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Massive Game of Thrones fan convention Con of Thrones happening this weekend!

By Dan Selcke

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This Friday, June 30, the biggest Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire convention of its kind will kick off and run through Sunday, July 2. It’s Con of Thrones, and it’s going down at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

Two years in the making, Con of Thrones aims to bring together thousands of fans from all over the country, not least because it’s located in the middle of the country rather than on one of the coasts. Co-founder Zach Luye, who also hosts the Game of Owns podcast, talked to The Daily Dot about what he and the other organizers were going for, and why this particular convention is so important. “This would be like if we’re at the part between Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince,” he said.

"I wanted to make sure that we created an atmosphere that would celebrate what’s happening right now in the TV show but also what’s going to happen in the next season. Because it’s only two weeks after the convention. And also what will hopefully happen in The Winds of Winter."

The convention does seemed timed for maximum excitement. Not only is season 7 just a couple of weeks away, but it wasn’t that long ago that HBO announced it’s developing five Game of Thrones prequel series (although before you spontaneously combust in glee, know that only one of them is likely to make it to air).

Convention-goers will hit both of these topics on one of the many panels scheduled throughout the weekend. Check out some of what to expect:

  • You’re Not The One. (Friday, 10:00-10:50 am.) “Everyone thinks they’re the hero of their own story, but as some characters find out, the truth is much different. Through their experiences, Margaery, Young Griff, Quentyn, and more teach us valuable life lessons.”

    • Treatment of Race in Game of Thrones. (Friday, 1:00-1:50 pm.) “Game of Thrones has generated criticism over the years because of its handling of race. Here, we’ll delve into the complex issue and its handling throughout the series, including how Game of Thrones could do better.”

  • Game of Thrones Cosplay on a Budget. (Saturday, 10:00-10:50 am.) “Game of Thrones has featured a stunning range of beautiful and intricate costume designs as seen on the screen or described in the books. Join us for a roundtable discussion on recreating many of these amazing costumes without needing a loan from the Iron Bank.”
  • Spotlight: Bringing Westeros to Life. (Saturday, 12:00-12:50 pm.)” From creating the words that are spoken to making sure those words are heard, these special guests work behind the scenes to make Game of Thrones the beautiful and realistic show we know and love. Hear them discuss what it’s like to bring George R.R. Martin’s world to the screen.”
  • Best. Viewing. Party. Ever. (Sunday, 3:00-3:50 pm.) “The ultimate guide to throwing a Game of Thrones season seven viewing party on a budget! Get into our ideas for your celebrations including Thrones-themed food, decorations, and more!”

    • And that’s just the tip of the freaking iceberg. The weekend will be overflowing with stuff for a Game of Thrones fan to do. “It’s such a vivid fandom, and it’s just the right time for a convention,” said Melissa Anelli, whose company Mischief Management is responsible for organizing the event. “People have asked, why now? Why not now? There isn’t a big flagship convention like this for Game of Thrones, and it’s just at the right time. Two more books, two more series, there’s going to be a spinoff. The Game of Thrones world is not even close to ending, so it’s the perfect time to get real-world gatherings going like this.”

    On top of all that, the convention will also feature several cast and crew members from the show, including:

    • Iwan Rheon (Ramsay Bolton)
    • Kerry Ingram (Shireen Baratheon)
    • Kate Dickie (Lysa Arryn)
    • Rupert Vansittart (Yohn Royce)
    • Sam Coleman (Young Hodor)
    • Aimee Richardson (Myrcella Baratheon)
    • Miltos Yerolemou (Syrio Forel)
    • Roger Ashton-Griffiths (Mace Tyrell)
    • David Peterson (the conlanger behind the Dothraki and Valyrian languages)
    • Paula Fairfield (sound designer)

    Next: HBO releases trivia questions about Game of Thrones season 4

    If you’re still looking to score tickets, head here. An exhaustingly good time should be had by all.

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