Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, and Conventions
/One of the best parts about your favourite TV show reaching a certain point of popularity is when the network will throw events to give back to the fans. These events also provide an opportunity to promote the show.
One of the best fan-events for a show like Supernatural is the convention, which is hosted in many different North American cities. Since Supernatural is filmed in British Columbia, Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto are on the list. U.S. cities like Dallas, Chicago, and Washington are also on the list of tour dates.
The convention usually takes place over a weekend, from Friday to Sunday, and is usually held at a convention centre large enough for a thousand people. The number of people at the convention each day varies; on the days with the most popular actors or events, more people show up, and vice versa.
Panels are enjoyable, and they’re free to attend if you’ve bought an admission ticket. Usually panels will start off with lesser-known actors on the Friday, supporting actors on the Saturday and the main actors on the Sunday (though the schedule always varies according to the actors’ schedules). They are usually lighthearted, playful, and fun. Pictures and videos of these panels make their way onto social media sites like Tumblr and Twitter, with fans abuzz about out-of-character interactions.
Each convention is split into four different parts: panels with the actors, photo ops, autographs, and contests. These events take place throughout the entire weekend, with each day filled with a number of activities for convention-goers to decide to attend or not.
Seriously, paying to meet these guys was worth it.
Photo-ops and autographs are considerably more exciting, because you get to meet your favourite actors from the show. Unfortunately, you’re probably going to be shelling out a lot of cash for these. They are well worth it, though, if the experience will mean a lot to you.
The most fan-oriented part of the convention lies in the contests. Of course, there is a costume contest, although this doesn’t mean that everyone who has dressed up will take place in it. Talented fans showcase their elaborate homemade costumes, while others choose more subtle costumes. There is also a fan video contest, in which the actors present the winners with a prize.
The convention is one of the best experiences you can have as a fan. Where better to mingle than at a weekend-long convention with costumed weirdoes who have paid as much as you to catch a glimpse of the actors that make their show special?
Alexa Batitis
is a 20-year-old student. In her spare time she likes to watch a lot of TV. Her favourite shows are Doctor Who, Supernatural, and Game of Thrones. She has been a part of fandoms since she was 14. She has also written a lot of shameless fanfiction, and you can get over it.
