Reflecting on an unforgettable convention season: SDCC & Gen Con 2026
August is always a whirlwind in the tabletop and pop culture calendar, but this past month was truly one for the books. Reflecting on my time between San Diego Comic-Con and Gen Con, I’m returning to the desk full of inspiration, incredible memories, and deep gratitude for this industry.
A few highlights that made this season so special:
Moderating at SDCC: Ticking off a major lifetime achievement by moderating the "It’s Never Too Late to Roll" panel. Leading a conversation about women discovering TTRPGs later in life was deeply meaningful, and the audience engagement was phenomenal.
First-Time Cosplay: I finally took the leap and cosplayed at SDCC for the very first time! Stepping into the crowd in full gear gave me a whole new appreciation for the artistry, effort, and joy behind fan culture.
Gen Con Panel Ops & Activations: From helping organize panels to exploring immersive industry activations, seeing how publishers are pushing the boundaries of live events and digital integration was endlessly fascinating.
The Power of Community: Above all, catching up with old friends, meeting digital collaborators in person, and building new professional relationships reinforced why this industry is so unique.
Whether discussing game design over coffee, watching fans connect at panels, or analyzing the latest trends on the expo floor, these past few weeks were a powerful reminder of how vibrant, creative, and welcoming the tabletop ecosystem really is.
To everyone I caught up with, shared a table with, or worked alongside across both shows, thank you for making it such an unforgettable month. Now, time to turn all this fresh inspiration into new projects!
