by Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner
Let’s do this Dragon Con!
Dragon Con 2024 started off with a bang and kept the momentum going all weekend. Between tiki adventures, musical throwbacks, accidental wins, and bonding with amazing people, this year’s experience was a whirlwind of joy and surprises. Here’s a rundown of my favorite moments and memories.
Wednesday: Traditions at Trader Vic’s
Frequent readers (or listen’s of the Dragon Con Report) know that every year, I kick things off on Wednesday night with friends for our annual Trader Vic’s dinner—always a great way to ease into the con chaos. Trader’s continues to be the best bang for your buck for cocktails (and they have mocktails now!), setting a perfect vibe for the evening. Perhaps this year I overdid it on the food though! I ate so much and maybe had an extra drink that I should have passed on, because I was sudden;y exhausted and ducked out back to our room at the Courtland a little over an hour before the midnight countdown, d’oh!
Thursday: Drunken Dragon and a 90s Time Warp
Thursday night was all about the Drunken Dragon Tiki Party, and this year didn’t disappoint. My new dress I finished sewing a few days before con survived the night intact, a minor victory worth celebrating! I also had the pleasure of finally meeting Channing Sherman, one of my Dragon Con Report cohosts, in person.
Then, on to the press/media mixer where I was able to unwind with other press & con department members, chatting casually without the usual hustle. It’s always refreshing to connect with folks “off the clock” in a relaxed setting.
The party energy carried into the 120 Minutes dance party, where I was instantly transported back to high school and the clubs I used to haunt. Dancing to those familiar tracks brought a wave of nostalgia and pure joy. It really brought me back to my very first DC in 2010, where I stumbled into a dance party in this exact same room. I know the 120 Minutes gang plans to bring it back next year, but here’s hoping it becomes a mainstay for years to come. Another first time meeting here too! I got to meet fellow ESO board member, Kevin Eldridge, who happened to be up chatting with the DJs when I arrived.
Quest Adventures
This year’s Monk’s Mead quest took me on a shuttle ride to the meadery, complete with group sing-alongs en route. A tasty mead flight and great food awaited us there, and I barely made it onto the last shuttle back to con. Completing the quest felt like a victory, and I really hope the shuttle returns next year!
I also caught a set by The Killbillies, whose energetic blend of Celtic, bluegrass, rockabilly, and roots music was the perfect soundtrack for the Concourse stage
Tiki Bars, Panels, and Badass Women
I had the surreal experience of being a panelist on the ‘Creating the Ultimate (Home) Tiki Bar’ panel. Talking tiki culture alongside some of my favorite artists and designers was incredible—especially since I managed to keep my fangirl side in check.
Two other panels—‘Female Presenting in the Digital Space’ and ‘Awesome Women in Digital Media’—were a highlight. Being surrounded by strong, creative women made these moments deeply inspiring and a reminder of the value of building community in digital spaces.
Accidental Pie Wins, Beetlejuice, and Cards Against Humanity
In one of the most unexpected moments of the con, I accidentally took 1st place in the pie competition. My friend Jason used a version of my recipe (which is itself a spin on Mike Faber’s), leading to an unexpected victory. For the uninitiated, the “pie” is actually a con-famous cocktail, and, yes, I might have had a bit too much of it while dressed as Beetlejuice. I wrapped up that night playing Cards Against Humanity next to Bryan Humphrey’s photo booth with friends—because why not?
Vendor Hall Success and the Final ADP Party
The dedicated vendor hall entrance from DS Services was a lifesaver this year. While it wasn’t perfect for everyone, it made getting around much easier for me, and I really hope they keep it for future cons.
The final ADP party was a bittersweet farewell, with swag swaps, old friends, and introductions to new ones—including the obligatory Chicago Handshake initiation. As is tradition, we ended the night with a smaller gathering of volunteers and friends, chatting until almost 3 a.m.
Early Nights & Endings with Gratitude
Surprisingly, I found myself going to bed before 11 p.m. more often than not. Maybe it was a sign of maturity (highly unlikely), age (probably) — or just exhaustion catching up with me. Either way, it was a refreshing change from the usual late-night hustle.
This year’s Dragon Con gave me everything I could have asked for: unforgettable panels, joyful dance parties, meaningful connections, and quirky victories. Until next year, Dragon Con! May the mead flow freely, the tiki parties remain legendary, and the pie stay strong.