8Bit/Digi

Where Pop Culture Meets Science and Technology

While every other convention was returning for the first time since 2019, SiliCon with Adam Savage has been prepared for this moment. They had already made a return to live events back in 2021. This event was no different as it brought the world of pop culture and science together.

SiliCon with Adam Savage 2022 was a unique convention that has performers and artists share the stage with scientists, astronauts along with tech pioneers. This is a fan convention where visitors are encouraged to not only have fun but to enlighten themselves.

From insightful panels to talented artists and creative cosplayers, these are the highlights from SiliCon with Adam Savage 2022.

The Exhibition Hall

The Exhibition Hall is where guests could find all the vendors, displays, artists, and more. Here anyone could learn about the local fan clubs or purchase collectible merchandise, the works of local authors, or amazing fan art. Even if you had no shopping agenda, it’s still fun to look through all the cool stuff and meet the many artists and vendors.

Dealers and Artists

Ruminant Brood is an independent comic publisher based in the Bay Area. Among their iconic works include The Cavalry Man and Stenwolf series along with Bones Thugs And Harvest. The creative team was present to showcase their work, meet their fans, and share their upcoming projects. 

Punch It! Graphics created iconic posters or recreated iconic posters in the style from the 1950’s to the 1970’s. Fans could browse through their collection of retro-inspired posters printed on cardboard paper. From posters based on Fallout New Vegas to the MCU, there was plenty to see. 

Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda was back to quench everyone’s thirst with the best craft soda. Fans of the soda could either bring their mug from a previous convention or purchase a new one. Visitors had a variety of different sodas to choose from, each having its own unique flavor.

Fan Clubs and Other Events

Among the Star Wars fan clubs present were the Wolves of Mandalore along with the Golden Gate Garrison. Golden Gate Garrison is the Bay Area branch of the 501st Legion, dedicated to accurately recreating the uniforms and armor of the Galactic Empire along with the First Order and the Clone Troopers. Wolves of Mandalore is the Bay Area branch of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club, dedicated to helping fans create their own custom Mandalorian cosplay, complete with a unique artistic style and the background of their character.

Costume-Con 39 invited guests to learn more about their upcoming event in 2023. This will be a weekend dedicated to cosplayers bettering their craft or learning more about design. The event will take place from April 21st to the 24th at the Doubletree San Jose. 

Dystopia Rising Northern California is an immersive live-action role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Guests spend a weekend in a settlement trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. They host one event each month along with a training day to prepare new players for the experience. 

The Panels 

Conventions are also a chance to gain some insight into the culture or industry. SiliCon organized a series of panels that discussed a variety of topics given by special guests, industry insiders, or local fan clubs. 

These are some of the panels I got to check out during the weekend:

Board Game Design and IP Adaptation – 1First Games CFO and co-designer, Joshua Stilts shares his insights. This is a look in the successes and challenges of adapting an immensely popular intellectual property into a board game. It looks into the technology required to build miniature or bust versions of iconic characters. It also looks int, how the gameplay is crafted, and the challenges of staying true to the source material.

Embracing New Technologies for Cosplay – This was a look into how new consumer technology is helping make cosplay crafting a lot easier. The panel looks at how 3D printers, compact wearable electronics and are being used by cosplayers today. 

Why We Troop: Costumes and Charity with the 501st Legion’s Golden Gate Garrison – This was all about introducing new Star Wars fans to the 501st Legion. Hosted by officers of the Golden Gate Garrison, this was an introduction to what the group is about along with the work that goes into creating their cosplay and the charity work they do.

Did you get a chance to check out SiliCon with Adam Savage 2022? If so then share your story in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: SiliCon with Adam Savage provided a media badge for the weekend. 

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.