Comic-con takes over the Culp with ETSU-Con 2024.

On March 23 to 24, ETSU-Con 2024 was held at the Culp Center. On Saturday, registration opened at 9 a.m. and closed at 5 p.m. The convention on Saturday was open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and featured an array of panels, food trucks, guest voice actors, idol performances, gaming tournaments, giveaways and contests. On Sunday, registration opened at 9 a.m. and closed at 5 p.m. The convention opened at 10 a.m. and closed at 8 p.m. The vendor hall opened at 11 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m.

ETSU students and University School students were allowed in free with valid student ID. Weekend passes were $35. Saturday passes were $25. Sunday passes were $20. ETSU Alumni, ETSU Staff, First Responders and other college students were $25, but they had to provide proof. High school student tickets were $20. Children (0-12) were free with valid adult passes.

The featured panels included “Vampires vs. Zombies: A Biological Perspective,” “K-Pop Dance Class,” “Cosplay Sewing: How to Sew” and “Disney Sing-along.” Many organizations partnered with ETSU-Con to provide their own panels. Buctainment had a Glam Bot Video Photo Booth. PartyBucs had an ETSU-Con 18+ After-Party. The East Tennessee Swashbucklers performed a cappella. Up-Buc taught improv with Improv 101. ETSU Esports held gaming tournaments. Many organizations also tabled outside the vendor hall.

Photo of vintage video games at ETSU-Con. (ShelC’ Black/East Tennessean)

ETSU-Con’s faculty advisor, Zachary James, said he was proud of how hard the students ran the convention.

“This is the first year it has been completely student-run, and I am really happy that the students are running it,” said James.

ETSU-Con’s official partners for 2024 were the ETSU Edge Club, Mathes Aviation Academy, ETSU Fighting Game Club, Dragons Tavern, Swashbucklers, ETSU Smash Club, ETSU SGA, ETSU Department of Art and Design, ETSU Digital Media Center, ETSU Pride Center, ETSU Multicultural Center, ETSU Japanese Club, ETSU College of Arts and Science, ETSU College of Business and Technology, ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy, Old Black Mountain Games and Toys, Tiebreakers and 2 Dudes Gaming.

Sami Morris, ETSU-Con Con chair, said that it could not have been done without the partners.

“It was a real collaboration. It was all thanks to all the organizations and partners and us coming together,” said Morris.

Guest artists at the convention included Ryan Colt Levy, whose best-known work is “Denji” in “Chainsaw Man” and “Squalo” in “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.” Another guest artist was Tara Sands, whose best-known work is in the original “Pokemon series,” “Yu-Gi-Oh!” and “Hunter x Hunter.” Guest artist Mara Junot, who has lent her voice in “God of War: Ragnarok,” “League of Legends” and “Destiny 2” was also present. Finally, William Salyers was the last guest artist, who is best known for his voice acting on the “Regular Show” as “Rigby,” “Doctor Octopus” in the “Spider-Man” video game, and “Mr. Littler” in “Moral Orel.” Guest cosplayers include “Knightmage,” “KittumCos,” “LizardCos,” “Cosplay and Optimism” and “Winchester Cosplays.”

Photo of Spring Trap cosplay at ETSU-Con. (ShelC’ Black/East Tennessean)

ETSU-Con 2024 rules included no guns, fake guns or real weapons props. The props had to be checked in at registration. Cosplay is not consent, and patrons were required to ask consent before touching, taking pictures or having any interactions that could make a person uncomfortable.

Many individuals cosplayed from different fandoms including “Baldur’s Gate,” “Chainsaw Man,” “Pokemon” and “Hazbin Hotel.”

For any updates on future ETSU-Con events, follow their Instagram @etsucontn.

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