BABSCon2023 retrospective: Half full or half empty?

TL;DR: Attendance much lower than last year but it was fun because everyone was excited to be there. Also fun because I got to cosplay and present my panel.

This past weekend, I was at BABSCon in Burlingame, CA, a distant Bay Area suburb near the SF airport. (BABSCon is NOT in San Francisco, like most people will claim. To call the BABSCon venue "San Francisco" is an insult to the vibrant city of San Francisco )

Attendance at BABSCon was tepid to say the least. Although attendance numbers have not been officially released to date, I would say less than half of last year’s attendance. The only crowded place during the whole con was (surprise? ) the adult vendor hall.

The guests of honor were much fewer than last year, and the community guests were also more limited (for example, Step2Harmony only had two members rather than typically 6-7). It was unfortunate to see some panels were empty or near empty, including one on Friday evening hosted by Silver Quill. After trying to rein in my social awkwardness I walked into the empty room 6 minutes after the panel’s start time and chatted with Silver Quill for about half an hour (a few others showed up later on).

Panels and scheduling were somewhat disorganized. Panelists such as myself did not know our scheduled panel time until ~1 week before the convention start. (In contrast, Everfree NW gives you your timeslot in the acceptance email, so you can plan your schedule.)

Regardless, the spirit and enthusiasm of the brony fandom still felt alive and well. Everyone that was there seemed excited to be there. And having a Bay Area convention is valuable to people like me who live here.

Perhaps if I had been in a poorer mental state (as I was at last year’s BABSCon) I would have had a horrible time. But because I had the courage this time to run a panel and cosplay, things I’ve wanted to do, I can safely say I had a great time. I cosplayed in public for the first time; first day as a Twilight Sparkle maid, during which this happened, and the second day as Opaline. (No, I'm not sharing photos. ) Also one of my first times wearing eye makeup in public after much, much practice...

My panel "Villain Reformations Anonymous" was also a blast! A good number of people showed up. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in my silly activities. You were a great audience.

Other highlights:

5u0myn0n4 dressed as Cozy Glow attacking someone in cosplay chess, only to succumb to another opponent and turn to stone.

There was a pony-themed "food truck" at the hotel, serving overpriced junk food and My Little Pony cupcakes

Also thanks to Steady Gaze and Autolumen for hanging out with me for much of the con.

Random Lessons learned:

• If you are cosplaying, stay at the convention hotel!!! It’s worth the extra money and saving your back from carrying all your supplies around. Also you don't have to do the "walk of shame" from your hotel to the con venue while wearing full crossplay...like I did. Most nervewracking 5 minutes of my life.
• Liquid foundation feels suffocating when wearing a mask. It also rubs off, even after using setting spray.
• When putting on a backpack while wearing a long wig, lean forward a little. Otherwise your hair gets trapped behind the backpack and it’s very easy for the wig to pull of your head.

All in all, had a good time. It's the people you spend time with and your interactions with them that matter the most, and those were all wonderful. Much to my surprise, BABSCon is continuing next year despite the lower attendance.

Next stop: Everfree Northwest!