09/09/2026
Another year and I’m still no better at tagging people. Y’all – I am eternally impressed by the tracks that can do it, but this will never be one of them! There are still a multitude of people who I owe thanks to, so I hope that somehow they organically see this post and know I’m thanking them. On their own. No help from me. I see the problem too.
Before I get into my long-winded thanks, let me acknowledge that this year was hard, even before the Con started. We had challenges that we didn’t prepare for, and I’d like to never experience again. This is the first time that we’ve ever had to cancel programming, and we know it is disappointing for everyone, but we did it for the right reason: Everyone’s Safety. We hope that 2027’s Con will be a better experience for all.
I want to thank my Track team. Beyond our core group of volunteers, we had a half-dozen people who donated their time and energy to let our teams have breaks or focus on the many little details that need to get taken care of so we can do our best. Our core group spends most of the year pouring their hearts and souls into developing our programming, and that hard work always shows in the best way. We would not have had the same Con if it wasn’t for this literal army keeping the track running all Con long, and I saw and appreciated every second of effort that you all made.
We had the largest group of panelists that we’ve ever worked with, including first-time panelists. I appreciate how many of our attending pros were up for doing a new thing, even if it was weird, and how generous and understanding everyone was. Our crew of attending pros and panelists always brings so much expertise and talent into every conversation, and we were able to take chances that we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
Our Tech Ops family really had our backs this year. We know that they were dealing with a lot, so fewer problems came our way and, as always, we appreciate that. We are all in the thick of the Con together, but an extra thanks to our Courtland Grand Tech Ops team. We come to you for answers, input, and guidance, and you have always done right by us. Please rest and hydrate, because we will need you again next year!
Our partner tracks were essential this year. With limited space due to hotel issues beyond all of our control, we farmed content to other tracks so we didn’t have to ask for additional space. And the X-track and Brit Track helped us out and provided homes for panels that we didn’t want to cancel. The Robotics and Maker Track and the Kids Track lent us their volunteers and support to help us with our contests. And the groups like the Cosplay Medics, Cospl-aid, the Dragon Con Battle Vest, and the DC Theater Lovers Group really helped us step away from our traditional programming to do some very special things.
Finally – if you came to one of our panels, were a part of one of our contests, or helped our charity drive by getting a book, thank you. You made an entire year’s work worth it, and we appreciate that you travelled through the heat and crowds to make it over to us.
This was a lot, but before I go, don't forget to rate panels in the app! And we hope to see you next Con.
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