There is definitely a place for fans in the world of Outlander conventions
Outlander fans are passionate about their favorite show. If only there were a place for them to celebrate their fandom and meet other like-minded people…That’s what Outlander conventions are for.
The doubtful might ask, “what would I do at a convention?” Conventions are events where you can meet your favorite actors, get their autographs, and get your pictures with them. There are usually panels where you can hear them speak and ask them your burning questions about the show. You can dress in costume and be celebrated for it. If you’re lucky, there might be meet and greet opportunities where you can chat with the actors more in-depth.
The other great thing about cons, and especially Outlander cons in my experience, is the community that develops at them. Spending a weekend celebrating your favorite time-travel drama with fellow fans can net you new friends for life.
Outlander fans have a wide variety of conventions from which to choose
Outlander has carved out a place at some of the larger comic con-type conventions. Wizard World features actors from the show fairly regularly. They had Sam Heughan, John Bell, Ed Speleers, and Maria Doyle Kennedy in New Orleans and Caitriona Balfe, Richard Rankin, and Duncan Lacroix in Cleveland earlier this year. Sometimes Outlander is featured at the big cons, like San Diego Comic-Con and New York Comic-Con, when a new season is coming out.
Something unique to the Outlander fandom is a smaller type of convention that promises a more personal connection with the cast. Thru the Stones takes place in Illinois every two years and features interactive classes and sometimes guests from the production side of things, like Ron Moore and Terry Dresbach. Outlandish Vancouver is famous for its suite parties with the cast and even a boat ride with them. Diana Gabaldon is always there because she’s in town for a writers’ conference the same weekend.
Another smaller con that I’ve attended three times is Sasnak City, held in Kansas City, MO. There are only about 200 attendees, and it features actors from both older and newer seasons. There are lots of opportunities to talk with the cast, from the usual panels and meet and greets to cocktail parties, lunches, and dinners. Sometimes you will find the actors wandering the vendor hall with you! Sasnak City has an easygoing atmosphere so you have plenty of time to socialize and meet new friends.
There are Outlander cons in Europe as well. Starfury Conventions in England is hoping to put on the next Highlanders con in 2021. LandCon in Paris often manages to get the lead actors at its events.
Of course the pandemic has put a halt to Outlander conventions for now, but most of these have been rescheduled for mid- to late-2021. You’re not totally out of luck if you crave interaction with the actors though. Both Sasnak City and Outlandish Vancouver have been hosting virtual chat events over the past few months.
Have you experienced the Outlander con life like Madison on This Is Us? Share in the comments.
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