Convention Badges, 2005-2023

Plastic, paper, fabric, metal

Since the 1930s, science fiction fans have gathered in conventions to discuss their favorite stories, take
part in costume masquerades, show off their cosplays, and meet their fellow fans. Cons are integral to
the history of costuming and cosplay: they’ve long been safe places for fans to express their fandom, and
the tradition of taking part in costuming masquerades, hall costuming, or by posing for pictures in the
exhibit halls.

Because conventions often involve people coming together from all over, badges were often used to
identify one another or to show that attendees have paid their admission for the event. These badges
have come in several forms: simple paper name tags, more advanced smart badges equipped with RFID
technology to log an attendee’s movements and activities at an event.

These badges often feature the event’s name or logo, original themed artwork, a space to write their
name, prominent event advertisers, and other identifying details. The back of most badges also include
convention information such as the event’s rules, schedule, and other details.

- Star Wars Celebration III, April 21-24, 2005, Indianapolis, IN. The third official Star Wars convention,
held in advance of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. There are three badges: 4-day entry, a volunteer, and
a homemade badge with a forum screenname and site affiliation.
- ConnectiCon, August 1-3, 2008, Hartford CT. A long-running anime convention. Attendee badge.
- Northeast Wars IX, April 3-5, 2009, Essex Junction, VT. A small gaming-focused convention held in
Chittenden County. Attendee badge.
- Celeburger I, August 14th, 2010, Medford, MA. A backyard “con” for 501 st Legion members who weren’t
attending that year’s DragonCon in Georgia.
- Vermont Comic Con, August 27-28, 2016, Burlington VT. A Vermont convention in Burlington. Exhibitor
badge for 501st Legion members.
- DragonCon, August 29-September 2, 2019, Atlanta, GA. A long-running SF/F convention that’s become
a haven for cosplayers. Attendee badge.
- Fan Expo Boston, September 3-5, 2021, Boston MA. Formerly known as Boston Comic Con, it’s one of
the biggest conventions in the area. Badge for Saturday entry.
- 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 25, 2021, New York, NY. An access pass for Andrew
Liptak, a marcher as a Lucasfilm’s parade unit.
- Granite State ComiCon, September 17-18, 2022, Manchester, NH. A long-running comic convention in
New Hampshire. Guest Badge for Andrew Liptak.
- San Diego Comic Con, July 21-24, 2022, San Diego, CA. One of the largest conventions in the world:
SDCC is a major attraction for cosplayers from around the world. Guest badge for Andrew Liptak.
- Vermont Sci-Fi & Fantasy Expo, April 29-30, 2023, Essex Junction, VT. A Vermont-focused convention
run by Vermont Gatherings at Vermont’s Essex Fairgrounds. Exhibitor badge for 501 st members.