The event, sponsored by Union Board, is student run with a goal of connecting students who share similar pop culture interests.
Union Board Director of Gaming and Electronic Entertainment Kellie Boberek said that the event will feature cosplay competitions, a Fullmetal Alchemist marathon, a masquerade ball, a trivia contest, panels about various fandoms, the new game design major at IU and more.
Boberek said that each welcome gift bag includes a welcome packet of the events and clubs represented and comic book from Vintage Phoenix Comic Books.
She said that throughout the weekend, attendees will have the opportunity to receive free giveaways, purchase fan art from Bloomington or student vendors and swap fandom items at the Trading Post.
She said she hopes the convention unites groups of students who are involved in fandom societies on campus and allows them to continue to expand.
Among the clubs represented is the Doctor Who Society at IU. Sophomore Alexandra Koyfman, the president of the society, said she is very excited to represent the Doctor Who Society through a panel and a booth.
“For me, the convention is an opportunity to share with others my love of Doctor Who, Oscar Wilde and other con-related interests,” she said. “I’m really glad that Bloomington will have its own convention so people can connect with other fans locally and develop their interests together.”
Boberek said attendees are encouraged to come in cosplay, and that various competitions for the best cosplay will be held ?throughout the convention.
Koyfman said she will wear a TARDIS dress, and Vice President Neathie Patel said she will dress as the tenth doctor from the show, David Tennant.
All props have to be shown at registration, though and can not contain any metal. Any mask that covers the entire face has to be easily removable, according to Bloomingcon’s ?guidelines.
Boberek said she wants BloomingCon to become an annual event and continue to grow over time.
“We want people to come for the experience,” Boberek said. “I’ve never been to Comic-Con before, so I relied on my committee members to tell me what they liked the most. We’re doing this for the fans of the shows.”
She said this is the first year that the position of Director of Gaming and Electronic Entertainment has existed as a Union Board position, and it was created because of the responses from IU students.
“We noticed on the student surveys that there was a huge demand for a Comic-Con-like event, so we decided to create on this year,” Boberek said.
She said that she and her committee are constantly looking for suggestions from students to see what types of events they want to have.
“From FIFA tournaments to fandom events like BloomingCon, we’re hoping to reach out to all types of students at IU,” she said.
More information about the event, where to buy tickets and the schedule can be found at bloomingcon.com .
Participants must purchase a badge for the event. Attendees can pre-purchase ?badges before Bloomingcon begins or during the event this weekend.
