Dragon Con Media Relations

September, 1 – September, 5 Atlanta, GA
DRAGON CON’S DRAGON AWARDS PUBLISHES ITS 2018 BALLOT
Aug• 07•18

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

 

 

 Contact:

Phone:

 

Email:

URL:

 Dan Carroll, Director, Media Relations

404 692 1958

 

mediarelations@dragoncon.org

www.dragoncon.org

 

DRAGON CON’S DRAGON AWARDS PUBLISHES ITS 2018 BALLOT

2018-Dragon-Awards-Ballot-Final (PDF VERSION)

Fans-Focused Awards Recognizes Excellence in Fifteen Categories of Fiction, Comics, Gaming, and Filmed Entertainment

Third Annual Awards Will Be Announced at Dragon Con over Labor Day Weekend

ATLANTA – August 7, 2018 – Dragon Con’s Dragon Awards, a fan-chosen awards program to recognize outstanding achievement in science fiction and fantasy literature, comics, gaming, and filmed entertainment, has published its 2018 ballot.

The Dragon Awards are decidedly a “fans’ choice” award. All fans – not just Dragon Con members or attendees – are invited to select the Dragon Award winners by voting – for free – on the third annual Dragon Awards ballot. The full ballot can be viewed here.

All voting will be done electronically and only via a ballot emailed to each confirmed voter. To vote, fans must register on the Dragon Awards website. Ballots are then emailed in batches every few days through August.

Fans have until Friday, August 31st at 11:59 p.m., Eastern, to register. Voting ends 24-hours later on Saturday, September 1st at 11:59 p.m., also Eastern.

Winners will be announced on Sept. 2nd at Dragon Con, which will be held August 30 to September 3, 2018, in Atlanta.

“Fans – the people who not only read, watch, and play, but also love, science fiction and fantasy – are in the best position to recognize this year’s most beloved works,” said Pat Henry, president of Dragon Con, Inc. “When a work is recognized with a Dragon Award, it means it captured the imagination of a substantial number of voters.”

The Dragon Awards were introduced in 2016 as part of the 30th Anniversary of Dragon Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, fantasy, sci-fi, and gaming convention. More than 8,000 people voted for their favorite works in the 2017 campaign.

To accommodate as many creative genres as possible, awards will be given in each of 15 categories covering the full range of fiction, comics, television, movies, video gaming, and tabletop gaming.

The ballot was selected in an open nomination process. Using the dedicated Dragon Awards website, fans were invited to nominate one (and only one) of their favorite properties in any or all the award categories. Nominations ran from early April until July 20. The best and most popular of the nominated properties were elevated to the ballot.

Further details are available on the awards website: awards.dragoncon.org. Please direct all inquiries to dcawards@dragoncon.org or mail them to: Dragon Awards, PO Box 16459, Atlanta, GA 30321-0459 USA.

About Dragon Con
Dragon Con is the internationally known pop culture convention held each Labor Day in Atlanta. Organized for fans, Dragon Con features more than about 3,000 hours of comics, film, television programming, costuming, art, music, and gaming over four days. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in Announcements, awards, Press Release, Press Releases | Comments Off on DRAGON CON’S DRAGON AWARDS PUBLISHES ITS 2018 BALLOT
DRAGON CON GAMING IS FOR PLAYERS ONLY
Jul• 26•18

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

 

 

 Contact:

Phone:

 

Email:

URL:

 Dan Carroll, Director, Media Relations

404 692 1958

 

mediarelations@dragoncon.org

www.dragoncon.org

 

 

DRAGON CON GAMING IS FOR PLAYERS ONLY

Gaming-Press-Release-2017-final (PDF VERSION)

Over 140,000 Square Feet of Gaming Space Dominates AmericasMart, Featuring ‘Round the Clock Gaming Plus Panels with Top Game Designers, Voice Actors, and Industry Experts

 eSports Tournaments in 15 Different Games, Live Streamed on Twitch

 Overwatch Payload Tour Stops at Dragon Con to Celebrate Cosplayers in the Overwatch Universe

 ATLANTA – July 26, 2018 – Dragon Con, one of the largest gaming conventions in the nation, will roll out a basement full of games, from the latest and most popular video games, rarely seen board games, and the first role-playing computer game played by the man who wrote it almost 40 years ago.

“Dragon Con’s gaming program is for players, whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just have a casual interest,” said convention co-chair David Cody.  “Players can join friends playing the most popular games available or take some time to tryout games you can’t find anywhere except Dragon Con. Our games library features hundreds of games that can be checked out by any Dragon Con member.”

Some 85,000 people are expected to attend Dragon Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, fantasy, and sci-fi convention, in 2018, filling downtown over the five-day Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 to Sept. 3, with events and activities across AmericasMart Buildings One and Two and five host hotels – Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Sheraton Atlanta.

Taking up more than 140,000 square feet in AmericasMart Building One and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel, gaming at Dragon Con will feature the full array of gaming including PC and console games, board games, miniatures gaming, role-playing games, collectable card games, and even LARP games.  A large selection of modern arcade games from Japan and Asia not usually seen in the United States alongside classic American cabinet-style arcade games will be available for ‘round the clock free play.

The gaming hall opens at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, and stays open through 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 3.

Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch Payload Tour stops at Dragon Con this year to celebrate the fantastic Overwatch-oriented cosplay with a photo experience that puts cosplayers into the game.

They will be joined by several members of Blizzard’s in-house creative team including historian Sean Copeland, senior writer Andrew Robinson, and senior writer Christie Golden.  We will also have a trio of voice actors from the Overwatch franchise, including Anjali Bhiman, who voices Symmetra; Charlet Chung, who voices D.Va.; and Lucie Pohl, who voices Mercy.

Video game pioneer and American astronaut Richard “Lord British” Garriott, who created the Ultima and Tabla Rasa games, will play his first published game – 1980’s Akalabeth: World of Doom – on an original, fully restored Apple II computer.  Akalabeth is widely considered to be the first role-playing game written for computer.

eSports, sometimes called professional gaming, has seen a surge in popularity over the past decade with the growth of spectatorship fostered by the introduction of live streaming platforms.  Amazon-owned Twitch, Dragon Con’s broadcast partner for its tournaments, has approximately 1 million viewers at any given time for its eSports and related programming.

Tournaments will include Marvel Vs Capcom: Infinite, Injustice 2, Brawlhalla singles and doubles, Streetfighter V: AE, Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, Gundam Versus, Tekken 7, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Rivals of Aether singles and doubles, Smash 4, Overwatch, Hearthstone, and League of Legends.

Dragon Con attendees can watch professional players and teams compete against each other live, while their gameplay is broadcast to overhead screens.  Gaming fans at home will be able to watch the gameplay via Twitch.

In addition to the Overwatch guests, key gaming guests for 2018 include voice actors Kellen Goff, Heather Masters, and Julie Shields from the Five Nights at Freddy’s game franchise, voice actor Mark Meer, best known for his role as Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect trilogy, and former Epic Games president Mike Capps, whose company developed Fortnite, Gears of War, and Unreal Engine.

The Kids Gaming Adventure, a series of 45-minute sessions designed to introduce 6 to 12 year olds to board games, collectible card games, roleplaying, miniatures, and LAN-based video games returns for 2018. An accompanying parent is required at all times.

About Dragon Con

Dragon Con is the internationally known pop culture convention held each Labor Day in Atlanta. Organized for fans, Dragon Con features more than about 3,500 hours of comics, film, television, costuming, art, music and gaming over four days. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on the Overwatch Payload Tour, please visit https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/news/21659397

Posted in Announcements | Comments Off on DRAGON CON GAMING IS FOR PLAYERS ONLY
DRAGON CON ATTENDEES ARE INVITED TO COMPETE IN JIM HENSON’S CREATURE SHOP CHALLENGE LIVE!
Jul• 17•18

Brian Henson, Kirk Thatcher, and Gigi Edgley Return for Unique Fan Contest Exclusively at Dragon Con 2018

PDF Version of this Press Release

ATLANTA, GA (July 16, 2018) – Dragon Con and The Jim Henson Company are proud to announce the first ever Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge Live! This unique panel event, exclusive to Dragon Con 2018, will reunite the series’ original judges Brian Henson (Labyrinth, Farscape) and Kirk Thatcher (Dinosaurs, Muppets Tonight). Gigi Edgley (Farscape) will return as host of the contest and Halle Stanford (The Dark Crystal:  Age of Resistance), President of Television for The Jim Henson Company, will also join the judging panel.

Participants will be required to meet the guidelines of a creative brief that will be announced on August 6. Be sure to follow Dragon Con and The Jim Henson Company social media channels for details. Follow #CSCLIVE for all announcements! Contestants will have their creations pre-judged on Friday, August 31 at 2:30pm at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. At 4:00pm, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge Live will begin in the Marriott’s Atrium Ballroom.

“We hear from fans again and again how inspired they were by our series Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge,” said Brian Henson, Chairman of The Jim Henson Company.  “The incredible level of artistry and talent in the costumes and creatures at Dragon Con got us excited to do this contest. It will be amazing to see participants bring out their best work in the spirit of a real challenge of creativity and skill.”

One winner will be invited to tour The Jim Henson Company in New York City or Los Angeles and will receive a travel stipend, courtesy of Dragon Con and The Jim Henson Company. If you can’t make it to the live judging, you can watch the contest in your hotel room on DCTV or after the show at home at https://dragoncon.tv/. (more…)

Posted in Announcements, Press Release, Puppet, Workshops | Comments Off on DRAGON CON ATTENDEES ARE INVITED TO COMPETE IN JIM HENSON’S CREATURE SHOP CHALLENGE LIVE!
Message to Dragon Con 2017 Reporters!
Jul• 14•18

Good Morning! First some notes about this note:

  • This message is for all pre-approved reporters for Dragon Con 2017.
  • If you have applied already, please ignore the parts about application.
  • By accepting a Dragon Con media badge you agree to receive emails from DCMR for one year. You will be automatically removed from our our email list on September 1, 2018.
  • Dragon Con media access requests have increase nearly 70% over last year, but our authorized badges can only increase by 20% This means we are more rigorous in our screening.
    • Unfortunately this means that some smaller outlets that have covered Dragon Con in the past may not be approved.
    • Additionally, outlets that request 3 badges for reporters may get 1 or 2.
  • We all want to get past the admin process and get to the fun part of covering and celebrating Dragon Con, and we sure you agree.
Applications/Coverage
Apply for Media Access in 2018:
If you have applied, ignore this section. 
If you have not applied for Media Access, please consider doing so soon. We have been looking
at an very unexpected increase of applications (68% over 2017), but we can not accommodate more than a 20% increase in approved badges.  Preference will be given to local Atlanta Broadcast Media, nationally significant distribution, and large genre media with following in the millions.  If you are a smaller outlet, please ensure your application is completed in the next two weeks to ensure the best chances of approval.
Each reporter needs to apply for a badge:
If you list additional team members they each need to apply. If they do not apply, they can not be approved onsite.
Reporting Coverage for Dragon Con 2017 
If you have reported your coverage for Dragon Con 2017, ignore this section. 
Dragon Con 2017 coverage was due via the web form on Mar 15, 2018.  We have a one weekend amnesty going on right now!
If you don’t know if your submitted your coverage, we got you covered.
The outlets that have reported coverage are listed on this page. Please check if your name is on it (I updated it this morning)/

(more…)

Posted in Announcements | Comments Off on Message to Dragon Con 2017 Reporters!
2018 Interview Requests are Now OPEN!
Jul• 05•18

One topic the Media Relations Team is asked about most is interviews.

Can reporters do interviews at Dragon Con?
Can we interview Dragon Con’s guests?
How do we request interviews?
Can we talk to a Dragon Con representative like Dan Carroll or a Track Director?
Is there a quiet place for us to conduct interviews?

The answer to ALL of those questions is YES.

All reporters approved for Media Access are welcome to interviews with Dragon Con’s phenomenal array of comics, literary, art, and science guests. Dragon Con’s guests are well known in their fields and many are happy to speak to reporters about their work. Reporters may submit a maximum of ten (10) requests in this category.

Interviews with Dragon Con’s guests appearing in the Walk of Fame (actors/directors/voice-over artists) are by invitation only. Eligible outlets will receive an invitation via e-mail with the necessary information to request interviews with Walk of Fame guests. Reporters may submit a maximum of ten (10) requests in this category.

Prior to the Con, many of Dragon Con’s Track Directors are available for interviews. This is a great opportunity to get an inside look at what it’s like to help run one of the world’s largest conventions. Due to their busy schedules, Dragon Con Track Directors will not be available for interviews during the convention. We encourage reporters to request pre-convention interviews with Dragon Con Track Directors.

Dragon Con’s very own Dan Carroll is also available for interviews before and during the convention. If you want to know the history of Dragon Con, who we are, and what we do, Dan is the man you want to speak with.

To find more information about interviews at Dragon Con and to request interviews, visit the INTERVIEWS page.

If you have any questions regarding interviews, please send an e-mail to interviews@dragoncon.org

* Due to the growth of Dragon Con, we must insist reporters refrain from asking authors or celebrity guests for interviews at Dragon Con.  All agents and guests have agreed to coordinate interviews through the Dragon Con Media Relations office. (Reporters violating this policy may have their badges revoked by Media Relations).
Posted in Announcements, Interviews , , , | Comments Off on 2018 Interview Requests are Now OPEN!
DCMR Badge Pick-up Agreements for 2018
Jun• 11•18

All reporters who will pick up their badges will need to agree to the following in 2018.

  • By agreement with guests and agents, guest interviews are invitation only and schedule prior to Dragon Con 2018.
  • Soliciting interviews with guests during the convention is prohibited.
  • Reporting or photography cannot create unsafe conditions or impede traffic flow, especially in the connecting tunnels between hotels or other hallways.
  • Tripods, standing lights, or setting up a “remote studio” in convention spaces are not allowed without the expressed written consent of the media relations director and an escort from DCMR.
  • Photography and video recording are not allowed in:
    • The Artist Alley (No exceptions)
    • The Walk of Fame (No exceptions)
  • Photography and video recording are only allowed in these areas with prior permission:
    • The Comic and Pop Art Alley
    • The Dealers Room
  • All Dragon Con Attendees, including reporters, must wear their badges at all times.
  • Media are not allowed to visit the staging area of costume related events including the parade, the Masquerade, or any other costuming event.
  • Media passes do not provide head-of-line privileges or special seating in auditoriums.
    • Impolitely demanding head-of-line privileges could result in revocation of your badge.
  • You agree to be on this mailing list until September 2019. At that point, you will be automatically removed.  You don’t have to read our email, but you agree to receive it.
  • While we appreciate that you may report with a lighter side and humor, being disrespectful to our guests or using your press pass to create cruel humor or intentionally insulting coverage of our attendees will not be tolerated.

Dragon Con invites reporters to enjoy and celebrate fandom, fans, and the amazing energy that exists at Dragon Con. We expect a level of professionalism and ask you to be courteous to volunteers and guests. We have a limited number of badges at Dragon Con each year for reporters and remind everyone that our number of requests for media access goes up each year.

Think closely before accepting a badge if you feel you cannot comply with these rules. The penalty for violation of these rules or for gross unprofessional behavior will be the confiscation of your badge. In some cases, offenses can result in your outlet being denied media access in the future.

Posted in Announcements | Comments Off on DCMR Badge Pick-up Agreements for 2018
The Dragon Con Media Relations Application for 2018 is now open.
Mar• 15•18

Click Here to Apply Today!

Consider the following while completing your application:

  • Dragon Con is a Fan Convention that provides reporters and photojournalists an opportunity to cover the event and provide interesting content to their readers and viewers.
  • We have a limited number of media badges available, and each reporter will be verified and approved based on criteria including:
    • Distribution/Reach
    • Quality
    • Appropriateness
  • We do not normally provide access to outlets that focus on comedy, have low distribution/followership, or normally cover an area that is not inline with Dragon Con activities.
  • Each reporter who applies needs to have a unique email address
  • It is possible that your fan run outlet will not be approved for all the members who apply
  • Each outlet that applies must be able to prove coverage to return in 2019
  • Please ensure your 2017 coverage (if applicable) has been logged in our database:
  • Contact Media Relations via email at media relations [@] DragonCon.org with questions.
Posted in Announcements | Comments Off on The Dragon Con Media Relations Application for 2018 is now open.
2018 Dragon Con Media Application Opens March 15
Mar• 03•18

Dragon Con–the internationally known and fan convention covering film, television, literature, comics, art,. music, gaming, and pop culture –will open applications for media access on March 15, 2018.  This year’s show looks to be the most exciting Dragon Con ever with a rich list of celebrity guests, 3500 hours of programming, a new programming track dedicated to diversity, record attendance, and the most amazing cosplay in the world.

Form Will  Be Available https://www.dragoncon.org/mediarelations March 15, 2018

Dragon Con is a fan convention that invites reporters to come and explore and report on this fascinating and inclusive event. Because we are a fan event and not a media event, Dragon Con has a limited number of media badges each year. We do check each application to ensure that the reporter or photojournalist:

  • Works for an established outlet
  • Currently  is engaged with that outlet
  • Maintains an adequate distribution
  • Creates editorial content that could be considered reporting by Dragon Con Media Relations
  • Has provided details of 2017 coverage, if the reporter is returning

New Reporters Tour Meeting Sam J. Jones

Each year we see more and more applications for media access, in proportion to Dragon Con’s growth. While we would love to grant media access to all who apply, we are unable to do this. Our decision making in approving media access takes into account distribution, reputation, and quality of existing work.

Some things to consider before applying for online media:

  • We do not routinely provide media access to outlets that distribute only through social media, unless they have a massive distribution. We will consider outlets that have over 100K followers or subscribers.
  • If you have a medium to small sized organization, it is possible that not all members of your reporting team will be approved.
  • Each reporter needs a unique email address. Please do not use the same email addresses for all the reporters from your outlet.
  • We do not provide media passes to outlets that focus on creating controversial satire and comedy.
  • We will not judge the results of your reporting in most cases, but will not support abusive or mocking coverage of our attendees, guests, volunteers, or leadership. Dragon Con prides itself as a safe place for our attendees and ask reporters to respect that.
  • If you are turned down for media access, you are still free to attend Dragon Con and create your own content provided you do not block or interrupt the flow of traffic or attempt to interview Dragon Con guests.
  • If you have been declined in the past, we can still consider you if you can provide evidence of expanded growth.
  • If you represent a specific genre (gaming, Star Wars, etc), we will likely ask for input from the experts in that field including Dragon Con track directors. We will look for name recognition and reputation for quality.
  • We encourage costuming and cosplay focused media to apply early. Due to the popularity of our costuming, we usually do not approve cosplay media after mid-July.

Looking forward to seeing you at Dragon Con 2018!

Posted in Announcements, Application | Comments Off on 2018 Dragon Con Media Application Opens March 15
LITERACY ACTION SELECTED AS DRAGON CON 2018 OFFICIAL CHARITY
Feb• 21•18

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

 

 

Contact:

Phone:

Email:

URL:

 Dan Carroll, Director, Media Relations

404 692 1958

mediarelations@dragoncon.org

www.dragoncon.org

 

PDF Version of this Press Release: Dragon Con 2018 Official Charity (004)

 

LITERACY ACTION SELECTED AS DRAGON CON 2018 OFFICIAL CHARITY

 Convention Also Announces Dragon Con Superheroes Community Service Projects

 

ATLANTA – February 21, 2018 – Dragon Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, sci fi, fantasy, and gaming convention, has selected Literacy Action Inc. as its official charity for 2018.

And Dragon Con will celebrate five years of its Superheroes community service program with a slate of projects to benefit several different community-based organizations plus host a year-long book drive to support Literacy Action.  In its first four years, the Superheroes program has contributed more than 2,400 hours in community service to Atlanta-based non-profits.

Since 2013, the convention has consistently raised more than $100,000 for each of its annual official charities, including a dollar-for-dollar match from the convention up to $100,000.  Funds are raised through convention-based auctions, special merchandise sales, special events, and the dollar-for-dollar match.

“Over the past five years, we have raised more than $511,000 for our official charities, including the convention match, which is a terrific record and something I’m very proud of,” said Pat Henry, president of Dragon Con, Inc. “I am particularly happy that we selected Literacy Action as our official charity this year and I look forward to writing them a really big check.” (more…)

Posted in Announcements, Press Release, Press Releases | Comments Off on LITERACY ACTION SELECTED AS DRAGON CON 2018 OFFICIAL CHARITY
DRAGON CON 2017 SETS NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD
Sep• 04•17

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

 

 

 Contact:

Phone:

 

Email:

URL:

 Dan Carroll, Director, Media Relations

404 692 1958

 

mediarelations@dragoncon.org

www.dragoncon.org

 

 

 Dragon Con Wrap Up 2017 (PDF Version of Press Release) 

DRAGON CON 2017 SETS NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD

 

ATLANTA – September 4, 2017 – Dragon Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, fantasy, and sci-fi convention, announced a record attendance of more than 80,000 people for the four-day celebration.

Some 77,000 fans attended Dragon Con’s 30th Anniversary convention in 2016.

Fans came from around the world and all 50 states, with this year’s convention attracting people from as far away as Japan, New Zealand, and other Pacific Rim countries.

“Every year, Dragon Con seems to get bigger and better and 2017 was no different,” convention co-chair Rachel Reeves said. “Pop culture fans came from every corner of planet to join in the fun.  This year, we gave them a show worth travelling for.”

Iconic comic creator Stan Lee, who previously announced his retirement from the convention circuit, made his third and perhaps final Dragon Con appearance.  In addition to leading a panel discussion and meeting with fans, Stan served as the Grand Marshal for the annual Dragon Con parade.

Food Network star Alton Brown announced the return of his colorful Good Eats program, called Return of the Eats, that will air on Food Network beginning in 2018. “We’re restarting it. We’re bringing it back. We’re getting the band back together,” Brown told a standing-room-only Dragon Con audience.

The convention added cash-prize eSports – also known as professional gaming – live streamed over Twitch to the convention’s game-specific programming.

“Our eSports tournaments were well-attended by professional gamers and the Twitch audience was strong,” said convention co-chair David Cody said.  “Most importantly, it was very popular with fans on site, which guarantees that it will be back in 2018.”

LifeSouth, which has organized the convention’s annual Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive since 2002, recognized Dragon Con for its 25,000th donor. This year, some 3,000 donors contributed nearly 6,000 units of blood and blood products, with the milestone donor arriving on Thursday night.

Since 2014, which marked the start of the organization’s Superheroes program, Dragon Con and its fans have contributed more than 2,600 hours of community service.  During 2017, Dragon Con Superheroes manned a crafts ‘n’ cosplay booth at the Special Olympics Georgia Summer Games, maintained portions of Piedmont Park, participated in the annual Walk to End Lupus Now, and collected toys and games for patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Dragon Con’s annual Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive attracted a huge turnout, with about 3,000 attendees donating some 6,000 units of blood and blood products this year.  The annual drive – consistently ranked as the largest convention-based blood drive – benefits LifeSouth, which serves more than 40 hospitals in the Atlanta area and 110 hospitals in the Southeast.

About Dragon Con

Dragon Con is the internationally known pop culture convention held each Labor Day in Atlanta. Organized for fans, Dragon Con features more than about 3,500 hours of comics, film, television, costuming, art, music, and gaming over four days. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in Announcements, Press Release | Comments Off on DRAGON CON 2017 SETS NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD
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