Geek on at TROPiCON
BEING A GEEK is no longer something to hide. Thanks, in part, to the global success of shows like Stranger Things and video-games-turned-animation-TV-series, the wholesome and inclusive movement is about celebrating the things you love and finding your tribe.
By Kate Conway
On the first of next month, NT geeks get the chance to make connections and proudly geek out at TROPiCON, Darwin's very own answer to Comic-COn, the convention for all things geeky and pop culture.
While it may seem like geek culture is having a resurgence, Dylan Bennett from the Northern Territory Geek Culture Collective (NTGCC) says a spotlight is being shone on a thriving society that has always been here.
“It’s kind of like a sleeping giant – it seems like it would be a real niche to everyone, except to the people who are in the community. Actually, there’s quite a lot of us,” he says.
In a testament to just how many geeks do inhabit these here parts, TROPiCON has booked out the entire Darwin Entertainment Centre (DEC) to accommodate the vast array of interests under the umbrella of geekdom. DEC’s theatres, galleries and foyers will all be filled to the brim with gaming hubs, virtual reality experiences, exhibitor stalls, and signing stations for eager fans.
In addition to music acts, dance performances and screenings of local animations, the program also includes a cosplay competition with a $1000 prize pool and an exciting qualification round for the 2022 World Esports championships.
Esports mimics the experience of watching a professional sporting event, with professional gamers competing in multiplayer online games in front of spectators. Did you know that Darwin is home to Esports players ranked in the top 20 in Australia? Neither did we!
Bringing together all geek-based community groups and engaging the broader non-geek community in shared experiences is the goal, creating a diverse and safe space.
“These conventions are famous for inclusivity. You can come in whatever shape or form you desire and you’ll be included, accepted and celebrated. There really are open arms and open minds at geek conventions. We are definitely going to make sure that is the case for ours,” says Bennett.
“Come along and see what a vibrant, welcoming community it is and it might start you off on your own path of geekiness.”
TROPiCON
WHEN SAT 1 OCT | 10AM-5PM
AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $15-$25
INFO ntgcca.com
