other, corporate cons and provide extra value to our fans. (We are also working on some special surprises for the Reunion; no promises, but fans will not want to miss this!)

HMS: I've noticed in my previous visit to Denver Comic Con how aware the city is of the convention and how involved local businesses seem to become in the event. What does partnering with local restaurants and encouraging offsite events do for the growth and impact of the con?

BMcI: Although it is immensely expensive to hold our party in Denver, the Colorado Convention Center offers us and our fans some benefits that other cons don't enjoy: First, the Center is as big as those in San Diego or New York, which allows us to scale up as we become more popular, and also makes us the third largest con in the U.S. in terms of reported attendance. The other benefit is that we are in the middle of Downtown Denver and within walking distance of everything on the 16^th Street Mall, LoDo (Lower Downtown, with all the nightlife), Coors Field where the Rockies will play the World Champion San Francisco Giants on the same weekend as DCC, and several other events on Memorial Day weekend. So for the low price of admission at DCC, fans can experience a non-stop thrill-ride of activities and events all Memorial Day Weekend.

The only negative with being in the center of the Denver universe is that parking will be impossible that weekend. But another huge advantage of being downtown is that the city's extensive light rail system drops off right outside the Convention Center door – so fans will find public transportation perfect!

HMS: Are there any other evening events fans should know about?

BMcI: Let's not forget our Sunday Evening Cosplay Shindig! Normally, it's the Saturday lynchpin to DCC, but cosplaying fans are used to having a day to "scout" the competition and prepare for the big event, so we're holding it on Sunday evening this year, due to our unusual Saturday, Sunday, Monday schedule in 2015 (only). The DCC Cosplay Shindig is a world-class cosplay competition that fans spend all year preparing their costumes. There are generous cash and prizes for category winners, but cosplayers really look forward to this event every year to show off their costuming handiwork. The event is so popular, that in spite of expanding the contestants and venue every year, the online entry sign-ups were full in less than 15 minutes! The entrants really step up their costuming game every year, and this year's Best in Show will be pretty amazing to show up last year's amazing Mr. Freeze costume!

Denver Comic Con runs from the evening of May 22nd to May 25th, and you can find out more about the convention and ticketing here.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!

Stay up-to-date and support the site by following Bleeding Cool on Google News today!