Geek Events: 2014 Edition

Isn't is weird how geeks are 'in' now? Growing up, I was an undisputed geek, obsessed with Star Wars, Star Trek, Babylon 5, X-Files, comic books, video games... yet, somehow I was not a popular girl because of it. Times have really changed as certain things that were once considered 'uncool' have been rebooted to evolved to have mainstream appeal. You only have to look at the state of DC and Marvel, or game franchises  like Call of Duty or GTA, to realize how much things have really changed.

But unlike many others who share my badge as an authentic nerd, I am not annoyed by this. On the contrary, I think it is fantastic that the things I loved have caught the attention of the masses. That doesn't mean those of us who have always preferred to nerd-out don't deserve some places to do it with others of our kind.

This is where geek events come in. Conferences, conventions, meetups... there are a lot of them, and the truly dedicated should have at least one on their list this year.

SXSW

SXSW is not technically a geek event, except it totally is. This year, they are hosting keynote speeches by Anne Wojcicki, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Adam Savage. Anyone who did not felt their heart explode in excitement upon realizing that sentence is not someone I could hang out with.

South By Southwest is the premier conference for everything film, music, and just everything related. Amazing lineups, interactive events and the chance to spend more than a week rubbing elbows with the crème de la crème of the nerd world is too much for the average obsessed fan of any genre to pass up.

Date and location: March 7 - 16, 2014; Austin, Texas. Check out the official site for accommodation and city travel ideas.

Florida Supercon

This event has a huge focus on artists, cartoonists and authors. They are the 'special guests', the ones who have worked on the comics, TV series and movies we all love. It is what makes this con so unique, as many others will put too much efforts into snagging a couple of high profile celebrities and a bunch of b-listers in an attempt to appeal to nostalgia - which is fine, but it is nice to see a convention that really pays tribute to people who were behind it all.

Date and location: July 3-6; Miami Beach, FL. To plan a trip, this site can be your best bet for finding accommodation nearby! There's a good selection of official hotels too!

E3

I can already feel the eyes rolling at this one. Yes, it is an obvious event to put on this list. But that is exactly why it deserves to be on every geek event list. You know for a fact that you would jump at the chance to be a part of E3, but for many of us it is a mere daydream. Tickets are extremely expensive and sell out fast.

Even if you do make it through the doors, the chances of you being able to wriggle into one of the keynotes or presentations, much less a panel discussion, are slim to none. But just the thought of being able to speak with industry insiders from the hottest game studios, both big and indie, is enough to make most of us start salivating.

Date and location: June 10 - 12, 2014; Los Angeles, California. LAcity is your best bet when it comes to LA accommodation options.

Go Play NW

Not forgetting you, tabletop gamers. For those who like a little D&D (or any of the many, many, many tabletop games available), there is a convention for you. Albeit a much smaller one, which is the better to connect for some play time. Held at Seattle University, it is a chance to see the latest in tabletops, and play a bit, as well. Details are currently a bit scarce, but information should be released any day now. So keep an eye out.

Date and location: June 27 - 29, 2014; Seattle, Washington. Try the city official site to plan your trip.

Gen Con

E3 isn't the only highly anticipated gaming conference this year. The biggest and most attended - although arguably less glittery - event is Gen Con. Every year, they bring an amazing lineup of speakers and exhibitors. Where E3 is more about industry insiders showing off the newest releases, Gen Con is more about the people who make the games.

That means the artists, in particular. If you have a deep love for concept art, the inspiration behind games, or just want to meet the people who really make the magic happen, this is the conference for you.

Date and location: August 14 - 17, 2014; Indianapolis, Indiana. You may be interested in various Indiana tours while your are there. Here's a good selection.

Chi-Fi

"Chi-Fi is a convention celebrating geekdom." Featured guests include musicians SJ Tucker, Kieran Strange, Jason Carter (Marcus from Babylon 5), the great Luke Ski, Time Crash, etc. The panels include gaming, cosplay, Homestuck, geek culture, After Dark, and more!

Date and location: March 29, 2014, downtown Chicago. Try searching this site for some available accommodation option. The event is happening soon!

You can also consider these events for Androd fanatics as well as theater events and festivals.

There are plenty of geek events happening this year. Which ones are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.