START YOUR ENGINES: UWEC Annual Geek Convention Returns
student-led eighth annual convention returns Dec. 7
photos by Grace Cremeens, by Alexis Thompson |
Get revved up and make a pit stop at this year's GEEKcon, re-emerging with the theme, “Racing Towards Joy: Geeks in the Driver’s Seat.” GEEKcon is a student-led event put on every year by UW-Eau Claire’s Event Planning class. Students take on roles and learn the ins and outs of planning a convention.
The idea for the theme came during a brainstorming session where they explored different concepts that represent “geek” culture. “We envisioned this theme as a way to showcase how geeks take the wheel in their passions, whether it’s cosplay, gaming, or films, and steer towards what brings them happiness,” the Event Planning class said.
This year’s convention will take place in the UWEC Davies Center from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, Dec. 7. Entry is a suggested donation of $3 or two nonperishable food items for the Campus Harvest Food Pantry. For those with a student ID – which doesn’t even have to be from UWEC – entry is free.
A new feature this year will be Magic: The Gathering, which will be available to play all day on the second floor of Davies Center. Under City Games, a shop in Eau Claire, will host the game and give out prizes.
Other classics that will make their return to the convention are the LEGO displays, Esports tournaments, cosplay, short film competition, and live performances. A 50-plus featured vendor room will be on the third floor in the Ojibwe Ballroom, offering everything geek-related from handcrafted jewelry, art, and trading cards to video games, comics, and so much more.
Whether you define yourself as a geek or not, everyone will be able to find something that suits their interests. Heck, maybe you’ll even leave with a couple more.
“Creating joy is something we are trying to center our entire event around because it is a feeling that everyone can be a part of,” class members said. “ We have a little something for everyone, so come and meet our geeks in the driver's seat!”
GEEKcon will be held at UWEC Davies Center from 10am-4pm on Dec. 7 • Learn more about the vendors and event schedule by visiting uwecgeekcon.com
