Two weeks have handed for the reason that Summer Edition of Steel City Con. During Steel City Con Summer 2023, the environment appeared a bit completely different than normal, not in a detrimental method, however in a approach we are able to’t absolutely describe; this time, the conference didn’t actually really feel prefer it had a theme. After being unable to attend the Spring 2023 occasion, we seen some main adjustments that made the conference really feel much more consumer-friendly, nevertheless, there have been nonetheless some issues that would have been improved. Steel City Con Summer 2023 welcomed Katey Sagal, William Shatner, John DiMaggio, Mike Tyson, Billy Dee Williams, Tom Elis, Marisa Tomei, and plenty of different celebrities.
A Different Feeling
When attending Steel City Con, this iteration felt a bit off; this was most definitely because of superstar company being cut up between the conference heart and the Double Tree Hotel proper behind it. However, strolling by way of the conference heart nearly felt empty at occasions. In a approach, it was a bit refreshing to not really feel packed in a very crowded mob, however it made it troublesome to actually gauge how many individuals got here to the conference.
The conference heart itself switched between cold and warm. Areas near the doorways had been a bit colder however as you bought to the middle of the constructing and the panel room, it turned fairly muggy and humid. While ready in traces, we heard individuals complaining in regards to the humidity; many weren’t positive if the air conditioner was on however it might have simply been turned off as a result of it had been raining. This isn’t actually SCC’s fault however did make it a bit uncomfortable for some company. Some who had been too heat might simply seize a refreshing Monster free of charge or purchase water/beer on the comfort stand.
We did have one situation the place a visitor walked into us whereas carrying beer and spilled it throughout us. Rather than apologizing, he simply checked out us angrily and aggressively till Steel City Con employees came to visit. The employees was capable of shortly handle the liquid on the ground, provided to get us one thing from the comfort stand, and apologized for the opposite visitor. Not all employees had been equally useful. Despite us being there as press, we had been restricted on what we might take photographs of outdoor of the service provider’s corridor.
Beyond Shopping
Outside of gathering all kinds of popular culture merchandise from the Merchant’s Hall, company might attend panels and ask among the superstar company questions based mostly on their roles; nevertheless, because of the labor strike in Hollywood, questions needed to be worded in several methods to keep away from naming sure films or studios. Despite being a little bit of a problem, company got here up with fascinating methods to ask their questions. After ready for a number of years, I lastly had the chance to ask Marisa Tomei why her function in Sweet Girl was reduce (Starring Jason Momoa). Throughout the conference weekend, there was a special panel each hour that company might take pleasure in.
When not attending a panel, company might go as much as their favourite star’s sales space and pay for an autograph or signature. Most of those transactional meet and greets are pretty priced and relying on the best way you compose your self, among the celebrities will go the additional mile. Despite being well-known, some will discuss to you for nevertheless lengthy you need so long as there isn’t a one else ready in line. Some of those conversations may be comedic, heartfelt, and even refreshing; refreshing as in you study one thing new in regards to the superstar that you just by no means knew earlier than. At occasions, you may even discuss to a few of them whereas they’re strolling round, simply make certain to not be a creep.
Takeaways
Despite having some points with taking photographs at Steel City Con Summer 2023, the occasion as a complete was fairly refreshing. Guests and celebrities appeared to be in a a lot happier temper than final time. The employees was useful for probably the most half all through the conference heart. The conference heart itself wasn’t as crowded because of among the larger profile company being within the resort subsequent door. The worth level for photographs and autographs may be daunting at first look, nevertheless, many of the celebrities are glad to see company and are keen to take outing of their day to make company really feel seen. If you discover one who isn’t that busy, you may simply have a pleasant 30-minute or longer dialog with them.
Compared to prior Steel City Cons, we had much more enjoyable with this adaptation of the conference. The environment felt extra upbeat; there wasn’t overcrowding and you may very simply stroll round to see what you wished to see. Our solely grievance from our time with the conference is that the one stand that was promoting stolen art work merchandise was nonetheless there regardless of telling employees final time in regards to the theft. This may very well be the stand claiming that they’ve possession of the mentioned product and on no account is it the conference’s fault for it. It is subsequent to not possible for any conference to have the ability to examine that each one merchandise throughout the conference are official or allowed to be bought.
Overall, we positively really feel that Steel City Con has stepped up and corrected many of the issues that we skilled final time we had been there. There was no lengthy wait to get it. We might simply stroll across the conference heart with out having to rub shoulders with anybody else, and assembly occasions with celebrities had been adhered to. At the tip of the day, when you’ve got the cash to go to Steel City Con and purchase merchandise, photographs, or autographs then it’s positively price it. The worth level is a bit troublesome for some to sort out so make certain to solely spend what you may afford.
Definitely make certain to comply with Steel City Con on Facebook for updates about company attending the following conference. You also can take a look at their official web site for bulletins, panels, and upcoming company. At the second, the December model (Dec eighth to tenth) appears to be like to be having a Scream reunion; up to now Matthew Lillard, Kiefer Sutherland, David Arquette, and Patrick Fabian have been introduced. If you might be in Western PA or close by, it’s price testing.
A particular because of Steel City Con for having us. We sit up for the following one.
