Harry Potter Conventions

I am sure many of you are Harry Potter fans. I'm not sure how many people have heard of conventions that are based on the amazing fandom but there are plenty of Harry Potter conventions for all ages. I have been to two HP conventions in the past which include Ascendio in 2012 at Orlando, Florida and MISTI-Con in 2013 at Laconia, NH. I will be attending MISTI-Con again this year in May and I plan to attend Leviosa in 2016.

MISTI-Con is right around the corner and I seriously cannot wait for this amazing event. I loved MISTI-Con in 2013 and once I heard MISTI-Con was coming back in 2015, I knew I wanted to attend again. This year's theme is the Wizarding World's Fair. MISTI-Con is hosted at The Margate Resort in Laconia, NH from Thursday, May 21, 2015 to Monday, May 25, 2015. Not only is the venue near a lake, a cemetery, a market and many restaurants, but only MISTI-Con attendees will be at the resort during the time of the convention. No more worrying about bothering Muggles. MISTI-Con is an intimate convention with less than 500 attendees. Some of the events that I am looking forward to is the Opening Gala, the Bewitching Bazaar and Author's Alley, Merlie Awards and Costume Showcase, Wrock in Wizengamont, the Masquerade Ball and the many fabulous panels. I love the literary track at MISTI as well. No information is posted about the schedule but it should be up soon. The late registration is $165 for the 5 day convention. Day passes are available as well.

The Harry Potter Education Fanon (HPEF) has been hosting HP conventions since the early 2000's. Unfortunately, the last convention they hosted was Ascendio in 2012. Some of the volunteers from HPEF are spearheading a new convention called Leviosa which will be hosted at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas from Thursday, July 7, 2016 to Sunday, July 10, 2015. Leviosa has 6 programming tracks which include academic, fandom, creativity, slash & queer track, YA lit and a writing track. I am already excited about the YA lit track. You can check out some of the guests who are attending Leviosa here. So far Leviosa has some wonderful events planned such as a Magical Ball, Game Night, Fashion Show and Karaoke Night. The early bird registration is $150 until April 1, 2015. The cost will increase to $175 afterwards.

What I loved about the Ascendio and MISTI is the quality presentations and variety of programming. Unlike LeakyCon, the HPEF conventions and MISTI provide more educational programming. It is not all about meeting celebrities. Potter fans are running a convention for other Potter fans. There is always something do whether it be playing Quidditch, browsing at the craft fair, rocking at a Wrock concert, immersing yourself in a panel, dancing all night long at the ball or even hanging out in the common room. A Harry Potter convention is a great place for Harry Potter fans to get together and to share the magic of what the wizarding world has to offer.

I hope to see you at one of the Harry Potter conventions. If you are planning to attend MISTI-Con or Leviosa, please let me know. I would love to connect with other Potterheads. 

My sister and I at MISTI-Con 2013