MISTI-Con Returns to Laconia, New Hampshire, This Month

by · May 6, 2023

by MISTI-Con staff

MISTI-Con 2023: The 10-Year Reunion is happening May 19–22 in Laconia, New Hampshire. After a four-year hiatus, it’s time once again for the enchanted, welcoming, inclusive experience that this con does so well. As a reunion rather than a full-scale con, it’ll be more informal and intimate: greater emphasis on the fandom and the fans, programming on two or three tracks rather than eight, and a focus on ways we can build each other up as a community.

Here are the top seven reasons to attend MISTI-Con 2023.

 

7. Welcome back home to the Margate.

The beautiful Margate Resort on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire is where this con began. Enjoy the scenery and the view of the lake, the sense of privacy, and the magical cocktails brewed by Ray the Bartender just for the con.

 

6. It has a fundraising campaign for the Transgender Law Center.

Sometimes, a fandom has a cause handed to it directly. Through the end of the event, MISTI-Con will raise funds for the Transgender Law Center to support the fight for the rights and survival of our trans selves and loved ones. The schedule also includes programming on LGBTQIA+ healing for a wounded fandom and reclaiming queer joy.

 

5. Wizard Rock Campfire Sing-Along

Sit around a campfire on the lakeshore with your fellow fans and sing wizard rock favorites. There’s even a link to the songs, lyrics, and guitar chords so you can practice ahead of time.

 

4. Interactive Programming

Want to be part of the programming, even if you haven’t submitted a presentation? There are programs where you can just show up and participate! For “Who Will Be ‘the Next Harry Potter’?” think of a candidate and deliver a campaign-type speech about why they should be the next big thing (cosplay encouraged). For “Shoot the Canon: Reimagining (and Improving?) Harry Potter,” work together with other attendees to reimagine (and maybe improve) plot points from the Harry Potter series. For “Ten-Minute Talks — By You!” enter your name in the Goblet of Ad Lib for a chance to make up and deliver a short talk on a Potter topic – on the spot. Will your topic be too risqué for a general audience? Don’t worry – there’s an After Dark edition as well.

 

3. Celebrate the lives of absent friends.

Over the past ten years, we’ve lost some dearly loved people within our fandom. We don’t have to bear the grief alone. Gather with others to celebrate the legacies of those who left us too soon.

 

2. Lip Sync Battle, the Merlies, Meditation, and More

The legendary Lip Sync Battle is back, hosted by CC Cool Cissa Malfoy. The costume extravaganza known as the Merlies will be a throwback edition this year: You can either wear new cosplay or bring back a hit from a previous MISTI-Con for that nostalgic reunion feel. Is quiet time more your thing? Come for an Occlumency lesson that will be a guided meditation located in magical settings.

 

1. Reunite with like-minded friends and make new ones.

MISTI-Con will have classic events that con-goers love, such as crafts, game shows, academic lectures, a ball, and late-night sing-alongs. But the top reason to attend is the irreplaceable feeling of sharing joys and passions with other creative and like-minded fans.

 

For more information on this year’s MISTI-Con, including registration information and the convention’s health and safety policies, visit the convention’s official website. You can also find MISTI-Con on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.