Con cultures come together in Memphis

"The whole con experience is something that everyone should experience," Laura Rosser, a non-profit worker for G3 Gaming, said. "You share good times with people, enjoy company from all different walks of life and be surrounded by like-minded individuals that just like to have a good time."

The con culture is something that can be extremely fascinating for people that aren't aware of pop culture references or the massive amount of video game and comic book characters people portray in costumes. Cons allow people to express themselves and their interests through mediums such as cosplay, short for "costume play," and other artistic expressions.

Cosplaying is one of the ways that many people who go to cons participate in to either mimic or connect with one of their favorite characters from TV shows, video games or movies.

"I make all my costumes myself," Alaina Janes, a cosplayer and high school student, said. "Not only do cons give me a chance to let me be myself, but also allows me to have fun with all the friends I only ever see at the cons."

For many con-goers, it is a place to build friendships. They allow people who are sometimes considered introverts to be put in a scenario where they can connect with one another through interests, events and panels that incorporate lots of participation from crowds.

"I'm the type of person that doesn't really speak up, and I just keep to myself," Erik Patterson, an avid board game player, said. "When I'm surrounded by people that I've seen at other cons or have practically the same interests as me, I actually open up a bit more."

In Rosser's opinion, con offers her the opportunity to dive into her favorite fandoms while sharing her passions with other likeminded attendees.

"I enjoy every minute of con," Rosser said. "It gives me the chance to finally embrace all the things I love, while also having a great time with people just like myself."