Six Reasons You Should Go to a “Potter” Convention
Some of the MuggleNet crew recently went to Leviosa, a convention in Henderson, Nevada. This marks many “firsts” for me: The first time I’ve been that far away from home by myself, the first time meeting any of my MuggleNet family, the first time I’ve ever attended a Potter convention, and the first time I’ve ever felt like I could truly be the nerd I’ve always wanted to be. I have gone to many-an anime convention in my day, but experiencing this magic-filled weekend was like nothing I could have ever imagined. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it—and if you’re the type that needs a reasonable argument, look no further—here are some great reasons to attend a Potter convention:
1. You’ll share ideas.
At a convention, you have a wide variety of panels to choose from depending on what you’re interested in. With panels ranging from canon debates to Quidditch lessons, you’re sure to gain some new insights from sharing with others, as well as contributing your own.
2. You’ll make new friends.
The best thing about a convention is that everyone there already has at least one thing in common, so making friends is easy! For example, I was walking around and happened to see someone with chapter stars tattooed in the same exact spot as I have them! Turns out, she’s a Slytherin and a Pukwudgie, just like me! There’s no need to be afraid of putting yourself out there because you’re among fellow nerds.
3. You’ll get to uninhibitedly geek out.
Like I said, you’re among fellow nerds. Usually, it’s a super letdown when you make a Potter reference and no one gets it, or even tells you off. Well, that’s definitely not happening at a Potter convention. Your quirks are more than welcome at these events, and people will more than likely join in on those random quotes. Feel free to let loose and express yourself!
4. You’ll find new ships.
Whether it’s from someone oversharing in a panel or friends joking around, many ships are valued at these conventions. For example, who would’ve guessed that Percy and Snape would be serenading each other with the song “Don’t You Want Me Baby” during karaoke. It’s only at conventions like Leviosa where you’ll get to see that kind of action, whether you want to or not.
5. You’ll learn new things.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask those burning questions: “What does wu-wei have to do with Luna Lovegood?” “What character does Chris Rankin most identify with?” “Is Snape really all that bad?” You’ll have even more opportunities to brush up on your trivia: “What prize did Snape get from his Christmas Cracker in Prisoner of Azkaban?” What well-known broomstick designer was name-dropped during the blood status trials in Book 7?” We learned the answers to all of these questions during some of the amazing panels held at Leviosa.
6. You’ll take home keepsakes.
Whether you make them during a panel or buy them from the Vendor Hall, there are plenty of things you’ll want to take home to remind yourself of the magical fun of a convention. Don’t forget to save some room in your suitcase for some bath bombs, cute ornaments, Potter apparel, or even a one-of-a-kind handmade witch hat.
I know I definitely had a blast at my first Potter convention. If this sounds like your type of fun, don’t hesitate to register for the next convention nearest you!
