Blerdcon CEO Hilton George On Why We Need Events Like This [Interview]
Sharai Bohannon
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Any Blerd (Black + Nerd = Blerd) knows that finding a safe corner in at a convention is difficult. This makes sense when you look at how most fandoms become toxic at even the thought of inclusion. However, Blerdcon isn’t your typical con.
Blerdcon exists to encourage, uplift, and celebrate Blerd culture. Everyone is invited, but it’s a space where Black fans of pop culture can relax and have fun while connecting with other nerds who haven’t let the lack of representation dull their love for their favorite shows, comics, and games. The yearly convention “is committed to highlighting and showcasing the rich diversity of the Blerd community and other underrepresented communities in geekdom.” It’s a 48-hour sight to behold!
We caught up with the man behind this epic event, Hilton George, the CEO and Con Chair of Blerdcon. He’s been there since the event was just an idea and has been navigating and shaping it as it has grown over the last few years.
Dread Central: What inspired you to start Blerdcon?
Hilton George: As a lifelong Blerd, I experienced exclusion from many nerd spaces throughout my life. So when I entered the convention space in 2014 as a cosplayer, I was awed by how many Black people I saw at so many of the cons I attended. Especially the ones in larger cities like NYC, Atlanta, and DC. However, I didn’t see us represented in the panel subject matter discussions, the guest lists, or the vendor halls relative to our presence. So I said to myself, “Hey! It’d be cool if someone made a con focused on black nerd culture and contribution in the geek space!” I looked around, and there wasn’t anyone there to do it but me. So I leaped in and began building the team and the con I envisioned.
DC: You’ve been doing this con since 2017. What are some of your favorite things that have changed about the event over the years?
HG: *COUGH* 2015. I spent over a year in virtual silence in the building, planning, and “businessing” of Blerdcon. Then another full year of promoting and marketing the con up and down the east coast before our first run in 2017.
That being said, it took me a year or two to learn not to over-plan or over-control the con experience. People will make their own memories, experiences, and connections in a community space. So I learned to pull back and allow people to enjoy the music, food, people, and programming without prodding. Also, the Blerd community is learning how to enjoy being in its collective “skin” even when they aren’t AT Blerdcon. We are coming together in geek spaces that aren’t designated specifically for us, bolder and in higher numbers as the community grows and crystalizes around loving “us” wherever we go!
DC: What made you choose to set the event in Arlington, Virginia?
HG: Simple answer is that I loved the hotel, the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Many conventions grew into hugely successful annual events being incubated in this hotel convention center. They knew about nerd conventions and loved the idea of hosting us. This positive partnership has allowed us to do great and innovative events within the con that signify our uniqueness among other cons. We also have great partners with the city as the National Landing BID, the Visitors Bureau, and others have sponsored and supported us through our formative years.
DC: As a Blerd, one of the things I love the most is how inclusive y’all are about genres. I love that because many people act like Black people can’t be into anime, horror, comics, sci-fi, cosplay, etc. Do you feel people are starting to understand how many Blerds are out here consuming this content? Or does it feel like you have to have the same conversations every year?
HG: Black people are not a monolith (per the famous Key & Peele skit), and neither are Blerds. So it has been as much an internal evangelical mission as external. But the pitch is the same: We believe that Blerds are a unique and important population within nerdom that deserves recognition, respect, and representation in all spaces.
This pitch is crucial to the mission of EXPANDING the Blerd community by attracting and embracing closeted Blerds who are active in all fandoms but have yet to step into the physical and virtual community spaces to connect with their tribe.
DC: Your con is such a source of Black joy because it allows us to Blerd out in peace. Is there a specific part you look forward to every year? If so, what is it?
HG: The COSPLAY. It’s the highest expression of fan enthusiasm, and the incorporation of Blackness into cosplay creations attaches the love of characters to self-love. Who would have thought that a cosplay of a character that may not be black…or even HUMAN could celebrate one’s self-image as a Black person?
DC: You always have a bunch of iconic celebrities come through. Can you tell us who is on the guest list this year?
HG: Cree Summer, one of the most prolific voice actors ever (and Frankie from A Different World), is joining us after not hitting the convention scene in years! We’ve been trying to bring her out since 2018, and it’s finally happening! Rachel True, from The Craft, Half Baked and Half & Half, is joining us for her 2nd Blerdcon! We have both Karan Ashley and Nakia Burisse (Yellow Power Rangers) in the building! Voice actor Ade M’Cormack (Issac from Castlevania, and Kofi from Blood of Zeus) will be with us. And young Keivonn Woodard, who played Sam in episode 5 of The Last of Us on HBO, will be making his convention debut! It’s our biggest lineup yet, and we’re thrilled!
DC: What are some of this year’s panels/events that you are excited about?
HG: We have THEE “Black Heroes Matter” panel! BHM founder, Uraeus, has assembled and hosted this panel all over the country and at some of the biggest conventions in the world spreading the message and the mission. And it’s HERE! At Blerdcon! The main hall is going to be so packed, I can’t wait! Also, there’s a Comedy Show, Cosplay Contest, Live outdoor concert stage, TWO afterparties (Friday celebrating Cree’s birthday), the Blerdcon Barber Shop, A Fae Tea Party, Spades Tournament, Gauntlet gaming tournaments, and the largest food truck rally of any convention, of any kind in the country!
DC: The con has already done so much for the community and Blerd visibility. Do you have any other goals for Blerdcon left? If so, what are they?
HG: Staying ahead of the momentum is key. Preparing for next year’s growth is how we provide the best experience for attendees, partners, vendors, and the community. So our next endeavor is building a VR after-con space where we can curate panels, performances, and even parties to help engage and grow the community during the 362 days of the year that are NOT Blerdcon. We will have information on this at the con!
DC: What is one thing about Blerdcon that you want to talk about but no one has asked you yet? Please spill that tea.
HG: People forget that one fairly unique aspect of Blerdcon is that we run 24 hours per day. That’s right, ROUND THE CLOCK. We don’t turn off the lights from noon Friday until 4 pm Sunday afternoon! That means 24-hour video gaming, tabletop and card play, music, food, anime screening, and even some panels ALL WEEKEND LONG.
Also, I want to acknowledge my team. Most people don’t know that Blerdcon functions as long as it has, as smoothly as it has because of the year-round work of over a dozen people leading departments, working on processes, and being the magic behind the mission. Without them, Blerdcon would have never made it beyond an idea.
DC: I know many people who love to be part of this in some capacity. If people are missing out this year, what’s the best way for them to get involved next year?
HG: Buy your badge early! Then buy your hotel and flight as soon as you can. That way you’ll have us locked in for the following year and plan around it. We set up activation booths at most mid to large-sized cons on the east coast throughout the year, so keep an eye out for us! Follow all of our social media of course. But also join our new Discord (listed on our website www.blerdcon.com and Facebook page). And lastly, VOLUNTEER! We have a lot of fun at Blerdcon, but also on the road promoting at other cons! If you’ve been to our event, and see that we’re coming to a con in your town, join us in spreading the word!
To learn more about Blerdcon, head to the website.
Will I see you at this year’s Blerdcon? Then let me know at @misssharai.
Categorized:Interviews
