GEEKONOMICON- Biloxi MI’s December Convention

Just when we thought December was the end of the 2014 convention season, Biloxi Mississippi launches into the scene was a brand new fan-created event featuring multiple Tardiseseses (Tardi?  I mean really, what’s the multiple for Tardis?), a Stargate, and an official Guinness Book of World Records Steampunk attempt.

Husband and wife team Ian and Julianna McRae are 2/3’s of the promoters of Geekonomicon.  When asked about why they decided to put on the con, Julianna said there was a lack of opportunities for the locals to enjoy the geek lifestyle.  They originally planned the three day event as something small, but it quickly grew and took on a life of it’s own.  “A lot of what we’ve got going on, the talent managed to put together by themselves, we just said yes,” Julianna continued.

They’re trying to have the most Steampunks in one place at one time, which will certainly be a site to see!  GeekonomiCon at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center (2350 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Mississippi 39531) runs December 12th-14th.  Their hours are Friday Noon – 1 AM, Saturday 10 AM – 1 AM, and Sunday 10 AM – 10 PM.

Here are just some of the awesome things fans can look forward to at the event as listed on the event’s Facebook page:

Stargate (life size), Tardises (6 so far and they seem to be multiplying), Daleks (number unknown exactly, but there will be a lot), Ron Fitzgerald of Dark Realms with custom illusion show, Mitch Foust, Richard Hatch, Lynn Lowery, Jack Stauffer, Gigi Edgley, Christopher Judge, 2 Dances and a Steampunk Hafla with 2 bands, Large Dealer’s Room, Artist Alley, Comic Cove, and Writer’s Row featuring writers and publishers like Tommy Hancock, Alan Gilbrath, and Paula Smithka, an Experience movie screenings with the people who were in them followed by Q&A, IndieWood where Independent film will find a networking home, “Blessing of the Geeks” Parade with full pageantry and floats, Cthulhu By Gaslight Mystery Dinner and Geekmas Meet and Feast with the Guests, Sunday Con-over bonfire on the Beach.  Gaming: Table top, card, video, board, RPG, computer, minis, MechaCorps Battletech Pods.  Charity Auction, lots of fangroup and charity fun like “Shoot a Trooper” (with NERF darts), anti-bullying demo and seminar by UFC star Alan ‘the Talent’ Belcher and Team X-treme, Alice Infinity, R2D2 Builders, Miles Doleac, Courtland Louise, and John Mangus.

Our dear friend Richard Hatch of Battlestar Galactica (no, not the Survivor guy) had this to say about the event. The con will actually be premiering one of Hatch’s projects, Cowboys & Engines, also starring Malcolm McDowell.

“Dark Steam” is the unofficial theme of this first year event, pulling from the large local steampunk and horror fanbases.The McRaes have plans for future year’s themes as well, and we look forward to seeing how this event progresses.