Denver Pop Culture Con 2019: A Con for Everyone

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Normally, when a convention comes to a close, and we are given the opportunity to reflect upon it and share our experiences with others, we tend to immediately discuss the easy stuff. You know what I’m talking about, the vendor booths that caught our eye, the funny moments we shared with our friends, or the outright incredible Iron Man costume we saw on display and we go to the easy stuff simply because, cons are routine in this day and age and sticking with what you know allows for a simpler discussion. It’s something I’m guilty of as well, since my recaps also tend to float in that territory, but as I sat down to write this one, I struggled with routine, simply due to the fact that Denver Pop Culture Con 2019 shattered the norms this year.
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Because, this is a convention that felt supremely different from year’s past. Sure, it was held at the Colorado Convention like usual. The layout had its similarities like always, but everything about this con, felt like new, and while it would seem too easy to say that the name change is what created the different vibe and the different energy present on the floor, that’s the only explanation I can come up with and here’s why. Because when you take the time to think about it, the phrase ‘Comic Con’ has certain restrictions that come with it, for it makes people think that only a special group of people are allowed to attend conventions that feature that title, and that it only features comics or niche fandoms that don’t apply to all and while that was never quite the case, the switch to Denver Pop Culture Con really seems to have welcomed so many more fans into the fold.

For this year’s con felt more open, as though it belonged to everyone, and while we already know that’s the case, perception means a lot to people and this year’s attendees clearly believed that this was a wide open frontier for them to explore and enjoy and it showed in so many ways. Because the Captain Colorado stage was packed to the brim for the Critical Role panel and every time I walked by Celebrity Summit the autograph lines for the CR cast were also packed, because tabletop gamers felt a kinship at this year’s con, which is wonderful, considering that their fandom is often relegated to a room at conventions and well, the inclusivity of this con didn’t end there. Because I saw a lot of cosplay this year, being worn by others outside of kids and young adults. There were folks in their late forties and fifties rocking some fantastic costumes of their favorite character, and that just spoke volumes to the fact that this is a con for everyone.

Which honestly, should come as no surprise. For DPCC has always strived for inclusivity regardless of its namesake. But clearly, reinvention can reinvigorate a con since the smiles and the eyes of everyone in attendance were wider this year, because knowing that Pop Culture was the focus somehow allowed for everyone to feel at home and that they could truly let their nerd flag fly, and that’s simply glorious when all is said and done and from a personal standpoint, this was hands down the most relaxed DPCC that I’ve ever been to. Because it was just fun through and through and let’s be honest, that’s precisely why we go to DPCC in the first place, to have a good time, to reunite with old friends and to immerse ourselves in the wonder of stories that influence our lives and inspire us and being able to experience all of that this past weekend was downright magical.

Yet, what still has me basking in the wonder of this year’s convention, is the sheer fact that this is merely the beginning. For Denver Pop Culture Con now has the opportunity to improve and tweak an already amazing formula, and that’s exciting to say the least since this year’s batch of memories were outright incredible, and that makes next year’s event and beyond, thrilling prospects, since anyone and everyone who feels the need to geek out is welcome within the walls of the Colorado Convention Center and it’s clear that DPCC is setting quite the precedent, the kind that will extend to other events as they too open their doors to new fandoms and new ideas. Because in reality, we’re all geeks in some form or fashion, it’s simply a matter of what we geek out about and knowing that this convention is going to do everything within its power to bring as many nerds and geeks together has me eager to see what wonders await all of us as Denver Pop Culture Con continues to grow and evolve.

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