For those who may be unaware, every Labor Day weekend turns Atlanta, Georgia into a mecca for science fiction, fantasy, and comic book goodness.

For the past eight years, I have let my fangirl flag fly high during this four day geek-fest. I have witnessed firsthand how Dragon Con has grown – now encompassing five hotels downtown (when I started going to was only three) and boasting an attendance upwards of 50,000 people. DC also raises millions of dollars for the city of Atlanta, thousands of dollars for various charities, and hosts a huge LifeSouth blood drive. I give up my bodily fluids in exchange for a free t-shirt every year!

One of the reasons that Dragon Con is so unique is that it is mostly run by a volunteer staff of over 1,000 fans. The biggest comment I hear from newb DC-goers is how surprising it is that such a huge event could somehow have the laidback atmosphere of a much smaller con. As a veteran attendee, I simply do not know how I could (or ever did) live without it. Since I started going in 2005, I have witnessed some truly epic moments, including Nathan Fillion calling Joss Whedon on stage, William Shatner wandering onto Leonard Nimoy’s panel unannounced, and John Barrowman pulling his pants down, just to name few.

As my fandom interests have grown, the more there is at Dragon Con for me to do! Different fan tracks cater to any interest you could possibly have. While I initially started attending for Harry Potter (Young Adult Literature Track) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Whedonverse Track), I have expanded my repertoire to include panels from American Sci-Fi and Fantasy Media, Trek Track, BritTrack, and Fantasy Literature. And although they are not my particular cup of tea, rest assured that there are tracks for Animation, Puppetry, Podcasting, Space, Science, Costuming, Alternate History, Robotics, and anything else slightly nerdy that you could possibly think of.

If the idea of conventions seems overwhelming to you, Dragon Con may be able to help you overcome your fears. Yes, it is huge. Yes, you will be overwhelmed at first. But the environment of DC is like nothing else. Everyone is your friend! You will never be standing next to someone that you don’t have an interest in common with. There is not a moment for you to feel uncomfortable or unhappy because you are surrounded by the awesome energy of collective fandom love.

Still not convinced? How about I tell you that guests for 2013 include John Barrowman, Noel Clarke, James Cosmo, Natalie Tena, Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy, Michael Dorn, Brent Spiner, Eliza Dushku, Lucy Lawless, James Marsters, Edward James Olmos, George Takei, William Shatner, and Malcolm McDowell, JUST TO NAME A FEW.

Now that you are interested, I will bestow upon you my Top 5 Dragon Con Tips:

1. STAIRS, STAIRS, STAIRS. If possible, always use the stairs. Unless waiting 45 minutes to be stuck in a small space with sweaty Storm Troopers is your thing. If so, go nuts.

2. CASH, CASH, CASH. Always have plenty of cash money. The ATMS in the vicinity of the convention run out in about five seconds. Celebrity autographs are cash-only. Many other vendors do take cards, but it is much easier and quicker to pay cash.

3. NOM, NOM, NOM. Do not be tricked into paying $10 for a dry sandwich and those terrible Kettle chips in one of the hotel lobbies. On the main level of the Marriott, look for the corner that directs you to Peachtree Center. Go with the flow to find yourself in the middle of a convenient food court which cost normal amounts of money.

4. WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. If you are going to a panel in one of the large ballrooms with a celebrity guest, you are going to have to wait in a line. Rules “officially” dictate that lines cannot form until an hour before the panel. But guess what? Loitering near the room and forming an unofficial mass begins two hours in advance.

5. HELP, HELP, HELP. Can’t find what you are looking for? Have no idea how to get from one place to another? Ask anyone – con-goers are your friends and want to help you.

Have questions? Attending DC and need a friend? Please post in the comments of contact me through my Tumblr.