iMagicon returns to Magic Minot
iM agicon, Minot’s comic/gaming convention, is back and expanding. With an eclectic focus on fandom, iMagicon has quickly grown to be a main attraction in Minot.
This year’s event will be held April 27 to 29 at the Holiday Inn-Riverside and features a collaborative of LAN parties, Smash Bros competitions, Magic the Gathering tournaments, ninja training, Cosplay contests, table top gaming, shopping and more.
This year’s iMagicon panel appearances will be top talents from across the industry, including Death Star creator Colin Cantwell and cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard.
“We are excited to have the creator of the iconic Death Star at the event,” says Aimee Smith, event conspirator. “Not only has Colin Cantwell designed Darth Vader’s ship, but he is the brain behind all of the Star Wars ships from the Millennium Falcon to the X Wing.”
Also attending this year is Ken Gerhard, a widely recognized cryptozoologist and field investigator for The Centre of Fortean Zoology. Gerhard has traveled the world searching for evidence of mysterious animals and legendary beasts including Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Chupacabra, enigmatic winged creatures and werewolves. In addition to co-hosting the History Channel TV series Missing in Alaska, Gerhard has appeared in three episodes of the television series Monster Quest and is featured in the History Channel special The Real Wolfman, as well as other series including Ancient Aliens (History Channel), True Monsters (History Channel), Unexplained Files (Science Channel), Paranatural (National Geographic), Weird or What? with William Shatner (Syfy), Monsters and Mysteries in America (Animal Planet), True Supernatural (Destination America), Ultimate Encounters (TruTV), Monster Project (Nat Geo Wild) and Shipping Wars (A&E).
“This is the first time Gerhard has been in this area and his panel sessions on Bigfoot and Mothman should be a draw for sure,” says Smith.
You may want to stock up on those energy drinks as this year’s iMagicon will have late night activities such as LAN parties, latenight LARPing, Cosplay parties, themed fansuites and more.
“SRT’s LAN parties have been a major success,” says Smith. “Convention goers simply can bring their computers and plug in for a great time! Space is limited so we suggest registering in advance.”
“We hope more guests will join us in staying on-site at the Holiday Inn Riverside to enhance the overall atmosphere,” says Leann Mellum, event conspirator. “We have set up a discounted iMagicon room block that anyone can take advantage of by calling and requesting the iMagicon group rate.”
Fan suites have been growing among conventions, and iMagicon is no different in encouraging Fandoms to spread throughout the hotel. Guests choose their own themes to decorate their hotel room such as Anime, Star Trek or Harry Potter, and often host activities such as board games, role playing, movie watching and trivia.
“It becomes a fun atmosphere to share your fandom with other people who share your passion,” says Mellum. “iMagicon wants to encourage all fandoms to be able to enjoy their interests and this is one way to do it.”