Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Adams and Allison Charlesworth.
Hi Jesse and Allison, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2017, we (Allison Charlesworth and Jesse Adams) discovered the world of fan conventions, or “cons.” Being geeky folks ourselves, we loved the idea of weekend events where people can get together and share their love of various things from books to movies to gaming to art. We quickly noticed something about the con world as we looked into it more, though: at most cons across the country, there was no real effort being made to genuinely include ALL of fandom. People from traditionally marginalized groups often felt excluded, did not get offered spots as professional Guests, and generally did not feel welcome (or sometimes even safe) at many of these events. We decided to try to change that. We wanted to create a space for ALL fans from all backgrounds to feel truly welcomed and included, free to share their true selves with like-minded people from across the country.
So we spent two years planning and building Multiverse, and we held our first con in October 2019. It was fantastic! So many great memories and new friendships came out of that first event that we knew we needed to continue and grow it. We (like everyone else) were thrown a major curveball in 2020 when Covid-19 hit, but we pivoted, and with a lot of help from a lot of talented folks, we put on an innovative and full-featured virtual convention (MultiVirtual) free to the public in October 2020. In 2021, we returned to doing Multiverse in person, with well-enforced vaccination and masking rules in place. Everyone was so happy to see each other again that we barely noticed the masks! In 2022, attendance grew as we put on our fourth con and people told more and more of their friends. This fall, October 20-22 at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, we will celebrate our 5th anniversary with the biggest and best con we’ve done so far, and we look forward to fans from all over Atlanta joining us for a fantastic weekend.
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?
Just like starting any event, we’ve run into challenges along the way. It’s part of the process. But we have such an amazing team of people who dedicate their time and talents to making Multiverse work, we’ve been able to overcome everything that’s been thrown our way so far. The biggest challenge we’ve faced is obviously the Covid-19 pandemic, which hit within a couple of months after our first event, right when we were beginning to build momentum. In-person gatherings like ours were hit particularly hard by the pandemic, and many events did not survive it. We were able to get creative and push through, with help from our crew and our growing community. We are still facing some challenges from that, such as rising hotel costs (hotels are making up for lost revenue by charging more for events to use their space), but every year we learn more and come up with new ways to keep growing this awesome community.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Multiverse Convention is a really fun, inclusive multi-fandom experience for fans of anything geeky: science fiction, fantasy, horror, gaming, art, comics, anime, even things like crafting or science. If you’re a person with an interest in geeky things who treats other people with respect and kindness, you’re welcome here. That’s something that sets us apart: we are not “gatekeepers” when it comes to fandom, meaning we don’t criticize or exclude people based on their backgrounds or characteristics or how long they’ve been a fan of anything. There are no “tests” to determine if you’re a “true fan.” Really, as long as what we’re doing looks like fun to you and you’re willing to be good to your fellow humans, that’s all it takes. Come on in! One of the things we’re most proud of at Multiverse Convention is the atmosphere of welcoming and inclusivity that this approach creates.
Something we’d like people to know about Multiverse is: there is SO MUCH to do over the convention weekend! We bring in 70+ creators and other professional Guests for the weekend, and we put on 150+ separate events from discussion panels to tabletop gaming sessions to social meetups and parties, evening events, a Dealers Room where you can shop for the coolest geeky wares, a gallery-style Art Show and auction, charity fundraising events, writing workshops, make-and-take crafting classes, and even a “Con Suite” serving delicious homemade hot meals all weekend (with Vegan and gluten-free options). All of that is included with your membership, so there really is something for everyone.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
We love the diversity of Atlanta and the vibrant geek culture. Atlanta has been called the “nerdiest city in America,” and for good reason! There are so many opportunities to gather with other fans and have a great time throughout the year, both in person and online (shoutout to the Metro Atlanta Geeks Facebook group), so there’s always something to do. Atlanta also has amazing music and food scenes and is only a short drive away from some incredible outdoor activities if that’s what you’re into.
Every city does have some issues, and Atlanta is no exception. The traffic… well, you all already know about the traffic. The city also needs to do a better job of addressing the needs of the economically disadvantaged and unhoused; although we’ve made some strides, the inequality of wealth, income, and opportunity continues to keep traditionally marginalized groups of people from being able to live lives that are equitably similar to the more privileged. There’s always more we can do as a city on that front.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.multiversecon.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/multiversecon/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/multiversecon
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MultiverseCon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBFnnSB1drWbZIbtA9knjRg
