One of the biggest things that draws me is cosplay. Both seeing amazing things other people have made or showing off all the hard work are very rewarding, and I haven't yet found another con that's as good for either!
Dragon Con
This is an unofficial community. Dragon Con is the largest fan run, multi-genre convention. It is held in Atlanta every Labor Day weekend.
Same for me. Making the cosplays has become my new not-staring-at-a-screen hobby. And it’s a fantastic bonus at the end to wear it to a party!
I don’t think I’ve attended a scheduled event (i.e. a panel) in the last 3 DragonCons I’ve been to haha. Just meandering around with a drink looking at all the cosplays and talking to people. And I’ll try to hit up the little costume exhibition room, the blood drive, and the telescopes on the patio.
The blood drive is something I make time for each year as well. I haven’t seen the telescopes, I’ll have to keep an eye out this year!
Yeah IIRC the telescopes are on the tennis courts of the Hilton. And some very nice scientists standing by to help you understand what you’re looking at. Highly recommend!
The general acceptance of the whole thing. Nobody cares about your race, religion, or creed. It is one big celebration of indiscriminate passion.