Geek Report: ConCarolinas 2025

ConCarolinas 2025 Review

Twelve years. That’s how long it’s been since I last walked these halls, since I last heard the hum of voices, the excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. ConCarolinas 2025 felt like coming home—not in the sentimental sense, but in the way a warrior returns to familiar territory, ready to join the fray, standing shoulder to shoulder with friends and allies.

A Grounded Welcome

The Hilton University Place Hotel hasn’t changed much, and that’s a good thing. It’s still a solid venue, reliable and accommodating, even if parking remains a puzzle to solve. But that’s part of the experience, a rite of passage for any con-goer worth their salt. Once I secured my spot and walked through those doors, I knew I was back where I belonged. Registration was smooth, efficient, and in no time, I had the badge in my hands. That badge doesn’t just grant entry; it declares that you’re part of something bigger, something creative, something alive.

Back as a Pro

This time, I returned to ConCarolinas as a professional. I wasn’t here to wander aimlessly or soak in the sights—I was here to engage, to connect, and to contribute. My table in the bustling hallway outside the dealer’s room became ground zero for countless conversations about games, storytelling, and creativity. Fans, friends, and curious minds stopped by, and we talked shop. We laughed, we shared ideas, and we created moments that mattered.

Panels with Purpose

This year’s panels were as sharp as I’d hoped. I had the privilege of sharing insights on topics like “Beyond the Dice” and “RPGs as Therapy.” Each discussion was a chance to dig deep, to explore what makes our medium powerful and unique. Sitting alongside industry stalwarts like Janet and Roger Carden, Jon Maness, and Gary Mitchel was an honor. These weren’t mere presentations; they were battles of wit and wisdom, where every word carried weight and every idea mattered.

Moments to Remember

Then there were the chance encounters that make conventions like this unforgettable. David Domingo’s Planet of the Apes costume wasn’t just a costume; it was craftsmanship taken to another level. For a brief moment, as I stood looking at that masterpiece, I was a kid again, lost in wonder. These are the moments that make all the effort worthwhile.

Community Built to Last

ConCarolinas isn’t just an event; it’s a living, breathing thing fueled by passion and creativity. It’s a place where creators and fans come together to build something bigger than themselves. It’s a reminder of why we do this, of why we create, and why we share our work with the world.

And now, as I sit here, reflecting on the weekend, I find myself already looking forward to next year. ConCarolinas doesn’t just draw you back; it pulls you in, and you leave counting the days until you can return.

Postscript: A Practical Experiment

I’d promised myself I would test the practicality of MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) as a means of staying fueled between panels and conversations. The chicken enchilada and noodles with vegetable sauce? Not exactly fine dining. If I’m being honest, they were remarkably similar in taste, with the noodles offering a unique gelatinous texture that defied description. Were they good? No. Did they work? Absolutely.

The MREs kept me energized and sharp, and they spared me the sting of overpriced hotel meals. More importantly, they gave me the time and freedom to focus on what mattered most at the con. I was never hungry, never distracted, always ready to engage.

On the last night, though, I broke away from my practical path. My wife and a few close friends joined me for a genuine sit-down Mexican dinner. It was more than just a meal; it was a chance to relax, to reflect, and to enjoy the company of the people who matter most.

Would I rely on MREs again? Absolutely. They’re practical, cost-effective, and they get the job done. Yet that final dinner reminded me that some moments, the ones shared with people you care about, can’t be measured in practicality. They’re worth every penny and every second.

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