QuidCon Soars Into Seattle
The last time members of the quidditch community gathered from far and wide in one location, the University of Texas-Austin (Austin, TX) left Kissimmee, FL as World Cup Champions. Tomorrow, players, coaches, and fans alike will assemble in a central location far from Kissimmee, both physically and philosophically. Thursday, July 11 marks the beginning of QuidCon, an annual four-day festival taking place in Seattle, WA that focuses less on competition and more on unifying the quidditch community.
In addition to informal socializing, QuidCon will feature a variety of programming. It kicks off Thursday evening with an open bar for those over 21, and the opening ceremonies. Friday and Saturday will be highlighted by two days of formal programming - everything a quidditch aficionado could want to know, including snitching, coaching, playing, refereeing, and a host of other topics. In addition, Friday evening will allow attendees the opportunity to explore downtown Seattle, while Saturday will feature the Great Hall Feast and Sirius Black Tie formal ball.
After three days of mingling and learning, participants will be able to unleash their pent-up energy Sunday in the Interregional Tournament. Teams comprised of players from around the world will compete for regional superiority. Additionally, referee and snitch training will be available.
While current players will take to the pitch on Sunday, Saturday belongs to the next generation as Kid's Day. Individuals 8-18 will have the opportunity to learn the game through panels specifically targeted towards their age demographic and open play.
The chance to reach the next generation was a key factor in the IQA choosing to hold this year's event in Seattle. IQA Marketing Director and QuidCon Marketing/Communications Director Logan Anbinder explained the reasoning that went into the decision: “There's historically been a discrepancy between the high number of vocal, passionate quidditch players in the Pacific Northwest and the number of teams in the area. By hosting QuidCon in this area, and especially by hosting Kids' Day, we hope to be able to help establish a foundation for quidditch in the area.”Outside of expanding into an underdeveloped market, Seattle boasts numerous other attractions. The iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market and Seattle's world-famous coffee (including the original Starbucks) are sure to be highlights while sightseeing, in addition to the city's vibrant culture. Seattle's notoriously rainy weather won't be on display during QuidCon, as weekend forecasts project highs in the 70s with no rain.
This weekend marks the second annual QuidCon after last year's event in the Chicago, IL area. The theme of the convention is “your sport, your future,” and will feature the first-ever Quidditch World's Fair. The World's Fair allows for innovators to work with the IQA to better the sport in three areas: creativity, competition, and community. The best entries in each category will partner with the IQA to further the idea, and also receive a cash grant. Nearly 80 participants are registered to attend QuidCon, which Anbinder described as “a giant slumber party.” While the panels and tournament represent excellent opportunities, Anbinder stressed the informal nature of the event: “Tournaments are great, but QuidCon is one of the only opportunities all year for players to actually talk for extended periods of time without having to worry about doing battle on the pitch minutes later.”