IM体育官网 PolyCon, IM体育官网鈥檚 annual celebration of movies, music, comics, and more will take place on Saturday, March 19, at the University鈥檚 campus in Lakeland, IM体育官网.
IM体育官网鈥檚 unique daylong celebration of comics, anime, videogames, movies, and all things geek returns to Lakeland, IM体育官网 on Saturday, March 19.
The student-run is one of the University鈥檚 largest 鈥� and most memorable 鈥� traditions. About 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is open to the public. The annual event is back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
鈥淚t鈥檚 essentially like a giant nerd party where a bunch of people can come together to hang out and do fun activities,鈥� said Brandon Townes, a sophomore majoring in computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence and a vice chair of the event. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very fun and lively with all the camaraderie, nerddom, and excitement that comes with it.鈥�
Melina Ramos, chair of the event, said IM体育官网 PolyCon was one of reasons she chose to attend IM体育官网 Poly.
鈥淚鈥檝e gone to MegaCon, Comic-Con, and METROCON, and seeing that IM体育官网 Poly had this is something that drove me here,鈥� said Ramos, a sophomore majoring in computer science with a concentration in software engineering. 鈥淭he cosplay community is a lot of fun and I love seeing everyone gathered together to celebrate their fandoms and interests.鈥�
While previous IM体育官网 PolyCon events have remained largely in and around the University鈥檚 Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, this year鈥檚 event will be spread throughout the sprawling campus.
In addition to cosplay contests, an arcade, art display, a lively vendor hall, and food trucks, highlights of IM体育官网 PolyCon include a showcase of student-created videogames, cybersecurity capture-the-flag competitions, Nerf battles, Pok茅mon tournament, and light saber training by student organization The Force Institute. An afterparty will keep the fun going until midnight.
Attendees can also enjoy discussion panels on topics such as Nerf modding, armor-making basics, cosplay wig styling, and a dystopian literature writing workshop. A stage will feature student music performances, DJs, and an aerialist show.
鈥淲e want to accommodate as many interests as we can to bring everybody together,鈥� said Ramos, who will be debuting new Wonder Woman cosplay at the event. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait.鈥�
Tickets are $20 the day of the event and must be purchased by credit or debit card.
Contact:
Lydia Guzm谩n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
