It is rare for many people to meet others who share similar interests in everyday life, especially when every individual is unique. It is considerably more challenging to meet like-minded people when the interest in question can be coined as odd or different.

As many fandoms are rather small, people in fandoms come from all around the world, and few wear their fandom on their sleeve. It is not very likely to meet people who are in one’s particular fandom no matter its size. To be in a place where so many people are in the same fandoms and are there to meet people who share their fandoms is an overwhelming and unique experience for fans.

All anxiety that comes with meeting new people seems to disappear when everyone in the room is so alike. Starting a conversation with someone new is so simple when they have things in common. Often people make friends through their fandoms, and conventions are a good way to meet them.

Not only do conventions allow people to meet other fans from all over the world, but the panels at the conventions are diverse and offer a different way to learn something new or to be entertained. Panels can be informative, entertaining or eye-opening, depending on what they are about. Some take a topic and analyze it, such as comparing canon and fanon events, fandom tropes and character analysis.

Panels can discuss author’s purpose and analyze the creators themselves, often when their work is from another decade or time period. Some panels discuss writing techniques as well as art techniques by established fanfiction writers and fan artists in the fandom.

Live podcasts and shows are often held as panels. If there are guest appearances, a Q&A panel with creators and cast members are often held where one can meet, take pictures and speak with the people behind the creation. Release dates and exclusive trailers are often shown to people who attend a panel for a certain series.

Conventions serve as a safe, judgment-free place for fans of all ages to meet other fans, get inspired, cosplay and meet fan artists and writers whom they look up as well as meet any friends they have made contact with through their fandom. They can last anywhere from one day to a full week and are held in cities big and small all over the world through all seasons.

Going to a convention is one of the few ways learning more about personal passions and discussing ideas between other fans can be achieved in real life.