Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Liang.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2009 we launched JordanCon, a fantasy literature convention inspired by the Wheel of Time series written by Robert Jordan. We started off with less than 200 fans and have since grown to a sold-out convention of 1200 people. Additionally, we are a 501c4 non-profit that raises money each year for Amyloidosis research at the Mayo Clinic. Amyloidosis is a rare, fatal blood disorder that Jordan suffered from. He received experimental treatments at the Mayo Clinic and we honor that by raising money for them. in 2021, we raised nearly $16,000 for Amyldosis research.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has been our greatest challenge. We had to cancel our 2020 event and quickly pivot to an online event in less than six weeks. We were able to delay our 2021 event by three months, which gave us time to require everyone attending to be vaccinated. Covid continues to be a challenge for us and other fan events. Nobody wants to run the next super spreader event, but none of us can afford the cancellation fees in our event contracts.
Also, the Wheel of Time has been adapted into a TV series by Amazon Studios. While it’s wonderful to have so many new fans interested in the series, the extra attention and influx of new fans mean we have to be mindful about maintaining our unique culture. We aren’t talking about gatekeeping. We love our new fans! But we want to make sure they feel as welcome and appreciated as the fans who first read the Wheel of Time in the late 90’s.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At JordanCon, I am the founder and Chair. That means I am responsible for creating and maintaining our mission and vision. Initially, that was “I just want to hang out with my online friends in person”. But it’s grown into us becoming the premiere event for Wheel of Time fans.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We’ve been very fortunate to receive support from the Jordan family and estate. We are also supported by the Wheel of Time book publisher and fan community. I have an amazing team of volunteers who make me look like I know what I’m doing every year.
Contact Info:
- Email: jordancon@jordancon.org
- Website: https://www.jordancon.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanconinc/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JordanConInc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JordanConInc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDQTljF_c23iBwK7Xpteyw
Image Credits:
All photos are owned by JordanCon.
