When writing convention articles, I try to stay as unbiased as possible. Yes, we had a promo code on our site, so that technically makes us a shill for them, but we still try to be honest and objective. Well, this review of Big Easy Con 2019 will be fair but very subjective.
First, a little backstory.
I have palindromic rheumatism. It is rheumatoid arthritis but without permanent damage. My body will randomly think joints are sick and will send white blood cells to fix it. The problem is there is nothing wrong with the joint and so it is attacking healthy cells. When it does this, it’s called a flare. Flares are extremely painful, so I take way more Naproxen than is healthy people do.
This summer, I had a root canal. During it, the dentist had a rough time stopping the bleeding. He asked me to ask my doctor about it. I also had unexplained bruises. My doctor had me tested for Von Willebrand’s disease. The results showed I had a low factor outside of the normal range.
This meant I had to see a hematologist. This also meant that if I had it, I really couldn’t take Naproxen again. I was just coming off a flare, so that thought put me in a downward spiral. I was down. Between my test results and the meeting with the hematologist was Big Easy Con.
And, Big Easy Con was exactly what I needed.
Rough Start Thanks to the Convention Center
I was still suffering from a flare, so we actually missed Friday and Saturday. I had trouble moving and standing up for long periods. However, I was determined to go on Sunday.
It was a gorgeous day. We arrived, and the wife went to change the little one. However, the Ernest Morial Convention Center had no changing tables in the women’s bathroom. This convention center holds many family-friendly events. There is no excuse for this. However, this is my only issue with the convention, and that is not Big Easy’s fault.
There was an area that used to have payphones right near the convention entrance. It had space to lay our little one on, so we did.
After we finished, we put on a Belle dress on our little one.
Her looks have got no parallel!
Immediately, she became the Belle of the ball.
Big Easy Con 2019 Review
Being a new convention, it didn’t have the numbers that other expos can get. However, we found it similar to the number of people we saw at the first Wizard World we attended in 2011. It’s a new con. It has to grow its fan base.
To grow its fan base, it had to do everything right on its end. As a fan, it did so. It had an ample amount of vendors and a large number of artists. The entire staff was courteous and knowledgable. The guests were terrific and seemed really grateful for the opportunity to interact with their fans. We probably bought more artwork than we have in years at this con.
Of course, we heard some criticism especially from vendors. We know it can be hard on them to invest a weekend into a con and not make back your investment. However, in a capitalist society you have to take risks. Some we talked to faired very well. As the con grows, the better it will be for them.
Zachary Levi’s panel was one of the best I have ever attended. I’ve only really ever watched him Tangled: The Series (judge all you want, it’s excellent). He talked about all of his shows with a passion of a fan. Then someone asked him about mental health. He gave a powerful speech about how it’s ok to have issues. We are not perfect, and we all have demons to fight, and fight we must. We are not alone. It was exactly what I needed to hear at the moment.
We also some great cosplay. Some was quite professional. Almost every kid we saw dressed up, and quite a few parents did as well. I didn’t dress up but I still was able to pull off the Beast.
We also appreciated the fact that there was an area for kids. Big Easy Con Jr. allowed for a space for kids to just be kids.
And speaking of kids.
Our little one loved Big Easy Con, and Big Easy Con loved her. While we were in line for Weird Al, Zach Levi yelled, “Hey Belle,” to our little girl. She just smiled and said hey back. No big deal – just a normal conversation. In fact, she charmed all the guests. She had a conversation with Phil Lamarr. During our autograph signing, she decided to high five Zach a thousand times.
She loved just walking the convention floor. Often she would stop and talk to the vendors and the volunteers. People asked to take her picture, and she obliged if they gave her a high five. She loves high fives.
At one point, she saw a man sitting on the floor by himself, so she sat with him and started a conversation. She is at that age where half of her speech is real words, and the other half is baby talk. It’s honestly the cutest thing. And it made me realize, at that moment, whatever the doctor says, it will be all right. I have this perfect little girl, and nothing can change that.
During the kids’ costume parade at Big Easy Con Jr, the Nola Nerd Baby may have already found her calling. It’s a costume contest without actually being a contest. They allowed the kids to introduce themselves and then walk upon the stage. For every kid that got applause, she cheered the loudest. She loves cheering and clapping.
The Nola Nerd Baby was a natural on the stage. She owned it. I told her to pose for the cameras, so our Belle did. When I told her it was time to get off, she gestured to the camera people as if to ask if they got some excellent shots. Then she walked off. Well, not quite, she didn’t want to get off. Her heart belongs there.
As for me, the test results ended up being as good they could be. Yes, I have a low von Willebrand factor, but I don’t actually have it. Naproxen can lower levels. Plus, I’m blood type O- which also reduces it.
Personally, though, Big Easy Con, which was supposed to be in June, moved right in time for me. I needed this convention to remind me how much I love my family and the nerd community.
Our Verdict
So yeah, our review of Big Easy Con 2019 was a little subjective. We had to change an alter our plans. But so did Big Easy Con. For us, they earned back their trust after having to move the dates. They did and will have growing pains if they decide to continue the event annually. But, this was a well put together convention. It might not have drawn the numbers other cons do, but those cons have been around awhile. It takes time to build up an audience. You do that by living up to its promises to the people buying tickets. As far as we can tell, this con lived up to its promises.
And as for us, the way everyone at Big Easy Con responded to my little girl reminded me how lucky I am to have this life.
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